Rhizophora mangle (Red Mangrove)

Rhizophora mangle (Red Mangrove) is an erect, evergreen tree often forming impenetrable thickets on salt or brackish shores. It bears thick, elliptic, simple, and opposite leaves, 2-7 in. long (5-17 cm). The foliage is dark green above and paler green underneath with tiny black dots. Blooming year-round, with a peak in early to mid-summer, small, yellow-green, star-like flowers, with four leathery petals, appear in clusters of 2-3 on the leaf axils. The blossoms are followed by brown, conical, fleshy fruits which germinate while still on the tree and burst open when ripe to reveal the seeds. The bark is smooth and reddish-brown, becoming gray and slightly fissured with age. Red Mangrove is distinguished from other mangrove species by its reddish prop roots. These prop roots originate from the trunk with roots growing downward from the branches. They increase the stability of the tree as well as the oxygen supply to underground roots. At maturity, Red Mangrove becomes a tangled mass of prop roots, aerial roots, branches, and leaves. Native to Florida and shallow marine coastlines throughout tropical areas of the world, Red Mangrove is tolerant of waterlogged conditions and of salt in both the air and soil. It is excellent for bank stabilization, erosion control, or as a hedge bordering bodies of salt water. It makes a nice shade tree or a screening tree due to its thick foliage. Like other species of mangroves, Red Mangrove is able to withstand major storm events like hurricanes.

• Grows up to 20-50 ft. tall (6-15 m) and 15-40 ft. wide (4.5-12 m).
• Performs best in full sun in clay to sandy, moist to wet soils. Highly tolerant of frequent inundation, salt spray, salty wind, and saline to brackish water without injury.
• No serious disease issues.
• Propagate by seed. Seeds sprout on the mother plant and drop as a propagule into the water. Sprouted seeds can be collected and moved to the desired location.
• Native to Florida and shallow marine coastlines throughout tropical areas of the world.