Root Directory
The term Mangrove is used to describe a complex of species that form distinct habitats in saline environments. Red Mangrove (Rhizophora mangle) is perhaps the most well-known of these. They have specialized Prop Roots and Pneumatophores.
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 Mangrove with Prop Roots: These help to stabilize these large plants in an unstable environment. |
 Prop Roots of Sonneratia. This is another Genus that is found in Mangrove Forests. |
Pneumatophores allow water-logged roots to obtain Oxygen which is essential for respiration. Pneumatophores contain lots of Aerenchyma which is abundant in submerged and emergent plant organs. They may also contain Lenticels which are areas in the dermis which permit the entry of air into structures that are covered by Periderm. |
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| This
Pneumatophore has a Periderm
(Outer Bark) which protects it from the
environment but is impervious to air.
However it produces Lenticels which allow for gas exchange with the environment. |
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| Mangrove
Roots provide important habitats for marine
organisms.
Mangrove ecosystems are among the most productive ecosystems on the planet. |
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Mangrove Outer Root Cortex |
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Mangrove Inner Root Ground Tissue |
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Mangrove Aerenchyma Inner Root. Aerenchyma throughout the root allow for gas diffusion. |
