Mangroves: Trees with Their Feet in the Sea
1Along many warm coasts, where the land meets the ocean, grow some unusual trees called mangroves. Most trees cannot live with their roots in salty seawater, but mangroves grow right at the water's edge. A group of these trees growing together is called a mangrove forest. A mangrove forest may look like a muddy tangle of roots and branches. Even so, it is one of the most helpful places on the coast.
2Built for Salt and Mud
Mangroves have special ways to live where other trees cannot. Some kinds keep most of the salt from getting in through their roots. Other kinds get rid of extra salt through their leaves, and tiny salt crystals can sometimes be seen on top of those leaves. The mud around mangroves is soaked with water and has very little air in it. To get air, some mangroves grow roots that poke straight up out of the mud like rows of pencils.
3A Wall Against the Waves
Mangrove forests also protect the land behind them. During storms, strong waves rush toward the shore. The thick, tangled roots slow the waves down before they reach the land. The roots also catch mud and sand, so the shore does not wear away as fast. Scientists have found that coasts with mangrove forests often have less storm damage than coasts without them.
4A Nursery for Young Animals
The roots of a mangrove forest work like a nursery. Many baby fish, shrimp, and crabs hide among the roots, where large hunters cannot easily follow them. The shallow water there has plenty of food for the young animals. Once they are bigger, many of these fish swim out to deeper water. Birds also build nests in the branches above.
5Why Mangroves Need Help
In many places, people have cut down mangrove forests to make room for buildings, roads, and farms along the coast. When the trees are gone, young animals lose their hiding places, and the shore loses its wall against the waves. Today, some communities are planting young mangroves to help these forests grow back.
6Mangroves may not be as famous as some other trees, but they do big jobs. They stand strong in salty water, hold the shore in place, and give young sea animals a safe home. For all these reasons, mangrove forests are worth protecting.