Rhizophora mangle

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Red Mangrove

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:Interesting foliage, Hurricane wind resistance

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.
Propagation:Seeds sprout on the plant and drop as a propagule into the water. Sprouted seed can be collected and moved to desired location.
Availability:Native nurseries, Seed, Specialty providers
Light: Full Sun
Moisture Tolerance:
always floodedextremely dry
 (Aquatic ----- to ----- Usually moist, occasional inundation)
Moisture Tolerance: Aquatic ----- to ----- Usually moist, occasional inundation
Salt Water Flooding Tolerance:Tolerant of frequent or regular inundation (usually areas with tidal inundation)
Salt Spray/ Salty Soil Tolerance:High. Can tolerate significant and ongoing amounts of salty wind and salt spray without injury.
Soil or other substrate:Marine alluvium, Lime rock
Soil pH:

Ecology

Wildlife:
  

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

Insects:

Pollinated by wind and insescts.

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

Distribution and Planting Zones

Natural Range in Florida
USDA Zones

Suitable to grow in:
10A 10B 11 9A 9B 

USDA zones are based on minimum winter temperatures

Comments

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