These seedlings are denominated viviparous. Flowering in spring and summer, although it can occur throughout the year. Although usually shorter than other types, the red mangrove tree may reach 25 meters in height. Black mangroves are often found in close association with red mangroves and seem to grow in the most salt-rich soils. The tree belongs to the family Avicenniaceae.
Pneumatophores are essentially the erect lateral branches of an otherwise horizontal root system.
They serve the same aerating purpose as the prop roots of the red mangrove. The leaves of the black mangrove are narrow and oblong, dark green above and silver-green underneath. White mangroves usually grow on higher land, landward of red and black mangroves. They are often found in association with black mangroves. The white mangrove belongs to the family Combretaceae.