Abstract: Mangroves are one of the most carbon-rich ecosystems worldwide, with high ratio of below to above-ground biomass. Different types of mangrove roots and their physiological and ecological functions play an important role in the carbon budget of sediment layer. Except the absorptive roots in the sediment or soil layer, the aerial roots of mangrove plants exhibit many morphological variations to adapt to the complex environmental factors in the coastal zone, including prop/stilt roots, knee-like roots, plank roots, and pneumatophores. We reviewed the variations of different types of roots in structure, anatomy and other functional traits, and summarized their crucial roles in mangrove ecosystems, such as providing support for stem, gas exchange, maintaining biodiversity, as well as nutrient uptake. We also made an expectation on the development of the root researches, providing reference for future studies in mangrove root system.

Key words: mangrove, root type, trait, function