Mangrove Trees

A mangrove is a tropical marine tree or shrub of the genus Rhizhopoda. Mangroves have special aerial roots and salt-filtering tap roots that enable them ro thrive in brackish water (brackish water is salty, but not as salty as sea water). There are several species of mangrove trees found all over the world. Some prefer more salinity, while others like to be veru close to a large fresh water source (such as a river). Some prefer areas that are sheltered from waves. Some species have theri roots covered with sea water everyday during high tide. Other species grow on dry land, but are still part of the ecosystem.

Mangroves need to keep their trunk and leaves above the surface of the water. Yet they also need to be firmly attached to the ground so they are not moved by waves. There are three types of mangrove roots that play an important role for it :

1. Support roots which directly pierce the soil
2. Level-growing roots which twist upwards and downwards, with the upward twists emerging on the water surface.
3. Level-growing roots whose downward twist (sub-roots) appear on the water surface.

Any part of a root that appears above the water flows oxygen to the plant under the surface. As the soil begin to build up, these roots produce additional roots that become embedded in the soil.

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artikel : buku koleksi pribadi admin
photo : http://www.americas-photos.com/mexico/mangrove.html