Mangrove roots

All Plants and animals in the world has its method of adaptation to harsh environmental conditions. The root systems of mangroves are an example. The unique structure of the rooting system helps trapping sediment carried in the incoming currents and high tides. In the extended process, the vegetation regenerates the fine deposit into peaty soil, which work much protecting the land from abrasion. The environment where the plants thrive, is a wet, waterlogged swamp, which is inundated periodically for once or two times a day, or depends on the characteristics of local tidal periods.

The swamp has the anaerobic condition limiting the oxygen intake from the root. For this reason, the plants have physically developed their roots exposed to the air. Modified differently from other terrestrial vegetation, mangroves developed the aerating component. The above-ground part of the root system will enable the plants to allow the gas exchange process.



Xylocarpus roots



Xylocarpus roots




Rizophora stylosa roots



Xylocarpus roots



Nypa Fruticans roots

Mangrove seedlings establish soon after ripe fruits drop and drift away into a suitable environment, the closest fine sediment substrate they may get. The embryo often has developed since it is still attached to the parent plant. Sometimes even when tide doesn’t occur, the fruit just plops down into the soft mud under its parent plant and erects its first anchoring roots.

Seed of a Xylocarpus species

Besides forming the very important green belt of the island, mangroves also play the significant role as the nourishing ground and the roots has something to do with it. The intertwining root construction above the ground often keeps wave current at minimal which provides still and safe environment for larvae and juveniles of crustacean and other associated organisms to grow their early stages. Some bottom dwelling organisms such as mud crabs and worms burrow tunnels and enable oxygen circulation throughout the soil. Other bacterial organisms get advantage from rich nutrient as the consequence of decayed litters from the trees or entrapped sediment from the surrounding waters.