Areas of low relief coupled with high tidal ranges are likely to have extensive salt marshes. In the southernmost portion of the Everglades National Park where mangroves are best developed, nonwoody vegetation is confined to the seaward and land ward intertidal fringes. A very narrow strip of smooth cord grass can be found seaward of some red mangroves. In the landward fringe, where the frequency of salt water tides are much lower, narrow strips to extensive areas of black needlerush and higher marsh plant communities often develop. In brackish, wet areas, extensive stands of leather fern also occur in southwest Florida.
Salt marshes exhibit characteristics of both terrestrial and marine ecosystems.
Mangrove Wetlands Coastal salt marshes typically give way to vast mangrove wetlands. The Everglades have best development of mangroves in Florida and one of the largest mangrove swamps in the world. These trees are halophylic and have adapted to living in brackish to saline tidal waters. The black mangrove is easily recognized by its system of short vertical roots that protrude out from the ground from 2 cm to 20 cm radially from the base of the tree. These fingerlike projections, called pneumatophores, allow for the tree to survive in saline environments.