Red Mangroves(Rhizophora mangle ): This mangrove is the species found closest to water. It is the mangrove most tolerant of standing water. It is very easily identified by the large prop roots that stick out of the water. The leaves of this tree, like all mangroves, are well suited for keeping water in. This species has elliptical waxy green leaves that limit evaporative water loss. The picture on the left shows the detail of the leaves of this mangrove species. They are elliptical in shape, green, and waxy. The leaves grow in an opposite fashion (leaves on opposite sides grow from the same point on the stem). On the right, the large prop roots are clearly visible. These photographs were taken in the British Virgin Islands (BVI).
Black Mangroves(Avicennia germinans): This tree is found directy landward of the Red mangrove. This species is easily identified by the presence of many specialized roots (pneumatophores). These structures resemble thin straws stuck in the soil. The many pneumatophores that each tree has serve as airways to provide oxygen to the roots. The leaves of the Black Mangrove are dark green on top and pale grey underneath. They are elliptical in shape, green, and waxy. The leaves grow in an opposite fashion (leaves on opposite sides grow from the same point on the stem).
Follow the link below to a site maintained by Valencia Community College (Fl). This site has pictures of black mangroves and pneumatophores. Use the back button on your browser to return to this page.
White Mangrove(Laguncularia racemosa): This species occurs landward of the black mangrove. There are two salt glands at the base of every leaf which excrete large amounts of salt. This tree can be identified by its lack of specialized roots, salt glands, and green velvety flowers that look like ribbed bags. The leaves of this species, like the first two, are dark green and oval shaped. They are elliptical in shape, green, and waxy. The leaves grow in an opposite fashion (leaves on opposite sides grow from the same point on the stem).
Follow the link below to a site maintained by the San Diego Museum of Natural History. This site displays a picture of a White Mangrove. Use the back button on your browser to return to this page.
Buttonwood (Conocarpus erectus): This tree is found landward of white mangroves. It is not very tolerant of salt, is not viviparous, and lacks specialized roots. This tree is commonly found in mangrove stands and seems to be tolerant of the low nutrient soils near the shoreline. This tree looks very similar to the other three species. The leaves are, however, different. First, while similar in color, the leaves are very narrow and pointed. In addition, the leaves on this species extend from the branches in an alternate pattern. In the three other species, leaves on either side of the branch extend directly across from each other. Finally, the flowers of this tree resemble little buttons, hence the name buttonwood.
Follow the link below to a site constructed by Seacamp Association Inc. This site has pictures of the Buttonwood as well as the three previously mentioned mangrove species.. Use the back button on your browser to return to this page.
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Mangrove leaves picture taken by Richard Blundell
Mangrove prop root picture taken by David Cabrera
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