Mangrove Forest in Lampi Island Marine National Park, Burma
This image shows one of the mangrove forest ecosystems in Burma, and common characteristics of this region including the complex roots, palms, and saltwater can be viewed.
Stilted Roots
From the lower branches of the tree or plant, aerial roots branch out and grow harder. They become shallow stands which support the position of the adult tree or plant. (Tomlinson 1994)
The two photos above show images of the stilt roots that plants, including the species Rhizopora and Ceriop that grow in mangrove coastal forests. The roots grow harder and are essentially intertwined and stable to support the adult tree. (Tomlinson 1994)
http://travel.mongabay.com/panama/600/pan01-0724.jpg
http://homepage.mac.com/patholleran/ParkVision/Everglades/Evg-119.jpg
They have a buried root system, and grow outward from the center and come above ground as vertical roots in various heights. (Tomlinson 1994)
These buried root systems grow outward from the center and then the roots, as seen in the pictures, begin to grow upwards and vary in height. (Tomlinson 1994)
http://www.seabean.com/guide/Avicennia_germinans/jpg/Avicennia_germinans-pneumatophores-02.jpg
http://coastal.beg.utexas.edu/thscmp/images/mustangisland/blackmangrove.jpg
Knee Root and Buttress Root
Knee roots emerge from the ground and then loop back in whereas buttress or plank roots grow outward then upward.
As seen from the two photos above, these horizontal roots grow upward in circular formations, although each looks uniquely different from one another. (Tomlinson 1994)
http://wiki.trin.org.au/pub/Mangroves/RootType/Bruguiera_gymnorhiza_roots.jpg
http://images.wikia.com/analytical/images/a/ae/Buttressroot.jpg