The Rhizophoraceae is a family of tropical or subtropical flowering plants. Under the family, there are three tribes, Rhizophoreae, Gynotrocheae, and Macarisieae. It is sister group to Erythroxylaceae. The remaining mangrove genera are restricted to the IWP region.
- Anopyxis
- Blepharistemma
- Bruguiera
- Carallia
- Cassipourea
- Ceriops
- Comiphyton
- Crossostylis
- Gynotroches
- Kandelia
- Macarisia
- Paradrypetes
- Pellacalyx
- Rhizophora
- Sterigmapetalum
Morphological Characteristics
The tribe Macarisieae is characterized by a few plesiomorphies unknown in the rest of the family, such as superior ovary position, the presence of a seed appendage, and the absence of aerial roots.
Within Gynotrocheae, Crossostylis is morphologically distinct from other Gynotrocheae in having capsular fruits that split open at maturity and an appendage on a mature seed.
Vivipary: The embryo of Rhizophoreae starts germination without dormancy. These wood structures keep the xylem sap in high tension to absorb water, resulting in a high sodium chloride concentration and high osmotic potential. Underground roots, like all plant tissues, require oxygen for respiration.