Avicennia marina

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Photographs by: Dr. Maulik Gadani

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  • Botanical Name : Avicennia marina (Forssk.) Vierh.
  • Synonyms : Sceura marina Forssk.
  • Common Name : Grey Mangrove, White Mangrove, Tivar
  • Plant Family : Avicenniaceae
  • This plant family earlier was Acanthaceae.

  • Plant Form : Tree
  • Occurrence (Special Areas) : Indroda Park

About Avicennia marina Plant :

  • Habit : Tall tree having remarkable pneumatophores at the base growing vertically upwards through the soil.
  • Stem : Blackish-brown, rough bark.
  • Leaves : 1-3 x 0.8-2 cm, elliptic-oblong or obovate-oblong, upperside is glossy and smooth and whitish-tomentose beneath, leathery texture having salt glands and air pores more visible on the under surface.
  • Inflorescence : Terminal heads.
  • Flowers : Yellow, Sessile
  • Fruit : Capsules 2.5-3 cm long, ovoid, compressed beaked with thin hairy surface.
  • Flowering and Fruiting Time : February - June; March - August.
  • Significance :
    • Bark is employed as a remedy for syphilis.
    • The leaves are eaten by cattle.
    • The wood is strong, tough and durable, takes a fine polish and is highly prized for furniture and carved work.