Abstract

TAXONOMICAL AND MEDICINAL PROPERTIES AS WELL AS ADAPTATIONS OF AVICENNIA MARINA (GREY MANGROVE) AT MACHILIPATNAM SEACOAST, ANDHRA PRADESH, INDIA

Madhuri Vajha*

Abstract

Mangroves are specialized ecosystems, known to tolerate high salinity, tidal extremes, and high fluctuations in wind, temperature and muddy anaerobic soil with the development of some adaptive morphological characteristics. Krishna vegetation is a fragile ecosystem changing rapidly due to natural calamities, deforestation, aquaculture, overexploitation, absence of proper management, conservation etc. It is proved that mangroves with densely populated vegetation act as natural protectors to control the cyclonic winds and tsunami waves. Therefore, a detailed study of Krishna mangroves is very important in Gilakaladindi (Machilipatnam) and its nearby villages Pedapatnam, Polatitippa and Pallethummalapalem. As a part of this, in this review, Avicennia marina (grey mangrove) belongs to the family Verbenaceae, is studied for taxonomical and medicinal properties as well as adaptations). As with other mangroves, it occurs in the intertidal zones of estuarine areas. This species is used for food, fodder, fuel wood, construction materials and medicine in some areas within its range. Avicennia are generally considered pioneers of mangrove forests. They occupy a diversity of habitats within the tidal range and across salinity extremes of tropical and subtropical sheltered areas. In tropical regions, this often includes a select group of co-inhabitors, like Rhizophora.

Keywords: Salinity, Avicennia Marina, Grey Mangrove, Taxonomical, Medicinal Properties.