White mangrove

(Laguncularia racemosa)

White mangroves (Figure 24) are typically located behind the black mangroves, towards the mainland and in salty, poorly-aerated soils. This mangrove, however, can also grow in low-salinity environments. It develops op mally in sandy substrates.

Main characteris cs:

Leaves: White mangrove leaves are thick, oblong (oval) shaped, with a rounded apex. They are opposite, simple, and have a leathery texture. The dorsal surface is grayish green, while the ventral surface is lighter colored (Figure 25a). These leaves feature two glands at the pe ole base, which are in charge of excre ng excess salt from the mangrove in order to maintain a healthy hydra

Roots: Like the black mangrove, white mangroves have a super trunk, with long projec ons growing upwards from the substrate, known as pneumatophores have special ssue at the pneumatophores are shorter and fla er than those on the black mangroves (Figure 26a).

Bark: Unlike other mangrove species, white mangrove bark is fissured along the length of the trunk (Figure 26b).

Flowers: White mangrove flowers are small (0.2 to 0.3 cm) and plen ful, and their external parts fused to form a tube with five triangular lobes or teeth. At the end of the tube, it grows five ny, rounded petals, about 0.1 cm long. The flowers grow in clusters, forming inflorescences (groups of flowers on the branches) that can measure 3 to 7 cm in length (Figure 27).

Fruit: White mangrove fruits are small, with lengthwise ridges. When immature, they are green. They turn brown as they ripen (Figure 28). The seed usually begins to germinate while the fruit is s ll a ached to the tree. Generally, the embryo develops just before falling off the tree. If it falls into the water, the seeds float and are dispersed by the currents.