Gray mangrove (Avicennia marina)

Gray mangrove

Also known as: White mangrove

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.

Scientific classification

Species

Gray mangrove (Avicennia marina)

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Perennial

Lifespan

Tree, Shrub

Plant Type

3 m to 10 m

Plant Height

Evergreen

Leaf type

Images of Gray mangrove

Distribution of Gray mangrove

Distribution Map

Gray mangrove is a widespread mangrove species naturally found along the coasts of continents such as Africa, Asia, and Oceania. Its presence spans from the eastern coast of Africa, across the Indian Subcontinent, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, all the way to the western edges of the Pacific. Over time, gray mangrove has also been introduced to regions outside its original range, often as part of coastal ecosystem restoration or afforestation projects.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Symbolism

Healing

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Care Guide for Gray mangrove

Every 2-3 weeks

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

Water: Gray mangrove thrives in coastal swamps, adapting to tidal changes. Known for drought tolerance, it withstands periods without freshwater due to a specialized root system. Requires watering every 2-3 weeks, predominantly found outdoors in saline environments, and forms dense thickets that support coastal ecosystems.

Pruning: Gray mangrove, a coastal plant, thrives in saline environments with pneumatophores. Prune in early to late winter to remove damaged branches, enhancing air circulation and growth. Clean tools to prevent disease. This promotes vigor and structural integrity, benefiting coastal ecosystems.

Propagation: Gray mangrove thrives in saline mudflats and tidal areas, favoring vegetative propagation via semi-woody cuttings with multiple nodes. Successful cultivation requires healthy parent branches, attention to moisture and temperature, and a suitable growing medium mimicking high humidity and brackish conditions for rooting.

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Images of Gray mangrove

Distribution of Gray mangrove

Culture

Care Guide for Gray mangrove

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