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Rhizophora mangle

Accession Count: 0
Common Name: red mangrove
Family Name: Rhizophoraceae
Botanical Name: Rhizophora mangle
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Characteristics: Rhizophora mangle is a medium to large shrub or small tree that forms a narrow, flat, or rounded crown (1). Multiple spreading branches develop from the main trunk, with young plants possessing smooth grayish-brown bark that becomes furrowed and rough on older trees (2, 3). Arching prop roots and aerial roots will form a tangled mass in mature mangroves, extending from the branches and supporting the growth of the plant  (1, 4). Dark to medium green leaves will cluster at the end of branches, being simple in form and larger and shinier than that of other mangrove species (5, 6). R. mangle flowers yearly, but in greater frequency during mid to late summer (5). Mature plants 5 years and older will develop an inconspicuous cluster of star-like, yellow-white flowers with woolly inner petals (2, 3, 4). Inflorescences will be followed by egg-shaped fruits that develop green to brown propagules, or seedlings, while still attached to the mother tree (1, 5). Propagules will separate and germinate approximately one year after flowering (1).
Compound: Rhi man
Geographic Origin: American Tropics
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Natural History: Rhizophora mangle was first described by Carl von Linnaeus in 1753, where it was published within Species Plantarum (7). The genus, Rhizophora, is named for the Greek words rhizo, “root”, and phora, “to carry”, for the species’ arching prop roots. The specific epithet, mangle, is the Spanish word for “mangrove”, and is the common name used by the Taino people of the Caribbean Islands (2). The common name, “red mangrove”, refers to the reddish-brown prop roots and inner bark, which distinguish R. mangle from other mangrove species.
The red mangrove is native to many coastal regions, including from Baja California to Mexico, from North Carolina to Florida, the Caribbean, South and Central America, and within West Africa (3, 5). Within its native range in Nicaragua and the USA, R. mangle is considered a weed, and its environmental impact is unknown. Yet, the embryonic root structures – propagules – of R. mangle and unique physiology have allowed this species to dominate and spread rapidly through other coastal areas, including fringe, riverine, overwash, basin, and supratidal flat communities. After being introduced to Hawaii in 1902, R. mangle has spread rapidly throughout the Hawaiian archipelago, and is considered heavily invasive. The species was also introduced to Australia but has been considered eradicated since 2012. However, R. mangle is still designated as a “high risk species” and populations are being carefully controlled (3). Despite its invasive potential, R. mangle is an important species in its natural habitat, and populations are unfortunately facing decline due to agriculture, pollution, urban development, and other human activities (8).
Cultivation Notes: The red mangrove is hardy in USDA zones 9a to 11 (20-40°F) and is frost tender, perishing under periods of prolonged cold (8, 9). Instead, R. mangle thrives in warm locations with as much direct sunlight as possible – supplemental lighting may be necessary for young saplings during the winter months (8). When provided with high humidity, a variety of soil conditions are tolerated, including sand and clay, high salinity, and a pH between 5.3 and 7.8 (6, 8, 9). However, loamy soils are preferred, and must be kept damp or submerged as R. mangle is not drought tolerant and requires constant moisture in order to survive (1). Additionally, red mangrove plants benefit from a daily dosing with pressurized water in order to lubricate new buds and remove pests (8). However, pruning is not necessary, and should be avoided.
R. mangle can easily be propagated by its propagules, which can simply be removed from the parent and planted in soil (6).
Ethnobotany: Medicinally, the red mangrove possesses antifungal, antibacterial, and antiseptic properties, and has commonly been used to treat skin ulcers (10, 11). The bark is capable of treating angina, boils, and fungal infections, while diarrhea and dysentery can be treated by both the bark and leaves (8). Additionally, R. mangle extracts possess insecticidal properties and may have value as an insecticide (3). Economically, the red mangle provides a myriad of useful products – including wood and timber, which have been used to create canoes, fences, fishing spears, poles, beams, underground mine supports, and as firewood. Additionally, reddish-brown or black dye can be created from the bark, or the bark fibers used to create ropes, and tannins extracted (3).
However, perhaps the most important value of the red mangrove is as a keystone species, providing a nursing habitat and shelter to fish, birds, and invertebrates, while indirectly supporting the tourism and fishing industries within its native range (3, 6). At the same time, R. mangle is integral in erosion control, land reclamation, and soil stabilization, behaving as a buffer to reduce storm impacts in coastal communities (6, 8). Numerous organisms also depend upon the red mangrove for nectar and pollen, and it is a host plant for several species of insect (1). Lastly, R. mangle forests have high productivity and biofiltration, being capable of removing aquatic pollutants, reducing carbon emissions, and behaving as a carbon sink (8).
Height: 20 - 50 feet
Width: 20 - 50 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate Growing
Grow Season:
Flower Season: Summer
Color: White
Function: Habitat
Spread: Non-spreading
Allergen: Non-allergenic
Invasive: Invasive
Toxicity: Benign
Hardy: Tender
Water Use: High Water Use
Citations:
  1. Regional Conservation: Natives for Your Neighborhood. Retrieved January 22nd, 2021. 
  2. Mangroves. Retrieved January 22nd, 2021. 
  3. CABI Invasive Species Compendium. Retrieved January 22nd, 2021. 
  4. Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. Retrieved January 22nd, 2021. 
  5. University of Florida. Retrieved January 22nd, 2021. 
  6. Smithsonian Marine Station at Fort Pierce. Retrieved January 22nd, 2021. 
  7. Tropicos. Retrieved January 22nd, 2021. 
  8. KEW Science: Plants of the World Online. Retrieved January 22nd, 2021.
  9.  Dave’s Garden. Retrieved January 23rd, 2021. 
  10. National Library of Medicine. Retrieved January 23rd, 2021. 
  11. Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytotherapy. Retrieved January 23rd, 2021.
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Rhizophora mangle