Refers specifically to mangroves of the family Rhizophoraceae, the typical 'true mangroves' with stilt roots. In everyday use, it may be used loosely for mangroves in general.
Mangroves grow along the coast of Okinawa.
Mangrove forests are habitats for many creatures.
マングローブ is the general loanword for 'mangrove' and can refer to any mangrove species, while ヒルギ is the native Japanese term specifically for Rhizophoraceae mangroves.
Katakana spelling is common for this plant name; usually written in kana.
Rare kanji spelling; the characters suggest 'leech tree'.
Rare kanji spelling; the characters suggest 'drifting wood'.
Rare kanji spelling; the characters suggest 'crimson tree'.
The origin is uncertain. The word is native Japanese, and the kanji spellings are likely ateji or later associations.