How to Grow and Care for Mangrove

Black Mangrove (Avicennia germinans) is a small mangrove shrub native to North and South America and Africa. Black Mangrove produces fruit from its seeds. It is an important plant for local ecosystems, and provides a nursery area for fish and other wildlife near shorelines.

Gray mangrove (Avicennia marina) is an important salt-loving tree that is used extensively to prevent coastal erosion. It is also extremely important to the fishing industry, particularly in Australia, where it provides protected waters for the young of many commercial species. It is not only ecologically important but economically too -- the bark is used to make dark red and brown dyes, while the wood has many crafting uses. Take care, as the seeds of gray mangrove are toxic.