A mangrove is any of certain shrubs and trees that belong primarily to the families Rhizophoraceae, Acanthaceae, Lythraceae, Combretaceae, and Arecaceae; that grow in dense thickets or forests along tidal estuaries, in salt marshes, and on muddy coasts; and that characteristically have prop roots—i.e., exposed supporting roots. The term mangrove also applies to thickets and forests of such plants. Respiratory or knee roots (pneumatophores) are characteristic of many species; they project above the mud and have small openings (lenticels) through which air enters, passing through the soft spongy tissue to the roots beneath the mud. Continue reading from Encyclopedia Britannica
Mangroves are a group of trees and shrubs that live in the coastal intertidal zone. Mangrove forests only grow at tropical and subtropical latitudes near the equator because they cannot withstand freezing temperatures. Many mangrove forests can be recognized by their dense tangle of prop roots that make the trees appear to be standing on stilts above the water. Continue reading from National Ocean Service
Mangroves provide countless ecosystem services, including supporting fisheries, providing storm protection and more. Worldwide, mangroves contribute about $1.6 billion each year to local economies.
Mangroves’ dense root systems provide perfect hiding places for small animals, and they serve as nursery habitat for many fish, shellfish and crustaceans. Some very commercially- and recreationally-important fish species rely on mangrove habitats for protection, including sheepshead, tarpon and red drum. Other animals live directly on the roots, including snails, barnacles and oysters.
Mangroves’ strong roots help prevent erosion by trapping sediment in their tangled roots. They also become incredibly important during storms: their roots can help break up wave energy and decrease storm surge. According to a recent report, every 330 feet of mangrove forest can reduce wave height by up to 66%. Lastly, they are an important part in the fight against climate change: worldwide, mangroves can sequester, or store, more than 28 million tons of carbon every year. One acre of mangrove alone can sequester 1,450 pounds of carbon a year, which is the amount of carbon produce by driving your car across the United States three times! Continue reading from Ocean Conservancy
What is a Mangrove? (Florida Department of Environmental Protection)
The Importance of Mangroves (The Nature Conservancy)
Mangrove Facts (Conservation International)
The State of the Worlds Mangroves Report 2022 (Mangrove Alliance)
Mangroves (National Park Service)
Anatomy of a Mangrove Tree (WWF)
What's a Mangrove? And How Does It Work? (American Museum of Natural History)
