[5] Ceriops tagal is a medium-sized tree growing to a height of 25 metres (80 ft) with a trunk diameter of up to 45 cm (18 in).

The flowers are borne singly in the leaf axils; each has a long stalk and a short calyx tube, and parts in fives or sixes.

[5][6] Ceriops tagal grows naturally in eastern and southern Africa, Madagascar, Seychelles, India, Maldives, China, Indo-China, Malesia, Papuasia, the Caroline Islands, New Caledonia and Australia.

[1] Among the mangrove species, its bark and sap yield red and black dyes, which are used in batik and tanning leather.

[citation needed] In the Philippines, the extracts (barok) from the dried bark (marka tungog or tangal) are used as bittering and fermenting agents for the traditional bahalina palm wines, giving them a deep brown-orange color and a bitter tangy aftertaste.