Red Mangroove an essential species for mangrove ecosystems

When we were navigating through the entrance of Laguna Grande we could observe different structures of the red mangrove in which we could highlight the tiny yellow flowers and two red mangrove fruits. We had not had the opportunity to photograph these ripe fruits and the intense red color they present is incredible.

The red mangrove (Rhizophora mangle) is a tree species of the Rizophoraceae family typical of mangrove ecosystems. It is commonly called red mangrove, Colorado mangrove, chifle mangrove, zapotero mangrove or cunapo.

Different uses are attributed to Rhizophora mangle

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Red mangrove (Rhizophora mangle) at Laguna Grande, Rio Sarstun, Livingston. October, 2021. Photo by Roxana Leal with iPhone 13 Pro Max, FLAAR Mesoamerica.

Red mangrove (Rhizophora mangle) at Laguna Grande, Rio Sarstun, Livingston. October, 2021. Photo by Victor Mendoza with Sony RX10, FLAAR Mesoamerica.

Use	Part of the plant

Adhesivo	Látex
Handricrafts	Wood
Colorants	Cortex
Fuel	Wood
Edible	Fruit
Construction	Wood and leaves (for ceillings)
Tools	Wood
Medicinal	Cortex, leaves and root
Melliferous	Flower

Botanical Description

Habit	Prenifolio tree of saline habitat, 15 m high up to 30 m.
Size	Simple inflorescence of 2 to 3 flowers, actinomorphic and the corolla is about 1.8 cm
Stem	Brown berry about 2 to 3 cm long by 1.5 wide
Leaves	Alternate up to 25 cm long, composed of rachis with up to 5 to 15 pairs of secondary axes with narrow leaflets of up to 11mm.
Inflorescence	It has viviparity (the seed germinates within the fruit). Green color, it measures between 22 and 40 cm long and between 1 and 2 cm in diameter.
Flowers	It has fulcreatic, branched, arched and curved roots where modified roots called stilts develop.
Fruits and seeds	Opposite and simple, agglomerate form measuring 8 to 15 cm long and 4 to 6 wide.

Importance of mangroves:

They protect biodiversity, since they serve as a refuge, feeding and reproduction area for many terrestrial and aquatic, migratory and local species.
Its roots are of great importance because they can fix sediments and regulate erosion, protecting coastal marine areas because they hold mud and help to extend the mainland. They have a high carbon storage capacity in plant tissue.
Serve as natural barriers against tropical storms and hurricanes.
Mangrove ecosystems serve as natural filters as they absorb a large amount of nutrients in the water in order to prevent eutrophication.
They maintain the quality of the water. They work as a filter for some pollutants.
They are of great economic importance due to the fishing species that they harbor.