White mangrove, Grey Mangrove
Avicennia marina

Family: Acanthaceae

What it is like

A small tree up to 3-8 m high. It spreads to 2-5 m wide. It often has several stems. It has many slender aerating roots. These are pencil thin and arise from the radiating roots under the surface. The bark is smooth and grey to white. The leaves are 3-8 cm long by 2-3 cm wide. They are oval to sword shaped and shiny grey-green. They are leathery, and whitish underneath. The leaves occur opposite one another. The leaves have a short stalk. The flowers are 0.5 cm across. They are yellowish and have a sweet scent. The occur in the axils of leaves. The fruit capsule is flattened and has 2 large seed leaves. The fruit is edible. There is one seed inside. The seed germinates on the bush before it drops. This species varies a lot. There are some named subspecies.

There are about 6-8 Avicennia species. They are tropical. It was in the Avicenniaceae and Verbenaceae families.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in the tropics but also extends into cooler regions. They are most commonly on the seaward edge of the mangroves. It grows in muddy soil with a pH of 6.5-8. It cannot tolerate shade. It can grow in salty soils. It can grow in arid places. It suits hardiness zones 10-12.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, America, Andamans & Nicobar, Arabia, Asia, Australia, Bahrain, Bangladesh, China, Comoros, East Africa, East Timor, Egypt, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Iran, Japan, Kenya, Madagascar, Maldives, Middle East, Mozambique, Myanmar, New Caledonia, New Zealand, North Africa, Oman, Pacific, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, SE Asia, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Southern Africa, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Taiwan, Tanzania, Thailand, Timor-Leste, United Arab Emirates, UAE, Vietnam, Yemen

How it is used for food

The fruit are eaten after roasting. They are extensively soaked and then cooked. CAUTION: The bitter juice is used to produced abortions in India.

Edible parts

Fruit, seeds

How it is grown

Plants are often self sown. Seedlings can be transplanted.

Trees in Australia flower from October to January and fruit January to February.

Its other names

Local names

Afiafy, Artama, Baru, Dwarf mangrove, Gurm, Hafiafy, Hai lan, Honkofotsy, Manawa, Manyarr, Mchu, Mirirrwiny, Mosotro, Mtu, Ngurngulu, Smooth-barked Grey mangrove, Gurm, Thinbir, Witseebasboom

Synonyms

Avicennia alba Wight; Sceura marina Forskal;