Red Mangrove

Description:

Red mangroves are also called ‘walking trees’. That’s because they have special roots called prop roots that grow from their branches down into the water. These prop roots make the tree look like they are walking. For the Red mangrove, the prop roots are important for two reasons: first, they help to keep the tree from falling over. They prop up the tree. Growing in water means you need extra support to stand in the mud. Secondly, because these prop roots grow from the branches down into the water, they are exposed to air. Being exposed to air brings extra oxygen to the Red mangrove.

Habitat:

Edge of Jost Van Dyke Island, BVI.