Because Malaysia lies near the equator with a hot, wet climate all year, it is covered by rich and varied natural vegetation. Different types of forest grow in different environments, from the coast to the highest mountains.
Main Types of Natural Vegetation
- Tropical evergreen rainforest - the most widespread type. It has tall trees, many layers (canopy) and huge biodiversity. Trees stay green all year.
- Mangrove forest - grows in muddy, salty coastal areas. Plants have stilt and breathing roots to survive in soft, waterlogged mud.
- Montane (highland) forest - found on cool mountains above about 1,200 m; trees are shorter and covered with mosses and ferns.
- Peat swamp and heath forest - grows on waterlogged, acidic ground inland from the coast.
Key idea
Malaysia's tropical rainforest is evergreen and among the oldest and most biodiverse in the world, because there is no dry season to stop growth.
Example
Mangroves at Kuala Selangor use stilt roots for support and breathing roots that stick up above the mud to take in oxygen.
Importance
Natural vegetation protects the soil from erosion, stores carbon, releases oxygen, supplies timber and medicines, and provides habitats for wildlife. Clearing forest carelessly leads to erosion, flooding and loss of species.
Remember
- Rainforest = most widespread and most biodiverse.
- Mangroves = coastal, special roots.
- Montane forest = cool highlands.
Because these forests took millions of years to develop and are home to countless species, Malaysia manages them through forest reserves and replanting programmes. Using timber sustainably and protecting mangroves as natural coastal defences help keep this valuable vegetation for future generations.