Man! Those Mangroves!

By Anonymous -

Mangrove forests are a unique ecosystem that cater to many different facets of life. They are coastal tree species, ranging from the tip of Florida through the tropics and the subtropics. These species actually grow in the saltwater estuaries along coasts. Because they are located along the coast, mangroves are considered to be facultative halophiles, meaning they are able to tolerate and grow within salt or fresh water. Their thin, long roots provide a sanctuary for juvenile fish species against large predators. It also makes a good fish hatchery! In addition, mangroves provide habitats for many terrestrial species, including mammals, reptiles, and birds. Just like fish that hide their eggs amongst the roots, birds make their nests well hidden in the mangrove forests. Besides being hotspots for biodiversity, mangroves offer ecosystem services that can benefit humans. Their long “prop” roots help prevent coastal erosion and help to weaken tropical storms by absorbing the powerful winds. However, the Red Mangrove is one of the only species with true prop roots. These roots are seen above water and "prop" the tree up. Most other species have their roots underwater. Mangroves are also a source of timber production. The protection mangroves provide for juvenile fish in turn provides for the recreational and commercial fishing industries by keeping fish populations high. As shorelines become more of a commodity, mangroves are being chopped down in favor of construction. When the mangrove forest is threatened, all of the inhabitants are threatened as well, making it very important for conservation efforts. Many coastal countries have added mangrove forests to their list of conservation issues, so hopefully these beautiful habitats will be around in the future.   

http://timlaman.photoshelter.com/image/I0000PmAbLDdDkBs
Propagules are the name for mangrove seeds. Unlike most plants, the seeds are germinated while still attached to the tree. Because of this, they are considered viviparous. Each one is weighted a certain way, so that when the propagule drops, the actual bottom will be able to root in the surrounding mud easier. 
MangrovePropWeb.jpg

There are three main types of mangroves: the red, black, and white. Notice that the genus of each are different, meaning they themselves are distinct enough to warrant different genera!

Red Mangrove:

Red mangroves (Rhizophora mangle) are easily distinguished from other species of mangroves. It has longer prop roots that start further up the stem, the leaves have more shine to them and the fruit is longer and more pencil shaped compared to other species of mangrove. Red mangroves are also found closer to the water than other species of mangroves. These species are limited in their distribution North. Due to their specific temperature range that they are able to grow in, red mangroves are rarely found about the 28th latitude. Many species of trees obtain the majority of their water through their roots and mangroves are no different in that regards, but when uptaking water, mangroves are forced to deal with the high concentration of salt in the water. Red mangroves are able to use their roots in a filter-like fashion to remove the salt from seawater.

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red mangrove- Rhizophora mangle

Black Mangrove:

Black Mangroves (Avicennia germinans) typically inhabit the layer behind red mangroves. Because they have less of a salt toleration, they are slightly more inland. Their leaves allow for salt excretion, and are usually encrusted with the extorted salt. The black mangrove propagules are round and waxy. The roots have hollow upshoots that reach for the surface of the water to help with aeration.

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black mangrove- Avicennia germinans

black-mang-salt_c.jpg
black mangrove leaves


White Mangrove:

White mangroves (Lagunculxaria racemosa) are the third layer of typical mangrove forests. As the pattern goes, white mangroves are even less tolerant of salt than the back and red mangroves. Like black mangroves, they excrete their salt through their leaves and can be seen on the actual leaf. They are shorter and stubbier than the red and black mangroves. Their propagules are small and are in clusters. They also have white flowers.
mangrove.jpg
white mangrove-  Laguncularia racemosa
www.pbcgov.com

As you can see, mangroves are a very unique type of tree and is home to hundreds of species of creatures. In order to keep our coastlines stable and in balance, we need to keep these trees where they are! 

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