Mangroves of Southeast Asia

They are considered to be the trees and bushes growing in the saline Intertidal zones of sheltered coastlines. Their root systems are thus regularly inundated with saline water however, dilution by flooding may occur once or twice annually O). Four vascular plants associated with tidal mangrove swamps in Southeast Asia have been utilized by local inhabitants for their toxic properties. The natural sap or aqueous extract from the leaves and bark is used to stupefy fish, as poison for spear and arrow tips, and applied to tooth cavities and skin to deaden aches and pain. 

In Southeast Asia, seagrasses are under threat from loss of mangroves, which act as a filter for sediment from land, coastal development, urban expansion and bucket dredging for tin. Other impacts include substrate disturbance, industrial and agricultural runoff, industrial wastes and sewage discharges. 

---