Mangrove Roots

Mangroves store 3-5× more carbon per hectare than tropical rainforests, mostly in their waterlogged, anoxic sediments. Prop roots (Rhizophora) arch dramatically into the water, providing nursery habitat for juvenile fish and crabs. Pneumatophores (Avicennia) are vertical breathing roots that project above mud, supplying O₂ to roots in anaerobic sediment. The dense root matrix reduces wave energy by up to 70% over 500m — critical coastal protection worth $65,000/km/year in avoided storm damage.