Essay About Aerial Roots And Asexual Reproduction Method

Environment – Mangrove
Mangrove
Tree (genus Rhizophora) that dominates saline coastal habitats in tropical and subtropical climates
Community of Mangroves is called Mangal
Ecologically and economically one of the most important plants in all of Vietnam
Span the interface between marine and terrestrial environments
Occurs in estuaries and marine shorelines
Characteristics of Mangroves
Of 110 known worldwide species, 29 occur in Vietnam (mainly in the South)
Evergreens with big leafy vegetation
Grow to be about 10 – 20 m in height
Inundated by brackish water
Many contain aerial roots for air exchange and mechanisms for salt excretion
Distribution is based on zonation depending on evolutionary adaptations
Mangroves Evolutionary Adaptation
“Breathe” through pores in their bark
Limit salt intake by having roots which are suberised to prevent sodium uptake
Also have mechanisms for excreting excess salts
Limit water loss by closing stomata during periods of high sun
Also can change the orientation of their leaves during these same periods
Nutrient uptake directly from atmosphere via anaerobic bacteria that liberates N+, Fe+, PO4-, SO3-, and CH4, thus the pungent odor
Truly viviparous plant, live seedlings are sent released on water
Sexual Reproduction of Mangroves
Mangal are very exclusive; not more then twenty species of plants will occur within a Mangal
Cross pollination occurs via birds, bees, wasps and other small insects
“Budding” is not asexual reproduction method but the tree is one of the few viviparous trees in the world, giving “birth”
Seedlings, partially budding, fall into the water and carried away to take root on other land
Mangrove Benefits
Large root system acts as an energy dissipater for waves and or tides normally but especially during storms
Root system also acts as sediment deposit when tides come