Scientific name: Avicennia germinans
Vern: black mangrove (En); seriba, siriúba (BrP)
Vern: black mangrove (En); seriba, siriúba (BrP)
Local: courida (GU); palétuvier noir (FG); parwa (Sr)
Indig: buhu (War); maro/mali (Lok)
Growth Form: Trees and shrubs
Order: Lamiales
Family: Acanthaceae
Notes: Black mangrove is a fundamental component of mangrove ecosystems in the Guianas. Homogenous stands of this coastal pioneer tree species are common along the front line of the Guianas constantly-shifting mud banks and ocean shores. Further inland, it occurs intermixed with red mangrove (mangro, Rhizophora mangle) and other species. Parwa exhibits remarkable adaptations for survival and reproduction in the brackish water, tidal environment along the coast. Excess salt absorbed by the roots is excreted through the leaves. Pneumatophores, upward extensions of the root system that reach into the air, allow for submerged roots to breath. (B. Hoffman in Natural History & Ecology of Suriname, 2018, De Dijn, ed.).