Avicennia marina var. australasica
Gray mangrove
(c) Greg Tasney, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Greg Tasney · licence
Family: Acanthaceae · Type: Shrub / Tree · Not Native
Avicennia marina var. australasica (Gray mangrove) is a non-native California shrub / tree in the Acanthaceae family, recognized by Only mangrove species naturalized in California, unique woody member of Acanthaceae in the state.
Gray mangrove is a naturalized shrub found in southern California coastal regions, specifically in Mission Bay, San Diego County, at near sea level in coastal salt marshes. Flowering from June to August, this plant produces yellow-white flowers in small clusters with leathery, puberulent lobes. Growing to less than 2.5 meters tall with a trunk diameter under 10 centimeters, it develops a distinctive branching structure. Its leaves are 4 to 11 centimeters long, elliptic to ovate, with a shiny upper surface and felt-like undersurface. The fruit is approximately 2 centimeters in diameter and ovoid in shape.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Only mangrove species naturalized in California, unique woody member of Acanthaceae in the state
Habitat and range
Habitat: Coastal salt marshes
Elevation: +- 0 m.
Outside California: native to New Zealand, Australasia
Bloom period
Avicennia marina var. australasica blooms Jun-Aug.
How to tell it apart
vs Lagunaria: Avicennia has exposed vertical roots in salt marsh; primrose tree is coastal but upland with no special roots.; vs Salix: Avicennia has upright snorkel-like roots in salt marsh; willow has normal roots in freshwater or riparian areas.; vs Umbellularia: Avicennia is a salt marsh shrub with exposed roots; bay laurel is an upland tree with aromatic leaves.; vs Justicia: Avicennia is coastal salt marsh with white flowers; Justicia is desert with scarlet flowers.; vs Carlowrightia: Avicennia is coastal salt marsh shrub; Carlowrightia is desert shrub with lavender flowers.
Frequently asked questions
Is Avicennia marina var. australasica native to California?
No. Avicennia marina var. australasica is not native to California (recorded as not native).
When does Avicennia marina var. australasica bloom?
Avicennia marina var. australasica blooms Jun-Aug.
What plant family does Avicennia marina var. australasica belong to?
Avicennia marina var. australasica is in the Acanthaceae family, genus Avicennia.
What habitat does Avicennia marina var. australasica grow in?
Avicennia marina var. australasica grows in Coastal salt marshes.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.