Flora
Estuaries and Tidal Flats
Mangroves are common along the banks of tidal creeks and rivers. Thirty-nine of the 47 Northern Territory species of mangrove occur in Kakadu. Mangroves are important for stabilising the coastline and serve as feeding and breeding grounds for many animals, including fish such as barramundi.
Like other plants growing in estuaries and tidal flats, mangroves must be able to cope with oxygen-deficient soils and periodic inundation by salt water. Mangroves use a range of mechanisms to cope with these conditions. Some species, such as the grey mangrove, have roots projecting through the soil (pneumatophores); others, such as the spider mangrove, have an amazing raised root system-like the legs of a spider-to help with oxygen intake. A number of mangroves are able to exclude salt through specialised filters in their roots or through salt glands in their leaves.
On the tidal flats behind the mangroves, hardy succulents (samphire), grasses and sedges grow. Isolated pockets of monsoon forest grow along the coast and river banks. These forests contain several impressive trees, among them the banyan fig, which can be recognised by its large, spreading aerial roots, and the kapok tree, which has a spiny trunk, large, waxy red flowers and pods full of cotton-like material.
Common flora
- Banyan Ficus virens An-borndi
A large spreading tree with aerial roots and large prop roots from the major branches. It is a strangler fig with edible fruits and makes a great shade tree. - Beach hibiscus Hibiscus tiliaceus
A small tree, 5 to 8 metres high, commonly found in monsoon pockets along the coast and river banks. It has a large yellow flower with a dark maroon centre.
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