ExplorePlants

black mangrove

Avicennia germinans

The black mangrove is a special tree that grows in muddy coastal areas. It has unique roots that stick up out of the ground to help it breathe and stay strong in the water.

Habitat: Coastal areas

Appearance

The black mangrove has distinctive dark, fissured bark and leathery, oval leaves that are shiny green above and silvery-white below. Its small, four-petaled flowers are creamy white, clustered at branch tips, offering a subtle contrast to the dark foliage.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderLamialesFamilyAcanthaceaeGenusAvicennia
black mangrove
flowering trait badgebroadleaf_tree trait badgeevergreen trait badgesalt_tolerant trait badge
black mangrove

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Fallen black mangrove leaves feed tiny creatures at the bottom of the food web!

Indigenous peoples traditionally used parts of this tree for medicine and even dyes!

Its bark is so dark it gives the tree its common name, making it easy to spot!

This amazing tree creates new land by trapping sediment with its dense root system!

Special abilities

Ability

Salt Sweaters

Black mangrove can remove excess salt through glands on its leaves, making them appear silvery, helping it thrive in saltwater.

Ability

Breathing Roots

Black mangrove has specialized, pencil-like root projections called pneumatophores that help its roots get oxygen in waterlogged soil.

Ability

Live Birthers

Black mangrove can germinate its seeds while still attached to the tree, allowing seedlings to quickly establish in soft mud.

Measurements & details

Height
500-1000 cm
Spread
300-800 cm
Flower Size
0.5-1 cm
Bloom Season
Spring to Summer
Edible
No
Toxicity
None
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Insect

Ecological connections

pollinates

Honey Bee

Apis mellifera

Bees gather nectar and pollen from its flowers.

eaten by

Mangrove Tree Crab

Aratus pisonii

This crab climbs the tree to graze on its leaves.

shelters

Fiddler Crab

Uca pugnax

Crabs find shelter and food among its roots and leaf litter.

shelters

Snowy Egret

Egretta thula

Birds nest and roost within its dense canopy and branches.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Stay on paths and be careful near water when exploring mangroves.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is black mangrove?

500-1000 cm

How wide does black mangrove spread?

300-800 cm

How big are the flowers on black mangrove?

0.5-1 cm

When does black mangrove bloom?

Spring to Summer

Is black mangrove edible?

No

Is black mangrove toxic?

None

What is black mangrove's lifecycle?

Perennial

How is black mangrove pollinated?

Insect

Snap Map

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Recent Snaps

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Where to spot

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