Seacoast
Seacoast plants grow above the high tide line, trapping and holding windborne sand to stabilise the formation of new dunes. They have evolved to withstand constant wind and salt spray. Many have moisture-retaining capabilities and grow along the beach and on the rocky headlands in exposed sunny situations.
In a few areas littoral rainforest communities occur close to the sea on nutrient-enriched deep sands, often with a wind-sheared upper canopy.
Removal of the seacoast’s natural pioneer plants causes beach erosion. In urban areas scars are visible where the native vegetation has been smothered by weeds invading from coastal gardens where fertilisers are allowed to drain onto the beach.
