Description: Mangroves, shrubs or trees, with pneumatophores.
Leaves opposite and decussate, simple; stipules absent.
Inflorescences axillary or terminal, cymose, spicate or subcapitate; flowers sessile, surrounded by a persistent scale-like bract and 2 bracteoles. Flowers actinomorphic, bisexual. Sepals 5, almost free. Corolla campanulate-rotate, 4-lobed. Stamens 4, inserted in throat of corolla tube. Ovary superior, with free central placenta; ovules 4.
Fruit a capsule, dehiscent by 2 valves; 1-seeded by abortion; viviparous.
Distribution and occurrence: World: 5 species, tropical & subtropical regions, widespread. Australia: 2 species, mainland States.
Formerly classified in its own Family, the Avicenniaceae.
Text by J. Everett
Taxon concept:
| One species in NSW: Avicennia marina |
|
