Mangrove Swamp Reflections In Malaysia. Royalty-Free Stock Photography

Found in the wetlands of Malaysia where the rivers meet the seas. Mangrove forests are a unique ecosystem generally found along sheltered coasts where they grow abundantly in saline soil and brackish water subject to periodic fresh- and salt-water inundation. Mangrove trees have specific characteristics such as tough root systems, special bark and leaf structures and other unique adaptations to enable them to survive in their habitat`s harsh conditions. The habitat is soft, silty and shallow, coupled with the endless ebb and flow of water providing very little support for most mangrove plants which have aerial or prop roots known as pneumatrophores, or respiratory roots and buttressed trunks. Despite its smelly reputation, a mangrove forest is a very dynamic and highly productive ecosystem. It not only plays multiple ecological functions essential to its surrounding habitats, but is also an important resource for coastal communities.