Answer: The importance of Sundari trees in the littoral forests lies in their role in stabilizing coastal soil, reducing erosion, and supporting rich biodiversity. These trees help maintain the delicate ecosystem balance and provide valuable resources for local communities.
Complete Answer:
India has many littoral forests, which are part of its natural vegetation. These forests grow in small areas along the coast and riverbanks. You can find them in places like the salty coasts of Rajasthan and Gujarat, the Gulf of Kutch, river areas in Kashmir and Ladakh, the deltas of the east coast, and swamps in Northeast India.
In West Bengal, these forests are known as the Sunderbans. The name comes from the Sundari tree, which is the most common tree in this area. The Sunderban is the largest mangrove forest in the world and is shared between India and Bangladesh. It lies near the Bay of Bengal and is formed by rivers like the Hooghly, Ganges, Padma, Brahmaputra, and Meghna.
The Sundari tree can grow very tall, up to 60 feet, and has a thick trunk. Its wood is used for making bridges, boats, houses, poles, and tool handles. This tree is also important in traditional medicine. Studies show it has many health benefits, such as helping with pain relief, infections, diabetes, liver problems, and skin diseases.
The importance of Sundari trees in the littoral forests is significant due to their ability to thrive in saline, waterlogged conditions. These trees help prevent coastal erosion by stabilizing the soil with their strong roots. They also support diverse wildlife and act as natural barriers against storms and tidal waves. Additionally, Sundari trees provide timber and livelihood to local communities, making them vital to both ecological balance and economic sustainability.
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