Avicennia marina
(Forsskal) Vierhapper
White mangrove, Grey Mangrove
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Summary
Source: WikipediaAvicennia marina, commonly known as grey mangrove or white mangrove, is a species of mangrove tree classified in the plant family Acanthaceae (formerly in the Verbenaceae or Avicenniaceae). As with other mangroves, it occurs in the intertidal zones of estuarine areas.
Description
A small tree up to 3-8 m high. It spreads to 2-5 m wide. It often has several stems. It has many slender aerating roots. These are pencil thin and arise from the radiating roots under the surface. The bark is smooth and grey to white. The leaves are 3-8 cm long by 2-3 cm wide. They are oval to sword shaped and shiny grey-green. They are leathery, and whitish underneath. The leaves occur opposite one another. The leaves have a short stalk. The flowers are 0.5 cm across. They are yellowish and have a sweet scent. The occur in the axils of leaves. The fruit capsule is flattened and has 2 large seed leaves. The fruit is edible. There is one seed inside. The seed germinates on the bush before it drops. This species varies a lot. There are some named subspecies.
Edible Uses
The fruit is edible and is traditionally eaten after extensive soaking and cooking. Seeds are also eaten.
Traditional Uses
The fruit are eaten after roasting. They are extensively soaked and then cooked. CAUTION: The bitter juice is used to produced abortions in India.
Medicinal Uses
The bitter juice has been used to produce abortions in India.
Known Hazards
The bitter juice is used to produce abortions in India.
Distribution
A tropical plant. It grows in the tropics but also extends into cooler regions. They are most commonly on the seaward edge of the mangroves. It grows in muddy soil with a pH of 6.5-8. It cannot tolerate shade. It can grow in salty soils. It can grow in arid places. It suits hardiness zones 10-12.
Where It Grows
Africa, America, Andamans & Nicobar, Arabia, Asia, Australia, Bahrain, Bangladesh, China, Comoros, East Africa, East Timor, Egypt, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Iran, Japan, Kenya, Madagascar, Maldives, Middle East, Mozambique, Myanmar, New Caledonia, New Zealand, North Africa, Oman, Pacific, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, PNG, Philippines, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, SE Asia, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Southern Africa, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Taiwan, Tanzania, Thailand, Timor-Leste, United Arab Emirates, UAE, Vietnam, Yemen,
Cultivation
Plants are often self sown. Seedlings can be transplanted.
Propagation
Seed - best sown as soon as ripe. The seeds are very susceptible to desiccation. There is also progressive deterioration of the internal tissues of the seeds associated with fungal infection during hydrated storage. Young seedlings grow best when they are in contact with fresh water, but growth diminishes soon under these conditions and is best in water with 10 - 50% of full seawater salinity for older seedlings. Natural regeneration is often abundant, and wildlings can be collected to serve as planting stock. Propagation by air layering and root suckers has been successful.
Other Uses
The bark contains tannins. The source of a reddish and brown dyes. The bark has been utilized commercially for tanning, but the tannin content is rather low. The smoke of burning wood is considered very efficient as a mosquito repellent. The greyish to yellowish wood is heavy and durable with a fine and even texture. It is used for poles in house building, for boat construction, especially for the ribs, for furniture and handles, and to make beehives. The branches serve as stakes for fences. The wood is also used as firewood and for charcoal production; it is especially used for lime burning. The tree is useful for preventing coastal erosion and as a windbreak. The tree is often a pioneer in sandy habitats, but may also invade mud flats. The tree tolerates heavy metals in the soil very well. The roots may be employed as a biological indicator of environmental exposure to copper, lead and zinc.
Production
Trees in Australia flower from October to January and fruit January to February.
Notes
There are about 6-8 Avicennia species. They are tropical. It was in the Avicenniaceae and Verbenaceae families.
Synonyms
Also Known As
Afiafy, Artama, Baru, Dwarf mangrove, Gurm, Hafiafy, Hai lan, Honkofotsy, Manawa, Manyarr, Mchu, Mirirrwiny, Mosotro, Mtu, Ngurngulu, Smooth-barked Grey mangrove, Gurm, Thinbir, Witseebasboom
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