Biology and Ecology of the Halophyte Laguncularia racemosa (L.) Gaertn. f.: A Review

Abstract

Mangrove ecosystems are tropical and subtropical environments that are characterized by the interaction been the land and the sea. Laguncularia racemosa (white mangrove) is a monotypic pantropical and subtropical halophyte distributed in West Africa and the New World. In the New World, the zonation pattern in the mangal from the intertidal seaward fringe to higher elevation landward is Rhizophora mangle > L. racemosa > Avicennia germinans > Conocarpus erectus. Laguncularia racemosa is a halophyte that tolerates salinities up to 90 ppt. However, the optimal salinity range for mature stands of this species is from 15 to 20 ppt with water levels at or near the surface. Laguncularia racemosa secretes salt through glands on the leaf surface. Salt secretion allows roots to maintain low ion concentrations of salt in the xylem but allows other essential ions to move to the shoot system. Climate change has allowed L. racemosa to extend its range northward along the Atlantic coast of the United States.

Ecological Implications of Non-Standardized Crude Oil Refining Operation on Blue Carbon Resources in the Niger Delta

“…In terms of ecology, mangroves are collection of dicotyledonous, halophytic woody plant that are domiciled in the intertidal zone along the coast (Lonard et al 2020). Mangroves are found in tropical and semi-tropical regions, adapted to salt water, loose, damp soils, and periodic tidal submersion (Biswas et al 2012).…”