Red mangrove
Rhizophora mucronata 路 Rhizophoraceae 路 also Loop-root mangrove, Asiatic mangrove, Mkoko
The tall stilt-rooted mangrove of East African and Indo-Pacific shorelines, growing to 27 m with a trunk up to 70 cm, arching prop roots and long pencil-like propagules that drop and plant themselves in the mud. It fringes tidal creeks and estuaries, buffers coasts against storms and erosion, nurses fish and stores large amounts of carbon. It is the main species in community mangrove restoration such as Kenya's Mikoko Pamoja carbon project, and is cut for poles, charcoal and tannin.
Where it stands
Native
This tree evolved here, and local wildlife depends on it.
Care
Plant propagules directly into mud in the right tidal zone (flooded by normal high tides) and expect slow growth; 35 to 40 years to a 19 cm trunk. Crabs eat seedlings, so shade-dry propagules for a few days before planting. Most countries protect mangroves by law; check permits before cutting or planting. No pruning or watering needed.
Benefits
Good for