Mangroves at Cape Hillsborough, Mackay, Queensland, Australia       31 July 2006

Here are some portaits of the mangroves near Cape Hillsborough National Park, on the central coast of Queensland, Australia. Various species are depicted, mostly Red Mangrove, Rhizophora stylosa.


Click on any picture for a full-size version.

The interface between mangrove forest (L) and dry forest (R). The bare zone in between is caused by extremely salty soil in the zone reached only by the highest tides, where salt is deposited but regular flushing does not occur.

 

Aerial roots of mangroves, which serve both to anchor the trees in the soft mud and to provide them with an oxygen supply.

 

Close-up of mangrove leaves, possibly a River Mangrove(Aegicerus corniculatum). Most mangroves have tough, waxy leaves to avoid water loss, because of the dehydrating effects of their saline environment. Some mangroves even excrete salt through their leaves.

 

A mangrove seedling growing at the mangrove / dry forest interface.

 

Two different kinds of mangrove roots: "prop roots" (the large arcs) and "snorkels" (the small columns). Prop roots function both in aeration and support, whereas snorkels are solely for aeration. This photo, and the following ones, were taken at a boat ramp.

 

A close-up of mangrove leaves and prop roots (probably R. stylosa).

 

Mangroves can grow just along the edge of the coastline, but they are often found in association with extensive tidal creek systems. This is a downstream view of a tidal creek. The beach is about 500 metres away, around the bend.

 

This is an upstream view of the same tidal creek. Hundreds of acres of mangroves and tidal channels are to be found upstream. Mangroves also often live in brackish water along the edges of large rivers nearing the sea.

 

Reference: Lovelock, Catherine; and Steve Clarke (1993). Field guide to the mangroves of Queensland. Townsville, QLD, Australia: Australian Institute of Marine Science.

Back to top  

Back to Photos


Last updated 2 August 2006.