Mangroves are one of the most productive ecosystems in the world and of great importance due to their protective values. It is particularly important for Bangladesh as a shelterbelt against natural calamities. The world’s largest mangrove forest, the Sundarbans, is situated in Bangladesh. In the Sundarbans there are three salinity zones along the tidal gradient. Sonneratia mangrove, particularly Sonneratia apetala is an important component of the mangrove ecosystem in Bangladesh. After the introduction of the S. apetala, the local mangrove species became rich. There were only some Kandelia or Avicennia species before the introduction, but now more herbs and Pteridophyta species have invaded and begun to grow under or near the high trees. S. apetala is a small to medium size tree, up to 15 m high. Bark thin, light brown, irregularly fissured. Aerial breathing pneumatophores are hard, corky and have a scaly outer surface. Leaves opposite decussate, exstipulate, simple, cauline, and petiolate. Flower regular, actinomorphic, bisexual, hypogynous, sepals 4, gamosepalous, persistent, imbricate, cup shaped and elliptic entire. Fruit depressed, globose berry, arranged on the flattened persistent calyx plate. Seeds 4 -7 per fruit, brown in colour, triangular ridged 1.5 cm long. Achievement in raising S. apetala plantations is based on traditional knowledge. But for proper management and successful plantation rising requires scientific knowledge base. Particularly, its response to different environmental conditions of its natural range. This paper presents brief information on general distribution, morphology, cytology, silviculture, nursery techniques, method of propagation, reproduction system, growth and yield, management and harvesting, chemical composition of its different parts, pest and diseases, wood properties and its uses. Despite low timber value, as a mangrove pioneer and in the context of its government’s continued effort in mangrove afforestation. S. apetala remains a very important species in Bangladesh.

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