MYSTERIOUS MANGROVE – PART II: THE SURVIVAL SPECIALISTS

JungleWalla Nature Journal | Archive

Navigating the Kubang Badak River, one is immediately struck by the sheer density of the mangrove forest. The ecosystem is dominated by three primary genera: Rhizophora sp., Avicennia sp., and Sonneratia sp. These trees grow in tight competition, each vying for the sunlight necessary for photosynthesis.

A UNIQUE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM

The Rhizophora sp. (Stilt Mangrove) stands out with its characteristic arching stilt roots. These roots serve a dual purpose: they provide stability in the soft, anaerobic mud and act as specialized respiratory organs. These "breathing roots" are essential for the tree's survival in an environment where oxygen is scarce in the soil. Interestingly, these roots are known to store fresh water within their internal structures.

VIVIPARY: THE REMARKABLE REPRODUCTION

Another marvel of the mangrove is its reproductive strategy. Unlike most plants, many mangrove species exhibit vivipary. In this process, the seeds begin to germinate while still attached to the parent tree. The "mother tree" provides essential nutrients to the developing seedling until it is mature enough to drop into the mud and establish its own independent life. This ensures a higher survival rate in the challenging intertidal zone.

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WITNESS THE MAGIC OF KUBANG BADAK

Do not just read about it—see the arching roots and viviparous seedlings in their natural habitat at Kubang Badak: