Avicennia marina is one of the most distinctive mangrove species despite the great variability of the species. The leaves are lance-like (lanceolate) and resembling that of some eucalypts, which has given rise to recognition of this most common Australian subspecies as A. marina subsp. eucalyptifolia. The underside of the leaves are glaucous or greyish, which is probably why it is called the Grey Mangrove.
The flowers are orange and have a slightly foetid smell. The fruits resemble small compressed green mangoes.
The taxonomy of Avicennia has undergone a number of changes throughout the years. At one point it was under the Verbena family but it was later transfered to a family of its own, the Avicenniaceae. Genetic studies have shown the genus Avicennia to be closely related to the Acanthus family, a placement which this blog follows.
Leaf Whispering in the Tropics 