Grey Mangrove
(Avicennia marina)

The Grey Mangrove is the most widely distributed mangrove species in Australia mainly due to its tolerance of cool conditions. On the east coast of Australia it occurs as far south as Corner Inlet in Victoria, while on the west coast its most southerly occurrence is Bunbury. It grows to 10 m tall.

Roots: Pencil sized peg type above-ground roots.

Leaves: Light green leaves approximately 10 cm long with a silvery-grey undersurface. The underside of the leaf has special glands for secreting excess salt.

Flowers and Fruit: Small, pale orange flowers that are pollinated by bees and other insects. The fruits are almond sized, green and slightly furry. They mature in two months, ripening in summer.

Bark: Smooth, grey-white to green bark that is sometimes flaky (see illustration opposite).

Similar species: None in Queensland.

Location: Commonly found on the seaward edge of the mangroves in northern Australia but can be found in almost all mangrove environments.