noun
Kandelia obovata (mangrove species)
A species of mangrove native to East Asia, including the Ryukyu Islands. The name is a taxonomic designation; in everyday contexts, it may simply be referred to as a type of マングローブ.
See also: メヒルギ
リュウキュウコウガイは沖縄のマングローブ林で見られる。
Kandelia obovata can be found in the mangrove forests of Okinawa.
メヒルギ is another mangrove species (Kandelia candel) that is closely related and sometimes confused with リュウキュウコウガイ. リュウキュウコウガイ was once considered a variety of メヒルギ but is now treated as a separate species.
The name combines 琉球 (Ryukyu) with 笄 (kōgai, a traditional hairpin), likely referring to the shape of the propagule. The exact origin of the common name is uncertain.