(a) Unique features of Mangrove plants 

(a) Unique features of Mangrove plants 
Mangrove flora (trees, shrubs, grasses, epiphytes & lianas) show unique power or ability to adapt and survive in harsh environment of saline, muddy, strong wind, tides, etc. These abilities are: i)  can  maintain water balance in saline condition (some excrete salts from leaves, root glands); ii) anchoring ability against wind, tide and mud ( by prop-roots   viz Garjan tree) iii) evolve special aerial roots with root-tips protrude like spikes, called respiratory roots for aeration  in clayey soil (viz. Keora tree) ;                                                                                                                                                                   iv) special skill to colonize in mud banks by viviparous germination i.e. bringing forth live young plants developed while within the body of mother plants (viz. Kakra trees).
 

 

(b) Mangrove Ecosystem:

 The mangrove community of trees / plants survive and grow especially in tidal zones of land-sea interfaces. The mouths of tidal creeks and river where salt and fresh water mix in ideal proportion show the greatest concentration of mangrove flora of sundarbans posses physiological and structural adaptations to struggle to grow and survive. Salinity, soil conditions, nutrients, weather hazards, sunshine, temperature, cyclones, tides, etc. render the existence of every species of flora and fauna difficult at various stages of life cycle.