PlantaeHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN LCInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Least Concern — widespread and abundant; not at immediate risk of extinction.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Avicennia germinans
Black Mangrove
(L.) L., 1764
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A highly resilient coastal tree reaching up to 20 meters tall, characterized by its dark, deeply fissured bark, specialized upward-growing breathing roots called pneumatophores, and opposite, oblong leaves that frequently sparkle with excreted salt crystals.
Added by
Anonymous Curator
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Under Review
Last modified by
Julia Trouin
TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Tracheophyta
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Magnoliopsida
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Lamiales
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Acanthaceae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Avicennia
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.(L.) L., 1764
Record Completeness
66%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Decreasing
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Primary Producer
Growth HabitPhysical form and structure of the plant: tree, shrub, herb, vine, epiphyte, aquatic, etc.
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Leaf TypeLeaf characteristics: deciduous (seasonal shed), evergreen, simple, compound, needle-like, etc.
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Flowering SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Year Round
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
Occupies tidal intertidal zones along tropical and subtropical coasts. It typically dynamic sits further inland than red mangroves, tolerating hypersaline soils and anaerobic muddy substrates prone to seasonal or daily sea flooding.Light & Water NeedsSunlight intensity and moisture levels this plant needs to grow and reproduce successfully. Multi-lang
Information not available in English. Help us expand this record!BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Acts as an essential ecological buffer zone along coastal borders. It physically traps floating sediments, buffers shorelines against destructive hurricane storm surges, and hosts an abundance of nesting maritime birds and foraging intertidal invertebrates.Toxicity / UsesToxic compounds present and their documented effects on humans or other organisms. Multi-lang
Information not available in English. Help us expand this record!Physical Measures
Length (cm)
1000.0 - 2000.0 cm
Reproductive StructuresFlowers, fruits, and seeds — the reproductive organs and their seasonal appearance.
Flower Photos (Max 2)
No imageFruit Photos (Max 2)
No imageEvolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Produces thousands of pencil-like pneumatophores that grow vertically out of the oxygen-depleted mud, acting as snorkels to absorb oxygen directly from the air during high tide cycles.
Exhibits highly advanced salt-secreting glands on the upper leaf surfaces, allowing the plant to tolerate hypersaline water intake by actively pushing out and shedding toxic concentrations of salt.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Widespread habitat destruction from the clear-cutting and infilling of coastal wet mangrove zones for coastal aquaculture, infrastructure, and international tourism resorts.
Pollution from coastal oil spills and solid chemical plastic waste, which coats pneumatophores, suffocating the root systems and triggering rapid, massive localized die-offs.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Beekeepers value this species because its small white flowers produce high-quality, clear nectar, yielding a uniquely flavored, highly sought-after aromatic mangrove honey.