Mangrove (driftwood) - Mangrove

Japanese: ヒルギ(漂木) - ヒルギ

A general term for trees of the Rhizophoraceae family, which are the main constituent species of tropical mangrove forests. They range from shrubs to tall trees over 30 meters in height, with aerial roots that hang down from the trunk or thick branches and either burrow into the mud to serve as supports (Rhizophora gracilis) or develop knee-shaped breathing roots (Rhizophora obtusifolia, Candel) (Illustration, Illustration). The exposed parts of these support roots and knee-shaped roots have large lenticels that help supply oxygen from the atmosphere to the roots. The twigs are thick and show noticeable traces of fallen leaves.

Source: Heibonsha World Encyclopedia, 2nd Edition Information

Japanese:

ヒルギ科Rhizophoraceaeの樹木の総称で，熱帯のマングローブ林の主構成種。低木から樹高30m以上の高木まであり，幹または太い枝から気根を垂れ，泥中に入って支柱となるか(ヤエヤマヒルギ)，または膝状の呼吸根を出す(アカバナヒルギ，メヒルギ)（イラスト，イラスト）。この支柱根および膝状の根の露出部分には大きな皮目があり，大気中の酸素を根に供給する役をなしている。小枝は太く，葉の落ちた跡が著しい。

出典　株式会社平凡社世界大百科事典第２版について　情報

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