Red Mangrove
Rhizophora mangle
Johannes Zorn (1739-1799)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Rhizophoraceae
- Genus:
- Rhizophora
- Species:
- Rhizophora mangle
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Shrub , Tree
- Height:
- 12-20 ft
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- mar, apr, may, jun, jul, aug
- Bloom Colors:
- red, white
Native Range
United States: Florida, Hawaii, North Carolina, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Virgin Islands
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Abbot's Bagworm Moth (Oiketicus abbotii), Ecdytolopha desotanum, Ecdytolopha punctidiscanum, Io moth (Automeris io), Lintner's gluphisia moth (Gluphisia lintneri), locust twig borer (Ecdytolopha insiticiana), Slosson's roadside skipper (Alarodia slossoniae), Spiny Oak Slug (Euclea delphinii), Mangrove Skipper (Phocides pigmalion)
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- muddy, saline, nutrient-rich soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- tolerates poor drainage
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- commonly found in coastal mangrove ecosystems
Germination Information
Pre-treatment: No pretreatment is necessary, although soaking propagules for 2 weeks until root buds develop is a practice for some nurseries.
Establishment: There is debate whether the Pacific Island species is distinct from populations native to both coasts of the Americas from central Florida through the West Indies and from Mexico to northern Peru, and also the coast of West Africa. Within its native range, it is a key species for coastal ecosystems.
Source: npn.rngr.net