Flora of the Ceylon Littoral. 33 
pure associations of these plants. But it is also largely due to the 
increase of a Rhizopliora -formation hy the sprouting of new 
branches just above the points of insertion of stilt-roots and the 
sending down of fresh stilt-roots from these new branches. In this 
way the edges of a clump of these mangroves continually grows, 
encroaching on the surrounding mud, and the whole becomes a 
perfect network of branches and stilt-roots, in which the separate 
trees can no longer be distinguished, and among which no other 
vegetation has a chance. 
Fig. 11. Diagrammatic sketch of Rhizopliora conjugata growing in a sheltered 
situation, shewing a well-developed pyramidal crown, and a bushy 
outgrowth on the free (left-hand) side from the lower branches 
above the stilt-roots. On the right-hand side, where the mud bank 
is indicated, there is supposed to be a continuous Rhizopliora- wood. 
The crowns of Rhizopliora and Bruguiera appear to be usually 
rounded (Fig- 15), or, where the trees are growing in exposed 
