Button Mangrove

Button mangrove is a low-branching, multi-trunked, shrubby, evergreen tree, originating in tropical America and the coast of West Africa. Since the mid 1990s (CE), C. erectus can be seen everywhere in Arriyadh. Growing to a height of 20 metres with a spread of 8 metres, the tree’s crown is uniform and symmetrical and the branches upright, spreading in a vase shape. Growth is remarkably fast, up to 3 metres a year in the early stages. The tree has shiny, lanceolate, leaves and inconspicuous, small, greenish flowers, appearing in spring, followed by reddish-brown fruits. C. erectus prefers full sun, tolerates partial shade, but will not grow under taller trees. Very drought-tolerant, it will grow on compacted clay, sand, and loam, alkaline or acidic soils: salt tolerance is high. Not hardy to severe frosts, whole streets of trees have seen frost damage in one single night in Arriyadh. It is also very tolerant of air pollution. Propagation is by cuttings or layering, or partially burying straight, cut branches that root in moist ground. Leaders must be pruned and staked for straight-trunked trees. The laterals and fine roots are weak and brittle, and not aggressive. Button mangrove has little invasive potential in Arriyadh, although a kind of monoculture has developed. It is widely planted in parking lots and streets, and is ideal as an informal or clipped hedge, windbreak, screen or specimen tree. It is good for soil stabilisation, reclamation and sand dune protection. Trees are tough and long-lived in the landscape.