Mangroves in the Northern Territory - Department of Land Resource ...

Adaptations to lnundation and Wave Action
Mechanical adaptations are structural features which enable plants to survive and
successfully compete for resources in a particular environment. One of the most
obvious mechanical adaptations of mangroves to the marine environment are various
root structures. Additionally many mangrove timbers are very heavy which assists in
anchoring the plant (Mastaller 1997).
Stabilisation with Roots – Mangrove Balancing Acts
Buttress Roots
Mangrove root systems are generally not deep,
but are widely spread out. Mangroves have
several different root types which enable them to
remain securely anchored in regions which
repeatedly become waterlogged and are subject to
tidal influences and wave actions (Claridge &
Burnett 1993).
Stilt Roots
Buttress roots radiate from the base of a
tree to increase the width of the base. By
having a greater width, the chances of the
tree being knocked over by wave action or
over balancing in the soft mud are reduced
(Mastaller 1997).
Plate 6: Ceriops tagal (Yellow mangrove) base
Stilt roots or prop roots are elongated aerial roots
which originate from the tree trunk and lower
branches. Rhizophora trees have easily
recognisable prop roots (Mastaller 1997).
Plate 5: Rhizophora stylosa (Stilt rooted mangrove) roots
Cable Roots
Northern Territory Mangrove Education Kit
The Avicennia marina (Grey mangrove)
cable roots shown in Plate 7 have been
exposed through erosive processes. They
demonstrate how mangrove roots can
spread radially underground to assist with
stabilisation in wet and rough conditions.
Plate 7: Avicennia marina (Grey mangrove) base
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