Rhizophora mangle aka Red Mangrove

Rhizophora mangle, or red mangrove, belongs to the Rhizophoraceae family. Its native range spans southern Florida and tropical America. It also includes western tropical Africa south to Angola. This evergreen tree grows along wet tropical coasts. It forms stands on muddy shores in salt or brackish water. It often grows farther seaward than other mangroves. Some plants take a shrub form rather than a tree.

In Florida, plants often reach about 20 feet [6.1 metres]. Their spread ranges from 20–30 feet [6.1–9.1 metres]. Older wild trees can reach 35 feet [10.7 metres]. Other accounts report extremes near 98 feet [30 metres]. The crown has a dense, rounded shape. Curved prop roots grow from the trunk and branches. These roots can rise 6.6–14.8 feet [2–4.5 metres] in salt water. Young bark is smooth and reddish brown. Older bark turns gray and develops ridges and cracks. Stout twigs have a reddish-brown tint.

The thick, oval leaves grow in opposite pairs. Their edges are smooth, and their upper faces shine green. The undersides look paler and bear tiny dark dots. Leaves remain green without a distinct fall color change. Small flowers grow in clusters where leaves meet stems. Sources describe their color as white or pale yellow. Flowering peaks in early to midsummer but can occur year-round. Bees and wind carry pollen. Brown, egg-shaped fruits have a hard or dry coat. Seeds sprout while still attached to the parent tree. Long, narrow propagules hang below the fruit before they fall. They can float away and root in submerged mud.

Red mangrove needs full sun and moist to wet soil. It tolerates sand, loam, clay, and varied soil pH. It withstands salty soil and sea spray but handles drought poorly. UF/IFAS places it in USDA zones 10–11. Temperatures below freezing can kill plants. Growth proceeds at a moderate rate, and pruning causes poor results. Large surface roots can develop around the tree. UF/IFAS reports no usual serious pest problems. Its roots trap sediment, helping build and protect shorelines. This makes the tree useful for coastal land reclamation.

Reported food uses include fruit, cooked roots, and young hypocotyl tissue. These served as foods when other supplies were scarce. Dried leaves provide a tea substitute, but their tannins limit intake. Useful Tropical Plants reports no known hazards. It records traditional bark and root remedies for several ailments. Bark and leaves also supply tannins, while shoots yield dyes. The wood is hard, heavy, and strong.