 What Good is
a Mangrove Tree?
All
three mangrove species are important
in contributing to a healthy ecosystem,
but the red mangrove, and its unique
entanglement of roots, called prop roots,
plays a vital role along the shoreline.
These prop roots offer protection for
a variety of fish and invertebrates
including juvenile sport fish such as
the snook and tarpon. The prop roots
also shelter our shoreline from waves
that can erode waterfront property.
The
red mangrove may also improve water
quality by removing dirt and pollutants
from stormwater runoff. Endangered animals,
such as the American wood stork, use
the upper part of the mangrove tree
for nesting. Finally, the leaves of
the red mangrove act as a life-giving
source of food for a number of organisms.
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