black mangrove

Avicennia germinans grows as either a tree or shrub and reaches heights of 15m (50ft). This plant grows pneumatophores, specialized roots which grow above ground and aid in plant respiration, covering the ground around the tree. Flowers of Avicennia germinans are fragrant and white with a yellow center. The leaves are simple with opposite arrangement and take on an oval shape with pointed ends. Leaves are both smooth and leathery, with different shades on the top and bottom. Tops of the leaves take on a dark green color while the undersides are grey to whiteish. This plant excretes salt through the leaves, which results in salt crystals forming on the top of those leaves.

The black mangrove grows just above the high tide in coastal areas. It grows in tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, on both the Atlantic and Pacific Coasts, and on the Atlantic Coast of tropical Africa, where it thrives on the sandy and muddy shores where seawater reaches. It is common throughout coastal areas of Texas and Florida, and ranges as far north as southern Louisiana and northern Florida in the United States. It is less tolerant of highly saline conditions than certain other species that occur in mangrove ecosystems. It can reach 10–15 m (33–49 ft) in height, although it is a small shrub in cooler regions of its range. The seeds germinate in midsummer, but may be seen all year on the trees. The seeds can remain viable for over a year once released. The leaves often appear whitish from the salt excreted at night and on cloudy days. It is often found in its native range with the red mangrove (Rhizophora mangle) and the white mangrove (Laguncularia racemosa). White mangroves grow inland from black mangroves, which themselves grow inland from red mangroves. The three species work together to stabilize the shoreline, provide buffers from storm surges, trap debris and detritus brought in by tides, and provide feeding, breeding, and nursery grounds for a great variety of fish, shellfish, birds, and other wildlife.

The name "black mangrove" refers to the color of the trunk and heartwood. The species name germinans comes from Latin term for germination.