A mangrove is any of certain shrubs and trees that grow in dense thickets or forests along tidal estuaries, in salt marshes, and on muddy coasts and that characteristically have prop roots—i.e., exposed supporting roots. The term ‘mangrove’ also applies to thickets and forests of such plants. Mangroves are a group of about 80 species of plants that grow in low-oxygen soil near the equator. They have prop roots that help them survive tidal flooding and provide habitat for fish and other organisms. Mangrove ecosystems provide an array of essential ecosystem goods and services, which contribute significantly to the livelihoods, well-being, and security of coastal communities. Mangroves in India: Mangrove forests refer to the productive wetlands which are mostly situated in the coastal intertidal zones. They mostly grow in tropical and subtropical areas. There are around 80 different species of mangroves, which grow mostly in regions that have low-oxygen soil, where slow-moving waters accumulate fine particles. The word "mangrove" may refer to the habitat as a whole or to trees and shrubs in mangroves. Mangroves are very important and special types of vegetation ...
