Mangroves are shrubs or small trees that grow in coastal saline or brackish water. Mangroves are salt-tolerant trees, also known as halophytes. The term is also used for tropical coastal vegetation consisting of such species. Mangroves occur worldwide in the tropics and subtropics, mainly between latitudes 25° N and 25° S. In the year 2000, the area of mangroves was 53,190 square miles (137,760 km²), spanning 118 countries and territories. In the United States, there are 3 species, black, red, and white mangroves. Mangrove trees serve as a buffer between marine and terrestrial communities and protect shorelines from damaging winds, waves, and floods. They also improve water quality by filtering pollutants and trapping sediment from the land, and they reduce coastal erosion. The root system of a mangrove forest has also been known to dissipate wave energy. Mangrove forests grow in intertidal zones and estuary mouths between land and sea. They anchor and protect coastal ecosystems, and make up a transitional zone between land and ocean, connecting and supporting both. Some mangroves have unique "breathing roots", called "pneumatophores". They contain pores called "lenticles" through which the plants absorb oxygen. They are not active during high tide when they are submerged. These delicate lenticels are highly susceptible to clogging by pollutants (such as oil), damage from parasites, and prolonged flooding. Over time, environmental stress can kill large swathes of mangrove forests. Mangrove forests are essential nursery grounds for all kinds of marine life including fish, rays, and invertebrates. Mangroves' dense root systems inhibit the flow of tidal water and encourage the deposition of nutrient-rich sediments. But once lost, mangroves are very difficult to replant due to shifts in the very sediments the roots helped keep in place.
A curious and unusual wood, Mangrove wands are wands of continuation, excellent at repairing failing spells and charms, and at maintaining other spells. Mangrove wands are also excellent wands for casting over, near, or in water, being one of the few wands which retain the precise meanings of the spells when casting in the water. Mangrove wands are also one of the wands least likely to backfire or even break, having an excellent ability to channel magic and survive under strain, much like the wizards they choose. Red Mangrove wands do not respond well to cutting and they are very sensitive. Mangrove wands love saltwater, particularly brackish water, so be sure to soak your wand in it once every month for 24 hours.