Hi Steemians,

I will discuss a species belonging to the kingdom PLANTAE, family Rhizophoraceae and then genus Rhizophora. This is mangroves. The word "mangrove" is used in three different senses:

(1) most broadly to refer to the habitat and entire plant assemblage or mangal for which the terms mangrove forest biome, and mangrove swamp are also used,
(2) to refer to all trees and large shrubs in the mangrove swamp
(3) narrowly to refer to the mangrove family of plants

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Biologically, they can be considered as a super-plant because of its evolutionary capabilities:

Adaptation to low oxygen

Mangroves, which can survive in the most inundated areas, prop themselves above the water level with stilt roots and can then absorb air through pores in their bark (lenticels).They can also live on higher ground and make many pneumatophores (specialised root-like structures which stick up out of the soil like straws for breathing).

Limiting salt intake

Mangroves exclude salt by having significantly impermeable roots acting as an ultra-filtration mechanism to exclude sodium salts from the rest of the plant. This would then cross-out salt compounds in their natural processes.

Nutrient uptake

Because the soil is perpetually waterlogged, little oxygen can be absorbed. Anaerobic bacteria liberate nitrogen gas, soluble ferrum (iron), inorganic phosphates, sulfides and methane, which make the soil much less nutritious. Mangroves has a way in this. Its pneumatophores (aerial roots) allow mangroves to absorb gases directly from the atmosphere, and other nutrients such as iron, from the inhospitable soil. Mangroves store gases directly inside the roots, processing them even when the roots are submerged during high tide.

Increasing survival of offspring

Mangrove seeds germinate while still on the parent tree. It is its "viviparous" property unlike others that germinate in the soil. In this harsh environment, mangroves have evolved a special mechanism to help their offspring survive. Mangrove seeds are buoyant and are therefore suited to water dispersal.

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This is a shrub that is but abundant here in the Philippines. I don't know with the other parts but I'm sure it is where I came from (Leyte). This is a sight to behold near coastal areas, estuaries and brackish waters. I have personally visited many places that still has lush mangroves. These include Isabel, Palompon, Silago, Maasin, Matalom and many more.

Fortunately, in our place it is still being preserved but in other places, not just in the Philippines, they are decreasing in numbers. It is just sad as people don't realize the benefits of these plant species.

Just like a coconut tree which is considered as the "Tree of life," I also considered mangroves to be one. All its parts are beneficial and useful not just to man but also to the species in its territory or scope. Notice the aerial and exposed roots that is uncommon to other plant species.

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WHY SO IMPORTANT?

MAN

HOUSEHOLD AND FOOD

Mangroves have been exploited for timber for building dwellings and boats. They are also used for fuel-wood in cooking and heating. This is because the component of the wood is high in calorific value which is an effective coal-like product.

Mangroves are also for utilization in the textile industry like fibres, dyes and mats and extracts of stilt roots exhibited larvicidal activity. They are also used as pulp for paper, matchsticks, household utensils, agricultural implements and toys . Its "fruits" can also be used as vegetables.

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Tuba/Bahal/Bahalina is a widely known alcoholic drink in Leye(my place). This is also called as coconut wine or vodka. It is the counterpart of Lambanog in the north or Luzon areas. From the coconut tree, the sap is extracted and would appear as a white sweet substance. Mangrove barks are used to color them and add strength in its alcohol levels through a fermentation process.

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PROTECTION AND TOURISM

Mangroves are usually situated along coastlines. If the tide is high and the waves are strong, they act as "breaks" of the energy dissipating it reducing damage to the properties nearby. I am confident that this is what helped other parts of the country when the Super Typhoon "Haiyan" (locally Yolanda) minimized casualties. It helped saved lives, agriculture, shelters and many more. They are indeed our buffers and shields.

Aside from the protection it is giving us. It also a good source of eco-tourism. In our place (Pagatpat, Matalom, Leyte), there is a seafood restaurant that is very famous near mangrove areas. Aside from the relaxing view of nature, the food served there is equally inexpensive and delicious.

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Pagatpat is the local or Bisaya term for Mangroves

ECOLOGY

Mangroves are important in maintaining and building the soil. They act as a reservoir in the assimilation of waste/trash, and in the cycle of carbon dioxide(CO2), nitrogen(N), and sulfur(S). They play a significant role in coastal and mud banks stabilization, promoting land accretion and the dissipation of wind and water forces. They are home to a wide array of species of plants and animals. They serve as breeding grounds for different animals.

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SUSTAINABILITY PRACTICES

Fortunately, in our place. Preservation of the mangrove ecosystem is observed. The exploitation is controlled and environmentalist plus other concerned bodies are helping hand in hand to replenish by transplanting them. I obtained pictures from my friend(with his permission) in their activity with the mangrove area. It was a community service which was posted in Facebook.

So if there is an activity to help restore the mangrove forests in your area, kindly join, contribute or support it. This is a long-term benefit that you might not realize.

References:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mangrove
https://www.aims.gov.au/docs/projectnet/mangroves-uses.html