Rhizophoraceae

Rhizophoraceae
Young Rhizophora mangle, a mangrove
Scientific classification
Kingdom:Plantae
Clade:Angiosperms
Clade:Eudicots
Clade:Rosids
Order:Malpighiales
Family:Rhizophoraceae
R.Br. in Flinders
Genera

See txt

The range of Rhizophoraceae
  •   Tropical trees
  •   Mangroves

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,[1] most native to the Old World.[2]

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.

Apart from many native uses in food and medicine, several species are valuable sources of timber. This is particularly true of the mangrove species, whose wood, hard and dense but not very durable, is used mainly for charcoal production and fuel. Mangrove bark is also widely used in the preparation of leather in the tanning industry.[3]

Genera

Family Rhizophoraceae consists of these genera:[4]

Uses

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

References

  1. ↑ Christenhusz, M. J. M., and Byng, J. W. (2016). "The number of known plants species in the world and its annual increase". Phytotaxa. Magnolia Press. 261 (3): 201–217. doi:10.11646/phytotaxa.261.3.1.
  2. ↑ Stephens, P.F. (2001 onwards). Angiosperm Phylogeny Website. Version 9, June 2008. http://www.mobot.org/MOBOT/Research/APweb/
  3. ↑ Flowering Plants of the World by consultant editor Vernon H. Heywood, 1978, Oxford University Press, Walton Street, Oxford OX2 6DP, England, ISBN 019217674-9
  4. ↑ http://www.theplantlist.org/1.1/browse/A/Rhizophoraceae/


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