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
Laguncularia racemosa
White Mangrove
(L.) C.F.Gaertn., 1807
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A versatile coastal mangrove tree growing up to 18 meters tall, recognized by its light-colored, smooth bark, rounded oblong leaves with two prominent salt-excreting glands at the petiole apex, and small, greenish-white velvety flowers arranged in spikes.
Added by
Anonymous Curator
Reviewed by
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).Myrtales
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Combretaceae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Laguncularia
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.(L.) C.F.Gaertn., 1807
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
Inhabits coastal intertidal zones, typically found on the inner, landward side of mangrove forests where tidal flooding is less frequent and conditions are slightly more stable compared to outer seaward fringes.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
Serves as an essential pioneer and stabilizing component along interior estuarine buffer zones. It exhibits notable plastic growth forms, thriving as a low shrub in hypersaline pans but expanding into a grand straight canopy tree where freshwater inputs are balanced.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)
400.0 - 1800.0 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
Features two distinct salt-excreting glands, looking like tiny bumps, at the base of every leaf blade, allowing the plant to actively regulate interior osmotic balances by shedding extra salt picked up from estuarine sediments.
Can opportunistically adapt its root architecture depending on soil moisture levels, growing short, blunt pneumatophores when suffocated in hyper-anaerobic mud or remaining free of air-roots in better-drained sandy substrates.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Widespread clear-cutting of upper tidal zones for coastal highway construction, agricultural drainage, and commercial aquaculture projects that directly fracture the contiguous mangrove canopy.
Indirect impacts from upstream hydrological changes, such as river canalization and dams, which trap vital freshwater and alluvial sediments, triggering hyper-salinization of landward margins.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Unlike red mangroves that have large reddish-brown fruits, the white mangrove bears small, ribbed, flattened leathery fruits called drupes that are lightweight and specially streamlined to float on tidal ripples.