Publisher's Synopsis
Mangroves are remarkable tropical plants that grow with their roots partly or wholly submerged in sea water; they form tidal forests in the tropics. These forests, referred to as 'mangal', straddle the abrupt interface between sea and land. They are economically important because they are a source of timber (used mainly as firewood), essentially grown out of sea water. Mangroves also protect shorelines from wave damage and provide a nursery for many commercial fishes. To the scientist they offer an interesting opportunity to study organisms that adapt to both marine and terrestrial environments. The Botany of Mangroves is a concise, descriptive overview of mangrove plants, with emphasis on the biology of individual species. Now available in paperback for the first time, this book will be valuable to all those with an interest in these fascinating plants.
