Genus
Common name: Red Mangrove
Scientific name: Rhizophora
Rhizophora, commonly known as Red Mangroves, are a genus of tropical mangrove trees. They are known for their distinctive stilt-like roots, called 'prop roots,' which provide stability in soft sediments and help the plant breathe in waterlogged soils. Red Mangroves are essential for coastal ecosystems, offering habitat for a variety of marine species and helping to prevent erosion. In reef aquariums, they can be used in refugiums to absorb nutrients and provide a naturalistic aesthetic. They require bright lighting and can be partially submerged, with their leaves exposed to the air.