Ecological Importance of Rhizophoraceae - A True Mangrove Family

Abstract

Mangroves are various types of trees up to medium height and shrubs that grow in saline coastal sediment habitats in the tropics and subtropics mainly between latitudes 25° N and 25° S. Mangrove ecosystems represent natural capital capable of producing a wide range of goods and services for coastal environments and communities and society as a whole. Some of these outputs, such as timber, are freely exchanged in formal markets. Value is determined in these markets through exchange and quantified in terms of price. Particularly the mangroves of Rhizophoraceae have so many ecological importances. Breeding and nursery grounds for a number of marine organisms including the commercially important shrimp crab and fish species. Mangrove trees are also used for house building, furniture, transmission as well as telephone poles and certain household items. Mangrove trees have been the source of firewood in India since ancient time. Because of the high specific gravity of rhizophoraceous wood, the species of Rhizophora, Kandelia, Ceriops and Bruguiera are preferred for firewood.