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Rhizophora stylosa

spotted mangrove

Rhizophoraceae

Indo-West Pacific (northern and eastern Australia)

Attracts Pollinators

SunFull Sun

WaterHigh

HardinessZones 10–12

Overview

Rhizophora stylosa is an evergreen mangrove tree in the Rhizophoraceae reaching 13-33 feet (4-10 m) tall, occasionally taller, supported by arching stilt roots that spread from the trunk and lower branches into the mud. Leaves are leathery, elliptic, 2.5-5 inches (6-13 cm) long, glossy dark green above and paler with scattered dark spots beneath. Small pale yellow to cream flowers with four narrow petals open in small clusters, each with a long style. The species is viviparous: the seed germinates while still attached to the tree, forming a pencil-shaped propagule 8-16 inches (20-40 cm) long that drops and roots in the mud. Growth is slow to moderate in the intertidal zone. The stilt roots trap sediment and dissipate wave energy, stabilising shorelines. The tree grows in saline, waterlogged, oxygen-poor mud and excludes most salt at the roots. It is restricted to tropical and subtropical tidal coasts and estuaries.

Native Range

Native to tropical and subtropical coasts of the Indo-West Pacific, including northern and eastern Australia from Western Australia across the north to New South Wales, and extending to South-East Asia and the western Pacific islands. Grows in the intertidal zone of sheltered estuaries, tidal creeks, and coastal mudflats.

Suggested Uses

Grows in coastal restoration, shoreline stabilisation, and mangrove rehabilitation projects in tropical and subtropical estuaries. The stilt-root thickets shelter fish, crabs, and prawns and trap sediment. Not suited to ordinary garden cultivation because it requires tidal saltwater conditions.

How to Identify

Recognised by arching stilt roots descending from the trunk and branches, leathery elliptic leaves 2.5-5 inches (6-13 cm) long with scattered dark spots beneath, and long pencil-shaped propagules 8-16 inches (20-40 cm) long hanging from the branches. The long flower style and spotted leaf undersides separate it from Rhizophora apiculata and other mangroves.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height13' - 33'

Width/Spread10' - 20'

Reaches mature size in approximately 15 years

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~20 weeks

Spring Summer Fall

Flowers through much of the warmer half of the year, mainly spring to autumn, with cream to pale yellow flowers in small clusters. Flowering and propagule development overlap, so flowers, developing fruit, and mature hanging propagules can occur together. Propagules mature and drop mostly in the warmer months.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Cream to pale yellow

Foliage Description

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

silt clay sand

Drainagewet

Water & Climate

Water Needs

High

Frost Tolerance

tender

Time to Maturity

10-20 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Grows in full sun in saline, waterlogged tidal mud within the intertidal zone, and does not grow in ordinary garden soil. Establishment depends on tidal inundation, salt water, and soft anaerobic mud, conditions specific to coastal wetlands. The species tolerates a wide salinity range and regular flooding. It is sensitive to frost, oil pollution, and prolonged changes to tidal flow. Mangrove stands are protected in many regions, and removal or disturbance is regulated. Propagules establish by lodging upright in the mud at low tide.

Pruning

Pruning is rarely undertaken, as the species grows in protected tidal wetlands rather than managed gardens. Damage to the stilt roots reduces stability and can kill the tree. Where management occurs, it follows coastal wetland regulations.