Common in most coastal swamps and littoral margins where it sometimes forms groves.

Holly-leaf Mangrove - Acanthus ilicifolius - Photo by Alex Pawlow

Small stilt roots support the stems at the base. The stiff, glossy leaves are armed on the margin with sharp spines, and terminate with a spine at the apex.

It is an ornamental shrub attaining a height of 1-2 metres and is perfectly suited for planting in a saline environment. It may be grown from seeds which form in glossy, brown capsules. HOLLY-LEAF MANGROVE will commence flowering when only half a metre tall.