A.ilicifolius is common in estuaries throughout Asian tropics from India to Polynesia and northern Australia . Asia and Australia have the greatest variety and distribution of mangrove species in the universe. In India, it is found commonly in the east and west coasts, also in Meghalaya and the Andamans. It is a true mangrove species found in the most foreshore location . It normally grows on river banks or tidal canal sides or low swampy areas in mangrove forests and vicinities.