Field Guide to the Mangroves of Queensland

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How to use this guide

The plants described in this Guide are grouped together according to the shape of their base and whether they have specialised above-ground roots. The type of plant is indicated by a coloured symbol shown on the right-hand edge of each illustration page.

Below is a description of what the symbols represent.

 
Not a tree, a plant that branches from the base. No above-ground roots Symbol 1
A tree or shrub with a single trunk but no above-ground roots Symbol 2
A tree with stilt or prop type above-ground roots Symbol 3
A tree with snorkel or peg type above-ground roots Symbol 4
A tree with a flared base or buttress and knee type above-ground roots Symbol 5
A tree with a flared base or buttress and plank type above-ground roots Symbol 6

To identify a plant:

  • Decide what form the base of the plant takes and whether there are any above-ground roots. Locate the appropriate section of the Guide.
  • Find the illustration that looks most like the plant or tree you are trying to identify.
  • Look carefully at the shape of the leaves, the flowers or fruits, and the bark.
  • Compare your observations with the notes describing the species. Look for any distinguishing feature that may be mentioned, for example the smell of a crushed leaf or the presence of salt on the leaf surface.


    To further confirm your identification;

    • Look at the whole tree and see if it corresponds to the tree shape illustrated below the text.
    • Check the guide to flowering and fruiting cycle if the plant you are identifying has flowers or fruit.
    • Look at the distribution map on the illustration page to see if you are within the normal distribution range for the species you are investigating, e.g. if you are in Brisbane you will not find the Cannonball Mangrove.
    • Look at the panels at the top and bottom of the illustration page. The shaded area indicates where the plant should occur in either a riverine or marine environment. Check whether you are in an appropriate environment to find this species.

  • To identify a seed or propagule look at Seeds and Propagules where many of those that you may find are illustrated.
  • Remember that environmental conditions can change the way a plant looks. Check ALL the features noted here and you can be confident in your identification.

 

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Last updated - February 07, 2003

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