Mangroves

Marine Biotechnology – U2

1Dr.Shaleesha A. Stanley

Dr.Shaleesha A. Stanley 2

About mangrovesMangrove forests perform multiple ecological functions such as

1. production of woody trees;

2. provision of habitat,

3. food, and

4. Spawning grounds for fin-fish and shellfish;

5. provision of habitat for birds and other valuable fauna;

6. protection of coastlines and accretion of sediment to form new land.

Mangrove areas have high biological productivity, associated with heavy leaf production, leaf fall and rapid decomposition to form detritus

The mangrove ecosystem is dynamic, changing in both location and composition, and has great resilience with the ability to restore itself after heavy damage, as long as seed sources and water flow are maintained.

There are also many economic benefits from mangrove resources; like as a source of firewood, self replenishing areas of fishery resources, for collecting honey and for tourism.

Dr.Shaleesha A. Stanley 3

DistributionFound on coastlines between 25 N and 25S

latitude, dependent on temperaturei. Rhizophora - survive 2-4 C for 24 hrsii. Avicennia – survives 2-4 C for several days

4Dr.Shaleesha A. Stanley

Dr.Shaleesha A. Stanley 5

SPECIES OF MANGROVES-60 species worldwide

Black Mangrove Red Mangrove

White Mangrove

Three Main Generaa. Rhizophora (red mangrove)

a. R. mangal and R. racemosa most common New World spp

b. High prop roots and dangling roots are common

c. More cold tolerant

7Dr.Shaleesha A. Stanley

8Dr.Shaleesha A. Stanley

Avicennia (black mangrove)i. A. germanaus most common in New World

ii. Can tolerate very high salinity (60 ppt) and very anoxic conditions

iii. Known for having pneumatophores

9Dr.Shaleesha A. Stanley

10Dr.Shaleesha A. Stanley

Lagunicularia (white mangrove)i. L. racemosa most common in New Worldii. Affinity for lower salinity areas

11Dr.Shaleesha A. Stanley

12Dr.Shaleesha A. Stanley

Characteristics of Mangroves Evergreen plants with thick leathery

leaves designed to minimize transpiration.

Viviparous germination where the seed germinates on the tree and falls down in the germinating condition with a long radicle- characteristic of Rhizophoraceae .

Root system has many unique types of roots.

1. Stilt-roots, 2. Pneumatophores, 3. Root knees. 4. Plank Roots

ROOTSKNEED ROOTS-the

horizontal roots growing vertically upwards and forming loops downwards to resemble a bent knee.

PLANK ROOTS-wavy, snake-like roots that radiate outwards from the trunk base.

                                                                 

LenticelsLenticels—small pores

present on aerial roots.Lenticels are

susceptible to clogging by crude oil and other pollutants, and attacks by parasites.

Do Mangroves need salt?Facultative halophytesGrow in fresh water +

salt water.

                                                                                                                     

   

COPING WITH SALTExclude Salt (no intake)Extrude salt (take salt

in and dispense it through glands in their leaves).

IMPORTANCE--ECOLOGICALHabitats, nurseries, and nesting sites.Root systems –harbor many organisms that

trap and cycle nutrients and other chemicals.Contribute to higher water quality.Protect shorelines from erosion.

IMPORTANCE --ECONOMICFood--- edible fruits and honey from

flowers of some species. River mangrove—source of best honey.

Medicines- Treatment of skin disorders and sores including leprosy. Headaches, rheumatism, snakebites, boils, ulcers, diarrhea, and many more conditions are traditionally treated with mangrove plants.

Hard wood -- used for boat building and cabinet timber.

20Dr.Shaleesha A. Stanley

21Dr.Shaleesha A. Stanley