Rhizophora mangle (Red mangrove) 
 
The red mangrove is one of three true species of mangroves found 
within the Virgin Islands. It is named the red mangrove because of the 
color of its bark which when cut, is red on the inside. Red mangroves are 
found closet to the water’s edge. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Red mangroves provide habitat for nesting birds and juvenile fish, 
act as a buffer for storm surges, as well as help filter water. Because the 
soils are usually lacking in the nutrients that most plants require for 
growth, red mangroves have these aerial roots called prop roots which 
helps them breathe above ground and get the nutrients they need.  Many 
marine organisms consider the aerial roots of the red mangrove home.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Figure 1: Red mangrove bark. This bark has 
many traditional uses which extend to the 
treatment of snake bites and chest pains.  
Figure 2: Red mangrove prop roots and the 
numerous organisms that benefit from them. These 
prop roots are a main identifying feature of the red 
mangrove.  
 
Rhizophora mangle (Red mangrove) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common identifying features of the Red mangrove