Lowland Swamp Forests in Southeast Asia

3. Freshwater Swamp Forest

Abstract

Freshwater swamp forest occurs between mangrove/littoral forests and peat swamp/inland forests. This type is usually submerged permanently or temporarily by eutrophic fresh water. The vegetation change from mangrove to fresh-water swamp is gradual; the beginning of fresh-water swamp is marked by the appearance of the palm Oncosperma in most parts of the Malaysian region. The highest trees reach 50m, and many have peculiar root systems, such as buttress, prop, and aerial roots. Although this forest type has been the least surveyed in the tropics, many sites are disappearing with the present lowland development. Species composition, phenology, vegetation types and current development patterns of the freshwater swamp are reviewed.