The buttonwood or button mangrove is native to tropical and semi-tropical coastal areas of the Americas and Africa and has been introduced elsewhere for its ability to filter brackish water. It takes its name from the button shaped fruits which burst open to release seeds.

If you look carefully at the dark green leaves you might be able to see the two salt glands at the base of each leaf which allow the plant to live in salt water but expel the salt from its system. it also has thick scaly bark to protect it from the salt water. Although it is usually seen as a large shrub growing to 10-15 feet tall, it does grow into a single trunked tree reaching much greater heights. This tree is also grown for its ornamental value notably in bonsai and for its timber which is highly valued for furniture. Although it is known as a salt water plant specimens have been found at altitudes as high as 2500 feet in Costa Rica.