Mangrove Forest Plants (Flora)
Mangrove Tree(s)
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A group of mangrove trees
The mangrove tree: There are around 110 species of trees recognized as mangroves, but only 55-60 make up the "true mangroves" (the other species are more distantly related). These 55-60 species of mangrove survive in the environments they survive in because they have special adaptations that allow them to grow in the salt water. They also have breathing roots to allow them to live in anaerobic sediments, or mud that is under the water. They have roots that anchor them down and help them grow in unstable mud flats and their foliage removes salt from the sap of the tree. They are also able to conserve water when the water is high in salinity. The seeds that germinated on the parent tree are buoyant, and thus when they drop from the tree, they are able to be carried to new locations and establish in new areas.
The Coastal Australian Pine Tree (Casuarina equisetifolia)
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The Coastal Australian Pine Tree
Coastal Australian pine (Casuarina equisetifolia): These trees live in mangrove swamps in Malaysia, Oceania, and Australia, live up to 50 years and grow up to 150 feet in height. They were originally used as windbreaks and for shade in the mid-20th century. They are an invasive species, and are salt tolerant, so they can live in beach areas. The shade they produce hinders seeds from growing, and their presence displaces local vegetation that stops erosion inland. The pine needles that fall from the tree also hinder the growth of seeds, because they smother them. Yet another con of this particular tree is that the shallow roots disrupt the nesting areas of sea turtles and crocodiles.
The Melaleuca Tree (melaleuca quinquenervia)
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Melaleuca Trees
Melaleuca (Melaleuca quinquenervia): These trees grow in most mangrove forests around the world, but, these trees are an invasive species and compete with the mangrove trees. These trees reach heights of up to only 80 feet. They were originally spread around the Everglades to soak up flooded regions, and they were also used as windbreaks and stabilized soil. They grow very densely and very rapidly, which isn't good for wading birds with long wingspans who need to fly in between. They are very tolerant of floods and fire, and to add to this, they can produce up to 20 million seedlings per year.
Grasses:
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Pictured here is turtle grass
There are many types of grasses that grow in mangrove forests, all are mostly submersed and grow around the roots of the mangrove trees. These grasses include widgeon grass, manatee grass, turtle grass, shoal grass, paddle grass, star grass, and Johnson's sea grass. These all represent grasses, however, turtle grass looks almost like flowers blooming underwater.