Mangroves are plants that can grow where most other plants cannot: in saltwater. Though most living things cannot tolerate too much salt, which can cause fatal dehydration, mangrove plants have evolved to filter the salt from their tissues, leaving only the vital freshwater behind. To support themselves in deep water, mangroves grow a network of strong 'prop' roots, which form a cage-like foundation for the plant and give it a distinctive appearance. To help their seedlings to survive in harsh saline water, some species of mangroves retain their seeds on their branches long enough for them to sprout and grow large enough to tolerate salt. Others form tough seed cases that protect the delicate seeds until sprouting conditions are good.

Mangrove forests from along tropical colastlines, and provide shelter to inland areas from hurricaines and tropical storms as well as wood, food and medicine for native peoples. They are also important habitat for many animals. The videos below are of the mangrove forest at the Celestun Biosphere Reserve in Yucatan, Mexico. To see photographs of this mangrove forest and the birds that live there (including flamingos), click here.

Video (1 minute, 26 seconds)

Video (36 seconds)

Related links:
Learn About Mangroves (Mangrove Action Project)
Mangroves (Explore Biodiversity)
Mangroves (Newfound Harbor Marine Institute)
Wetlands (Texas Tides)

Vea esta página en Español aquí.

Back to Plants

Photo: Priscilla Coulter, SFASU Library
Video: Linda Reynolds, SFASU Library