Rhizophora mucronata
Mangrove
Rhizophora mucronata, commonly known as the loop-root mangrove, is a vital estuarine species found in tropical coastal ecosystems. Renowned for its distinctive stilt roots, this plant plays a crucial role in shoreline protection and biodiversity. Beyond ecology, it holds significant medicinal potential, offering bioactive compounds for traditional healing practices.
- Scientific name: Rhizophora mucronata
- Family: Rhizophoraceae
- Native range: Africa
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Malpighiales, it is classified under the family Rhizophoraceae. Finally, it is identified by its 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 mucronata, is recognized by various common names across different languages and regions. In Malayalam, it is referred to as പ്രാന്തൻ കണ്ടൽ, while in Japanese, it is called ヤエヤマヒルギ. In Afrikaans, the plant is known as Rooiwortelboom, and in Thai, it is called โกงกางใบใหญ่. Additionally, it is identified as đưng in Vietnamese.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| ml | പ്രാന്തൻ കണ്ടൽ | Wikidata |
| ja | ヤエヤマヒルギ | Wikidata |
| af | Rooiwortelboom | Wikidata |
| th | โกงกางใบใหญ่ | Wikidata |
| vi | đưng | Wikidata |
| hi | खमो | Wikidata |
| zh | 红茄苳 | Wikidata |
| ms | Pokok Bakau Kurap | Wikidata |
| ar | قندل مؤنف | Wikidata |
| yue | 紅茄苳 | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a specific geographical distribution across several regions in Africa. In Northern Africa, its presence is recorded within the borders of Egypt. Moving toward the northeast, it can be found throughout the tropical landscapes of Djibouti. The species also extends into the coastal and inland areas of Eritrea and Somalia. Finally, its range encompasses the vast territories of both Sudan and South Sudan.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Africa | Egypt | WCVP |
| Northeast Tropical Africa | Djibouti | WCVP |
| Northeast Tropical Africa | Eritrea | WCVP |
| Northeast Tropical Africa | Somalia | WCVP |
| Northeast Tropical Africa | Sudan-South Sudan | WCVP |
| East Tropical Africa | Kenya | WCVP |
| East Tropical Africa | Tanzania | WCVP |
| South Tropical Africa | Mozambique | WCVP |
| Southern Africa | Cape Provinces | WCVP |
| Southern Africa | KwaZulu-Natal | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Rhizophora mucronata, possesses distinct morphological features across its various components that are of significant interest. The root system is characterized by prominent, arching stilt roots that provide stability in unstable, muddy mangrove environments and facilitate gas exchange. Its leaves are thick, leathery, and elliptical, designed to withstand high salinity and intense sunlight. Additionally, the fruit is a specialized viviparous propagule, which germinates while still attached to the parent tree, allowing it to take root quickly once it drops into the water.- Total parts
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 3
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| root | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| leaves | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| fruit | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Rhizophora mucronata has 9 reported phytochemicals identified across 9 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include anthocyanins, flavanol, flavonoid, flavonols, lignans.
- Total chemicals
- 9
- Scientific sources
- 9
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| anthocyanins | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| flavanol | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| flavonoid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| flavonols | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| lignans | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| phenolic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| stilbenes | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| tannin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| triterpenoid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Rhizophora mucronata has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include type 2 diabetes.
- Total uses
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| type 2 diabetes | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |