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Rhizophora mangle

red mangrove

Rhizophoraceae

Tropical and subtropical American and West African coasts

Attracts Pollinators Container Friendly

Native to North America

SunFull Sun

WaterHigh

HardinessZones 10–11

Overview

Rhizophora mangle is an evergreen tropical tree of coastal wetlands, reaching 20-40 feet (6-12 m) tall in most settings and occasionally to 80 feet (24 m). It is recognized by arching stilt or prop roots that drop from the trunk and lower branches into the water and mud, lifting the crown above the tide and anchoring the tree in soft sediment. The leathery, elliptical leaves are 2-6 inches (5-15 cm) long, glossy dark green above and paler beneath, clustered toward the branch tips. Small pale-yellow flowers about 0.8 inch (2 cm) across appear through much of the year and give rise to viviparous propagules: the seed germinates while still attached, forming a slender pencil-like seedling 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) long that drops and roots in the mud or floats to a new shore. It grows in salt and brackish intertidal water along sheltered coasts, building shoreline and habitat. It cannot tolerate frost and is restricted to frost-free tropical and subtropical coasts.

Native Range

Native to tropical and subtropical coasts of the Americas, from Florida and the Gulf Coast through the Caribbean and Central America to northern South America, and along the west coast of Africa. It grows in the intertidal zone of sheltered estuaries, lagoons, and shorelines.

Suggested Uses

Used in coastal and estuary restoration, shoreline stabilization, and saltwater or paludarium aquascaping, and as a habitat tree for fish, birds, and invertebrates. Its frost sensitivity and saltwater needs make it unsuited to inland or temperate gardens.

How to Identify

Identify red mangrove by its arching stilt roots curving from trunk and branches into the water, a feature no other coastal tree in its range shares. The leathery elliptical leaves are glossy green above with tiny black dots beneath, and the long, pencil-shaped hanging propagules stand out. Reddish wood and inner bark under the gray outer layer help confirm identification.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height20' - 40'

Width/Spread15' - 30'

Reaches mature size in approximately 20 years

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~20 weeks

Spring Summer

Pale-yellow, four-petaled flowers appear over a long season, often spring through summer and year-round in warm areas. They are wind- and insect-pollinated and develop into germinating propagules rather than dry fruit. The hanging seedlings mature and drop over several months.

Detailed Descriptions

Foliage Description

glossy dark green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun

Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 8.5(Alkaline)

357912

Soil Types

sand silt peat clay

Drainagewet

Water & Climate

Water Needs

High

Frost Tolerance

tender

Time to Maturity

10-20 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Grows in full sun in salt or brackish water along sheltered intertidal shores, rooting in soft mud, sand, or peat. It tolerates continuous flooding, salt, and low-oxygen mud through stilt roots and salt-excreting leaves, but it cannot survive freezing temperatures and is limited to USDA zones 10-11. In cultivation it is grown in coastal restoration, in large saltwater containers, and in marine aquaria, where steady warmth, salt water, and bright light are required. It grows slowly and declines under cold drafts and fresh-water-only conditions over the long term. Propagation is straightforward from mature propagules pushed into wet substrate.

Pruning

Little pruning is needed in natural settings. In containers or aquaria, stems and aerial roots can be trimmed to control size, and removing dead leaves keeps the water clean. Cutting the main stem hard reduces the tree vigor and is seldom needed.