Wednesday, September 15, 2010

#12 - Avicennia sp.


The pencil-like roots of the Avicennia sp (Api-api) or pneumatophores branched upwards from the main horizontal roots that grow below the soil. These roots allow the absorption of atmospheric oxygen through specialized root cells known as lenticels.

This adaptation is important, as the mud that the mangrove trees grow is extremely low in oxygen.

Family name: Avicenniaceae

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