Avicennia germinans (L.) L.

Taxonomy and Common Name

Avicennia germinans, commonly known as the black mangrove, is a shrub or small tree in the acanthus family Acanthaceae.

Size Characteristics

It typically reaches up to 12 meters (39 feet) in height, and can grow between 10–15 m (33–49 ft) overall; it only grows as a small shrub in the cooler regions of its range.

Habitat Preferences

This species grows just above the high tide line in coastal areas, and thrives on sandy and muddy shores reached by seawater.

Native Global Range

Its native range covers tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas along both the Atlantic and Pacific Coasts, as well as the Atlantic Coast of tropical Africa.

United States Distribution

In the United States, it is common throughout all coastal areas of Texas and Florida, and ranges as far north as southern Louisiana and northern Florida.

Salinity Tolerance

Black mangrove is less tolerant of highly saline conditions than certain other species that live in mangrove ecosystems.

Leaf Salt Excretion

Its leaves often appear whitish from salt the plant excretes during nights and cloudy days.

Germination and Seed Viability

Seeds germinate in midsummer, but seeds may be seen on the trees year-round. Once released, seeds can remain viable for over a year.

Associated Mangrove Species

In its native range, black mangrove is often found growing alongside the red mangrove (Rhizophora mangle) and the white mangrove (Laguncularia racemosa).

Shoreline Zonation Pattern

These three species sort by position along the shore: red mangroves grow closest to the water, black mangroves grow inland from red mangroves, and white mangroves grow inland from black mangroves.

Ecosystem Benefits

Together, the three species stabilize shorelines, create buffers against storm surges, trap debris and detritus carried in by tides, and provide feeding, breeding, and nursery habitat for a wide variety of fish, shellfish, birds, and other wildlife.