Mangrove seedlings begin growing before they leave the tree — ChillScroll

Long leafless mangrove propagules floating beneath mangrove roots with one standing in mud

Mangrove seedlings begin growing before they leave the tree

Mangrove seeds can start growing while they are still attached to the parent. The long young plants, called propagules, later drop into the tide and float until they settle into soft mud.

It leaves home already shaped like a tiny green pencil.

Source · Smithsonian Ocean ↗