**2. Development**

#### **2.1.** *Avicennia bicolor* **Standl.**

#### **Valid name**

*Avicennia bicolor* Standl. Journal of the Washington Academy of Sciences 13 (15): 354. 1923. (J. Wash. Acad. Sci.) By Paul Carpenter Standley [51].

#### **Synonym**

Tomlinson [46] considered *Avicennia tonduzii* as a synonym for this species. *A. tonduzii* was described by Mondelke in 1938 in Phytology 1: 273–4. Tomlinson [47], states that *A. tonduzii* appears to be only a variant of *A. bicolor*, distinguishing itself by its narrow leaves and the particular shape of its panicles with pairs of individual flowers separated therefrom.

#### **Taxonomy**

**Affinities**

#### **Suprageneric**

Kingdom Plantae

Subkingdom Tracheobionta

Superdivision Spermatophyta

Division Magnoliophyta

Class Magnoliopsida

Subclass Asteridae

Order Lamiales

Family Acanthaceae (Verbenaceae; Avicenniaceae)

Subfamily Avicennioideae

#### **Generic**

The material examined consisted of printed books and information obtained on the Internet concerning the species *Rhizophora mangle* L., *Avicennia germinans* (L.) L., *Laguncularia racemosa* (L.) C.F. Gaertn., *Conocarpus erectus* L., *Rhizophora harrisonii* Leechm., and *Avicennia bicolor*

The mangroves present in Mexico comprise three families, four genera, and six species. They are distributed in the 17 coastal states of the country, the largest amount of species in the state of Chiapas. In 16 states of the country there are four species (*R. mangle, A. germinans, L. racemosa,* and *C. erectus*); in Chiapas, in addition to the previous ones, *R. harrisonii* and *A. bicolor*

The family Rhizophoraceae comprises one genus, *Rhizophora,* and two species, *R. mangle* and *R. harrisonii;* the family Acanthaceae is represented by one genus, *Avicennia,* and two species *A. germinans* and *A. bicolor*; and the family Combretaceae has two genera, *Laguncularia*, with

*Avicennia bicolor* Standl. Journal of the Washington Academy of Sciences 13 (15): 354. 1923.

Tomlinson [46] considered *Avicennia tonduzii* as a synonym for this species. *A. tonduzii* was described by Mondelke in 1938 in Phytology 1: 273–4. Tomlinson [47], states that *A. tonduzii* appears to be only a variant of *A. bicolor*, distinguishing itself by its narrow leaves and the particular shape of its panicles with pairs of individual flowers separated therefrom.

the species *L. racemosa* and the genus *Conocarpus*, with the species *C. erectus*.

Standl.

are presented.

320 Selected Studies in Biodiversity

**2. Development**

**Valid name**

**Synonym**

**Taxonomy**

**Affinities**

 **Suprageneric** Kingdom Plantae

Subkingdom Tracheobionta

 Division Magnoliophyta Class Magnoliopsida

Superdivision Spermatophyta

**2.1.** *Avicennia bicolor* **Standl.**

(J. Wash. Acad. Sci.) By Paul Carpenter Standley [51].

*Avicennia* L. (1753) is currently derived from the Acanthaceae family, as per recent phylogenetic studies [5, 36, 45]. Although, it has been placed in the families Verbenaceae or Avicenniaceae in some classifications [33]. The genus can be treated as the subfamily Avicenniaceae [21].

The genus *Avicennia* was named in honor of the famous doctor and scientist, Abu-Ali al-Husayn ibn-Sina, known as Avicenna (980–1073 BC) [37].

#### **Specifics**

*It is a bicolor species—*bi meaning two. The corolla of the flower is white and may have a yellow hue at its base so that its flower is considered bicolor [46].

#### **Type specimens**

For *Avicennia bicolor* Standl. A, holotype has been reported in tropics.org [51] as follows: PANAMA: Province of Coclé: collected in mangrove swamp at Aguadulce, December 5, 1911. Collector and Number: H. Pittier 4968. Institution (s): HT: US-715142.

#### **Type-protologue: distribution**

Panama: Province of Coclé: collected in mangroves in Aguadulce, December 5, 1911 [51].

#### **Diagnosis**

It is a small tree with an irregular crown. Its bark is whitish or light gray-brown (in contrast to the dark grayish coffee of *Avicennia germinans*). The leaves are elliptical, with a bright beam and totally without hairs, characteristic with which it can be differentiated from *A. germinans*, since this one has crystals in the beam and the back. The underside is somewhat hairy and is usually covered by salt crystals. The inflorescence is a terminal or axillary panicle of white, hairless flowers. The fruit is a rounded and a smooth capsule. It has vertical, spongy roots that project over the mud, absorb the air, and ventilate the support root system [4].

#### **Common and vernacular names**

Palo de sal [46]

Other common names in Mexico: Mangle negro [34].

Common names in other countries: Curumo blanco—Honduras; Madresal—El Salvador; mangle gateador—Panama; mangle salado—Panama; and Palo de sal (Guanacaste-Costa Rica) [4, 26].

#### **Distribution**

Moldenke [40], Tovilla-Hernández et al. [48], and, later, Nettel et al. [41] report that the geographical distribution of *Avicennia bicolor* Standl., at its northernmost end, is in Tonalá, Chiapas, in Mexico (9° 51 'N 84° 41' W). Recent studies by the Southern Border College of Tapachula Unit have located a mature *A. bicolor* forest between the municipal boundaries of Tonalá and Pijijiapan, Chiapas, in addition to finding new distribution sites for *Rhizophora harrisonii* Leechm.(Tovilla, 2012 com. in [44]).

 Division Magnoliophyta Class Magnoliopsida Subclass Asteridae Order Lamiales

Subfamily Avicennioideae

**Generic**

**Specifics**

**Type specimens**

34, 1958 [64].

**Diagnosis**

**Type-protologue: distribution**

**Common and vernacular names** Mangle negro, Mangle prieto [12].

Family Acanthaceae (Verbenaceae; Avicenniaceae)

Husayn ibn-Sina, known as Avicenna (980–1073 BC) [37].

*Avicennia* L. (1753) is derived from the Acanthaceae family, as per recent phylogenetic studies [5, 36, 45], although it has been placed in the families Verbenaceae or Avicenniaceae in some

Synopsis of Mangle Species in Mexico http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.76975 323

The genus *Avicennia* was named in the honor of the famous doctor and scientist, Abu-Ali al-

*Germinans* is a Latin word meaning "sprouting" in reference to its particular form of repro-

For *Avicennia germinans* (L.) L., a lectotype, related to its basionym *Bontia germinans*, has been reported in the Atlas of Florida Plants and Tropicos ® as follows: JAMAICA: Without data, Browne s.n. (lectotype: LINN 813.2). Lectotypified by Stearn, Kew Bull. 1958: 34, 1958 [64] and LT: Browne s.n.; Jamaica (LINN-813.2) LT designated by Stearn, Kew Bull. 13: 35 (1958) [53].

Jamaica: No data, Browne s.n. (lectotype: LINN 813.2). Lectured by Stearn, Kew Bull. 1958:

It is a tree or shrub that reaches a size of 3–10 m in height [6]. Leaves excrete salt through specialized glands and can be covered by salt, thus contributing to salty leaf litter [35]. Panicle inflorescence in the form of spikes or panicles composed, 9 cm long and 2–5 cm wide. Fruit

It grows on sandy, muddy, or argillaceous soils. It is found in heavily oxidized clays or in soils with high concentrations of pyrite [3]. The species is sensitive to frost but is considered to be

ovate-oblique, apiculate, 1.5–2 cm long and 1–1.5 cm wide, is sparsely sericeous [6].

the most tolerant mangle species to low temperatures [11].

classifications [33]. The genus can be treated as subfamily Avicennioideae [21].

duction; this is due to the early germination of the seed within the fruit [4].

Flowers and propagules of *Avicennia bicolor*. Cistian Tovilla Hernández. Diplomado Internacional en ecología, manejo, restauración y legislación en sistemas de manglares (2017). ECOSUR.

#### **2.2.** *Avicennia germinans* **(L.) L.**

#### **Valid name**

*Avicennia germinans* (L.) L. Linnaeus, Carl Von. Published in: Species Plantarum, ed. 3, 2: 891. 1764. Sp. Pl (ed.3) [52].

#### **Basionym**

*Bontia germinans* was published in Systema Naturae, Editio Decima 2: 1122. 1759. Syst. Nat. (Ed.10). 19 **Synonym**; 1 **Homonym** *Avicennia germinans* (L.) Stearn; 6 **Ifraspecific categories** (form and variety) [52].

#### **Taxonomy**

**Affinities**

**Suprageneric**

Kingdom Plantae

Subkingdom Tracheobionta

Superdivision Spermatophyta

Division Magnoliophyta

Class Magnoliopsida

Subclass Asteridae

Order Lamiales

Family Acanthaceae (Verbenaceae; Avicenniaceae)

Subfamily Avicennioideae

#### **Generic**

**Distribution**

322 Selected Studies in Biodiversity

*harrisonii* Leechm.(Tovilla, 2012 com. in [44]).

restauración y legislación en sistemas de manglares (2017). ECOSUR.

**2.2.** *Avicennia germinans* **(L.) L.**

**Valid name**

**Basionym**

**Taxonomy**

**Affinities**

**Suprageneric** Kingdom Plantae

Subkingdom Tracheobionta

Superdivision Spermatophyta

1764. Sp. Pl (ed.3) [52].

(form and variety) [52].

Moldenke [40], Tovilla-Hernández et al. [48], and, later, Nettel et al. [41] report that the geographical distribution of *Avicennia bicolor* Standl., at its northernmost end, is in Tonalá, Chiapas, in Mexico (9° 51 'N 84° 41' W). Recent studies by the Southern Border College of Tapachula Unit have located a mature *A. bicolor* forest between the municipal boundaries of Tonalá and Pijijiapan, Chiapas, in addition to finding new distribution sites for *Rhizophora* 

Flowers and propagules of *Avicennia bicolor*. Cistian Tovilla Hernández. Diplomado Internacional en ecología, manejo,

*Avicennia germinans* (L.) L. Linnaeus, Carl Von. Published in: Species Plantarum, ed. 3, 2: 891.

*Bontia germinans* was published in Systema Naturae, Editio Decima 2: 1122. 1759. Syst. Nat. (Ed.10). 19 **Synonym**; 1 **Homonym** *Avicennia germinans* (L.) Stearn; 6 **Ifraspecific categories**

*Avicennia* L. (1753) is derived from the Acanthaceae family, as per recent phylogenetic studies [5, 36, 45], although it has been placed in the families Verbenaceae or Avicenniaceae in some classifications [33]. The genus can be treated as subfamily Avicennioideae [21].

The genus *Avicennia* was named in the honor of the famous doctor and scientist, Abu-Ali al-Husayn ibn-Sina, known as Avicenna (980–1073 BC) [37].

#### **Specifics**

*Germinans* is a Latin word meaning "sprouting" in reference to its particular form of reproduction; this is due to the early germination of the seed within the fruit [4].

#### **Type specimens**

For *Avicennia germinans* (L.) L., a lectotype, related to its basionym *Bontia germinans*, has been reported in the Atlas of Florida Plants and Tropicos ® as follows: JAMAICA: Without data, Browne s.n. (lectotype: LINN 813.2). Lectotypified by Stearn, Kew Bull. 1958: 34, 1958 [64] and LT: Browne s.n.; Jamaica (LINN-813.2) LT designated by Stearn, Kew Bull. 13: 35 (1958) [53].

#### **Type-protologue: distribution**

Jamaica: No data, Browne s.n. (lectotype: LINN 813.2). Lectured by Stearn, Kew Bull. 1958: 34, 1958 [64].

#### **Diagnosis**

It is a tree or shrub that reaches a size of 3–10 m in height [6]. Leaves excrete salt through specialized glands and can be covered by salt, thus contributing to salty leaf litter [35]. Panicle inflorescence in the form of spikes or panicles composed, 9 cm long and 2–5 cm wide. Fruit ovate-oblique, apiculate, 1.5–2 cm long and 1–1.5 cm wide, is sparsely sericeous [6].

It grows on sandy, muddy, or argillaceous soils. It is found in heavily oxidized clays or in soils with high concentrations of pyrite [3]. The species is sensitive to frost but is considered to be the most tolerant mangle species to low temperatures [11].

#### **Common and vernacular names**

Mangle negro, Mangle prieto [12].

Other common names in Mexico: mangle blanco—Veracruz, Oaxaca, Tabasco, Yucatan; mangle negro, madre de sal—Acapetagua, Chis; Mangle prieto—Yucatán; Puyeque—Sinaloa [14]. Maya: tab che ', taab che' tat xiül [12].

Subkingdom Tracheobionta

 Division Magnoliophyta Class Magnoliopsida Subclass Rosidae

Order Myrtales

**Generic**

**Specifics**

Family Combretaceae

habit of the plant [63].

**Type specimens**

by C.E. Jarvis [54].

through seeds [30].

**Diagnosis**

**Type protologue: distribution**

Bot. Commelins 66, 1983 [64].

*Conocarpus erectus* L. is intolerant to shade [28].

**Common and vernacular names**

Mangle botoncillo [15].

Superdivision Spermatophyta

the fruits resemble a conical shape [31].

The genus *Conocarpus L. comes* from the Greek word "konos", cone and "carpos" fruit because

Synopsis of Mangle Species in Mexico http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.76975 325

*erectus*.- masculine erectus, feminine *erecta*, neuter *erectum*; means erect, right; by the erect

For *Conocarpus erectus* L., the Atlas of Florida Plants and Tropicos ® have reported as follows: JAMAICA: Without data (lectotype: Sloane, Voy Jamaica t 161 (2) 1703.). Lectotipified by Wijnands, Bot. Commelins 66, 1983 [64] and LT: Sloane, Voy. Jamaica t. 161, f. 2 (1725); LT designated by Wijnands, Bot. Commelins 66 (1983); TOP: Sloane Herb., 5: fol. 63 TT designated

Jamaica: No data (lectotype: Sloane, Voy Jamaica, 161 (2) 1703.). Lectotipified by Wijnands,

*Conocarpus erectus* L.: differs from mangroves in their reproductive strategy; it is reproduced

It has an erect trunk or several trunks but may assume a prostrate body; the crust is gray or brown, wrinkled, fibrous, and moderately thin; the inner crust is dark cream color. The leaves are alternate, simple, and oblong, 2–7 cm in length (rarely 10 cm long) and 1–3 cm in width, with a decrease in the tip; they are dark green and bright in the bundle and pale in tone and with fine silky hairs on the underside. The inflorescences are terminal or axillary panicles, of small flowers of greenish-white color grouped in spheroidal heads of 3–5 mm in diameter. Fruits, 4-mm winged nuts, are added in globose brown heads, 1–1.3 cm in diameter.

Black mangrove (Belize); Culumate (Costa Rica); Curumo negro (Honduras); istatén (Costa Rica and El Salvador); mangle negro (El Salvador, Guatemala, Nicaragua, and Panama); Mangle prieto, Mangle salado (Panama); Mangle salsa (Costa Rica); Palo de sal (Costa Rica, Nicaragua) [4]; mangle iguanero (Colombia and Ecuador); mangle rosado (Venezuela) [8].

#### **Distribution**

It is found on both coastlines of the country, from the state of Tamaulipas to the Yucatan Peninsula in the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea and from the states of Baja California and Sonora to Chiapas in the coast of the Pacific Ocean [42]

Flowers and propagules of *Avicennia germinans*. Agustín de Jesús Basáñez Muñoz (2006). Universidad Veracruzana

#### **2.3.** *Conocarpus erectus* **L.**

#### **Valid name**

*Conocarpus erectus* L. Linnaeus, Carl Von. Published in: Species Plantarum 1: 176. 1753. (1 May 1753) (Sp. Pl.) As erecta [54].

#### **Basionym**

The species *Conocarpus erectus* L. has as basionym *Terminalia erecta* (L.) Baill \*, which means that this species was initially described by Linnaeus in the genus *Conocarpus* and later reported by Baillon in the genus *Terminalia*. 10 **Synonyms**; 8 **Ifraspecific name** (form and variety) [54].

#### **Taxonomy**

**Affinities**

**Suprageneric**

Kingdom Plantae

Subkingdom Tracheobionta

Superdivision Spermatophyta

Division Magnoliophyta

Class Magnoliopsida

Subclass Rosidae

Order Myrtales

Family Combretaceae

#### **Generic**

Other common names in Mexico: mangle blanco—Veracruz, Oaxaca, Tabasco, Yucatan; mangle negro, madre de sal—Acapetagua, Chis; Mangle prieto—Yucatán; Puyeque—Sinaloa [14].

Black mangrove (Belize); Culumate (Costa Rica); Curumo negro (Honduras); istatén (Costa Rica and El Salvador); mangle negro (El Salvador, Guatemala, Nicaragua, and Panama); Mangle prieto, Mangle salado (Panama); Mangle salsa (Costa Rica); Palo de sal (Costa Rica, Nicaragua) [4]; mangle iguanero (Colombia and Ecuador); mangle rosado (Venezuela) [8].

It is found on both coastlines of the country, from the state of Tamaulipas to the Yucatan Peninsula in the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea and from the states of Baja California

Flowers and propagules of *Avicennia germinans*. Agustín de Jesús Basáñez Muñoz (2006). Universidad Veracruzana

*Conocarpus erectus* L. Linnaeus, Carl Von. Published in: Species Plantarum 1: 176. 1753. (1 May

The species *Conocarpus erectus* L. has as basionym *Terminalia erecta* (L.) Baill \*, which means that this species was initially described by Linnaeus in the genus *Conocarpus* and later reported by Baillon in the genus *Terminalia*. 10 **Synonyms**; 8 **Ifraspecific name** (form and variety) [54].

Maya: tab che ', taab che' tat xiül [12].

and Sonora to Chiapas in the coast of the Pacific Ocean [42]

**Distribution**

324 Selected Studies in Biodiversity

**2.3.** *Conocarpus erectus* **L.**

1753) (Sp. Pl.) As erecta [54].

**Valid name**

**Basionym**

**Taxonomy**

**Affinities**

**Suprageneric** Kingdom Plantae The genus *Conocarpus L. comes* from the Greek word "konos", cone and "carpos" fruit because the fruits resemble a conical shape [31].

#### **Specifics**

*erectus*.- masculine erectus, feminine *erecta*, neuter *erectum*; means erect, right; by the erect habit of the plant [63].

#### **Type specimens**

For *Conocarpus erectus* L., the Atlas of Florida Plants and Tropicos ® have reported as follows: JAMAICA: Without data (lectotype: Sloane, Voy Jamaica t 161 (2) 1703.). Lectotipified by Wijnands, Bot. Commelins 66, 1983 [64] and LT: Sloane, Voy. Jamaica t. 161, f. 2 (1725); LT designated by Wijnands, Bot. Commelins 66 (1983); TOP: Sloane Herb., 5: fol. 63 TT designated by C.E. Jarvis [54].

#### **Type protologue: distribution**

Jamaica: No data (lectotype: Sloane, Voy Jamaica, 161 (2) 1703.). Lectotipified by Wijnands, Bot. Commelins 66, 1983 [64].

#### **Diagnosis**

*Conocarpus erectus* L.: differs from mangroves in their reproductive strategy; it is reproduced through seeds [30].

It has an erect trunk or several trunks but may assume a prostrate body; the crust is gray or brown, wrinkled, fibrous, and moderately thin; the inner crust is dark cream color. The leaves are alternate, simple, and oblong, 2–7 cm in length (rarely 10 cm long) and 1–3 cm in width, with a decrease in the tip; they are dark green and bright in the bundle and pale in tone and with fine silky hairs on the underside. The inflorescences are terminal or axillary panicles, of small flowers of greenish-white color grouped in spheroidal heads of 3–5 mm in diameter. Fruits, 4-mm winged nuts, are added in globose brown heads, 1–1.3 cm in diameter. *Conocarpus erectus* L. is intolerant to shade [28].

#### **Common and vernacular names**

Mangle botoncillo [15].

Other common names in Mexico: mangle negro, mangle prieto—Veracruz, Tabasco, Campeche, Oaxaca, Guerrero; mangle botoncillo—Yucatan and Veracruz [42]. Maaya: k'an che '[27].

Superdivision Spermatophyta

*Laguncularia* Gaertn (1807) is a monotypic genus (a single species) from tropical America and

Synopsis of Mangle Species in Mexico http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.76975 327

Its name (*Laguncularia*) comes from the Latin term "laguncula," diminutive of "lagena," which means bottle; because the limbus of the chalice, when closing, constitutes the shape of the fruit

*racemosa* comes from the Latin racemosa, which means cluster, which alludes to the type of

The Atlas of Florida Plants and Tropicos ® [2] report a lectotype for *Laguncularia racemosa* (L.) C.F. Gaertn. rather related to his basionym *Conocarpus racemosus*: Without data (lectotype: LINN 237.2). Lectotypified by Bornstein, in R. A. Howard, Fl. Antill., Dicot. 2: 459, 1989 [64] and LT: Anon.; (LINN-237.2) LT designated by Bornstein, Fl. Lesser Antilles 5: 459 (1989) [56].

Jamaica: Without data (lectotype: Sloane, Voy, Jamaica, 161 (2), 1703). Lectotypified by

This species presents as shrubs or trees, which reach a size of up to 10 m high, frequently with pneumatophores. Its trunk is straight with ascending branches, rounded, and a dense cup. The leaves of the white mangrove are opposite, elliptical, and rounded at both the base and the apex; they measure from 4–10 cm in length and from 2–4 cm in width; the top of the leaf (beam) is bright dark green and the bottom (underside) is yellowish green. The flowers appear in axillary and terminal panicles, are fragrant, and measure 1.5 mm in diameter [4].

Its silky and fleshy fruits have a flattened bottle shape, measure between 1 and 2.5 cm in length, and have several longitudinal grooves. They contain a seed; the seed often begins to

germinate inside the fruit when it is still attached to the tree [42].

(propagule), it is shaped like a small bottle [31] (and Personal Commentary, 2018).

inflorescence that the plant presents (cluster type) [39].

 Division Magnoliophyta Class Magnoliopsida Subclass Rosidae

Order Myrtales

**Generic**

Africa [22].

**Specifics**

**Type specimens**

**Diagnosis**

**Type protologue: distribution**

**Common and vernacular names**

Mangle blanco [16].

Wijnands, Bot. Commelins 66, 1983 [64].

Family Combretaceae

Botoncillo (El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua); buttonwood (Belize); mangle boton (Costa Rica, Panama); mangle botoncillo (Guatemala); mangle gris (Honduras); mangle negro (Costa Rica); palo boton (Honduras) [4]. Mangle zaragoza (Costa Rica, Panama) [29].

#### **Distribution**

It is found on both coastlines of the country, from the state of Tamaulipas to the Yucatan Peninsula in the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea and from the states of Baja California and Sonora to Chiapas in the Pacific Ocean [42].

Flowers and fruits of *Conocarpus erectus*. Agustín de Jesús Basáñez Muñoz (2006). Universidad Veracruzana.

#### **2.4.** *Laguncularia racemosa* **(L.) C.F. Gaertn.**

#### **Valid name**

*Laguncularia racemosa* (L.) C.F. Gaertn. Gaertner, Carl (Karl) Friedrich Von. Published in: Supplementum Carpologiae 209. 1807. (Suppl Carp) [55].

#### **Basionym**

The basionym of this species is *Conocarpus racemosus* L. \*, initially described in the genus *Conocarpus* by Linnaeus and translated by C.F. Gaertner in 1807 to the genus *Laguncularia*. The first publication of the species *Conocarpus racemosus* was in Systema Naturae, Editio Decima 2: 930. 1759. Syst. Nat. (Ed.10). 5 **Synonym**; 2 **Ifraspecific categories** (form and variety) [55].

#### **Taxonomy**

**Affinities**

**Suprageneric**

Kingdom Plantae

Subkingdom Tracheobionta

Superdivision Spermatophyta

Division Magnoliophyta

Class Magnoliopsida

Subclass Rosidae

Order Myrtales

Family Combretaceae

#### **Generic**

Other common names in Mexico: mangle negro, mangle prieto—Veracruz, Tabasco, Campeche, Oaxaca, Guerrero; mangle botoncillo—Yucatan and Veracruz [42]. Maaya: k'an che '[27].

Botoncillo (El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua); buttonwood (Belize); mangle boton (Costa Rica, Panama); mangle botoncillo (Guatemala); mangle gris (Honduras); mangle negro (Costa

It is found on both coastlines of the country, from the state of Tamaulipas to the Yucatan Peninsula in the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea and from the states of Baja California

Flowers and fruits of *Conocarpus erectus*. Agustín de Jesús Basáñez Muñoz (2006). Universidad Veracruzana.

*Laguncularia racemosa* (L.) C.F. Gaertn. Gaertner, Carl (Karl) Friedrich Von. Published in:

The basionym of this species is *Conocarpus racemosus* L. \*, initially described in the genus *Conocarpus* by Linnaeus and translated by C.F. Gaertner in 1807 to the genus *Laguncularia*. The first publication of the species *Conocarpus racemosus* was in Systema Naturae, Editio Decima 2: 930. 1759. Syst. Nat. (Ed.10). 5 **Synonym**; 2 **Ifraspecific categories** (form and variety) [55].

Rica); palo boton (Honduras) [4]. Mangle zaragoza (Costa Rica, Panama) [29].

and Sonora to Chiapas in the Pacific Ocean [42].

**2.4.** *Laguncularia racemosa* **(L.) C.F. Gaertn.**

Supplementum Carpologiae 209. 1807. (Suppl Carp) [55].

**Distribution**

326 Selected Studies in Biodiversity

**Valid name**

**Basionym**

**Taxonomy**

**Affinities**

**Suprageneric**

Kingdom Plantae

Subkingdom Tracheobionta

*Laguncularia* Gaertn (1807) is a monotypic genus (a single species) from tropical America and Africa [22].

Its name (*Laguncularia*) comes from the Latin term "laguncula," diminutive of "lagena," which means bottle; because the limbus of the chalice, when closing, constitutes the shape of the fruit (propagule), it is shaped like a small bottle [31] (and Personal Commentary, 2018).

#### **Specifics**

*racemosa* comes from the Latin racemosa, which means cluster, which alludes to the type of inflorescence that the plant presents (cluster type) [39].

#### **Type specimens**

The Atlas of Florida Plants and Tropicos ® [2] report a lectotype for *Laguncularia racemosa* (L.) C.F. Gaertn. rather related to his basionym *Conocarpus racemosus*: Without data (lectotype: LINN 237.2). Lectotypified by Bornstein, in R. A. Howard, Fl. Antill., Dicot. 2: 459, 1989 [64] and LT: Anon.; (LINN-237.2) LT designated by Bornstein, Fl. Lesser Antilles 5: 459 (1989) [56].

#### **Type protologue: distribution**

Jamaica: Without data (lectotype: Sloane, Voy, Jamaica, 161 (2), 1703). Lectotypified by Wijnands, Bot. Commelins 66, 1983 [64].

#### **Diagnosis**

This species presents as shrubs or trees, which reach a size of up to 10 m high, frequently with pneumatophores. Its trunk is straight with ascending branches, rounded, and a dense cup. The leaves of the white mangrove are opposite, elliptical, and rounded at both the base and the apex; they measure from 4–10 cm in length and from 2–4 cm in width; the top of the leaf (beam) is bright dark green and the bottom (underside) is yellowish green. The flowers appear in axillary and terminal panicles, are fragrant, and measure 1.5 mm in diameter [4].

Its silky and fleshy fruits have a flattened bottle shape, measure between 1 and 2.5 cm in length, and have several longitudinal grooves. They contain a seed; the seed often begins to germinate inside the fruit when it is still attached to the tree [42].

#### **Common and vernacular names**

Mangle blanco [16].

Other common names in Mexico: Mangle blanco—Tamaulipas, Oaxaca; mangle bobo— Yucatán; Mangle chino—Sinaloa [14] Sak-okom (Mayan language)—Yucatan; tzakol-kon— Yucatan Peninsula (Martínez, 1979 in [14]).

 Class Magnoliopsida Subclass Rosidae

Order Malpighiales

**Generic**

**Specific**

Family Rhizophoraceae

Agriculture in British (English) Guiana [32].

*mangle* and *R. racemosa* [10].

**Type-protologue: distribution**

straight or curved [58].

designated by Barrie, Fl. Mesoamer. 4 (1): ined. [57].

**Type specimens**

**Diagnosis**

*Rhizophora:* The word "rhiza" (root) and "phoros" (bearer or bearer) means in Greek "bearing

Synopsis of Mangle Species in Mexico http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.76975 329

*Harrisonii:* In the honor of Professor J.B. Harrison, C.M.G., M.A. Director of Science and

*Rhizophora x harrisonii* was proposed by Tomlinson in 1986 [18] in his book "The Botany of Mangroves." The author mentions that "in relation to *Rhizophora x harrisonii*, there is circumstantial evidence that the species is a hybrid between *Rhizophora mangle* and *Rhizophora racemosa.*"

In this regard, a study of hybridization and introgression between the species of the genus *Rhizophora* of the New World (*R. mangle, R. racemosa* and *R. harrisonii*) carried out by Cerón et al. [10], concludes that "our data support an ancient and persistent hybridization of the *Rhizophora* genus and propose a complete review of the group's systematic relationships based on finer morphological, ecological and genetic analyzes." "However, we found no genetic evidence that *R. harrisonii* is a hybrid species". Rather, *R. harrisonii* appears to represent a morphotype produced by a process of hybridization and backcrossing between *R.* 

*Rhizophora harrisonii* Leechm. has a lectotype as follows: LT: Leechman s.n.; Guyana (K) LT

*Rhizophora harrisonii* Leechm. are trees up to 25 m with leaves from 9–13 cm in length and from 3–8 cm in width, elliptic, acute apex, and the petiole measures are from 1–3 cm. It presents dichotomically branched inflorescences of 5–6 times or the first tricotómica branch; the branches are thin, laxas, and arranged in acute angles. The flower buds are 3–9 mm, ellipsoid, and the apex is slightly attenuated; sepals are of 8–10 mm compared to their petals of 5–6 mm; they are deciduous, abaxially glabrous, villous margins; they present 8 stamens of 4.5–5 mm and sessile and are apiculated. The fruit is 28–33 mm long with its hypocotyl from 11–40 cm,

Guyana: British Guiana: Two-mile stretch of coast, in the vicinity of Georgetown [57].

the roots" and refers to its aerial (willow) roots' characteristics of the genus [25].

An important aspect to emphasize is the use of taxonomic status:

Patabán (Cuba); White mangrove (United States); Cincahuite, Palo de Sal (Costa Rica); akira (Suriname); jeli de mangle (Peru). [16].

#### **Distribution**

It is found on both coastlines of the country, from the state of Tamaulipas to the Yucatan Peninsula in the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea and from the states of Baja California and Sonora to Chiapas in the Pacific Ocean [42].

Flowers and propagules of *Laguncularia racemosa*. Agustín de Jesús Basáñez Muñoz (2006). Universidad Veracruzana.

#### **2.5.** *Rhizophora harrisonii* **Leechm.**

#### **Valid name**

*Rhizophora harrisonii* Leechm: Bulletin of Miscellaneous Information Kew 1918 (1): 8, f. A. 1918. (Bull Misc.Kew Inform) [57].

#### **Synonym**

*Rhizophora brevistyla* Salvoza [57].

**Taxonomy**

**Affinities**

**Suprageneric**

Kingdom Plantae

Subkingdom Tracheobionta

Superdivision Spermatophyta

Division Magnoliophyta

Class Magnoliopsida

Subclass Rosidae

Order Malpighiales

Family Rhizophoraceae

#### **Generic**

Other common names in Mexico: Mangle blanco—Tamaulipas, Oaxaca; mangle bobo— Yucatán; Mangle chino—Sinaloa [14] Sak-okom (Mayan language)—Yucatan; tzakol-kon—

Patabán (Cuba); White mangrove (United States); Cincahuite, Palo de Sal (Costa Rica); akira

It is found on both coastlines of the country, from the state of Tamaulipas to the Yucatan Peninsula in the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea and from the states of Baja California

Flowers and propagules of *Laguncularia racemosa*. Agustín de Jesús Basáñez Muñoz (2006). Universidad Veracruzana.

*Rhizophora harrisonii* Leechm: Bulletin of Miscellaneous Information Kew 1918 (1): 8, f. A. 1918.

Yucatan Peninsula (Martínez, 1979 in [14]).

and Sonora to Chiapas in the Pacific Ocean [42].

(Suriname); jeli de mangle (Peru). [16].

**2.5.** *Rhizophora harrisonii* **Leechm.**

(Bull Misc.Kew Inform) [57].

*Rhizophora brevistyla* Salvoza [57].

Subkingdom Tracheobionta

Division Magnoliophyta

Superdivision Spermatophyta

**Valid name**

**Synonym**

**Taxonomy**

**Affinities**

**Suprageneric** Kingdom Plantae

**Distribution**

328 Selected Studies in Biodiversity

*Rhizophora:* The word "rhiza" (root) and "phoros" (bearer or bearer) means in Greek "bearing the roots" and refers to its aerial (willow) roots' characteristics of the genus [25].
