Red mangrove

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• Red Mangrove
• American Mangrove

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Bruguiera decangulata
• Rhizophora americana

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

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.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

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.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Rhizophora mangle is defined by its specialized adaptation to coastal environments, primarily inhabiting Manguezal and Restinga ecosystems. This species thrives in low-lying areas, maintaining an elevational range that begins at 0 m AMSL and extends up to a maximum of 1000 m AMSL. Its presence is fundamental to the structural integrity and biological productivity of these saline and intertidal habitats.

Elevational range max:

1000 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

0 m AMSL

Habitat :

Manguezal, Restinga

Life history

The life history of Rhizophora mangle is characterized by its status as a perennial organism, allowing it to maintain a long-term presence within its coastal ecosystem through multiple growth cycles. As a phanerophyte, its perennial woody stems and branches are elevated above the ground, providing the structural complexity necessary to withstand tidal fluctuations and environmental stressors. This phanerophyte life form is further supported by its specialized growth strategies, ensuring that its reproductive and vegetative structures remain prominent and functional across successive years.

Life form :

phanerophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Rhizophora mangle is characterized by its growth form as a woody tree, functioning as an independent organism without parasitic tendencies. It is a self-supporting plant rather than a climber or liana, maintaining a terrestrial existence despite its typical habitat. In terms of stature, the plant exhibits significant vertical development, with a recorded maximum height of 10 m and a mean height of approximately 19.995 m. As a terrestrial species, it does not function as an epiphyte, instead establishing itself firmly within its ecological niche through its robust, woody structure.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

10 m

Plant height mean:

19.995 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Rhizophora mangle is characterized by specific metabolic and nutritional strategies adapted to its saline environment. The plant utilizes a C3 photosynthetic pathway, which involves the direct fixation of carbon dioxide through the Calvin cycle, a mechanism typical of many woody species in tropical ecosystems. In terms of nutrient acquisition, Rhizophora mangle is not a nitrogen fixer, meaning it relies on the uptake of available nitrogenous compounds from the surrounding substrate rather than through symbiotic biological nitrogen fixation.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Reproduction

The reproduction of Rhizophora mangle is characterized by a highly specialized reproductive strategy involving specific pollination and dispersal mechanisms. The pollination syndrome of this species is primarily attributed to bees, which play a crucial role in the transfer of pollen. Following successful fertilization, the plant produces propagules with a consistent seed mass; data indicates a uniform seed mass across the species, with a mean, minimum, and maximum value all recorded at 10.1 g. The dispersal syndrome is strictly hydrochorous, meaning the reproductive units are specialized for dispersal via water, allowing them to float and colonize new mangrove habitats through tidal and current movements.

Dispersal syndrome :

hydrochorous

Pollination syndrome :

bee

Seed mass mean:

10.1 g

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Rhizophora mangle has 1 reported plant parts identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include leaf.

Leaf

1. PloS one
2. Plants (Basel, Switzerland)

Chemicals

Rhizophora mangle has 37 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include -carotene, Ash, BORON, CALCIUM, CE.

-carotene

1. Dr. Duke

Ash

1. Dr. Duke

BORON

1. Dr. Duke

CALCIUM

1. Dr. Duke

CE

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

CHLOROPHYLL

1. Dr. Duke

COBALT

1. Dr. Duke

COPPER

1. Dr. Duke

Carotenoids

1. Plants (Basel, Switzerland)

Chlorophylls

1. Plants (Basel, Switzerland)

Activities

Rhizophora mangle has 296 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antiulcer, ACE-Inhibitor, Acarifuge, Acnegenic, Aldose-Reductase-Inhibitor.

Antiulcer

1. Dr. Duke
2. Journal of ethnopharmacology

ACE-Inhibitor

1. Dr. Duke

Acarifuge

1. Dr. Duke

Acnegenic

1. Dr. Duke

Aldose-Reductase-Inhibitor

1. Dr. Duke

Allergenic

1. Dr. Duke

Analgesic

1. Dr. Duke

Androgenic

1. Dr. Duke

Angiotensin-Receptor-Blocker

1. Dr. Duke

Anthelmintic

1. Dr. Duke

Medicinal Uses

Rhizophora mangle has 7 reported medicinal uses identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Aspergillus flavus, diabetes mellitus, free radical, gastric ulcer, hypertension.

Most Reported Uses

Preparations