Scientific name Rhizophoraceae | Rank Family | |
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Lower classifications | ||
The Rhizophoraceae are a family of tropical or subtropical flowering plants. Among the better-known members are mangrove trees of the genus Rhizophora. Around 147 species are distributed in 15 genera, most native to the Old World.
Contents
These are woody plants with opposite or whorled leaves (but not decussate), with insect-pollinated flowers having a nectary disc and typically five petals. This family is now placed in the order Malpighiales, though under the Cronquist system, they formed an order in themselves (Rhizophorales).
These species are often hermaphrodites, more rarely polygamomonoecious. Mangrove species are usually viviparous while those living on land are not.
Genera
Family Rhizophoraceae consists of these genera:
Uses
Some species produce wood used for underwater construction or piling. Tannins are obtained from the trees' bark.
