The basic difference between sun and shade leaves arises because of the difference in their exposure to light intensities. To determine the adaptability of Rhizophora mangle L. leaves to different light conditions, we collected leaves from the upper peripheral region (sun leaves) and the internal lower part thereof (shade leaves) of six individuals. The following variables were analyzed: leaf thickness, palisade parenchyma, adaxial and abaxial epidermis, adaxial and abaxial cuticle, density, and stomatal index. The measurements were performed using microscopes equipped with an ocular micrometer. The sun leaves were found to be smaller, with more xeromorphic features such as thicker cuticle and adaxial and abaxial epidermis. The palisade parenchyma and mesophyll of the leaf blade in the sun leaves were found to be thicker than those in the shade leaves, although there was no significant difference in the cuticles of the abaxial face between both the leaf types. The frequency of stomata per square millimeter (average, 70/mm2) was also higher in the sun leaves than in the shade leaves (47 showed/mm2), and there were no differences in the width and length between them to the two types of leaves. Variations between sun and shade leaves indicated an adaptive ability of R. mangle to remain active under varying lighting conditions.The basis of differentiation between sun and shade leaves is related to different light intensities. In order to understand the adaptability of the leaves of Rhizophora mangle L., associated with different lighting conditions, leaves were collected from the upper peripheral six individuals (sun leaves) and the lower region of the same internal (shade leaves). The variables analyzed leaf thickness, palisade parenchyma, adaxial and abaxial epidermis, adaxial and abaxial cuticle, stomatal density and index. Measurements were made ??on microscope equipped with ocular micrometer. Sun leaves were lower and with more xeromorphic characteristics, such as increased thickness of the cuticle and the adaxial and abaxial epidermis. The palisade parenchyma and limbus showed up thicker than shade leaves, with no significant difference between the cuticle of the abaxial surface. It was also observed a higher frequency of stomata per mm², an average of 70/mm², while shade leaves showed 47/mm², with no differences between length and width. Differences between the sun leaves and shade leaves indicate adaptive capacity of this species to remain active at different light conditions
