Rhizophora L.

Trees or shrubs with aerial roots. Stipules reddish, sessile, leaf-like, lanceolate. Leaves opposite or distichous; lamina glabrous, mid-vein extended into a caducous point, margins entire or serrulate near apex. Inflorescence axillary, dense cymes; bracteoles forming a cup just below flower; calyx tube adnate to ovary, persistent, lobes 5-8; petals 4, lanceolate. Fruit brown, ovoid. Seed 1 fertile per fruit.

Worldwide: c. 8-9 species, widespread on tropical coasts.

Mozambique: 1 taxon.