April 19, 2021

This is known as Red Mangrove

In Florida it is useful and native

Its umbella-like roots stabilize the shore

But in Hawaii, it's an exotic invasive.

Location: Indian River Lagoon Preserve State Park

Sources: https://www.environment-hawaii.org/?p=7092

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

June 19, 2019

Location: Vero Beach, Lagoon Greenway

These are known as Red Mangrove roots
They look like a tangled web
But they are vitally important to river life
Cause they keep fish and birds sheltered and fed.

Sources: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations - Mangrove Management

Photo and text © 2018 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

July 9, 2018

Location: Vero Beach, Lagoon Greenway

These are known as Red Mangroves
The way they reproduce is very cool.
They don't have seeds, the long green things
Are baby plants called propagules.

Sources: Indian River Lagoon Species Inventory - Rhizophora mangle

Photo and text © 2018 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

July 8, 2018

Location: Vero Beach, Lagoon Greenway

This is a Red Mangrove
It's flower is yellowish and the leaves big and shiny.
Red Mangroves live closest to the water
And deal well when the water is briny.

Sources: Indian River Lagoon Species Inventory - Red Mangrove

Photo and text © 2018 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

March 8, 2018

Location: Satellite Beach, Samsons Island

These are known as Red Mangroves,
You can ID them by their umbrella-like roots.
Often in or near brackish water, you'll find
Their embryonic root propagules.

Sources: Smithsonian Marine Station at Fort Pierce - Red Mangrove 

Photo and text © 2018 Dee Fairbanks Simpson