They are flowering plants and generally prefer soft sediments like sand or mud. Like any plant, seagrasses need light to grow and are often restricted to the upper two metres of water where there is sufficient light. Seagrasses are important habitat for small aquatic animals, provide feeding and nursery grounds for fish and give shelter to juvenile and small adult fish and invertebrates such as prawns and crabs. Seagrasses also play a role in nutrient cycling in Botany Bay by providing nutrients in the form of detritus. Another plant community found at Towra is the Swamp Oak forest which is characterised by tall Casuarina glauca trees as well as a species of Melaleuca ericifolia .
Casuarinas have fruits which attract seed-eating parrots.
Beyond this is the Bangalay forest, pockets of which are scattered throughout the Reserve. The flowers of the Banksia provide a source of food for many species of honeyeaters. Unfortunately, the woodlands also suffer from infestations of weeds such as bitou bush and lantana which can often inhibit regrowth of these forests.