Shore Purslane: A mangrove associate found in abundance near the Thane creek and at Ghodbunder, this ground level creeper is the prime diet of resident boars. In fact, the spiny leaves of this plant, locally called Ghol, are often consumed by fisherfolk with much relish. “They go particularly well when cooked with prawns. The natural salt in Ghol makes it very appetising,” explains Vivek Kulkarni, mangrove conservationist. Ghol’s widespread sub-surface and aerial root system checks soil erosion and is often serves as a distress source of fuelwood. Its blue flowers attract honey bees.

Salvadora Persica:Heard of Meswak toothpaste? It is made with the pure extract of Salvadora Persica. A mangrove associate, know as Meswak among locals, this plant obviously has a high medicinal value. Habitat for the tiny Salmon Arab butterflies, the sturdy Meswak with small pink berries are found along Thane, Malad and Vasai creek.

Bruguiera Cylindrica:The stretches of Gorai mudflats hold the best patch of this Chickoo-like mangrove plant. The Bruguiera leaves are often eaten and their barks are used as spice in some South-East Asian countries. Its essence is also used to make fragrances. In India, the Bruguiera is valued for its tough timber. It’s highly regarded for its medicinal properties — the skin of its small pod-like fruits is said to arrest bleeding, the leaves control blood pressure. Unfortunately, Bruguiera does not regenerate easily from branch cutting as new growth appears only from branch tips and not the trunk.