Hydraulic architecture of seedlings and adults of Rhizophora mangle L. in fringe and scrub mangrove

Background: Mangrove plant species have distinctive anatomical and physiological responses to cope with a wide range of salinities and inundations. These strategies pertain a safe and efficient water use and transport, essential for survival. Questions: How are the anatomical and physiological attributes of the hydraulic architecture of seedlings and adults of Rhizophora mangle ? what are the changes in hydraulic architecture of seedlings and adults of R. mangle in contrasting microenvironments? Studied species: Rhizophora mangle L. (Rhizophoraceae). Study site and dates: Scrub and fringe mangroves in Ria Celestún Biosphere Reserve, during the rainy season of 2013 (July to October). Methods: Hydraulic conductivity and leaf water potential, as well as xylem vessel density, length, transversal and radial diameter, and area were measured for seedlings and adults from both sites. The prevailing environmental conditions (soil water potential, salinity, photon flux density, air temperature and relative humidity) were also characterized. Results: A safer hydraulic conduction system, with narrow and more grouped vessels, was observed in seedlings than in adults of R. mangle in both sites. Adult individuals from the scrub mangrove, in the hyper saline microenvironment, had a safer hydraulic conduction system than adults in the fringe mangrove. Conclusions: The seedling stage of R. mangle showed a safer hydraulic system than adults in both types of mangroves. However, over time this hydraulic conduction system could become more efficient or remain safe depending on the microenvironment in which individuals are growing.