Red mangrove

Rhizophora mangle L.

Family: RhizophoraceaeZones: 10-11 per UF/IFAS

Pet & Human Safety

People: No hazard foundPets: Not on the ASPCA lists as we read them

Hazardous parts

Not yet checked.

Preparation

n/a

Hazard type

Not yet checked.

Hazard route

Not stated by our sources (not a clearance). Detail: no human-hazard statement

How complete this information is

We have not researched the safety of this plant yet.

Toxic to pets

No ASPCA entry found.

ASPCA index has no Rhizophora mangle page. Do not treat as pet-safe.

PlotAndPetal cannot tell you whether a plant you found can be eaten. Only someone who can see the plant can identify it.

Look-alike warning

Could be mistaken for Other plants with a similar name or look. To tell them apart: Match on the scientific name, Rhizophora mangle L. (UF/IFAS and Kew WCVP agree), not on the common name.. UF/IFAS FR460: red mangrove is commonly mistaken for the other mangroves (black and white mangroves are different species). Red mangrove has large exposed prop roots; black mangrove has peg roots; white mangrove has no visible roots. The Tulum list also carries separate entries called "Mangle negro" and "Mangle blanco".

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

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Care

Hardiness zones: USDA 10-11 per UF/IFAS
Light: Full sun per UF/IFAS.
Water needs: high high is a plain-language reading of UF/IFAS: soil tolerance "moist to wet", drought tolerance low, a plant of shallow lagoons and saline or brackish shores. It is a coastal wetland tree, not a normal garden-bed plant. Finger-test two inches down if one is ever kept in a container.
Mature size: US: UF/IFAS FP502: 20-75 ft tall and 20-30 ft wide, moderate growth; plants typically reach 20 ft, old specimens 35 ft in undisturbed settings; FR460: up to 60 ft in Florida; MX: Tulum plant list: grows up to 10 m (about 33 ft)

Soil & Drainage

Pruning & Flush Rhythm

Feeding Schedule

How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.

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