A field guide to Kenyan mangroves

Trees of the seaside mangroves

see also the animals associated with this part of the forest

 

Rhizophora mucronata

Well developed aerial stilt roots, which allow easy recognition of this species in the field, since it is the only representative of the genus in Kenya. This species should be considered more "creekside" than seaside as they need sheltered low energy areas to grow.

Crabs found near R. mucronata (in this zone): Sesarma (Sarmatium) crassum, Sesarma (Perisesarma) guttatum, Metopograpsus thukuhar, Uca annulipes, Uca chlorophthalmus, Uca tetragonon, Uca urvillei, Uca vocans, Scylla serrata, Thalamtia crenata, Epixanthus dentatus, Eurycarcinus natalensis

Sonneratia alba

Occur at the most seaward edge of the mangroves, along more protected drainage creeks in muddy soils, as well as along less protected sandy beaches.

Crabs found near S. alba: Grapsus fourmanoiri, Selatium elongatum, Metopograpsus thukuhar, Metopograpsus oceanicus, Metopograpsus messor, Dotilla fenestrata, Uca annulipes, Uca chlorophthalmus, Uca tetragonon, Uca urvillei, Uca vocans, Ocypode ryderi, Ocypode ceratophthalmus, Macrophthalmus spp.

Avicennia marina

The above ground root system of Avicennia marina is characterized by upright pencillike pneumatophores which originate from an underground cable root. Leaves are thin, dark green above and light colored below. Salt crystals can often be seen on the underside of leaves. Also occurs at the landward side of the mangal.

Crabs found near A. marina (in this zone): Sesarma (Sesarmoides) longipes, Selatium elongatum, Sesarma (Sarmatium) crassum, Sesarma (Perisesarma) guttatum, Metopograpsus thukuhar, Metopograpsus oceanicus, Metopograpsus messor, Dotilla fenestrata, Uca annulipes, Uca chlorophthalmus, Uca tetragonon, Uca vocans,

 

Landward - Mid-forest- Seaside

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all text and photographs copyright© 2002-2016 David Gillikin and Anouk Verheyden
Created 28 August 2001

Updated June 24, 2016
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