Mangrove

Material Type:
Hardwood

Also Called:
Red Mangrove, American Mangrove, Mangle Colorado

Durability Notes:
The heartwood is reported to be resistant to decay fungi, but not to marine borers or dry-wood termites. Both heartwood and sapwood resist preservative treatment. (Source: Tropical Timbers of the World (Chudnoff, USDA Forest Service, 1984).)

Seasoning:
The wood air-dries at a moderate rate, but warping is severe, as is surface and end checking. No kiln schedule data are available. (Source: Tropical Timbers of the World (Chudnoff, USDA Forest Service, 1984).)

Properties:
Basic specific gravity 0.89 and air-dry density 67 lb per cubic foot (about 1,070 kg/m3). Janka side hardness is 2,240 lbf (9,960 N) for green wood and 2,760 lbf (12,280 N) at 12% moisture content. Shrinkage from green to oven-dry is 5.0% radial, 10.7% tangential and 14.3% volumetric. The wood is generally difficult to work because of its high density, but can be finished smoothly where the grain is straight. (Source: Tropical Timbers of the World (Chudnoff, USDA Forest Service, 1984).)

Typical Uses:
Boat construction, heavy construction, charcoal, railway sleepers, turnery

More Info:
The bark has a high tannin content, about 30% of its oven-dry weight, and is used commercially. (Source: Tropical Timbers of the World (Chudnoff, USDA Forest Service, 1984).)

Sustainability:
Rhizophora mangle is assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List (category read via GBIF).

Interesting Facts:
On good sites red mangrove can reach about 100 ft (30 m), and its stems grow stilt-like roots that form impenetrable thickets. (Source: Tropical Timbers of the World (Chudnoff, USDA Forest Service, 1984).)

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