Khaolak Merlin Resort, where the rainforest meets the sea, offers a serene landscape with over 200 native trees.
In this issue, we will explore the composition of our beach forests and highlight their vital importance.
Banyan Tree
The Banyan Tree is known for its sprawling aerial roots and dense canopy. It can grow to immense sizes, with roots descending from branches to create a natural shelter for birds and small mammals. At our resort, we have two Banyan Trees that stand together like giraffes, guarding our beach lawn.
Sea Mango
The Sea Mango thrives in coastal salt marshes, making it highly adaptable to tough conditions. Its thick, leathery leaves and white flowers are striking, its mango-like fruits can float across the water, allowing the tree to spread along coastlines. Despite its beauty, the tree is toxic, with poisonous sap and seeds that protect it from herbivores. However, the insects and birds that take refuge in its branches remain unaffected by the toxins.
Beach Barringtonia
The Beach Barringtonia is a low-lying tree found along sandy shores. Their roots often grow in the water, stabilizing the coastline. Its buoyant, poisonous fruit can travel across the water and colonize new coastal areas. This tree can support marine life by providing a habitat for fish, crustaceans and insects in its roots and the nutrients it launches into the wate
Australian Pine
The Australian Pine grows quickly and thrives in coastal conditions. Its needle-like foliage helps it withstand strong winds and salty air, making it an essential windbreak. These trees protect inland areas from storms and salt spray and their seeds are a food source for birds. At our resort, the Brahminy Kite is also frequently spotted perched on these trees.
Sea Almond
The Sea Almond is a tropical tree valued for its broad, umbrella-like canopy, offering shade along beaches and shorelines. It thrives in both sandy and rocky soils, and its edible nuts are used in traditional medicine while serving as an important food source for birds and small creatures. This tree also plays a vital role in coastal reforestation, helping restore areas impacted by human activities or storms.
Resak Rawa
The Resak Rawa is a striking tree with vibrant red or orange flowers. It thrives in well-drained, sandy soils and is highly tolerant of saltwater and strong winds. Its deep taproot stabilizes the soil, preventing erosion. The tree’s broad canopy provides shelter for wildlife, while its flowers attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. Its seeds feed birds and it is also known for its medicinal properties in local cultures.
Coastal trees are more than just beautiful features
They are vital guardians of our beach lawn and the wider coastline. At Khaolak Merlin Resort, these remarkable trees with their deep root systems prevent soil erosion and protect our resort from the forces of the ocean. Their dense canopies provide shade and shelter to a variety of species, enriching the biodiversity of our environment. In addition, these trees play a crucial role in filtering pollutants, enhancing the overall health of our coastal ecosystem and protecting the natural beauty of our unique landscape.
