Mangroves are remarkable ecosystems – highly productive forests constructed by a few species of trees and shrubs that are largely adopted to survive in the harsh interface between land and sea. Owing to a great variation in the environmental conditions, heterogeneity of mangrove ecosystem is globally acknowledged. These ecosystems are considered amongst the most complex because of a high degree of structural and functional diversity observed in its biological components. The mangrove vegetation consists of taxonomically unrelated plant species, while they show physiognomical, physiological and structural adaptations making them distinct group from the terrestrial vegetation. All mangroves are adapted to high water salinity stress, show xerophytic adaptations and exhibit mechanisms that allow surviving and propagating in inundated/ anaerobic conditions.

Pictorial guide will contain brief description of various mangrove areas of Maharashtra. It will illustrate appx 150 mangrove and mangrove associated species in colour. The book will have a brief glossary.