Avicenniaceae
Avicennia officinalis
මණ්ඩා
கண்ணா
Avicinnia officinalis is also a common and prominent species in many Sri Lankan mangrove areas. It also grows well at the water margin and prefers high saline soils. At many places, they dominate other species and grow as pure stands.
This species produce pencil-like breathing roots (aerial roots) in larger numbers. Those massive root systems could grow even 10m far from the tree. Salt glands on leaves and crypto-viviparous fruits are also seen as adaptations.Wood poles from these species are used for making fences as the wood is durable in the soil. Larger stems are used for making canoes. Dead branches are used as firewood. Leaves are used as fodder for cattle and goats.