Both mangrove species of the Sydney area were present: the larger Avicennia marina (Avicenniaceae) with grey lower leaf sides and orange flowers, which is also shown in the above picture, and the smaller Aegiceras corniculatum (Myrsinaceae) with glabrous leaves and white flowers. Unfortunately, the former was only in bud and the latter was mostly just past flowering. As most readers will probably know, magroves are extremely salt tolerant shrubs or trees growing in coastal mud flats or estuaries.
A particular attraction of the mud flats, and especially to young children, are seven species of crabs. We believe we saw at least three of them, including the green one above which we saw on the decaying wreck of a little rowing boat. There were also various species of fish, but those were harder to photograph.
Less of an attraction, it has to be admitted, were these mosquitoes. They were rather large and could suck an astonishing amount of blood as we found when one was killed after her meal... Note to self: next time, bring mosquito repellent.
Anyway, definitely worth a visit. I had never before seen such a nice and accessible mangrove swamp.
What species is the green crab? We saw thousands of them today amongst the mangroves on the Bobbin Head Boardwalk, in the Ku-Ring-Gai National Park, accessible from Bobbin Head Road, North Turramurra.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately I have no idea, not being a zoologist myself. Sorry.
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