Rhizophoraceae

Rhizophoraceae
Young Rhizophora mangle, a mangrove
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae Division: Magnoliophyta Class: Magnoliopsida Order: Malpighiales Family: Rhizophoraceae R.Br. in Flinders
Genera
Anopyxis Blepharistemma Bruguiera Carallia Cassipourea Ceriops Comiphyton Crossostylis Dactylopetalum Gynotroches Kandelia Macarisia Paradrypetes Pellacalyx Rhizophora Sterigmapetalum

Rhizophoraceae is a family constituted by tropical or subtropical flowering plants. Among the better known members are mangrove trees of the genus Rhizophora. There are around 120 species distributed in sixteen genera, most native to the Old World.

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 hermaphrodite, more rarely polygamomonoecious. Mangrove species are usually viviparous while those living on land are not.

Uses

Some species produce wood used for underwater construction or piling. Tannins are obtained from the tree's bark.

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