Rooting for mangroves

With 1,500-ha of the vegetation along Konkan coast getting increased protection, here’s a look at a few species typical to this region

Mangroves, as Dr Sheetal Pachpande, Deputy Director-Projects, Mangrove Foundation, points out, are the skin of our coasts, not only shielding us from floods and storms, but also contributing to a healthier environment and economy. Hence, the recent announcement of the Maharashtra forest department and the Mangrove Cell, to declare 1,575 hectare (ha) of mangrove land along the Konkan coast as reserve forest, bodes well for conservation of the ecologically vital vegetation.

“These mangroves lie in Mumbai suburban, Thane, Raigad and Sindhudurg, which is the most diverse in terms of species. They will come under the reserved forest category. The mangrove areas will be demarcated to prevent encroachment, and once handed over to the forest department, they’ll be able to take better care of them,” Dr Pachpande elaborates, giving us a peek into a few species that thrive along the 720-km coastline.

Heritiera littoralis
This mangrove species is called the sundari tree; the name is derived from the Sunderbans in West Bengal, where it is also found. It’s also called the looking glass tree, owing to its silvery leaves. In Maharashtra, it was first recorded in the 2000s, in Achara area.

Sonneratia alba
Declared the state mangrove tree of Maharashtra, this species is prevalent across the coast. It has got an elaborate root system and showy flowers, and attracts honey bees, whose population is decreasing. So, it contributes to the proliferation of this species, and hence, the food chain.

Cynometra Iripa
Called irapu in Marathi, it is found in a pocket at Achara village, in Sindhudurg. The fruit of this rare species is wrinkled, and it’s a true mangrove tree.

Flower of Sonneratia caseolaris. Pics Courtesy/Mangrove Foundation

Sonneratia caseolaris
This is a true mangrove species that’s typical to the Sindhudurg area, she says. It has pneumatophores that can grow up to a height of seven to eight feet and looks elegant. It has reddish flowers and an edible fruit.

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