Avicinnia marina is a common and prominent species in many Sri Lankan mangrove areas. It grows well at the water margin and prefers high saline soils. At many places, they dominate other species and grow as pure stands.

Avicennia marina is a species of mangrove tree commonly known as the grey mangrove. It belongs to the family Acanthaceae  It is known for its ability to tolerate high salinity levels and is often found in estuaries, mudflats, and salt marshes. The grey mangrove has unique adaptations that allow it to survive in harsh coastal environments, such as pneumatophores (specialized root structures) that help with gas exchange in waterlogged soils. It plays an important role in coastal ecosystems by providing habitat for various organisms and helping to stabilize shorelines.