Mangle boton, Black Mangrove, White Mangrove
Avicennia africana

Family: Acanthaceae

What it is like

A shrub or tree. It can grow 18 m tall. It has pneumatophores or aerial roots. The leaves are oblong to sword shaped and opposite. They clasp the stem at the base. They are 18 cm long by 8 cm wide. The flowers are white with yellow centres. They are crowded at the ends of short stalks.

There are about 6-8 Avicennia species. They are tropical. Also put in the family Avicenniaceae.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grow in mangrove areas along coastlines.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Sierra Leone, West Africa

How it is used for food

The germinating seeds are eaten.

Edible parts

Seeds

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Bue-dinte, Bue-le, Gbeletii, Jaiyei, Ka-bure

Synonyms

Avicennia nitida Jacq.;