mangrove

/ˈmæŋgroʊv/

/ˈmængrəʊv/

Other forms: mangroves

A mangrove is a tree that grows in salty, tropical water near the coast. Most mangroves are found near the equator, though some grow as far north as Florida.

Scientists explain the wide distribution of mangroves to the movement of the earth's plates. The oldest mangrove fossils are at least 75 million years old; these ancient, salt-loving trees adapted over time to filter sea water. Mangroves play a role in sustaining coastal areas, even staving off the worst effects of tsunamis. Experts aren't certain about the word's origin, but one theory traces it to a native West Indies language like Carib or Arawakan.

Definitions of mangrove

1. noun

   a tropical tree or shrub bearing fruit that germinates while still on the tree and having numerous prop roots that eventually form an impenetrable mass and are important in land building
   synonyms: Rhizophora mangle

   type of:

   angiospermous tree, flowering tree

   any tree having seeds and ovules contained in the ovary