Red Mangrove Rhizophora stylosa, Yellow Mangrove Ceriops species; Capricorn Coast mangrove plants

Capricorn Coast mangrove plants


Red Mangrove Rhizophora stylosa This is probably the most easily recognised mangrove because of its distinctive root system and widespread distribution. It can grow to 20 m tall. These photos were taken beside the Scenic Highway near the Matthew Flinders Drive traffic lights







Roots: Prop roots. Leaves: Leaves about 10 cm long which have a lighter green undersurface covered with brown speckles. Leaves are arranged in clumps at the end of branches. Flowers and Fruit: Small, white flowers which are pollinated by wind or insects. The propagules are 1-2 cm in diameter, 20-40 cm long and tapered at one end. Bark: Rough, brown to dark grey bark. Location: Occurs low in the intertidal zone, where its roots are submerged during high tides.


	Yellow Mangrove Ceriops species Three species, Ceriops tagal, Ceriops australis and Ceriops decandra are commonly found in Queensland, these are difficult to tell apart except when flowering or fruiting. They grow to 5 m tall.







	Roots: Buttresses at the base of the trunk and knee roots. Leaves: Small (up to 7 cm long), yellow-green, oval- shaped leaves occurring in groups at the end of branches. The leaves are often orientated straight up in the air to avoid strong midday sunlight. Flowers and Fruit: Small green-brown flower buds with pale orange petals. Bark: Cream coloured bark with dark brown spots. Location: Often occurring as short, stunted trees (especially in very saline environments), they may grow to 5 m high in areas having some freshwater influence.