There are four species of mangroves that are native to Florida. The most easily recognizable species across the landscape is the red mangrove. Red mangroves are quickly identified by their prop roots. They live the most waterward of the four species, meaning they can live in the wettest environment of the four. They are shoreline protectors, limiting soil erosion during storms and tidal changes.
As you move landward, you will find the black mangrove. The most recognizable characteristics of black mangroves are their pneumatophores. Pneumatophores are finger like projections that extend upward from the tree’s roots. They rise out of the soil to assist in gas exchange. You will often see hundreds of these pneumatophores sticking up out of the soil around the base of the trees.
The next species you will encounter is the white mangrove. They can’t handle as much water intrusion as often, so you will find them a bit further upland than the previous two species mentioned. The easiest way to identify white mangroves is by their rounded, oval-shaped leaves.
Finally, the fourth species is the buttonwood mangrove. They are not as common in the wild, but are becoming more popular in landscaping practices around the state. They’re found on dunes and sandy soils in the wild. An identifying characteristic is their spur-like seeds. They’re not technically mangroves in the scientific sense, but they’ve been adopted by Floridians as honorary members of the mangrove family!