Adaptations of Mangrove Trees
Mangrove forest |
Many kinds of mangrove trees are found in the mangrove ecosystem but the most notable are those which have the characteristic stilt roots. This roots spread horizontally above the ground instead of wholly under the ground. Aside from supporting the mangrove tree, the lack of oxygen in the mud and soil require these trees to absorb oxygen from air using such adaptive root system. In addition, these trees also have pneumatophores – breathing roots that exposed themselves above the soil to obtain air.
A mangrove tree bearing viviparous fruit |
Ecological adaptation of mangrove trees are not restricted to root only, but also the fruit. To ensure higher rate of reproductive success in the mangrove swamp, some trees bear fruit that germinate while still hanging from the parent tree (vivipary). Scientists have speculated the advantages of vivipary including enabling the seedling to establish rapidly in the mangrove ecosystem and protecting them from the sea water.