Mangrove forests are one of the most vital and fascinating ecosystems on the planet. They occur worldwide in areas with low-oxygen soil, where slow-moving water allows fine sediments to accumulate; because they adapt to the low–oxygen condition of water logged mud. Mangrove forests grow worldwide in the tropic and subtropics, and even some temperate coastal areas mainly between latitude 300 North and 300 South with the greatest mangrove areas within 50 of the equator. They are actually hardy shrubs and trees growing in harsh coastal conditions at the boundary between the land and the ocean.

They can’t withstand freezing temperatures and occupy merely 0.5 per cent of the world’s tropical and sub-tropical coastal areas. But they are often called the ‘unsung heroes’ of the ocean due to their numerous benefits and crucial roles they play in maintaining the health of marine ecosystems. . The word ‘mangrove’ comes from the Guarani word mangal which means ‘crooked tree.’ The plural of mangrove ~ mangroves ~ refers to the population or community composed of several individual mangroves of the same species or different species. Historically, mangrove plant families first appeared during the late Cretaceous to Palaeocene epochs, and became widely distributed in different parts due to movement of tectonic plates.

The oldest knowe fossil of mangrove palms dates back to 74 million years ago. While most plants have roots that are entirely underground, mangroves have roots that are partially above ground, called aerial roots which serve as ‘snorkels’ for breathing when soil is flooded or has little oxygen. They are called halophytes which means they do not require salt water to live but are able to tolerate it.

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They do so, thereby out-competing freshwater plants, by the processes of micro filtration and salt excretion. Their intricate root systems are covered with tiny pores that filter out salt from the water that surrounds them. At the same time, any of the salt that finds its way into the plants is excreted through salt glands located on the base of mangroves leaves. These processes work so well that a thirsty traveler could cut the root of a mangrove and obtain fresh drinkable water.

Mangroves are coastal forests that play a vital role in the functioning of natural environment and for humans. They provide a wide range of ecosystem services through:

* Protecting shorelines from erosions and storms by reducing the height and energy of wind and........

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