Isolation and Characterization of Fungal Endophytes from Mangrove Ceriops tagal (Perr.) C. B. Rob

Ceriops tagal is a mangrove plant species with potential as a source of endophytic fungal isolates. Known for its resilience in extreme environments, such as high salinity, Ceriops tagal provides an ideal habitat for endophytic fungi. The endophytic fungi isolated from Ceriops tagal are capable of producing bioactive compounds with promising potential. This study aims to isolate and characterize endophytic fungi in Ceriops tagal tissues. Conducted in August 2024, the research follows an exploratory descriptive method. The study stages include surface sterilization of samples, isolation of endophytic fungi, purification of fungal isolates, and morphological identification of endophytic fungi macroscopically and microscopically. The results reveal that isolation and characterization of endophytic fungi from the roots, branches, and leaves of Ceriops tagal yielded five isolates, four of which belong to the genus Aspergillus and one to the genus Curvularia.