Rhizophoraceae

Rhizophoraceae is a family of flowering plants in the order Malpighiales. The circumscription of the group has varied, but in many modern classifications it includes several mangrove genera and related tropical woody plants that occupy coastal habitats.

Members are mostly evergreen trees and shrubs adapted to saline and tidal environments. A hallmark of many species, particularly the red mangroves of the genus Rhizophora, is the development of above-ground prop roots that help stabilize plants in soft, waterlogged soils. Many species also display vivipary, with seeds germinating while still attached to the parent plant, a common mangrove adaptation.

Geographic distribution covers tropical and subtropical coasts worldwide, where Rhizophoraceae members form extensive mangrove forests. These ecosystems protect shorelines from erosion, support coastal fisheries, and contribute to carbon storage and coastal resilience.

Taxonomy has evolved with molecular studies. In several classifications Avicenniaceae and related lineages are included within Rhizophoraceae, reflecting a broader circumscription. Prominent genera commonly associated with the family include Rhizophora, Bruguiera, Ceriops, Kandelia, and Lumnitzera.

Conservation: many Rhizophoraceae mangroves are threatened by coastal development, pollution, overexploitation, and climate change. Protecting and restoring these forests is a focus of international conservation and habitat management efforts.