Freshwater Mangrove
(Barringtonia racemosa)

This tree, which is considered to be a mangrove associate, can also be found in tropical rainforest areas. They may grow to 20 m tall.

Roots: No above-ground roots, but may have spreading surface roots.

Leaves: The leaves can be up to 40 cm long and 15 cm wide. They are pointed at the tip, have slightly toothed edges and very pronounced veins.

Flowers and Fruit: Flowers, arranged in long spikes coming out of the centre of leaf groups, have four white petals surrounded by a profusion of white filaments. The fruit is egg shaped and about 9 cm long.

Bark: Grey bark that is generally smooth.

Similar species: Barringtonia asiatica, which can be found on the beaches of north Queensland. It has more rounded leaves, larger flowers that occur in small bunches and a larger fruit. Its fruit, is often found on Queensland beaches.

Location: Found on the landward edge of wet tropical mangrove forests, often growing upstream in rivers.