National Park Service LogoU.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park ServiceNational Park Service
National Park Service:  U.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park Service Arrowhead
Everglades National ParkMangrove Tunnel
view map
text size:largestlargernormal
printer friendly
Everglades National Park
Ecosystems: Mangrove
 
Mangrove Forest

Mangrove forests are found in the coastal channels and winding rivers around the tip of south Florida. The term "mangrove" does not signify a particular botanical relation, but rather, is used to identify several species of salt-tolerant trees that thrive amidst the harsh growing conditions of the coast. 

Red mangroves (Rhizophora mangle), identified by their stilt-like roots, and the black (Avicennia germinans) and white mangroves (Laguncularia racemosa) thrive in tidal waters, where freshwater from the Everglades mixes with saltwater. Owing to these conditions, Everglades National Park boasts the largest contiguous stand of protected mangrove forest in the hemisphere.

This estuary system is a valuable nursery for a variety of recreationally and commercially important marine species. During the dry months, wading birds congregate here to feed and nest. And during the summer months, these mangrove forests provide the first line of defense against the howling winds and storm surge of hurricanes.

Aerial View of the Harney River
Other Everglades Ecosystems
Learn More Here
more...
Butterfly Orchid in Bloom
Plants of the Everglades
Learn more here
more...
Morning Glory  

Did You Know?
Everglades National Park is home to over 1,000 species of plants. The Morning Glory pictured here is a native species. However, over 20% of the plants here are non-native. Researchers in the Park are working to remove those that cause the most problems.

Last Updated: July 30, 2007 at 10:07 EST