Kandelia obovata (Traditional Chinese: 水筆仔、秋茄樹) is a species of plant in the Rhizophoraceae family, i.e. a kind of mangrove.

[3] It is found in Vietnam, Natuna Islands of Indonesia, Southern China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Japan.

Propagules can survive desiccation and remain dormant for weeks, months, or even over a year until they arrive in a suitable environment.

Once a propagule is ready to root, it will change its density so that the elongated shape now floats vertically rather than horizontally.

As a kind of mangrove, K. obovata grows in saline (brackish) coastal habitats, and is mass planted in order to check winds, control sand and protect dikes.