Mangroves
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Mangrove forests are found in sheltered coastal regions between 23.5 degrees north and south of the equator, especially where rivers deposit clay and silt. They contain salt-tolerant plants like Avicennia, Sonneratia, and Rhizophora trees that can reach up to 40 meters tall. These trees have specialized adaptations like prop roots, stilt roots, knee-like roots, and salt secreting or storing leaves to survive in the muddy, salty conditions.
Mangroves
- 2. In this lesson, you will understand: Where are Mangrove Forests found? What general characteristics do MF have? What special adaptations do MF have?
- 3. Distribution of Mangrove Forests Places that experience tropical climate i.e. between 23.5尊N & S of Equator especially along sheltered coastal regions and where rivers deposit clay and silt
- 4. Diversity of Mangrove Forests Halophytes (salt-tolerant plants) commonly found e.g. avicennia, sonneratia, rhizophora, bruguiera other plant species e.g. sea hibiscus, nipah palm
- 5. Density of Mangrove Forests High density due to high temperature & rainfall Sparse undergrowth due to dense canopy
- 6. Structure of Mangrove Forests 3 horizontal zones with trees about 15m tall Trees vary in height from 2m 40m as muddy soil in environment cannot provide firm support High tide Low tide Coastal zone Middle zone Inland zone
- 7. Coastal Zone in Mangrove Forests Nearest to sea, flooded with saltwater at high tides Trees have tube-like breathing roots e.g. avicennia species (pencil shaped) e.g. sonneratia species (peg shaped)
- 8. Middle Zone in Mangrove Forests Trees have prop or stilt roots growing from trunks for anchoring plants firm to muddy soil e.g. rhizophora species
- 9. Inland Zone in Mangrove Forests Trees have knee-like roots to provide support on soft soil e.g. bruguiera species that are least salt-tolerant
- 10. MF Special Characteristics: Leaves Evergreen, thick & leathery, broad with drip tips Avicennia species are salt secretors excess salt secreted on leaves and removed by wind or rain Bruguiera, Rhizophora and Sonneratia species are ultrafiltrators excess salt stored in old leaves which then fall off
- 11. MF Special Characteristics: Flowers and Fruits Generally colourful flowers to attract insects for pollination e.g. Bruguiera species has bright-red lantern flowers Buoyant fruits that are dispersed by water Elongated fruits which germinate while on parent tree e.g. Rhizophora species
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- 13. In this lesson, you have understood: Where are Mangrove Forests found? What general characteristics do MF have? What special adaptations do MF have?