Red Mangrove

"Red Mangrove"
This tree grows on aerial prop roots, which arch above the water level, giving stands of this tree the characteristic "mangrove" appearance. Submerged roots have red bark. The tree is distributed in estuary ecosystems throughout the tropics. Its elongated seed pods become fully mature plants before dropping off of the parent tree. These are dispersed by water until eventually rooting in the shallows.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Red mangroves are easily identified by their unique prop roots system and seed pods. The prop roots of a red mangrove suspend it over the water, thereby giving it extra support and protection. They also allow the tree to take direct oxygen through this root structure. The bark is thick and a grey-brown color while submerged roots are red in color. Mangrove leaves are 1 to 2 inches wide and 3 to 5 inches long, with smooth sides and an oval shape. Leaves are darker green on the tops than on the bottoms. The tree produces pale pink flowers in the spring.

Genetics and Reproduction

The Red Mangrove creates a seed pod that is in reality a living tree. The red mangrove seed pod is capable of rooting and producing a new tree on its own and may float in brackish water for over a year before rooting. The trees are capable of self pollination or wind pollination. The tree undergoes no dormant stage as a seed, but rather progresses to a live plant before leaving its parent tree.

Growth Rate & Stages

20 to 80 feet tall.

Ecology and Habitats

Red mangroves are found in subtropical and tropical areas, extending to approximately 28°N to S latitude. They thrive on coastlines in brackish water and in swampy salt marshes. Due to this adaptation to salt water, they thrive where many other plants fail and create their own ecosystems, the Mangroves.

Dietary Needs and Habits

The tree requires tropical, coastal conditions such as warm temperatures, ample light exposure, ideally be close to 10 to 12 hours each day, and humidity levels should be 50% or move. The growth rate of this plant is heavily dependent on proper conditions around it.

Biological Cycle

The Red Mangrove grows from a seed pod that is in reality a living tree. The trees are capable of self pollination or wind pollination. Due to it's location there are no significant seasonal changes.

Additional Information

Domestication

Easily grown in a variety of waterlogged environments. Easily adapted to fresh, salt, and brackish waters.

Uses, Products & Exploitation

Used mostly to anchor a shoreline and protection form erosion. Also used for charcoal, tannin, and posibbly salt.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Red mangroves are found in subtropical and tropical areas, extending to approximately 25°N to S latitude. They thrive on coastlines in brackish water and in swampy salt marshes. Due to this adaptation to salt water, they thrive where many other plants fail and create their own ecosystems, the Mangroves.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Plant

Scientific Name

Rhizophora Mangle

Conservation Status

Common Species in brackish waters, marshes, and estuaries.

Average Height

20 to 80 feet tall.

Average Physique

Tall thin trees on reddish prop roots extending above and below the water.

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

The bark is grey-brown in color, while submerged roots are red in color. Mangrove leaves are darker green on the top and light green on the bottom and have pale pink flowers in the spring.