Photo by: Shirley Denton, Suncoast Chapter FNPS
Photo by: Shirley Denton, Suncoast Chapter FNPS
Photo by: Shirley Denton, Suncoast Chapter FNPS

Nomenclature

Common Name:

red mangrove

Synonym(s):

Genus species:

Rhizophora mangle

Family:

Rhizophoraceae

Plant Specifics

Form:

tree

Size:

20-50 (70) ft tall by 15-40 ft wide

Life Span:

Long-lived perennial

Flower Color:

yellow

Fruit Color:

green,brown

Phenology:

Evergreen. Blooms year round. Seeds germinate on the tree and fall into the water with the beginnings of a root. Life span estimated to be at least 50 years (Nelson 2003).

Noted For:

Hurricane Wind Resistance, Interesting Foliage

Landscaping

Recommended Uses:

Very good for coastal stabilization. Can act as a specimen plant in coastal areas. This tree is noted for its prop roots.

Considerations:

Availability:

Native Nurseries, Specialty Provider, Seed

Propagation:

Seeds sprout on the plant and drop as a propagule into the water. Sprouted seed can be collected and moved to desired location.

Light:

Full Sun

Moisture Tolerance:

Always Flooded------------------------------------------------Extremely Dry

Coming Soon!

Aquatic ---to--- Usually moist, occasional inundation

Salt Water Flooding Tolerance:

Unknown

Salt Spray/Salty Soil Tolerance:

High. Can tolerate significant and ongoing amounts of salt.

Soil or Other Substrate:

Sand, Clay, Loam, Lime Rock

Soil pH:

Suitable to Grow In:

9A,9B,10A,10B,11

Ecology

Wildlife:

Birds, Mammals

Pollinated by wind and insescts.

Mangroves provide good cover and habitat for many birds, fish and other animals.

Native Habitats:

Wet sites. Mangrove swamps. Shallow waters of coastal areas, edges of lagoons.

Natural Range in Florida:

Comments:

Ethnobotany:

General Comments:

Salt water is not required.



This species is cold sensitive near the northern ends of its range and may die back during extreme freezes.



Mangroves are protected and you may not trim or remove them. See this Florida DEP web page for the latest information: http://www.dep.state.fl.us/central/Home/SLERP/Mangroves/mangroves.htm