Mangroves completely underwater?

[Ben1]

I just returned from the John Pennekamp coral reef state park in Florida and noticed that on of their tanks in their aquarium area had mangroves completely underwater, leafs and all. They looked young but ok, is that the right way to do it? I always assumed they had to have the leafs above water or they would die is this right or am I confused?

BTW the diving was easy fun diving there and I got to do diving up at ginnie springs as well, lots of fun till my camera housing flooded and I lost my camera but thats anoughter story, what do you think about the mangroves?

 

[Meloco14]

I also thought the leaves had to be out of water. Maybe when they're young they grow in the water until they are tall enough to reach the surface?

 

[abbeyspal]

I really want to know about the mangroves too. I think a mangrove refugium would be awesome.

 

[hillbilly]

I've always read that mangrove leaves should be above the water. Using mangroves in the refugium is nothing new, people have been using them for years. From what I've read the only downside is that the mangroves deplete mag. levels from the water. For the most part , the reports have all been positive. I have thought about giving them a try myself sometime.

 

[taikonaut]

They can survive for several months completely submerged, but being not a true aquatic plant, they will rot and die if not moved.

 

[Modo]

You have to think that seedlings often grow up from total submersion. But, I guess you could have issues transplanting them into that enviroment.

I have read in a few publications that Mangroves really don't export that much. They are slow growers and absorb what they use at a slow rate. I guess you could equate it to using a ficus tree to absorb CO2 in your living room. It's doing it and you know it's doing it, but is it the most effective way?

Also, we are talking about a very large species of tree. These things get huge! But, just like any plant I guess you can Bonsai them.

Just thinking out loud.