Mangle (Rhizophora genus)

Genus of trees or shrubs generally living in intertidal zones that are inundated daily by the ocean, the plants having adaptations to this environment, including stilt-roots that elevate the plants above the water and allow them to respire oxygen even while their lower roots are submerged, a cytological molecular pumping mechanism that allows them to remove excess salts from their cells. The wood from mangrove trees is primarily used for making charcoal and for poles. The bark and leaves are high in tannins, used in preparing leather and dying cloth. Mangrove bark is often but incorrectly referred to as cutch or kutch.