TheFlora ofMalaysia comprises a vast assemblage of plant species estimated to over 15,500 vascular plants.[1] Malaysia boasts 8,019 species of seed plants: 19 species ofGymnosperms and 8,000Angiosperms.[2] Globally, Malaysia is ranked 14th in terms of species of vascular plants. TheFlora ofMalaysia consist of approximately 15,000 species ofvascular plant.Peninsular Malaysia has around 8,200 species ofvascular plants while places such asSabah andSarawak has around 12,000species. MostFlora can be found in the denserainforest ofMalaysia.[3]
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Malaysia was part of the southernsupercontinentGondwana that broke up about 180 million years ago.[4] A major interdigitation of Australian and Malesian flora is estimated to have occur in the lateTertiary andQuaternary time.[5]
Many of Malaysia's plants can be traced back to ancient rainforests that have flourished in the region for millions of years. Theserainforests are the oldest forests in the world and serve as a swing for diverse plant life. Malaysia is located on theequator and various topography, including mountains, lowlands and coastal areas, contribute to its botanical diversity. In addition, Malaysia'sflora has also been influenced by human activity, including agriculture, trade, and urbanization. Some plants have been introduced to Malaysia from other parts of the world, while others have been selectively bred or cultivated for various purposes.[6]
Major forest types inMalaysia are lowlanddipterocarp forest, hilldipterocarp forest, low hilldipterocarp forest, oak-laurel forest, montane ericaceous forest,peat swamp forest andmangrove forest. In addition, there also smaller areas offreshwater swamp forest,heath forest, forest onlimestone and forest on quartz ridges.[7]
The forests inMalaysia are mostly dominated by trees from thedipterocarp forests. Thedipterocarp forest occurs ondry land just abovesea level to analtitude of around 900 metres. Other than that, theforest canopy is very dense where a small amount of sunlight can penetrate it. Because of that, the undergrowth plants are usually poorly developed and believed to be impenetrable. A large amount ofrainforest has been destroyed due toagricultural or commercial purposes, and also by severe wind and lightning storms.[8]