Abstract
Growth and leaf characteristics of variously- aged saplings of Rhizophora mucronata Lam., a true mangrove species, grown by planting propagules in various nurseries established in tidal areas along the coast of Pakistan or experimental plantations in swampy areas of some islands of Indus delta are described. Growth included such parameters as net growth (from the end of the propagule to the tip of the shoot), number of leaves per sapling, number of internodes in new growth, number of branches and photosynthetic area of the sapling. Internal structure of leaves was also studied. The morphometric and architectural parameters included parameters such as petiole length and weight, leaf length (LL) and breadth (LB), leaf area measured graphically (LAM), apex and base angles, aspect ratio (LB / LL), and Lamina weight. Lamina area was determined arithmetically using multiplying coefficient K for equation, Leaf area = K x LL x LB and also statistically by developing regressive equations for simple (linear and power models) and multiple correlation and regression. Surface Micromorphological studies were undertaken with respect to the stomatal type, their density and occurrence of warts. The results are discussed with respect to the available literature.
