From the above review it is apparent that mangroves
possess several characteristics that make them structurally and functionally adapted to high saline and
varied hydrologic conditions. Morphological and
physiological characteristics for adaptation include
aerial roots, viviparous embryos, tidal dispersal of
propagules, rapid rates of canopy production, absence
of growth rings, wood with narrow densely distributed
vessels, highly efficient nutrient retention mechanism
and the ability to cope with salt and to maintain water
and carbon balance. Such diverse interrelated characteristics make mangroves species-poor compared to
other tropical ecosystems. Mangrove forests are
architecturally simple compared to rain forests, mainly
because of the absence of understory, though the
standing plants of mangrove forest on an average are
taller than any other aquatic ecosystems. Mangrove
forests show immense biomass rivaling the biomass of
many tropical rain forests. In view of such an excellent
production potential more critical studies involving the
dominant mangrove and other species in the regions
like Sundarban, the largest mangrove ecosystem, are
needed. Considering the vastness of the area, inaccessibility in most of the areas due to tiger inhabitation and
continuously fluctuating soil conditions, a comparative
account of the species collected from different zones of
Sundarban will be of great help in elucidating the
species diversity and their adaptive capability