Courida

• Black Mangroves or 'Courida'

Roots of black mangroves

Leaf and flower of the black mangrove

The black mangrove is tolerant of high saline conditions and the trees grow in isolated groups. Individual tree are fairly large and may grow up to 20-25 meters in height and 40 cm in diameter at breast height. It produces seeds in abundance which occur throughout the year.

The black mangrove is the most important and dominant mangrove species in the open mud flats of Guyana. The seed are edible and can be prepared into delicious meals but with caution. If not prepared in a certain way, your meal can be toxic.