Articles
Written by Kawin Jiaranaisakul
“Sometimes, a strong tree grows from a seed that dares to fall far”
Along the coastline, especially during the rainy season, it’s easy to notice a lot of seeds lying around on the wet ground. At places like hotels near the beach, where it rains almost every day, the area is full of fallen seeds from different kinds of trees. Some common ones seen near the beach are seeds from Parashorea stellata (known in Thai as “ไข่เขียว”), the Pongpong tree (Cerbera odollam), sea almond (Terminalia catappa), and beach barringtonia (Barringtonia asiatica). These trees grow near the sea, and each type has its way of surviving in such a difficult environment.
Coastal areas are not easy places for seeds. There’s a lot of salt, strong wind, unstable sand, and rain that never seems to stop. But these plants still find a way to grow and spread. A big part of that success comes from how their seeds are adapted.
Starting with Parashorea stellata, this is a large tree from the dipterocarp family. It’s more common in evergreen forests, but it sometimes grows not far from the coast. Its seeds don’t float in water, but they have wings, very long, papery extensions that help them spin as they fall from the tree. It’s like a tiny helicopter. This lets the seeds travel a little farther from the parent tree by using the wind. These seeds need to land on soil that isn’t too wet, so they usually grow best in slightly drier spots near the beach.
On the other hand, the Pongpong tree (Cerbera odollam) grows very close to the beach. Its seeds are big and round, and they can float easily in seawater. The outside is tough and fibrous, which keeps the inside dry and safe. These seeds are made for water travel. After falling into the sea, they can float along the tide for days or even weeks until they land somewhere they can grow.
Barringtonia asiatica, or beach barringtonia, has a similar strategy. Its seeds are shaped like a box and have a thick, cork-like shell. This makes them light and very good at floating. These seeds are often found washed up on beaches. They can handle saltwater for a long time, and when they reach land, they can start growing right away if the conditions are right.
Terminalia catappa, also called sea almond, has seeds inside a flat, wing-shaped fruit. These fruits can be moved a bit by the wind, but they can also float on water. The seed coat is thick and strong, which protects it from getting soaked too fast. That’s useful in rainy areas where the ground is often flooded. This tree is also common in parks and beachfront areas because it gives good shade.
Another famous coastal plant worth mentioning is the coconut palm (Cocos nucifera). Its seed, the coconut, is one of the most well-adapted for life near the sea. The husk is full of fibers that help it float, and inside there’s enough food and water for the baby plant to survive during long trips across the ocean. Coconuts can drift for thousands of kilometers and still grow when they find land.
All these examples show how different plants have different ways to deal with life by the sea. Some fly through the air, some float on waves, and some just wait for the perfect spot to grow. Even with all the heavy rain, salt spray, and soft sand, these seeds manage to survive. It’s kind of amazing how nature finds a way.
Every seed on the beach has its own story, and together they show how plants can adapt in so many smart and interesting ways.
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