The Buttonwood Mangrove gets its name because of the resemblance of its fruits to old-fashioned shoe buttons.
Biology of the Buttonwood Mangrove
The Buttonwood mangrove is a shrubby tree that grows to heights of about 60 feet.
Some scientists do not class the Buttonwood as a true mangrove as it grows in dry conditions, often away from the shoreline. However, despite growing in dry soils it can still withstand high salinity like the ‘true’ mangroves can so other scientists will still class Conocarpus erectus as a mangrove.
The Buttonwood cannot survive in such wet habitats as its relatives the red and black mangroves can, however it can survive long periods of water shortage. This ability means the Buttonwood is normally the most shoreward member of the mangrove community.
Although referred to as a mangrove, the Buttonwood does not display many of the characteristics ‘true’ mangroves (such as the red and black mangrove) do such as pneumatophores or prop roots.
Another reason the Buttonwood is not considered a true mangrove is that it does not produce by means of propagules, but instead produces a seed case, in the summer when they flower. The seed case will burst when ripe and the water in which they land will then disperse the seed. The seeds are cone-like and scaly and reddish-brown in colour.
The leaves of the buttonwood are alternate as opposed to the opposite formation of the red, white and black mangrove. The description alternate means that the leaves are attached singularly at the nodes whereas opposite means that the leaves are paired up at the nodes. The leaves are dark green and shiny on the topside and the underside is paler and feels soft to touch as it is covered in fine silky hairs.
As Conocarpus erectus survives in areas of high salinity it has salt glands on its leaf bade (like the black and white mangroves) that secrete salt from the plant. These salt-excreting glands are located on the base of the leaf.
Uses of the Buttonwood Mangrove
The bark of the Buttonwood has been used in herbal medicine. The bark when made in to a tea has been used externally as a remedy for prickly heat and inflamed eyes. When drunk the tea is reported to help treat syphilis and diabetes.
The wood of the buttonwood is used for cabinet building and also firewood and charcoal.
It is reported to be a good wood to use for smoking meats and fish as it is so hard, so it burns hot and slow.
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