Red mangrove is the commonest and most important species of the Mangrove family found in Kenya.  To backtrack a bit, the term ‘mangrove’ is a unique assembly of unrelated plants which are specifically adapted to life in the mud of tidal estuaries and lagoons.

Mkoko as it is known in Swahili has a straight trunk of up to 10m and is confined to the coastal mudflats. The tree develops characteristic aerial prop roots up to 2m. in length which arch over and anchor it in the mud. At high tide, the tree appears to be floating on the water and at low tide perched above the mud on stilts.

This indigenous tree is recognisable from its reddish brown to black bark hiding soft and brittle branches. Leaves are dark green with a distinctive hair-like tip while the flowers are fleshy and creamy white.

It bears green, cone-shaped berries with the seeds germinating while the fruit is still on the tree. A green seedling root emerges growing downwards to 45 cm. before the torpedo-shaped structure drops and floats away. It will put out true roots and leaves within hours of lodging in the mud.

The tree produces excellent building and scaffolding poles known as boriti, which are used locally as well as being a major export by dhow to the Middle East from Lamu. The wood also makes good fuel and excellent charcoal while the bark is rich in tannin.

These trees play a major part in stabilizing the coastline and conservation measures require strict enfocement.