Anatomical adaptations of mangroves to the intertidal environment and their dynamic responses to various stresses.

Abstract

Mangroves are intertidal plants that survive extreme environmental conditions through unique adaptations. Various reviews on diverse physiological and biochemical stress responses of mangroves have been published recently. However, a review of how mangroves respond anatomically to stresses is lacking. This review presents major mangrove anatomical adaptations and their modifications in response to dynamic environmental stresses such as high salinity, flooding, extreme temperatures, varying light intensities, and pollution. The available research shows that plasticity of Casparian strips and suberin lamellae, variations in vessel architecture, formation of aerenchyma, thickening of the cuticle, and changes in the size and structure of salt glands occur in response to various stresses. Mangrove species show different responses correlated with the diversity and intensity of the stresses they face. The flexibility of these anatomical adaptations represents a key feature that determines the survival and fitness of mangroves. However, studies demonstrating these mechanisms in detail are relatively scarce, highlighting the need for further research. An in-depth understanding of the structural adaptations of individual mangrove species could contribute to appropriate species selection in mangrove conservation and restoration activities.