Black Mangrove Propagule

Avicennia germinans

Markings and exact colorations may vary.

A flattened, lima-bean-shaped green seedling with velvety skin, often washed up in drifts.

Typical size
1–1.5 in
How often it turns up
Common
Collecting
Check local rules

Mangroves are protected in Florida. Loose washed-up seedlings are fine to look at; don't remove plants.

Handling
Safe to handle

How to tell it apart

  • Flat, lima-bean shape
  • Green to olive with a velvety skin
  • Folded seed leaves inside if split

Found one?

Photograph it and BeachNut ranks the likely matches with a confidence read, then logs it to your collection with the beach and date.

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Commonly confused with

  • Red Mangrove PropaguleRhizophora mangle

    Black mangrove is a flat lima-bean shape; red mangrove is a long pencil-shaped seedling.

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