2. Mangrove Forest What? Halophyte – plants that grow naturally in an ‘saline’ environment Where? Along the tropical coastal areas, include: i.Southeast Asia ii.Australia iii.West Africa Distributed along a low-lying, sheltered coast with muddy and waterlogged ground.

3. i.Southeast Asia ii. Australia iii. West Africa

4. Structure of the Forest Has NO distinct layering. Most of the trees = uniform height. saltwater swamp: grow near the coast. Less tolerant of salt (freshwater swamp): grow further inland.

5. Main Mangrove communities Avicennia trees Sonneratia trees Rhizophora trees Bruguiera trees Evergreen hardwoods

7. Bruguiera trees

9. Rhizophora

10. Tree Characteristics a.Leaves Broad leaves with leathery texture: To prevent the loss of moisture through transpiration. Drip tips to enable rainwater to flow quickly off the leaves. Some trees have leaves which contain special salt glands to give off salt. Some trees store the excess salt in their older leaves – will drop off.

11. b. Roots i.Buttress roots ii.Prop roots iii.Aerial roots Help trees to take in oxygen directly from the atmosphere iv.Pencil-like roots Jut out of the muddy ground Enable trees to take in oxygen from the atmosphere directly. Trees anchor firmly on the muddy, waterlogged ground