Contents and search bar Index of flora Index of fauna
	Kingdom Plantae | Division Spermatophyta

Class Dicotyledoneae Only a few species are able to survive along the shore, where fresh water is difficult to obtain and keep. Ambong-Ambong Scaevola taccada Family Goodeniaceae Order Campanulales This shrub has small but long white flowers which are typically split in the middle on one side, and are bee-pollinated. (Height 3-5m). Sea Hibiscus Hibiscus tiliaceous Family Malvaceae Order Malvales It has characteristic yellow flowers, often with a maroon- coloured centre, belonging to the same family as the garden hibiscus (Height 3-8m). Tapak Kuda Ipomoea pescaprae Family Convolvulaceae Order Tubiflorae This species is one of the early colonisers of the supralittoral sandy shore. Its creeping stem spreads rapidly and forms a cover over the sand, the accumulating humus and roots helping to bind the sand grains to form a stable soil. It is related to the sweet potato, kang kong and morning glory. (Leaves 8-10cm diameter). Sea Holly Acanthus Family Acanthaceae Order Tubiflorae They are hollow-stemmed shrubs 1 to 2 metres in height. They have white flowers and prickly, serrated-margin, sharp-pointed leaves. These plants are able to secrete the excess salt absorbed from brackish muddy water through their leaves.

Introduction Shore environment

From A Guide to Seashore Life by Dr Leo W H Tan and Peter K L Ng Published by the Singapore Science Centre and sponsored by BP @Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research and Singapore Science Centre