1.   Although these trees symbolize Florida almost as much as alligators and oranges, their disappearance, unlike that of mangrove trees, has gone virtually unreported.

2.   Asian fireflies flash together each night in the mangrove trees along a riverbank.

3.   As we approached, the gnarly-rooted mangrove trees appeared to be filled with giant red flowers.

4.   But their disappearance, unlike that of mangrove trees, has gone virtually unreported, writes columnist Bill Maxwell.

5.   For instance, the penguins we spot sitting on chunks of black lava surrounded by mangrove trees off Bartolome Island.

6.   In parts of Southeast Asia, male fireflies sitting in the same mangrove tree will synchronize their flashes, creating a pulsing beacon that can be seen for miles.

7.   Out on East Timbalier Island, Secretary Caldwell beams at the hundreds of pelicans roosting near the black mangrove trees planted by an oil company a few years back.

8.   The mangrove trees are unique in their ability to thrive in salty water and hurricane weather.

9.   The mangrove trees in the preserve soak up toxins like motor oil and protect the reef.

10.   The rebels forced Jarka and his neighbors under a mangrove tree, where the ax-wielding Junior made them rest their arms on a flat root.