There are three species of mangrove trees in Southern Florida (out of 50 worldwide).
The seeds of a mangrove sprouts while it is still on the tree and then drops into the soft soil or water current below.
They are sensitive to extreme temperature fluctuations. Salinity, water temperature, tidal fluctuations, and soil also affect their growth
People living along the south Florida coasts benefit in many ways from mangroves which can offer protection from storm winds, waves, and floods.
Beside helping prevent shoreline erosion they also serve to filter easturine water, maintaining water quality and clarity.
Mangroves are mostly along the shoreline of the Florida Keys and Everglades, but can be found as far north as Cedar Key
along the Gulf Coast and to Cape Canaveral along the Atlantic Coast.
Red Mangroves
The red mangroves, Rhizohpora mangle, is probably the most well-known. It typically grows along the
water's edge and is easily identifiable by its tangled, reddish "prop-roots" which have earned red mangroves the title,
"walking trees." The red mangrove in particular appears to be standing or walking on the surface of the water.
Black Mangroves
The black mangrove, Avicennia germinans, usually occupies slightly higher elevations upland from the
red mangrove and can be identified by numerous finger-like projections, called pneumatophores,
that protrude from the soil around the tree's trunk.
White Mangroves
The white mangrove, Laguncularia racemosa, usually occupies the highest elevations farther upland
than either the red or black mangroves. Unlike its read and black counterparts, the white mangrove has no visible aerial roots.
Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary - NOAA
P.O. Box 500368, Marathon, FL 33050; (305) 743-2437;
FKNMS Website;
This federal agency provides protection to the special resources of the Florida Keys including:
- Mangroves
- Coral Reefs
- Seagrass Beds
- Benthic Habitats
- Historic Shipwrecks
Eden of the Everglades - Everglades City
Elevated boardwalk through a mangrove forest. Also provides 45-minute pontoon boat ride tour of
Ten Thousand Island area. Airboat rides also available.
Hawk's Cay Resort - Duck Key FL
Secluded on its own 60-acre private island just 90 miles south of Miami and 60 miles north of Key West, Hawk's Cay Resort is a casual, yet elegant West Indies-style luxury resort sure to provide a perfect vacation experience for the entire family. The property offers something
for everyone with a wide range of amenities and activities -- full-service marina, four on-site restaurants ranging from casual to elegant, five outdoor swimming pools, a whirlpool spa, bicycle rentals, a fitness center, massage treatments, a salt water dolphin lagoon habitat featuring
interactive dolphins program, a private water/lagoon, and a full array of water sports. Located in a playground of tropical diversions, this resort also offers the Island Adventure Club for kids ages three to 12.
Holiday Inn Marathon-Marina
MainTour Online Hot Rates Available Here!
Located in the heart of the Florida Keys, the Holiday Inn Marathon Hotel and Marina features 133 comfortable
guest rooms and executive oceanfront rooms with king size and double-double accommodations, an outdoor heated
swimming pool and kiddie pool, tiki bar, and the Royal Pelican Restaurant, open daily from breakfast through dinner.
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Florida Keys Landmark Visitors Guide