Rhizophora mangle

Red mangrove

Rhizophora mangle, commonly known as the red mangrove, is a vital coastal species found in tropical intertidal zones. Renowned for its distinctive arching prop roots, it provides essential ecosystem services, including shoreline stabilization, nursery habitats for marine life, and protection against storm surges, playing a crucial role in biodiversity.

  • Scientific name: Rhizophora mangle
  • Family: Rhizophoraceae
  • Native range: Africa

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, known scientifically as Rhizophora mangle, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. It is classified under the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae, falling within the order Malpighiales. Finally, it is a member of the family Rhizophoraceae and is situated within the genus Rhizophora.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Malpighiales WCVP
Family Rhizophoraceae WCVP
Genus Rhizophora WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Rhizophora mangle, is recognized by various names across different languages and cultures. In Haitian Creole, it is called Mangliye, while in Portuguese, it is referred to as Mangue-vermelho. In Esperanto, the name used is Manglo, and in Basque, it is known as Mangle gorri. Additionally, in Russian, it is called Красное мангровое дерево.
Language Common Name Source
ht Mangliye Wikidata
pt Mangue-vermelho Wikidata
eo Manglo Wikidata
eu Mangle gorri Wikidata
ru Красное мангровое дерево Wikidata
ca mangle vermell Wikidata
hu közönséges vörös mangrove Wikidata
to Tongolei Wikidata
de Rote Mangrove Wikidata
cs kořenovník obecný Wikidata

Distribution

This plant, Rhizophora mangle, exhibits a specific geographical distribution across the West Tropical Africa region. Within this coastal area, its presence is documented in the nation of Benin. It can also be found stretching along the western coast through Gambia and Guinea-Bissau. Furthermore, the species is established within the borders of Guinea. Finally, its range extends into Liberia, marking its importance to these diverse maritime ecosystems.

Region Area Source
West Tropical Africa Benin WCVP
West Tropical Africa Gambia WCVP
West Tropical Africa Guinea-Bissau WCVP
West Tropical Africa Guinea WCVP
West Tropical Africa Liberia WCVP
West Tropical Africa Mauritania WCVP
West Tropical Africa Nigeria WCVP
West Tropical Africa Senegal WCVP
West Tropical Africa Sierra Leone WCVP
West-Central Tropical Africa Cameroon WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, commonly known as the red mangrove, utilizes its various components for both survival and medicinal potential. The leaves are thick, leathery, and evergreen, designed to withstand high salinity and intense sunlight while facilitating specialized salt excretion. Additionally, the bark of Rhizophora mangle is known to contain various tannins and bioactive compounds, which have been traditionally utilized in various cultures for their astringent and antimicrobial properties.
Total parts
2
Scientific sources
3
Plant Part Sources Confidence
leaves 2 ★☆☆☆☆
bark 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Rhizophora mangle has 10 reported phytochemicals identified across 10 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include CE, EGF, NO, PGE(2), SH.

Total chemicals
10
Scientific sources
10

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
CE 1 ★☆☆☆☆
EGF 1 ★☆☆☆☆
NO 1 ★☆☆☆☆
PGE(2) 1 ★☆☆☆☆
SH 1 ★☆☆☆☆
carotenoids 1 ★☆☆☆☆
chlorophylls 1 ★☆☆☆☆
flavonoids 1 ★☆☆☆☆
mucus 1 ★☆☆☆☆
tannins 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Rhizophora mangle has 3 reported activities identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antisecretory, Antiulcer, Cytoprotective.

Total activities
3
Scientific sources
3

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antisecretory 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antiulcer 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Cytoprotective 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Rhizophora mangle has 7 reported medicinal uses identified across 7 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Aspergillus flavus, diabetes mellitus, free radical, gastric ulcer, hypertension.

Total uses
7
Scientific sources
7

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
Aspergillus flavus 1 ★☆☆☆☆
diabetes mellitus 1 ★☆☆☆☆
free radical 1 ★☆☆☆☆
gastric ulcer 1 ★☆☆☆☆
hypertension 1 ★☆☆☆☆
obesity 1 ★☆☆☆☆
type 2 diabetes 1 ★☆☆☆☆