Rhizophoraceae
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| Rhizophoraceae | ||||||||||
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 Young Rhizophora mangle, a mangrove | ||||||||||
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Anopyxis |
Rhizophoraceae is a family constituted by tropical or subtropical flowering plants. Among the better known members are mangrove trees of the genus Rhizophora. However, most species grow on land and a high proportion of these are parasitic. There are around 120 species distributed in six genera, most native to the Old World.
Description
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 older Cronquist system they formed an order in themselves (Rhizophorales).
Reproduction
These species are often hermaphrodite, more rarely polygamomonoecious. Mangrove species are usually viviparous while those living on land are not.
Use
Some species procure wood used for underwater construction or piling. Tannins are obtained from the tree's bark.