Download Parts of the mangrove trees: Mangroves give protection. Animals in

Palau Conservation Society
The Ridge to Reef
Mangroves
Mangroves are trees that can grow in a delicate mix of
fresh water and salty water. Unlike most plants, they
have developed unique characteristics to live in their
environment.
They like to grow in places with a muddy ground and
sheltered shore. Mangroves in large groups are called
mangrove forests.
Animals in the mangroves:
Parts of the mangrove trees:
Many animals like birds, insects, crocodile and crabs live in
the mangrove forest. Some fish are born in the mangroves
and later move to the coral reefs.
Flowers
Mangrove trees have small
flowers during some time of the
year. When pollinated, these
flowers will produce seeds.
Seeds
The seeds of mangrove trees start to grow
while they are still on the tree. When the
young plant is big enough to survive, it falls
down to the sea. These young plants float
around until they find a muddy area to put
down their roots. Then they start to grow.
Leaves
Most mangrove leaves are tough and
succulent. They have internal water
storage tissue and some have salt
excreting organs to maintain
osmotic (salt/water) balance.
Trunk
Mangrove forests protect the coastline
from waves. Where mangroves have
been cut, the coastline erodes. They
also protect the houses and villages
beyond it from storms, strong winds and
tsunamis (tidal wave).
Mangroves have a special kind
of root that helps it breath in
salty water and mud. They hold
the soil together and prevent it
from being washed away.
The trunk of mangrove
tree are thin with many
branches.
When many mangrove trees are
cut down and the flow of water is
disrupted, mangrove forests
suffer and die. When mangrove
forests are filled in, the
important mangrove ecosystem
that provide us with goods and
services will suffer and die, too.
Coca Cola
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United Nations
Educational, Scientific and
Cultural Organization
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Roots
Mangroves give protection.
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