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Black mangrove (Avicennia germinans) 
 
The black mangrove is one of three true species of mangroves 
found within the Virgin Islands. This mangrove is found further inland 
that the Red and White mangrove due to its tolerance to salt water. One 
of the best features used to identify a Black mangrove is by its 
pneumatophores which are roots that protrude upwards from the ground. 
These aerial roots allow the plant to breathe; exchanging gases which 
typically aren’t found in the soil with the atmosphere. 
 
 
Figure 1: Black mangrove (left) and its pneumatophores (right). These 
aerial roots help the plant to exchange gases that it needs for survival. You 
can think of these roots like the snorkel that you attach on your mask to 
help you breathe when you go snorkeling.  
 
 
Figure 2: Many organisms such as crabs make their home in Black 
mangrove forest stands, consuming leaves that fall from the tree (left) or 
even the seeds (right). 
  
 
 
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Black mangrove (Avicennia germinans) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common identifying features of the Black 
mangrove