Share this Article on Facebook Twitter Submit this article to Reddit Give this article a thumbs-up on StumbleUpon

Mangroves (Plants)

mangroves

The Oxford Companion to the Earth | 2000 | | Copyright

mangroves ‘Mangrove’ is the general term given to a variety of halophytic (salt-tolerant) trees and shrubs found in low-energy intertidal areas. While some of these species can tolerate relatively cool temperatures, the major mangrove forests are found in the tropics and subtropics, where the mean winter water temperature is over 20 °C. Like the salt marshes found in higher latitudes, mangroves grow best in low-energy, sheltered environments such as estuaries, river deltas, and less-exposed open coast areas. The extent of an individual mangrove forest is largely dependent on coastal relief: the largest expanses of mangrove forest are found along gently sloping shorelines such as those found on major river deltas. The Sundarbans, for instance, which is the largest continuous area of mangrove forest in the world, has developed on the extensive delta of the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna rivers. Tidal range is also important, since a high tidal range will flood a greater area of coast and allow a correspond-ingly bigger (and often more diverse) mangrove forest to develop.

The fine sediment that is characteristic of the low-energy environments in which mangroves grow is frequently oxygen-poor (or even oxygen-free). This is a result of the small grain size of clay and silt particles, which maximises water retention at low tide and so limits the penetration of oxygen into the sediment, and to the high quantities of organic material in the sediment, the breakdown of which depletes the sediment of oxygen. Owing to the oxygen-poor nature of the sediments (and to provide anchorage in the muddy substrate) mangrove trees and shrubs have extensive root systems that may be aerial (in the form of prop roots) or have numerous breathing roots (pneumatophores) which extend up above the mud surface. Once established, mangrove vegetation promotes rapid vertical build-up of sediments by the trapping of suspended sediments by the extensive above-ground root network.

Longer-term mangrove forest development is intimately linked to changes in relative sea-level. Under a stable, or falling, sea-level, mangroves will tend to prograde or expand seawards, as long as the supply of sediment is sufficient to allow the growth of new mangrove areas. Mangroves in deltaic areas, however, are often subject to a rising relative sea level, owing to land subsidence caused by sediment compaction (a process in which delta sediments compact under the weight of overlying sediment). Provided that the sediment supply is sufficient, the mangrove substrate can still build up rapidly, offsetting this rise in sea level. Where sea-level rise is more rapid or sediment supply is lower, mangroves will undergo erosion and landward migration. Over shorter timescales, mangrove development can be dramatically influenced by tropical cyclone activity. Because of their dominantly tropical and subtropical location, mangrove forests are often subject to damage from severe tropical storms. Trees may suffer direct breakage and leaf-loss, and extensive erosion of the muddy mangrove substrate may occur. In areas prone to regular tropical cyclones, the frequency of these storms may limit the extent to which the mangrove ecosystem can develop.

Andrew B. Cundy
Show all research tools

Cite this article
Pick a style below, and copy the text for your bibliography.

  • MLA
  • Chicago
  • APA

PAUL HANCOCK and BRIAN J. SKINNER. "mangroves." The Oxford Companion to the Earth. 2000. Encyclopedia.com. 28 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

PAUL HANCOCK and BRIAN J. SKINNER. "mangroves." The Oxford Companion to the Earth. 2000. Encyclopedia.com. (May 28, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O112-mangroves.html

PAUL HANCOCK and BRIAN J. SKINNER. "mangroves." The Oxford Companion to the Earth. 2000. Retrieved May 28, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O112-mangroves.html

Learn more about citation styles

mangrove

The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed. | 2011 | Copyright

mangrove large tropical evergreen tree, genus Rhizophora, that grows on muddy tidal flats and along protected ocean shorelines. Mangroves are most abundant in tropical Asia, Africa, and the islands of the SW Pacific. The American, or red, mangrove ( Rhizophora mangle ) is found along the muddy shores and in the everglades of the Florida peninsula and on other tropical American coast lines.

Mangroves produce from their trunks aerial roots that become embedded in the mud and form a tangled network; this serves both as a prop for the tree and as a means of aerating the root system. Such roots also form a base for the deposit of silt and other material carried by the tides, and thus land is built up which is gradually invaded by other vegetation. The mangrove forests also can protect inland coastal areas by absorbing the effects of storm and some tsunami waves, but many mangroves have been harvested destructively on a large scale. The bark is a rich source of tannins, and the wood is used for wharf pilings and other purposes.

Some mangrove species lack prop roots but have special pores on their branching root system for obtaining air. The mangrove fruit is a conical reddish brown berry. Its single seed germinates inside the fruit while it is still on the tree, forming a large, pointed primary root that quickly anchors the seedling in the mud when the fruit is dropped.

The name mangrove is also applied to other unrelated constituents of mangrove vegetation, such as Avicennia nitida, a bush of the vervain family, called black mangrove. True mangroves are classified in the division Magnoliophyta , class Magnoliopsida, order Rhizophorales, family Rhizophoraceae.

Bibliography: See P. B. Tomlinson, The Botany of Mangroves (1986).

Show all research tools

Cite this article
Pick a style below, and copy the text for your bibliography.

  • MLA
  • Chicago
  • APA

"mangrove." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2011. Encyclopedia.com. 28 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

"mangrove." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2011. Encyclopedia.com. (May 28, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-mangrove.html

"mangrove." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2011. Retrieved May 28, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-mangrove.html

Learn more about citation styles

mangroves

The Oxford Companion to Ships and the Sea | 2006 | Copyright

mangroves, tropical trees that grow with their roots in salt and brackish water. Worldwide there are 65 species belonging to twenty different plant families. Mangroves grow in dense thickets along sheltered muddy shorelines, often in estuaries where the sea water is diluted and temperatures stay above 24 °C (75.2 °F). Mangrove forests probably once lined 75% of tropical coastlines, but over half have now been destroyed. Currently throughout the world, mangrove forests cover 180,000 square kilometres (69,498 sq. mls.). Mangroves are used for timber and to make charcoal. They are being cleared because of urbanization, and to make way for prawn farms. A square metre of mangrove swamp annually produces a kilogram of leaf litter, which attracts large numbers of animals, including seahorses. In northern Australia 75% of commercial fish spend some of their lives in mangrove swamps. As the large quantities of leaf litter rot, the oxygen in the mud is used up, so it becomes black and smelly. Mangroves have various adaptations to cope with this, ranging from aerial roots (in Avicennia) to stilt roots (in Rhizophora). Conserving healthy mangrove forests is important not only because of the rich diversity they support, but also because they provide protection against the destructive forces of tropical storms and tsunami.

See also marine plants.

http://www.ncl.ac.uk/tcmweb/tcm/mglinks. htm

M. V. Angel
Show all research tools

Cite this article
Pick a style below, and copy the text for your bibliography.

  • MLA
  • Chicago
  • APA

"mangroves." The Oxford Companion to Ships and the Sea. 2006. Encyclopedia.com. 28 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

"mangroves." The Oxford Companion to Ships and the Sea. 2006. Encyclopedia.com. (May 28, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O225-mangroves.html

"mangroves." The Oxford Companion to Ships and the Sea. 2006. Retrieved May 28, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O225-mangroves.html

Learn more about citation styles

Rhizophoraceae

A Dictionary of Plant Sciences | 1998 | | Copyright

Rhizophoraceae A family of trees and shrubs of tropical rain forest, especially mangroves, in which the leaves are simple, usually opposite, and have caducous stipules. The flowers are hermaphrodite, with 3–16 perigynous or epigynous sepals and petals, 8 to many stamens on the edge of the receptacle, and the ovary superior to inferior. They are related to the Combretaceae. There are 16 genera, with about 130 species, with a pantropical distribution. Four genera occur as the main trees of mangrove forests, the other occur inland.
Show all research tools

Cite this article
Pick a style below, and copy the text for your bibliography.

  • MLA
  • Chicago
  • APA

MICHAEL ALLABY. "Rhizophoraceae." A Dictionary of Plant Sciences. 1998. Encyclopedia.com. 28 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

MICHAEL ALLABY. "Rhizophoraceae." A Dictionary of Plant Sciences. 1998. Encyclopedia.com. (May 28, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O7-Rhizophoraceae.html

MICHAEL ALLABY. "Rhizophoraceae." A Dictionary of Plant Sciences. 1998. Retrieved May 28, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O7-Rhizophoraceae.html

Learn more about citation styles

mangrove

The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English | 2009 | Copyright

man·grove / ˈmanˌgrōv; ˈmang-/ • n. a tree or shrub (families Rhizophoraceae and Verbenaceae or Avicenniaceae) that grows in muddy, chiefly tropical coastal swamps, typically having numerous tangled roots above ground that form dense thickets. ∎  (also mangrove swamp) a tidal swamp that is dominated by mangroves and associated vegetation.

Show all research tools

Cite this article
Pick a style below, and copy the text for your bibliography.

  • MLA
  • Chicago
  • APA

"mangrove." The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English. 2009. Encyclopedia.com. 28 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

"mangrove." The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English. 2009. Encyclopedia.com. (May 28, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O999-mangrove.html

"mangrove." The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English. 2009. Retrieved May 28, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O999-mangrove.html

Learn more about citation styles

mangrove swamp

A Dictionary of Biology | 2004 | Copyright

mangrove swamp A region of vegetation, found along tropical coasts, in which mangrove trees (Rhizophora species) predominate. The waterlogged soil is highly saline, and – like other halophytes – mangroves are adapted to withstand these conditions; they also possess aerial roots (pneumatophores) through which gaseous exchange occurs, to counteract effects of the badly aerated soil.
Show all research tools

Cite this article
Pick a style below, and copy the text for your bibliography.

  • MLA
  • Chicago
  • APA

"mangrove swamp." A Dictionary of Biology. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. 28 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

"mangrove swamp." A Dictionary of Biology. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. (May 28, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O6-mangroveswamp.html

"mangrove swamp." A Dictionary of Biology. 2004. Retrieved May 28, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O6-mangroveswamp.html

Learn more about citation styles

mangrove

World Encyclopedia | 2005 | Copyright

mangrove Common name for any one of 120 species of tropical trees or shrubs found in marine swampy areas. Its stilt-like aerial roots, which arise from the branches and hang down into the water, produce a thick undergrowth, useful in the reclaiming of land along tropical coasts. Some species also have roots that rise up out of the water. Height: to 20m (70ft). Major family: Rhizophoraceae.
Show all research tools

Cite this article
Pick a style below, and copy the text for your bibliography.

  • MLA
  • Chicago
  • APA

"mangrove." World Encyclopedia. 2005. Encyclopedia.com. 28 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

"mangrove." World Encyclopedia. 2005. Encyclopedia.com. (May 28, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O142-mangrove.html

"mangrove." World Encyclopedia. 2005. Retrieved May 28, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O142-mangrove.html

Learn more about citation styles

mangrove forest

A Dictionary of Plant Sciences | 1998 | | Copyright

mangrove forest A swamp forest, of brackish or saline water, that develops on tropical and subtropical tidal mudflats (see TIDAL FLAT), particularly in quiet creeks and estuaries. Characteristically, mangrove forest is low and dense with a tangle of aerating roots projecting above the mud. Occasionally, substantial, lofty trees occur in the mangrove interior.
Show all research tools

Cite this article
Pick a style below, and copy the text for your bibliography.

  • MLA
  • Chicago
  • APA

MICHAEL ALLABY. "mangrove forest." A Dictionary of Plant Sciences. 1998. Encyclopedia.com. 28 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

MICHAEL ALLABY. "mangrove forest." A Dictionary of Plant Sciences. 1998. Encyclopedia.com. (May 28, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O7-mangroveforest.html

MICHAEL ALLABY. "mangrove forest." A Dictionary of Plant Sciences. 1998. Retrieved May 28, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O7-mangroveforest.html

Learn more about citation styles

mangrove swamp

A Dictionary of Plant Sciences | 1998 | | Copyright

mangrove swamp A characteristic vegetation of tropical, muddy coasts, and typically associated with river mouths where the water is shallow and the load of suspended sediment is high. The aerial roots of the mangrove trees trap the sediment, favouring the gradual seaward extension of the land area.
Show all research tools

Cite this article
Pick a style below, and copy the text for your bibliography.

  • MLA
  • Chicago
  • APA

MICHAEL ALLABY. "mangrove swamp." A Dictionary of Plant Sciences. 1998. Encyclopedia.com. 28 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

MICHAEL ALLABY. "mangrove swamp." A Dictionary of Plant Sciences. 1998. Encyclopedia.com. (May 28, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O7-mangroveswamp.html

MICHAEL ALLABY. "mangrove swamp." A Dictionary of Plant Sciences. 1998. Retrieved May 28, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O7-mangroveswamp.html

Learn more about citation styles

mangrove swamp

A Dictionary of Earth Sciences | 1999 | | Copyright

mangrove swamp Characteristic vegetation of tropical, muddy coasts, and typically associated with river mouths where the water is shallow and the load of suspended sediment is high. The aerial roots of the mangrove trees trap the sediment, favouring the gradual seaward extension of the land area.
Show all research tools

Cite this article
Pick a style below, and copy the text for your bibliography.

  • MLA
  • Chicago
  • APA

AILSA ALLABY and MICHAEL ALLABY. "mangrove swamp." A Dictionary of Earth Sciences. 1999. Encyclopedia.com. 28 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

AILSA ALLABY and MICHAEL ALLABY. "mangrove swamp." A Dictionary of Earth Sciences. 1999. Encyclopedia.com. (May 28, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O13-mangroveswamp.html

AILSA ALLABY and MICHAEL ALLABY. "mangrove swamp." A Dictionary of Earth Sciences. 1999. Retrieved May 28, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O13-mangroveswamp.html

Learn more about citation styles

mangrove forest

A Dictionary of Ecology | 2004 | | Copyright

mangrove forest(mangal) A swamp forest of saline or brackish water, which develops on tropical and subtropical coasts (see tidal flat). Characteristically, mangrove forest has a dense tangle of aerating roots projecting above the mud. Virgin mangrove can reach 30 m tall.
Show all research tools

Cite this article
Pick a style below, and copy the text for your bibliography.

  • MLA
  • Chicago
  • APA

MICHAEL ALLABY. "mangrove forest." A Dictionary of Ecology. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. 28 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

MICHAEL ALLABY. "mangrove forest." A Dictionary of Ecology. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. (May 28, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O14-mangroveforest.html

MICHAEL ALLABY. "mangrove forest." A Dictionary of Ecology. 2004. Retrieved May 28, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O14-mangroveforest.html

Learn more about citation styles

Rhizophora

A Dictionary of Plant Sciences | 1998 | | Copyright

Rhizophora (family Rhizophoraceae) An important genus of 6–9 species of mangrove trees which are pantropical in distribution and viviparous. Their timber is good for piles, scaffolding, and charcoal; the bark (cutch) is used for tanning.
Show all research tools

Cite this article
Pick a style below, and copy the text for your bibliography.

  • MLA
  • Chicago
  • APA

MICHAEL ALLABY. "Rhizophora." A Dictionary of Plant Sciences. 1998. Encyclopedia.com. 28 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

MICHAEL ALLABY. "Rhizophora." A Dictionary of Plant Sciences. 1998. Encyclopedia.com. (May 28, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O7-Rhizophora.html

MICHAEL ALLABY. "Rhizophora." A Dictionary of Plant Sciences. 1998. Retrieved May 28, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O7-Rhizophora.html

Learn more about citation styles

mangrove

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology | 1996 | | Copyright

mangrove tree of the genus Rhizophora. XVII. Early forms mangrowe, mangrave, later assim. to GROVE; obscurely connected with Pg. mangue, Sp. mangle.
Show all research tools

Cite this article
Pick a style below, and copy the text for your bibliography.

  • MLA
  • Chicago
  • APA

T. F. HOAD. "mangrove." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology. 1996. Encyclopedia.com. 28 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

T. F. HOAD. "mangrove." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology. 1996. Encyclopedia.com. (May 28, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O27-mangrove.html

T. F. HOAD. "mangrove." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology. 1996. Retrieved May 28, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O27-mangrove.html

Learn more about citation styles

mangrove

Oxford Dictionary of Rhymes | 2007 | Copyright

mangrove •behove, clove, cove, dove, drove, fauve, grove, interwove, Jove, mauve, rove, shrove, stove, strove, trove, wove •alcove • mangrove

Show all research tools

Cite this article
Pick a style below, and copy the text for your bibliography.

  • MLA
  • Chicago
  • APA

"mangrove." Oxford Dictionary of Rhymes. 2007. Encyclopedia.com. 28 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

"mangrove." Oxford Dictionary of Rhymes. 2007. Encyclopedia.com. (May 28, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O233-mangrove.html

"mangrove." Oxford Dictionary of Rhymes. 2007. Retrieved May 28, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O233-mangrove.html

Learn more about citation styles

Free newspaper and magazine articles

Paleobotanical notes on mangrove-like plants of Puerto Rico/Notas...
Magazine article from: Interciencia; 3/1/2007
President plants mangrove trees at Angke Tourist Park.
News Wire article from: Philippines News Agency; 6/8/2010
Army soldiers plant mangrove seedlings in coastal village of Camarines Sur.
News Wire article from: Philippines News Agency; 6/7/2010

Pictures from Google Image Search

Click to see an enlarged picture
Click to see an enlarged picture
Click to see an enlarged picture

See more pictures of Mangroves (Plants)

Related topics

  Be the first to connect related topics with this page!