Ceremony Marks Release of "Pelican" Black Mangrove

A new accession, or cultivated form, of black mangrove (Avicennia germinans) was officially released on April 18 during a ceremony at the Natural Resources Conservation Service Golden Meadow Plant Materials Center in Golden Meadow. The new accession was named "Pelican" by Sen. Bennett Johnston, who attended the event to announce the release and peak about other ongoing coastal conservation and restoration efforts.

Black mangroves are evergreen shrubs which grow in coastal environments that few other higher plants can tolerate. On Louisiana's barrier islands, where high temperatures, loose and shifting sands, high salt content and frequent flooding are common conditions, "Pelican" will flourish and help in the fight against coastal erosion. It will also provide rookery habitat for many water birds, including the Brown Pelican.

At the present time, Pelican black mangrove seed is available from the Plant Materials Center during October through November, but only to commercial growers or plant science researchers, according to Gary Fine, manager of the center. Inquiries may be made by phoning (504) 475-5280. In the near future, Pelican black mangrove plants should be available for sale to landowners and other interested groups through the commercial nursery industry.

The Louisiana Land and Exploration Company, Louisiana's soil and water conservation districts and the Natural Resources Conservation Service co-hosted the announcement ceremony, which included the dedication of an additional greenhouse and a plant propagation and storage facility.