A review of the floral composition and distribution of mangroves in Sri Lanka

Recently published reports list numbers and distributions of Sri Lankan mangrove species that outnumber the actual species present in the field. The present study serves to review this literature and highlight the causes of such apparently large species numbers, while providing an objective and realistic review of the mangrove species actually present in Sri Lanka today. This study is based on standardized fieldwork over a 4-year period using well-established diagnostic identification keys. The study indicates that there are at present 20 identified `mangrove species' (major and minor components) and at least 18 mangrove associates' along the south-western coast of the island, and addresses the importance of clearly defining these terms. Incorrect identifications in the past have adversely affected interpretation of species composition in the framework of biogeography, remote sensing and biological conservation and management. (C) 2002 The Linnean Society of London.