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Rhizophora
mangle |
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This species usually grows in the deeper shallows. The
trees can grow to a height of 80 feet and have roots that arch out like
buttresses from the main trunk and lower branches. These aerial roots
allow the trees to take in oxygen directly from the surrounding air and also
provide support for the tree. The leathery green leaves are 2-6 inches in
length and are clustered near the end of the twigs. Each leaf bud is
enclosed by a pair of slender stipules 1-3 inches long. They fall as the
leaves grow, leaving scars that encircle the twigs. Pale yellow flowers
produce leathery fruit about 1 - 1 1/2 inches long. The seed germinates
within the fruit while still on the tree or floating on water. This
germinated seedling, called a "propagule," is actually a complete
plant and is ready to take root after dropping off the parent and floating to a
new location.
The upper left image depicts the typical red mangrove root
structure. The upper right image shows several propagules in various stages of
growth. Note how the leaves are clustered at the end of the twigs. The bottom
picture shows a new leaf bud enclosed by a pair of stipules. These photos
were taken at Ponce De Leon Park in Punta Gorda in early June, 2000.
