Mangroves are tropical plants that are adapted to loose, wet soils, salt water, and periodically submerged by tides. The Department of Environmental Protection implements statutes that regulate the alteration and trimming of mangroves. Of the more than 50 species of mangroves found throughout the world, there are only three species native to Florida: Red mangrove (Rhizophora mangle), Black mangrove (Avicennia germinans), and White mangrove (Laguncularia racemosa). The trimming and alteration of these mangroves is governed by Sections 403.9321 – 403.9333 of the Florida Statutes, 1996 Mangrove Trimming and Preservation Act. The mangrove program is implemented by the Department as well as several delegated local governments.
Red mangroves are easily identified by their “prop roots” which are tangled, reddish, aerial roots that originate for the trunk and branches. Their leaves are elliptical, glossy and dark green on top, and paler, dull green underneath. Red mangroves grow closet to the water and are a valuable resource in preventing erosion of coastal properties. 
Black mangroves can be identified by numerous finger-like projections, called pneumatophores that protrude from the soil around the tree’s trunk. These pneumatophores aid the tree in air, nutrient, and salt exchange. Black mangrove leaves are oblong and have a dull, dark green on the upper side and whitish green/gray underneath. Black mangroves are usually found in slightly higher elevations upland from red mangroves. 
White mangroves are characterized by a single trunk and leaves that are uniformly light green on both their upper and lower surfaces. Of all Florida’s mangroves, the white mangrove is the most tolerant of trimming, including hedging. White mangroves are usually located in elevations higher and farther upland than either the red or black mangroves. 
Buttonwoods (green) grow in close association with the three species of mangroves though they are not protected or regulated by the 1996 mangrove act. Buttonwoods are however protected by many local government ordinances and may require special care. Green buttonwoods have leaves similar to Black mangroves in shape, although they are uniform green on the upper and lower surfaces. Mangrove Functions and Values
EXOTICS
The following is a list of exotic, “non-native” trees which invade fragile wetland environments and should be eradicated:
Brazilian Peppers are large, multi-trunked shrubs or trees that have become the most widespread of Florida’s non-native invasive plant species. Brazilian peppers produce dense closed canopy forests that shade out almost all other plant life. The leaves are evergreen, glossy green and alternate. Although they vary in shape the leaves are generally found elliptic to oblong and 1 to 2 inches long. Brazilian peppers are related to poisonwood, poison oak, and poison ivy. The shrub-like tree produces dense clusters of small berries that change from green to red as they ripen. 
Australian Pine trees were introduced from Australia to Florida during the 1890s. Australian pine invasions often displace native plant communities that provide critical wildlife habitat for threatened and endangered plant and animal species. Though many beachgoers enjoy their dense canopy and soft pine needle floors, the pine trees encourage beach erosion by displacing deep-rooted vegetation. Australian pine forests provide little or no native wildlife habitat and are highly recommended for removal.
Suncoast Mangroves, Inc.
P.O. Box 10214
Bradenton, Florida 34282
Phone: 941.753.0203
Fax: 941.753.0210
info@suncoastmangroves.com