Sandy beach and rocky shore vegetation
Malaysia has a long coastline estimated to be about 4800 kilometres. Sandy beaches and rocky headlands and cliffs are the habitats that predominate. Plants inhabiting these coastal habitats show remarkable adaptive morphological and physiological features that enable them to withstand prevailing, harsh environmental conditions, such as strong winds and solar radiation, constant salt spray, a shortage of fresh water and nutrient-deficient substrates. Some plant species are used for food, whilst others are harvested for timber or grown as ornamentals.
- Information in the full article includes
- Sandy beach vegetation
- Rocky shore vegetation
- Adaptive features
- Ecological and economic importance
