FLORA
Langkawi’s two main archipelago of 99 islands comprises 477 sq km of land area. Langkawi’s two main terrestrial habitats harbouring biological diversity are inland forests and mangrove forests.
Langkawi’s two main archipelago of 99 islands comprises 477 sq km of land area. Langkawi’s two main terrestrial habitats harbouring biological diversity are inland forests and mangrove forests. The latter comprises one of the richest and most extensive mangrove forest systems in Southeast Asia, with 55 mangrove species, representing nearly half of the world’s total. Here can also be found a species of cycad, Cycas circinalis, which is one of the oldest ‘living fossils’ in the world, dating back to at least the Jurassic, and perhaps as far back as the Triassic.
Key Ecosystems and Their Flora
Dipterocarp Forests
These forests, found primarily in Machinchang Cambrian Geoforest Park, are dominated by towering trees from the Dipterocarpaceae family.
Key Species:
Meranti (Shorea spp.)
Known for its high-quality timber.
Keruing (Dipterocarpus spp.)
A canopy tree contributing to the forest’s structure.
Understory Plants:
Orchids, ferns and gingers thrive in the shaded forest floor, adding vibrant colors to the ecosystem.
Mangrove Forests
Found in Kilim Karst Geoforest Park, mangroves play a vital role in coastal protection and marine biodiversity.
Key Species:
Bakau Kurap (Rhizophora mucronata) & Bakau Minyak (Rhizophora apiculata)
Provide crucial habitats for fish and crabs.
Special Plants
Mangrove ferns (Acrostichum aureum) add unique features to these tidal forests.
Rainforest and Limestone Hills
The dense rainforests and limestone ecosystems of Langkawi host rare and endemic plant species.
Key Species:
Rattan (Calamus spp.)
Known for its high-quality timber.
Pitcher Plants (Nepenthes spp.)
Found in nutrient-poor soils, these carnivorous plants are a unique feature of Langkawi’s flora.
Herbs and Shrubs
Many plants, like tongkat ali (Eurycoma longifolia) and kacip fatimah (Labisia pumila), have medicinal uses in traditional Malay practices.
Coastal Vegetation
Along Langkawi’s beaches, coastal plants adapt to sandy and saline conditions.
Key Species:
Sea Almond (Terminalia catappa)
Provides shade and prevents erosion.
Beach Morning Glory (Ipomoea pes-caprae)
Stabilizes dunes and adds beauty with its purple flowers.
Unique Plants
Gelam Tree (Melaleuca cajuputi)
Found in swampy areas, this tree has medicinal uses and contributes to the ecosystem’s water balance.
Langkawi Cycad (Cycas clivicola)
A rare and ancient plant species adding to Langkawi’s botanical uniqueness.
Wild Orchids
Langkawi boasts several orchid species.