500px An observation identified as Avicennia marina ssp. australasica by an iNaturalist user growing in Stony Creek Reserve near the Westgate Freeway (CC-BY-NC)

Basic Information

White mangroves (Avicennia marina)
DescriptionGrow as a shrub or tree to a height of 3 to 10 m or up to 14 metres in tropical regions.
BiologyThe habit is a gnarled arrangement of multiple branches. It has smooth light-grey bark made up of thin, stiff, brittle flakes. This may be whitish, a characteristic described in the common name.
HabitatIntertidal zones of estuarine areas
Native statusNative to Australia
DistributionIn Australia it occurs in every mainland state and extends much farther south than other mangroves, with its southern most limit at Corner Inlet near Wilson’s Promontory in Victoria. Also present along Africa’s east coast, south-west, south, and south-east Asia, northern New Zealand, coastal Arabian Peninsula, and Somalia.

Atlas of Living Australia entry

Habitat requirements[^1]

  • Clean, saltwater and freshwater, saline mudflats
  • Tidal zone allowing for both full inundation and air exposure
  • Shelter from waves and root/seedling damage

Design requirements[^1]

  • Edge or inlet tidal wetland areas
  • Boat ramps or jetties to protect from disturbance by vehicles
  • Provision of boardwalks for human access

Fishermans Bend Urban Ecology Strategy Biodiversity Report (2019 pg. 43