Have you ever looked at a mangrove tree and wondered about its species? Here is a description of the species found in Seychelles, ways to identify them, and unique fun facts for each.
First is the Yellow Mangrove (Ceriops tagal), known as Mangliye Zonn in Creole. This bushy tree can grow up to 15 metres tall. It has a grey-brown bark and pyramid-like buttress roots. It thrives in established mangrove forests, typically at river edges in brackish water. Its leaves grow in opposite pairs clustered at the ends of twigs, resembling bouquets. You can spot its long, slender seeds along the Port Launay – Port Glaud Ramsar coastal wetlands road.
Next is the Red Mangrove (Rhizophora mucronate), or Mangliye Rouz, named for the bright red flesh beneath its bark. It is easily recognized by its stilt-like roots, which provide stability in muddy soil, and elongated seeds. This species is among the most abundant in Seychelles. Its bark has been used for tanning leather and as a red dye for wooden floors. Look for them along the east coast road in Mahe and at the Port Glaud RAMSAR site.
The White Mangrove (Avicennia marina), or Mangliye Blan, also known as the Grey Mangrove, has pale bark. It usually dominates open areas along riversides or mud flats and varies from small shrubs to dwarf trees up to 15 metres tall. It is highly salt-tolerant due to specialized salt glands in its leaves that excrete excess salt, allowing the trees to thrive in salty environments. Its aerial roots protrude from the mud to absorb oxygen and you can spot the carpet of pencil-like roots along the East Coast Road wetlands.
The Oriental Mangrove (Bruguiera gymnorhiza), or Mangliye Lat, features large leaves and is one of the longest-lived mangroves, typically growing around 10 metres tall. Its characteristic “knee roots” create an underwater nursery for fish and crabs. With reddish-orange to brown flowers and cigar-shaped seedlings, it thrives in salty, waterlogged environments. It can be found on granitic islands like Mahe, Praslin, Silhouette, Curieuse, and on Aldabra, Cosmoledo, and Astove.
The Apple Mangrove (Sonneratia alba), or Mangliye Fler, is typically found at the seaward margin of the mangrove forest. It features a broad canopy, round leaves, green leathery fruits with a star-shaped base containing tiny white seeds, and thick, cone-shaped aerial roots that can reach up to a metre in height. This species is widespread on the granitic islands. Its flowers bloom at night, with fruit bats likely responsible for pollinating them due to their attraction to the fragrant blossoms.
The Black Mangrove (Lumnitzera racemose), or Mangliye Pti Fey, is less abundant and found in areas of lower salinity. Ranging from 5 to 10 metres in height, it is one of the shorter mangrove species in Seychelles. Characterized by prop roots and small knee-like roots, its dense wood has been used by coastal communities for constructing poles, bridges, and boats. You can find them thriving at Anse Soleil wetland where they are the sole species.
Finally, the Puzzlenut Mangrove (Xylocarpus granatum), known as ‘Mangliye Ponm’ or ‘Pasyans’ in Creole is generally less abundant, but is most commonly found in the Port Launay Coastal Wetland. Typically growing on the landward side of the mangrove forest in the high tidal zone, it can grow up to 20 metres tall and havs smooth, flaky light brown bark. ‘Granatum’ means ‘full of seeds’, which refers to the fruit that can hold up to 12 irregular-shaped seeds. Its names ‘mangliye pasyans’ and ‘puzzlenut’ come from the process of rearranging these seeds into a puzzle. The wood was used as ‘lati’ in construction and in boat repair, as well as handles for tools. Spot them spreading their snake-like buttress roots in the mud.