Mangroves are plants that grow in the tidal zone of tropical coastal areas and are constantly subjected to ascending and descending water levels of high and low tides. They have adapted to this environment by anchoring themselves in the soil with their stilted roots. This way, they also prevent the coast from being destroyed by storms or flood waves. After the devastating tsunami of 2004, many countries have started planting mangroves at the coasts to try and prevent similar catastrophes in future.