### id253494333 mangrove seeds germinate on the branch > Ready-to-Roll Seeds > The mangroves' niche between land and sea has led to unique methods of reproduction. Seed pods germinate while on the tree, so they are ready to take root when they drop. If a seed falls in the water during high tide, it can float and take root once it finds solid ground. If a sprout falls during low tide, it can quickly establish itself in the soft soil of tidal mudflats before the next tide comes in. A vigorous seed may grow up to two feet (about 0.6 m) in its first year. Roots arch from the seedling to anchor it in the mud. Some tree species form long, spear-shaped stems and roots while still attached to the parent plant. After being nourished by the parent tree for one to three years, these sprouts may break off. Some take root nearby while others fall into the water and are carried away to distant shores. - [View Highlight](https://amnh.org/explore/videos/biodiversity/mangroves-the-roots-of-the-sea/what-is-a-mangrove?__readwiseLocation=0%2F15%2F1%2F3%2F1%2F9%2F3%2F31%3A0%2C0%2F17%2F1%2F3%2F1%2F9%2F3%2F31%3A821#:~:text=Ready-to-Roll%20Seeds%0A%20%20%20%2Ccarried%20away%20to%20distant%20shores.) - [[What is a Mangrove And What Does It Do#id253494333 mangrove seeds germinate on the branch|View in Vault]]