what are the uses of mangrove trees

Uses of Mangrove Trees

• Due to the wood’s high density, it goes into making saltwater houses, posts, and boats.
• The bark of red mangroves is a source of dye used with ropes, fishnets, and sails.
• The trees are used to make charcoal and firewood in tropical Asia.
• The roots have been used in many rituals in the Philippines to increase the fertility of the soil.

Full Answer

What is the importance of mangrove forests?

• Mangroves have great unique features of absorbing excess water and hence play an important role during flood. • They prevent those people living near coastal areas from strong winds, tidal waves and even tsunamis. They act as a buffer between land and sea. They also prevent coastal erosion.

What is the commercial use of mangroves?

A relatively recent commercial use of mangroves is for recreation and ecotourism Use of mangroves as natural sewage-treatment plants has been considered. Mangroves trap sediments and so contribute to land building, preventing erosion and excessive shifting of coastlines.

What can be done to protect mangroves?

• Maintaining the flow of tidal currents to ensure healthy growth of mangroves. • Possible ways to stop Eutrophication and soil erosion in mangrove forests. • Nutrient recycling by maintaining mangrove and associated forest species. • Control of tourism on mangrove forests.

What is a mangrove tree?

Mangroves come in a variety of sizes. Though estimates vary, there are at least 50 — and maybe up to 110 — mangrove species, ranging in height from 2 to 10 meters, but all species feature oblong or oval-shaped leaves and share an affinity for brackish habitats. Fish flock to mangroves.

Why is it important to monitor mangroves?

Regular monitoring is thus necessary and may contribute to their conservation , but also to sustainable use of mangroves as a source of wood, food, income and recreational areas for present and future generations.

How do mangroves help coral reefs?

Mangroves also help protect coral reefs, sea-grass beds and shipping lanes by entrapping upland runoff sediments. This is a key function in preventing and reducing coastal erosion and provides nearby communities with protection against the effects of wind, waves and water currents.

How do mangroves adapt to tides?

Its main functions are the exchange of gases, anchorage of the tree in the muddy soil and absorption of nutrients. However, only the most specialized species (i.e. the major components of the mangrove forest community – ‘strict or true mangroves’ according to Tomlinson, 1986) have developed this root system, and aerial roots may have different structures according to the species. For example, stilt roots grow from the trunk and lower branches of Rhizophora spp. and, to a limited extent, in the sapling stage of Bruguiera spp. and Ceriops spp. (they become shallow buttresses in old trees), while ‘pneumatophores’ – pencil-like extensions of the subterranean rooting system – rise from the ground and extend a long distance from the parental tree in the genera Avicennia, Sonneratia and Laguncularia. In the genera Bruguiera, Ceriops and Xylocarpus, the pneumatophores may form a series of arched or knee shapes during their horizontal growth (the so-called ‘knee roots’). According to Tomlinson (1986), minor components of the mangrove community may or may not have this aerial rooting system, while associated species develop it only in a very few species (e.g. in the genera Oncosperma, Phoenix and Raphia).

How many mangroves are there in the world?

In that study, the world mangrove total was estimated at 15.6 million hectares, while more recent estimates range from 12 to 20 million hectares.

Why are mangroves excluded from the study?

Countries with small areas of mangroves were excluded from many of the earlier studies, probably because of lack of information. The area of mangroves in these countries and areas is, however, relatively small and therefore did not significantly affect the world total. Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO).

How can mangroves be moved forward?

Moving forward may sometimes be possible only by climbing on giant roots or using small boats. Mangroves have traditionally been widely used and exploited in the past in the majority of countries in which they exist. Knowledge of their current and past extent, condition and uses is essential for forest managers and policy- and decision-makers.

What are some examples of mangrove forests?

In undisturbed and pristine estuaries, mangroves may extend for several kilometres inland. Examples of these extended forests are the Sundarbans, which lies in the delta of three rivers (the Ganges, the Meghna and the Brahmaputra – Bangladesh/India); the Mekong Delta (Viet Nam); the Gambia River delta (the Gambia); the Fly River (Papua New Guinea);

What are mangroves used for?

Mangroves have long functioned as a storehouse of materials providing food, medicines, shelter and tools.

What are the medicinal properties of mangroves?

Medicines are derived from mangroves. Ashes or bark infusions of certain species were applied to skin disorders and sores, including leprosy. Headaches, rheumatism, snakebites, boils, ulcers, diarrhoea, haemorrhages and many more conditions are traditionally treated with mangrove plants. The latex from the leaf of the blind-your-eye mangrove ( Excoecaria agallocha) can cause blindness, but the powerful chemicals in it can be used on sores and to treat marine stings. The leaves are also used for fishing—crushing the leaves and dropping them in water stupefies fish which float to the surface.

How much litter does a mangrove plant produce?

A square meter of mangrove plants produces about 1kg of litter per year (mainly leaves, twigs, bark, fruit and flowers). Some of this is eaten by crabs, but most must be broken down by bacteria and fungi before the nutrients become available to other animals.

What tree is used for boat building?

Certain tree species, notably the cedar mangrove, cannonball mangrove (relatives of the red cedar) and the grey mangrove, are prized for their hard wood and used for boat building and cabinet timber as well as for tools such as digging sticks, spears and boomerangs. The fronds of the nypa palm are used for thatching and basket weaving. Various barks are used for tanning, pneumatophores (peg roots) make good fishing floats. The wood from yellow mangroves ( Ceriops) has a reputation for burning even when wet.

What are the uses of mangroves in Australia?

In Australia, mangrove habitats are significantly represented in nature reserves, sanctuaries, national parks and biosphere reserves where they have significant recreation and ecotourism values. Mangroves trap sediments and so contribute to land building, preventing erosion and excessive shifting of coastlines.

What is the seafood industry in Queensland?

The seafood industry is the fifth largest primary industry in Queensland, with an annual commercial catch worth several hundred million dollars. Many commercially caught fish and prawns depend directly on mangroves at some time in their lives or feed on food chains leading back there. Since those species making up the remainder of the catch probably also owe much to nutrients exported from the mangroves, these coastal forests can be seen as one of our major assets.

What is marine plant?

Marine plants are a vital community asset supporting important commercial, recreational and indigenous fisheries. Mangroves are an integral part of this community resource.

Why are mangroves important to the ecosystem?

Physically, they serve as a buffer between marine and terrestrial communities and protect shorelines from damaging winds, waves, and floods. Mangrove thickets improve water quality by filtering pollutants and trapping sediments from the land, and they reduce coastal erosion. Ecologically, they provide habitat for a diverse array of terrestrial organisms, and many species of coastal and offshore fish and shellfish rely exclusively on mangroves as their breeding, spawning, and hatching grounds. Because of their high salt tolerance, mangroves are often among the first species to colonize mud and sandbanks flooded by seawater, but an increase in coastal development and altered land use led to a decline in global populations. Several species are listed as vulnerable or endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species.

What are mangrove swamps?

Learn More in these related Britannica articles: Africa: Mangrove swamp. Mangroves include a variety of species of broad-leaved, shrubby trees (10–40 feet high) that fringe muddy creeks and tidal estuaries. They require warm saline water—hence their distribution along tropical coastlines.

What is the name of the lateral root system of mangroves?

angiosperm: Root systems. Some lateral roots of mangrove s become specialized as pneumatophores in saline mud flats; pneumatophores are lateral roots that grow upward (negative geotropism) for varying distances and function as the site of oxygen intake for the submerged primary root system.

How tall are mangroves?

Mangroves on the Indian Ocean coast of Mozambique. The common mangrove grows to about 9 metres (30 feet) tall. The leaves are 5 to 15 cm (2 to 6 inches) long, opposite, oval or elliptic, and smooth-edged; they are thick, have leathery surfaces, and are borne on short stems. The flowers are pale yellow.

How long are the leaves of a black mangrove?

The leaves are 5 to 7.5 cm (2 to 3 inches) long, opposite, oblong or spear-shaped; the upper surface is green and glossy, the lower surface whitish or grayish. The white flowers are small, inconspicuous, and fragrant and are frequented by honeybees for their abundant nectar. Black mangroves ( Avicennia germinans ).

Is mangrove wood durable?

The wood of some species is hard and durable. The astringent bark yields a water-soluble tanning substance. The fruit of the common mangrove is sweet and wholesome. The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica This article was most recently revised and updated by Adam Augustyn, Managing Editor, Reference Content.

Why are mangroves important?

Mangroves can help keep people safe. Mangrove forests — specifically, their thick, impenetrable roots — are vital to shoreline communities as natural buffers against storm surges , an increasing threat in a changing global climate with rising sea levels. Tweet This. © Kyle Obermann.

What are mangroves? What are their functions?

What are mangroves? Mangroves are tropical trees that thrive in conditions most timber could never tolerate — salty, coastal waters, and the interminable ebb and flow of the tide. With the ability to store vast amounts of carbon, mangrove forests are key weapons in the fight against climate change, but they are under threat worldwide. By protecting mangroves, we can help protect the future of our planet.

What are the fish that live in mangroves?

Mangroves, specifically the underwater habitat their roots provide, offer critical nursing environments for juveniles of thousands of fish species, from 1-inch gobies to 10-foot sharks. Mangroves live on the edge.

Where do mangroves live?

Mangroves live on the edge. Mangrove forests can be found on the saltwater coasts of 118 tropical and subtropical countries, totalling more than 137,000 square kilometers (85,000 square miles) — roughly the size of Greece or Arkansas. Tweet This.

How big are mangroves?

Mangroves come in a variety of sizes. Though estimates vary, there are at least 50 — and maybe up to 110 — mangrove species, ranging in height from 2 to 10 meters, but all species feature oblong or oval-shaped leaves and share an affinity for brackish habitats. Fish flock to mangroves.

Where are mangroves threatened?

Mangroves are under threat nearly everywhere, but the problem is particularly acute in Myanmar, where the rate of deforestation is four times the global average. Shrimping is a jumbo problem. In Thailand, Mexico and Indonesia, mangroves are often cut down to make room for temporary shrimp pens.

How do mangroves protect shorelines?

Mangroves protect shorelines from erosion. Mangroves protect shorelines from damaging storm and hurricane winds, waves , and floods. Mangroves also help prevent erosion by stabilizing sediments with their tangled root systems. They maintain water quality and clarity, filtering pollutants and trapping sediments originating from land.

What are mangroves in Florida?

Serving as valuable nursery areas for shrimp, crustaceans, mollusks, and fishes, mangroves are a critical component of Florida’s commercial and recreational fishing industries. These habitats provide a rich source of food while also offering refuge from predation.

What is the wood used in charcoal?

The wood of the black mangrove and buttonwood trees has also been utilized in the production of charcoal. Tannins and other dyes are extracted from mangrove bark. Leaves have been used in tea, medicine, livestock feed, and as a substitute for tobacco for smoking.

Is mangrove a renewable resource?

Mangroves are utilized in many parts of the world as a renewable resource.

What are mangroves used for?

It is an interesting fact that mangrove's wood has high calorific value and hence its demand in market is more. Their leaves and branches can be used as fodder for cattle.

Why are mangroves important?

Mangroves: Importance, Uses And Conservation. This article deals with the importance, location, medicinal and commercial uses and conservation of mangroves. Mangroves are the only plants that can grow in hard water, soft water and land. They have so many commercial as well as medicinal uses also. It is very necessary to conserve them.

Where are mangroves found in India?

In Mumbai, mangroves are found in many creeks in Konkan region such as Jaitapur, Malvan etc. Important mangrove sites along India's coast are the Sundarbans in West Bengal, Bhitarkanika in Orissa, Chilka lake in Orissa, the deltas of Godavari and Krishna and Pulicat along the east coast, and Vembanad in Kerala, Kundapur in Karnataka, Honnavar in Karnataka, Malvan in Gujarat and the Gulf of Kachchh in Gujarat along the west coast. North region of Andaman and Nicobar too have mangroves.

What are the functions of mangrove forests?

They act as a buffer between land and sea. They also prevent coastal erosion. • Mangrove forests provide home to a number of aquatic organisms like fishes crabs, crocodiles, etc; terrestrial organisms like snakes, tigers, etc and aerial organisms such as birds.

How to conserve mangroves?

Different methods adopted to conserve mangroves, include following: • Maintaining the flow of tidal currents to ensure healthy growth of mangroves. • Possible ways to stop Eutrophication and soil erosion in mangrove forests.

When did the Supreme Court decide to ban mangroves?

In 1996, the Supreme Court of India brought mangroves under the definition of forests, this judgement has helped in notifying some mangrove forests, such as Bhitarkanika in Orissa and Sunderbans in West Bengal, as sanctuaries.

Can mangroves grow in water?

Mangroves are the only plants that can grow in hard water, soft water and land. They have so many commercial as well as medicinal uses also. It is very necessary to conserve them.

What are mangroves used for?

Traditionally, the mangroves have been exploited for firewood and charcoal. Use has also been found for mangroves in the construction of dwellings, furniture, boats and fishing gear, tannins for dyeing and leather production. The mangroves provide food and wide variety of traditional products and artefacts for the mangrove dwellers.

Why is it important to know the biological activities of plants?

A knowledge of the biological activities and/or chemical constituents of plants is desirable, not only for the discovery of new therapeutic agents, but because such information may be of value in disclosing new sources of already known biologically active compounds.

Introduction

Mangroves

Functions and Uses of Mangroves

Mangrove Uses – Wood and Non-Wood Forest Products

• Fuel Fuelwood Charcoal Construction Timber, scaffolding Heavy construction Railway sleepers Mining props Boat-building Dock pilings Beams and poles Flooring, panelling Thatch or matting Fence posts, chipboard Fishing Fishing stakes Fishing boats Wood for smoking fish Tannin for nets/lines Fish-attracting shelters Textile, leather Synthetic fibres (...

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