The Sundari tree (Heritiera littoralis) is a mangrove species that is well-adapted to saline environments. It has a number of features that allow it to survive and thrive in these conditions, including:
- Salt glands: Sundari trees have salt glands on the surface of their leaves. These glands secrete excess salt, which helps to prevent the salt from building up in the plant’s tissues.
- Root barrier: Sundari trees have a root barrier that prevents salt from entering the plant’s roots. This barrier is made up of a layer of cork cells that are impermeable to salt.
- Water uptake: Sundari trees have a special type of root called a pneumatophore. Pneumatophores are above-ground roots that allow the tree to take up oxygen from the air. This is important because the oxygen levels in mangrove soils are often low.
- Wood: The wood of the Sundari tree is very dense and resistant to salt corrosion. This allows the tree to withstand the harsh conditions of its environment.
