Bruguiera gymnorrhiza is a small tree up to 10 m high and belongs to the family Rhizophoraceae

Rhizophoraceae

Rhizophoraceae is a family constituted by tropical or subtropical flowering plants. Among the better known members are mangrove trees of the genus Rhizophora...

. It is found on the seaward side of mangrove swamps, often in the company of Rhizophora

Rhizophora

Rhizophora is a genus of tropical mangrove trees, sometimes collectively called true mangroves. The most notable species is the Red Mangrove but some other species and a few natural hybrids are known. Rhizophora species generally live in intertidal zones which are indundated daily by the ocean...

. Bark is rough and reddish-brown. The tree develops short prop-roots rather than long stilt-roots. Flowers are creamy-white soon turning brown. The sepals are persistent, narrow and slightly tapered. When mature, the spindle-shaped fruits drop and become embedded in the mud in an upright position, where they rapidly develop roots.