This review covers the source, chemistry and bioactivities of natural products from semi-mangrove species worldwide. The chemotaxonomy of semi-mangrove plants and total synthesis of heritol analogues, which are potential biocompatible pesticides, are discussed.1 Introduction, 2 Acanthaceae, 2.1 Acanthus, 2.1.1 Aliphatic glycosides, 2.1.2 Alkaloids, 2.1.3 Flavonoids, 2.1.4 Lignan glycosides, 2.1.5 Megastigmane and phenolic glycosides, 2.1.6 Phenylethanol glycosides, 2.1.7 Triterpenoids, 2.1.8 Miscellaneous, 2.1.9 Bioactivities, 3 Euphorbiaceae, 3.1 Excoecaria, 3.1.1 Diterpenoids, 3.1.2 Miscellaneous, 3.1.3 Bioactivities, 4 Lythraceae, 4.1 Pemphis acidula, 5 Sterculiaceae, 5.1 Heritiera littoralis, 5.1.1 Flavones, 5.1.2 Triterpenoids, 5.1.3 Benzene derivatives, 5.1.4 Sesquiterpenes, 5.1.5 Steroids, 6 Total syntheses of heritol and its analogues, 7 Chemotaxonomy and concluding remarks, 8 Acknowledgements 9 References.