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black mangrove

Scientific Name: Avicennia germinans

Family: Verbenaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Tree, Shrub

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Black Mangrove (Avicennia germinans)

The black mangrove, Avicennia germinans, is a fascinating tree or shrub species found in tropical and subtropical coastal environments. Its unique adaptations to harsh, saline conditions make it an ecologically important plant.

Considerations for Pets

  • The black mangrove possesses pneumatophores (aerial roots) that grow vertically from the mud.
  • The black mangrove excretes salt onto the leaves.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Avicennia germinans
  • Common Names: Black Mangrove, Mangle Negro
  • Family: Acanthaceae (formerly sometimes placed in Verbenaceae and Avicenniaceae)
  • Synonym: Avicennia nitida (formerly known as)

Distribution and Habitat

  • The black mangrove has a broad tropical distribution, particularly in neotropical regions.
  • It is found in coastal wetlands, salt marshes, and mangrove swamps.
  • They can be found in Florida and along the Texas coastline.
  • It tends to grow higher above the low-tide mark than red and white mangroves.

Ecological Role

  • Mangrove species, including the black mangrove, provide a habitat for fish and other organisms.
  • Mangrove forests, including those dominated by black mangroves, contribute to coastal protection and biodiversity.
  • Climate change is expected to result in a poleward range expansion of black mangroves in some areas.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • The black mangrove is a medium-sized tree or shrub, potentially reaching heights over 65 feet (20m), although specimens in Florida may be smaller.
  • It has silvery green, elliptical leaves that can approach lengths of 4 inches.
  • It has distinctive, pencil-like breathing tubes called pneumatophores, which grow vertically from the mud.
  • All mangrove species have laterally spreading roots with attached vertical anchor roots.
  • The black mangrove can shed salt with small glands on its leaves.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Mention of the spotted tilapia, black mangrove cichlid, that is native to West Africa.

Further Information

  • LSU Coastal Roots Program: http://coastalroots.lsu.edu