Close-up view of mangrove trees. Mangroves are trees or shrubs that grow in salty water in hot places like the tropics. Their twisted, tangled roots collect dirt. Mangroves live right in the sea. Their seeds fall from the tree and will grow roots as soon as they touch any kind of soil. Sometimes, mangrove trees grow on a coral reef. Smaller roots designed with air passages and breathing pores moveoxygen from the air to parts of the plant underwater.The tree also protects the shoreline from being eroded by storm waves. Mangroves have a high ecological role as nursery grounds.Mangrove leaves, wood, roots, and detrital material provide essential food chain resources for many wildlife. They also serve as storm buffers.
