Red mangroves can be found along coastal regions throughout the world. Depending on environmental conditions this mangrove species can grow to a height of 6m and can form forests in shallow, coastal waters.

Red mangroves are easily recognisable by their stilt-like prop roots, which provide stability in water-logged, muddy environments. Unlike some other mangroves which excrete salt through their leaves, red mangroves are able to block salt water at their roots, taking in only fresh water.

Red mangroves produce long, pencil-like seedlings which, when fall off the tree, can float for weeks or months before taking root in a new location- enabling the species to spread far and wide.