Red mangroves have distinctive prop roots which support the main trunk and assist with gas exchange.

Rhizophora stylosa (red mangrove) is a common species of the family Rhizophoraceae. Its range extends across coastal northern Australia from the Richmond River in New South Wales to Shark Bay in Western Australia.

Red mangrove forms extensive, often pure stands around the shores of shallow protected bays, estuaries and inlets. It prefers soft, well-drained muddy soils. It also establishes on rock or coral-based sandy soils and is a dominant species of lower tidal mangrove forests. It is commonly seen along the lower tidal reaches of rivers and immediately behind the seaward fringe of mangroves, sometimes with grey and yellow mangroves.

Description

Red mangroves in North Queensland may grow to 20 metres high but elsewhere trees of four to five metres are more common. The main trunk is erect and covered by rough, reddish-brown bark.

Stout, large arching prop roots are characteristic of the species which support the main trunk and contain numerous lenticels (air pores) on their surfaces. The lenticels are air-filled spaces which connect with underground root structures. Aerial roots growing from the tree´s limbs also help the plant breathe. These do not take root even after reaching the soil and are produced by lower branches.

Leaves are oval-shaped, thick, leathery and may reach 15cm in length and 6cm in width. They are dark green with numerous, small, reddish-brown dots on the lower surface and a small deciduous pointed tip. While the leaves are arranged in opposite pairs on the stem, small, creamy white flowers occur in branching pairs.