Red Mangrove (Rhizophora mucronata)
Description
Red mangroves are easily distinguishable through their unique prop roots system and viviparous seeds. The prop roots of a red mangrove suspend it over the water, thereby giving it extra support and protection. They also help the tree to combat hypoxia by allowing it a direct intake of oxygen through its root structure. A mangrove can reach up to 80 feet (24 m) in height in ideal conditions; however, it is commonly found at a more modest 20 feet (6.1 m). Its bark is thick and a grey-brown color. Mangrove leaves are 1-2 inches (2.5-5.1 cm) wide and 3-5 inches (7.6-12.7 cm) long, with smooth margins and an ellipse shape. They are a darker shade of green on the tops than on the bottoms. The tree produces pale pink flowers in the spring.
Taxonomic tree
-
Domain: Eukarya
-
-
Kingdom: Plantae
-
-
Phylum: Magnoliophyta
-
-
Class: Magnoliopsida
-
-
Order: Malpighiales
-
-
Family: Rhizophoraceae
-
-
Genus: Rhizophora
-
-
-
-
-
-
