There are two species of the Black Mangrove - they differ in the colour of their flowers and the shape and size of the mature tree. Lumnitzera littorea grows to 3 m tall while Lumnitzera racemosa grows to 6 m. A hybrid of these two species, called Lumnitzera x rosea, may also be found.

Roots: Above-ground roots are not usually present. However, in moist environments, small knee type above-ground roots may be present.

Leaves: Small (about 7 cm long) light green, fleshy leaves with an indentation at the end.

Flowers and Fruit: Lumnitzera racemosa has white flowers, while Lumnitzera littorea (illustrated) has red flowers. The hybrid plant has pink flowers. Fruits of both species are about 2 cm long, green and capsule-shaped.

Bark: Grey and fissured bark.

Similar species: You may mistake this tree for the River Mangrove (Aegiceras corniculatum) which has salt glands and lacks indentation at the leaf tip.

Location: Landward edge of the mangroves. The distribution of L. racemosa is shown on the map opposite. L. littorea can be found as far south as Hinchinbrook Island.