Mangrove in Phuket, Thailand
[ Note : The word mangrove refers both to (i) the habitat, and (ii) those specialised plants.]
Phuket (¥¬¦N) has a large community of mangrove (¬õ¤ì)
located within a conservation zone.
Those flowering plants survive well in salty sea water at the muddy shore margin.
Each plant has a number of stilt roots that grow out from the main tree trunk to
support the plant in an unsteady habitat. The branching root system provides
a " microhabitat " for many marine organisms. Over time, the roots trap mud and
new land is formed. Hence mangrove contributes to coastal land reclamation.
Seen from the side, a mangrove community can be vertically divided into several zones.
With the help of speed boat, tourists / travellers have a chance of seeing the wild mangrove.
