red mangrove
ExplorePlants
red mangrove
Rhizophora mangle
The red mangrove is a special tree that grows in coastal areas. It has long roots that stick out of the water, helping to keep the shoreline safe and providing homes for many animals.
Habitat: Coastal areas
Appearance
The red mangrove is easily recognized by its distinctive arching prop roots that rise above the water, appearing reddish-brown. It has shiny, dark green oval leaves and small, pale yellowish flowers. Its bark is generally grayish but often shows red tones.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderMalpighialesFamilyRhizophoraceaeGenusRhizophora
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
Be the first to snap!
Interesting facts
Red mangrove forests can capture four times more carbon dioxide than rainforests, helping the planet breathe!
Some animals, like tiny barnacles, live *inside* the mangrove's roots, creating a secret underwater world!
The long, cigar-shaped "seeds" are actually seedlings, ready to grow as soon as they land!
Their bark is so full of a special red dye, it was once used to tan leather and color fabrics!
Special abilities
Ability
Floating Nurseries
This plant has unique seeds that germinate while still attached, dropping as 'propagules' ready to float and root elsewhere.
Ability
Prop Root Stability
Its iconic arching prop roots anchor the tree firmly in unstable, soft muddy soils, providing strong support against tides and storms.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 200-2000 cm
- Spread
- 300-1000 cm
- Flower Size
- 1-2 cm
- Bloom Season
- Year-round, peaking spring/summer
- Edible
- No
- Toxicity
- None
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Wind
Ecological connections
shelters
Gray Snapper
Lutjanus griseus
provides safe habitat for young fish
shelters
Blue Crab
Callinectes sapidus
hides among roots from predators
eats
Mangrove Borer
Sphaeroma terebrans
bores into prop roots
shelters
Little Blue Heron
Egretta caerulea
builds nests in branches
Traits
Flowering
Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle.
Broadleaf Tree
Broadleaf trees are angiosperms characterized by flat, wide leaves that are typically shed annually in temperate climates.
Evergreen
Evergreen plants retain their foliage throughout the year, never shedding all their leaves at once.
Salt Tolerant
Salt tolerant plants can withstand and grow in conditions with elevated salinity levels in the soil or water.
Rapid Growing
Rapid growing plants exhibit accelerated growth rates, quickly increasing in size and biomass within a short period.
Timber
Timber refers to wood that has been prepared for use in building and carpentry.
Coastal
Coastal habitats are dynamic environments located along the interface between land and sea, influenced by tides, waves, and saltwater.
Keystone Species
Describes a species whose presence and role have a disproportionately large effect on its environment.
Marine
Marine habitats encompass all saltwater environments of the Earth's oceans, supporting an immense diversity of aquatic life.
Threatened
Threatened status denotes a species likely to become endangered in the foreseeable future without effective conservation interventions.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Stay away from the water's edge near mangroves, as the roots can be slippery.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is red mangrove?
200-2000 cm
How wide does red mangrove spread?
300-1000 cm
How big are the flowers on red mangrove?
1-2 cm
When does red mangrove bloom?
Year-round, peaking spring/summer
Is red mangrove edible?
No
Is red mangrove toxic?
None
What is red mangrove's lifecycle?
Perennial
How is red mangrove pollinated?
Wind
Snap Map
Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.
Loading map…
Recent Snaps
Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.
