A distinguishing feature of this species is the numerous spongy pencil-like pneumatophores (peg-like roots) that spread out from the base of the trunk. Pneumatophores originate from horizontal, underground lateral roots and grow vertically through the soil surface to enable the mangrove roots to breathe. The peg-like roots of the grey mangrove can form a dense covering over the ground. Flowering and fruiting Flowering occurs in mid to late summer. The pale green, flattened fruits (3 cm long and 2 cm wide) consist of a thin, hairy seed coat and enclose two closely folded seed leaves. The seeds germinate while attached to the tree (vivipary), which allows for quick establishment once the seed settles. Salt tolerance As a pioneer species, grey mangrove is very tolerant of extreme saline conditions as it actively resists the uptake of salt at the roots. Grey mangroves can also withstand short periods of inundation by freshwater or hypersaline water (salinity exceeding that of
A distinguishing feature of this species is the numerous spongy pencil-like pneumatophores (peg-like roots) that spread out from the base of the trunk. Pneumatophores originate from horizontal, underground lateral roots and grow vertically through the soil surface to enable the mangrove roots to breathe. The peg-like roots of the grey mangrove can form a dense covering over the ground. Flowering and fruiting Flowering occurs in mid to late summer. The pale green, flattened fruits (3 cm long and 2 cm wide) consist of a thin, hairy seed coat and enclose two closely folded seed leaves. The seeds germinate while attached to the tree (vivipary), which allows for quick establishment once the seed settles. Salt tolerance As a pioneer species, grey mangrove is very tolerant of extreme saline conditions as it actively resists the uptake of salt at the roots. Grey mangroves can also withstand short periods of inundation by freshwater or hypersaline water (salinity exceeding that of