Regional ecosystem details for 11.2.2
| Regional ecosystem | 11.2.2 |
|---|---|
| Vegetation Management Act class | Of concern |
| Wetlands | Not a Wetland |
| Biodiversity status | Of concern |
| Subregion | 1, 14, (2), (7.1), (8.4) |
| Estimated extent1 | Pre-clearing 3000 ha; Remnant 2021 3000 ha |
| Short description | Complex of Ipomoea pes-caprae subsp. brasiliensis and Spinifex sericeus and Casuarina equisetifolia low woodland and herbland on fore dunes |
| Structure code | Low Woodland |
| Description | Ipomoea pes-caprae subsp. brasiliensis and Spinifex sericeus grassland with areas of Casuarina equisetifolia low woodland. Casuarina equisetifolia varies from clumps of low open forest, to low woodland, to isolated trees. Other scattered trees or shrubs may be present including Pandanus tectorius, Hibiscus tiliaceus, Guilandina bonduc and Cupaniopsis anacardioides. The ground layer includes Cyperus pedunculatus, Bulbostylis barbata, Aphyllodium biarticulatum, Sporobolus virginicus and Eragrostis interrupta. Several species are prostrate, but the only climbing vine is Cassytha pubescens. Occurs on Quaternary coastal fore dunes and beaches. Not a Wetland. (BVG1M: 28a). Vegetation communities in this regional ecosystem include: 11.2.2a: Heteropogon triticeus and H. contortus tussock grassland, various other grasses and herbaceous spp. Includes narrow prostrate strandline vegetation. Occurs on Quaternary coastal fore dunes and beaches. Not a Wetland. (BVG1M: 28a). 11.2.2b: Complex of vegetation on Quaternary coastal dunes and beaches. Characterised by Casuarina equisetifolia, which varies in structure from clumps of open forest, to woodland, to isolated trees. Other scattered trees may be present including Pandanus tectorius, Hibiscus tiliaceus, Terminalia muelleri, Alphitonia excelsa, and Cupaniopsis anacardioides. There may be a shrub layer of Clerodendrum spp., Guilandina bonduc, Vitex trifolia and/or Scaevola taccada. The ground layer usually includes Eragrostis interrupta, Thuarea involuta, Eriachne triodioides, Spinifex sericeus, Ipomoea pes-caprae subsp. brasiliensis, Canavalia rosea and Cyperus pedunculatus. There is usually a distinct zonation along the strandline. On gentle to moderately sloping foredunes and immediate swales, usually within 200 m of the high tide mark. Occurs in environments subject to salt-laden winds. Associated with exposed and loose aeolian (wind-transported) pale siliceous sands. Not a Wetland. (BVG1M: 28a). |
| Supplementary description | Forster and Barton (1995), Joskeleigh; Christian et al. (1953), Littoral |
| Protected areas | Bowling Green Bay NP, Shoalwater Bay CP, Cape Upstart NP, Townsville Town Common CP, Capricorn Coast NP, MacKenzie Island CP, Abbot Bay CP, Magnetic Island NP, Cape Pallarenda CP, Magnetic Island CP 1, Magnetic Island CP 2, Broad Sound Islands NP, Bowling |
| Special values | 11.2.2: Important turtle nesting habitat in some localities. |
| Fire management guidelines | INTERVAL: Fire return interval not relevant. INTERVAL_MIN: 100. INTERVAL_MAX: 100. STRATEGY: Avoid intentionally burning this fringe vegetation. Burn surrounding ecosystems in conditions that would minimise fire incursion. ISSUES: Protection relies on broad-scale management of surrounding country with numerous small fires throughout the year so that wildfires will be very limited in extent. Casuarina equisetifolia is very sensitive to fire and germination after fire is typically very low or negligible. Triggers unrelated to fire appear to maintain a healthy ecosystem. Issues with lantana and other weeds may result from fire and other disturbance. Ensure minimal scorching and damage to Casuarina trees. |
| Comments | 11.2.2: Important protective barrier to extensive mangrove-dominated communities in some locations, e.g. west of Cape Bowling Green. Naturalised species associated with this regional ecosystem include *Tridax procumbens and *Stachytarpheta jamaicensis. 11.2.2a: Found on Herald and Rattlesnake islands, also small areas within Bowling Green Bay NP. 11.2.2b: Many areas too narrow to map at 1:100K scale. Some areas between Bowen and Ayr known to be infested with chinee apple *Ziziphus mauritiana and *Cryptostegia grandiflora (rubber vine). Other areas are being invaded by guinea grass *Megathyrsus maximus var. maximum (e.g. Alma Beach area near Ayr). Other common weeds include *Mesosphaerum suaveolens, *Stachytarpheta jamaicensis and Jatropha gossypiifolia. Naturalised species associated with this regional ecosystem include *Tridax procumbens. |
1 Estimated extent is from version 13 pre-clearing and 2021 remnant regional ecosystem mapping. Figures are rounded for simplicity. For more precise estimates, including breakdowns by tenure and other themes see remnant vegetation in Queensland.
