White Mangrove

by Rosemary Opala

To us beachcombers, not much appears to be happening in the mangrove world - 'twixt land and sea' - during winter. But while most of our half-dozen local mangrove species are 'in recess', Avicennia marina (the White or Grey Mangrove) is busily producing a crop of pale green, apricot-size fruit. White Mangroves of all sizes - from shrub to weatherbeaten tree - transform foreshores and tidal creeks into unlikely marine orchards.

Of course you know A. marina: the one with a surround of vertical, 'bed-of-nails' roots. Looking a bit like asparagus tips (but not compatible with bare feet!) these are actually pneumatophores, transporting oxygen to the larger roots below.

As with most other mangrove species, A. marina is viviparous: that is, having the next generation plant already set before the seed falls from the parent tree. Soon the tide line is littered with these interesting objects, in what seems wasteful numbers. Only a lucky few will find the right conditions to put down roots and the first pairs of leaves.

White mangrove is the most versatile species, and, at up to 12m tall, the largest. It will be found from the outer edges of the mangrove zone to the upper tidal reaches of rivers. Tolerant of colder climates, it grows as far south as Victoria and - surprising to some of us - around Auckland, New Zealand.

Apart from its valuable part in the marine ecosystem, A. marina supports quite a range of terrestrial life, from bird to invertebrate. The rather insignificant yellowish flowers are also a source of nectar and pollen; mangrove honey at one time being much sought after by Sunshine Coast visitors. Is it still around?

And what about all those prodigal numbers of attractive fruits? Though mentioned in several Bush Tucker publications as being 'human compatible', there seems as impression that the end result isn't quite worth the effort of preparation: perhaps a bit like choko? Certainly in its raw state the embryo plant is relished by other mammals, including cattle and wallabies.

And for all those people who like 'Nature' but are put off by Mud, Mossies and Midges: do try a winter foray into the Mangrove world at neap tide with a brisk wind tossing the sparkling leaves. Not at all a lifeless no-man's-land.