
Illustration of a small mangrove island at the seashore that is dramatically backlit by the setting sun.
Safety Rating: Beneficial.
Environment: Oceans.
Details: This is a mangrove tree that is adapted to float on the ocean. They have an exceptionally wide, raft-like root structure that contains many small, tough air pouches which collectively keep the tree afloat. These roots securely entwine with the roots of other Floating Mangroves, along with any floating debris that they come across. Over time a group of Floating Mangroves can build up an entire floating island.
Lore: There are many aspects of mangrove biology that allow them to thrive while their roots are submerged in salt water. Floating Mangroves have specialized aerial roots that hang down from their branches. These aerial roots take in oxygen for their submerged roots, as well as processing nutrients out of the air.
Inspiration: The biology of mangrove trees and the coconut palm (specifically the way that coconuts float on the ocean to reach new locations).
Floating Mangrove is part of the Crossroads Setting for the tabletop role-playing game, Magic Goes Awry. Click here to go to the list of wild and whimsical magical plants from the Land of Crossroads.
Oooooooh I love this so much!!!! :O
<3 This was really built on the amazing biology of mangroves. Floating plant islands have so much potential!