Rhizophora - Coast guard

Rhizophora grows in tropical and tropical Asia in muddy areas of the coast, small trees. There are 82 varieties of Rhizophora in the world. Beach swamp is too wet, often attacked by the tide, making it difficult for plants to live. Rhizophora has a very good root system, there are many root roots interlacing along the stem, hanging down the marshes, in addition to supporting the trees, Rhizophora has a breathable and respiratory effect.

Rhizophora blooms for fruits with pear-shaped fruit inverted, ripe fruits will germinate in fruit, round cylindrical sprouts 20-40cm long like legs of green bean. When mature embryos will leave the mother plant and fall into the mud, about a few hours later grow roots and young plants, this way is called " pregnant plants " (seedlings). Preschools that do not crash in the mud will drift by the sea to settle elsewhere. In the preschool contains a lot of tannin that can resist decay and be eaten by marine life. Thanks to the birth, the mangrove is constantly proliferating on the mire, creating a large area of ​​mangrove forest.

Rhizome root is salty and can absorb nutrients from seawater.

Rhizome root is salty and can absorb nutrients from seawater. The leaves are very hard, have wax film and reflective gloss to retain water. In the leaves there is a salt gland to remove excess salt from the body. It is called Duoc tree "seawater filter into blue fresh water". Scientists are investigating this feature of mangroves to apply to seawater filtration technology.

Mangroves not only protect the coast from being encroached on land, but also expand the coast. Rhizophora can also keep the sediment of sea water, along with fallen leaves and bird feces, will become a new island or land long. Rhizophora forest is also home to a variety of birds, shrimp, fish, crabs, balancing ecological margins.

Mangroves not only protect the coast from being encroached on land, but also expand the coast. (Photo: tropical-island).