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Kandelia
Kandelia obovata
メヒルギ
An evergreen shrub to tree found in estuarine tidal flats (mangrove forests) of southern Kyushu and Okinawa. Adapted to environments submerged at high tide, it extends numerous aerial prop roots from the base. It produces viviparous seeds that germinate while still attached to the parent tree.
Identification Points
- ✓Grows on muddy tidal flats in the intertidal zone
- ✓Octopus-like aerial prop roots present
- ✓Seeds germinate while still attached to the parent tree (vivipary)
Habitat
Estuarine mangrove forests of southern Kyushu and Okinawa
Season
July–August (flowers), year-round (evergreen)
3D Specimen Model
Kyushu University, Shikano Lab (CC0)
View on Sketchfab→Morphological TraitsAI-estimated, needs verification
Growth form
Tree
Evergreen/Deciduous
Evergreen
Habitat
Wetland
Leaf type
Simple
Venation
Pinnate
Stipules
Present
Leaf dissection
Undivided
Flower symmetry
Actinomorphic
Stamen count
3-4
Phylogenetic Positionヒルギ科 →
Phylogenetic Position
Angiosperms > Eudicots > Core eudicots > Celastrales > Rhizophoraceae
Divergence Era
Paleogene (about 50–40 million years ago)
Evolution Notes
Rhizophoraceae is highly adapted to tidal flat environments as mangrove plants. Viviparous seeds, aerial roots, and salt-exclusion mechanisms exemplify adaptation to inundation, salinity, and anaerobic soils.
View on evolution timeline →Sources & References
AI-generated, needs verification