The common name black mangrove is a reference to the color of the trunk and heartwood. The plant excretes salt from its leaves, an adaptation to a saline environment. Pneumataphores rise above the substrate and make this an important plant for coastline erosion prevention. This is a protected plant and you may not trim back or gather propagules without permission. Valued as a shoreline stabilization plant. Can also be used for screening.

New leaves are rusty-orange. Easy to care for. Can grow as a small tree or a shrub. Use where this small tree's interesting shape will be an asset. Does well as a small specimen tree near walkways. Also useful as a screen in dry settings.

This is a rare Florida native that is listed as Endangered by the USFWS.  Please obey all applicable laws and regulations.

These species are, in combination, found throughout Florida and from a cultivation perspective, are very similar.  In nature, O. stricta tends to be in more coastal areas. Rarely grown but worthy of consideration in hot dry locations where the thorns are not an issue or are an asset. These cacti are attacked by the cactus moth, Cactoblastis cactorum, which arrived in Florida in 1989, and this invasive species has become a serious threat to the diversity and abundance of Opuntia cacti in North America. If it become a problem on an Opuntia used in landscaping, it is best treated by manual removal as insecticides can also kill native butterflies and pollinators. O. stricta is invasive in many warmer parts of the world including Australia, parts of Africa, and parts of Eurasia. Makes an interesting wildflower. Can be used as a low-growing hedge in hot, dry locations.

Wildflower garden especially in sandy or coastal areas.