Grey Mangrove (Avicennia marina)

• A species of mangrove tree classified in the plant family Acanthaceae
• As with other mangroves, it occurs in the intertidal zones of estuarine areas
• Commonly known as grey mangrove or white mangrove
• The yellow leaf is the oldest leaf on the tree, also called the sacrificial leaf. The salt concentrates in the older leaf and is removed when it falls, leaving the rest of the plant with fresh water
• The island’s only two mammals can be found around the mangroves in Watson’s Bay and Mangrove beach in Blue Lagoon. One being the native Australian water-rat, although it is much more like an otter in appearance and behaviour. Rakali are also adept at killing the invasive species the cane toads and are one of the only native species to be able to do so. Another local being the Black Flying Foxes that inhabit the eucalypt trees next to the mangroves. The bats benefit from the mangrove flowers as well as the
  fresh water the mangroves create, by flying down to the water to dip their furry bellies in to cool down from the tropical heat in summertime
• Aboriginal peoples and Europeans used grey mangrove timber for shields and boat-building respectively due to its light weight and strength. Grey mangrove timber was also an important resource for oyster growers in the 1900s, which led to the protection of mangroves under early fisheries legislation
• Grey mangroves stabilise river banks and channels, work as a source of pollen for beekeepers, and provide suitable habitats for waterbirds and juveniles of important recreational and commercial fish species. They also increase the amenity value of our waterways by screening development and buffering storm surges and wind