PlantaeHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN VUInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Vulnerable — at high risk of extinction if the current adverse conditions continue.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Pelliciera rhizophorae
Tea Mangrove
Planchon & Triana, 1862
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A specialized mangrove tree growing up to 15 meters tall, featuring a uniquely fluted, highly buttressed lower trunk base, dark green leathery leaves with micro-serrated margins, and large, solitary white-to-pinkish flowers wrapped in distinctive leaf-like bracts.
Added by
Anonymous Curator
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Under Review
Last modified by
Julia Trouin
TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Tracheophyta
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Magnoliopsida
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Ericales
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Tetrameristaceae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Pelliciera
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.Planchon & Triana, 1862
Record Completeness
66%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Decreasing
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Primary Producer
Growth HabitPhysical form and structure of the plant: tree, shrub, herb, vine, epiphyte, aquatic, etc.
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Leaf TypeLeaf characteristics: deciduous (seasonal shed), evergreen, simple, compound, needle-like, etc.
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Flowering SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Year Round
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
Restricted to low-energy, brackish estuarine environments and quiet intertidal coastal zones. It favors areas with lower salinity inputs, often growing on the landward, more stable margins of mature Pacific neotropical mangrove ecosystems.Light & Water NeedsSunlight intensity and moisture levels this plant needs to grow and reproduce successfully. Multi-lang
Information not available in English. Help us expand this record!BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
An evolutionary relict species with a restricted distribution along the Pacific coast of the Americas. It acts as a specialized floral resource, providing energy-dense nectar via large structurally hidden flowers to specialized animal vectors like hummingbirds and mangrove ants.Toxicity / UsesToxic compounds present and their documented effects on humans or other organisms. Multi-lang
Information not available in English. Help us expand this record!Physical Measures
Length (cm)
800.0 - 1500.0 cm
Reproductive StructuresFlowers, fruits, and seeds — the reproductive organs and their seasonal appearance.
Flower Photos (Max 2)
No imageFruit Photos (Max 2)
No imageEvolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Developed a massive, fluted buttressed base that mechanically stabilizes the tree top-heavy weight in unstable, waterlogged coastal muds without relying on widespread stilt root networks.
Features highly specialized salt-excreting glands on the leaf margins that actively pump out excess toxic salt crystals taken up during coastal high-tide sea inundations.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Severe habitat fragmentation caused by clear-cutting coastal mangrove ecosystems for commercial shrimp farming operations, tourism infrastructure, and coastal urban expansion projects.
Altered coastal hydrological flow patterns from inland damming and agricultural river diversions, which shifts fresh-saline balances past their narrow ecological tolerance range.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Produces an exceptionally large, heavy, top-shaped woody seed that resembles a spinning top or small pineapple, allowing it to accurately establish anchoring roots as soon as it falls into the mud.