Malaysia's climate and vegetation
Malaysia has an equatorial climate that is hot and humid all year round, with high temperatures and heavy rainfall. These conditions produce lush, green and evergreen natural vegetation. The type of vegetation differs according to altitude, soil type and position relative to the sea.
Types of natural vegetation
- Tropical rainforest – the most extensive evergreen forest, layered (canopy), with many species such as meranti and chengal, and many hardwood trees.
- Mangrove swamp forest – grows on muddy coasts and river estuaries; mangrove trees have stilt roots and breathing roots (pneumatophores) to breathe and stand in the mud.
- Montane forest – grows on highlands above 1000 m; the trees are shorter and covered with moss and ferns because of the cool temperature and mist.
- Beach / heath vegetation – includes casuarina (ru) trees on sandy beaches and swamp plants on peat soils.
Remember
Tropical rainforest = evergreen lowlands; mangrove swamp forest = muddy coasts; montane forest = cool, misty highlands.
Importance
Natural vegetation supplies timber, medicines and wildlife habitats, controls erosion, and absorbs carbon dioxide. Therefore, the conservation and preservation of forests is very important for the balance of the environment.