What are the adaptations or unique features of mangrove plants to thrive in salt marshes?
Cable roots, stilt roots or prop roots – support them in the loose marshy soil.
Breathing roots or pneumatophores – for air exchange; and prevent soil erosion.
Knee-like roots, plank roots and buttress roots
Salt-excreting leaves.
Salt-accumulating leaves – take the salts with them to the ground when they fall off.
Viviparity – seedlings grow in the mother plant itself – increase survival rate.