Regional ecosystem details for 3.10.1
| Regional ecosystem | 3.10.1 |
|---|---|
| Vegetation Management Act class | Of concern |
| Wetlands | Palustrine |
| Biodiversity status | Of concern |
| Subregion | 2, 5, (4), (7) |
| Estimated extent1 | Pre-clearing 3000 ha; Remnant 2021 3000 ha |
| Short description | Seepage springs from sandstone or Tertiary plateaus and associated rainforests and vine thickets |
| Structure code | Closed Forest |
| Description | Seepage springs from sandstone ranges or Tertiary plateaus and associated rainforest and vine thickets. Seepage areas below sandstone or Tertiary caps on plateaus. Palustrine. (BVG1M: 4b). Vegetation communities in this regional ecosystem include: 3.10.1a: Evergreen mesophyll/notophyll vine forest including Alstonia scholaris (milky pine), Buchanania arborescens (satinwood), Blepharocarya involucrigera (rose butternut), Carallia brachiata, Cryptocarya hypospodia, Syzygium forte subsp. forte and Elaeocarpus grandis. Some canopy species can occur as emergents along with Syzygium angophoroides. A sparse to mid-dense sub-canopy tree layer is often present and include canopy species, Chionanthus ramiflorus (native olive), Gomphandra australiana, Helicia australasica and Mallotus polyadenos. A number of palms may be present including Ptychosperma elegans, Archontophoenix alexandrae, Hydriastele wendlandiana and Licuala ramsayi (fan palm). A variable shrub/low tree layer is present with Atractocarpus sessilis, Cleistanthus apodus, Glycosmis trifoliata and Wilkiea rigidifolia the most commonly encountered species. The ground layer is usually very sparse with scattered herbs and grasses. Scattered vines such as Flagellaria indica, Pararistolochia deltantha, Austrosteenisia blackii, Mucuna gigantea and Freycinetia excelsa climb into the canopy. Scattered epiphytic ferns such as Asplenium australasicum may be present in the canopy. Occurs in sheltered and / or spring fed sandstone gullies. Includes associated vegetation occurring downslope on metamorphic geologies. Palustrine. (BVG1M: 4b). 3.10.1b: Evergreen notophyll vine forest commonly with Buchanania arborescens, Calophyllum sil, Syzygium forte, Dysoxylum arborescens, Endiandra longipedicellata, Garcinia warrenii, Horsfieldia australiana and Litsea breviumbellata. Emergent trees sometimes occur. A number of palms may be present including Ptychosperma elegans, Archontophoenix alexandrae and Hydriastele costata. Calamus spp. are prominent in the sparse subcanopy. The shrublayer often contains Atractocarpus sessilis, Caryota albertii, Cryptocarya cunninghamii, C. hypospodia and Mallotus polyadenos. The ground layer contains seedlings, Dianella spp. and Drynaria spp. In sheltered gullies on the edge of sandstone ranges. Palustrine. (BVG1M: 34d). 3.10.1c: Low closed forest to open forest often with Buchanania arborescens, Polyalthia nitidissima, Acmenosperma pringlei, Canarium australianum, Drypetes deplanchei and Ficus rubiginosa. Lower tree layers often contain canopy species plus Ficus spp. The shrub layer often contains Atractocarpus sessilis, Acronychia laevis, Alyxia spicata and Memecylon pauciflorum. The ground cover commonly includes Drynaria quercifolia. Occurs in the sandstone ranges near Laura in areas with lower rainfall than 3.10.1a. Palustrine. (BVG1M: 34d). 3.10.1d: Closed notophyll vine forest often dominated by Syzygium angophoroides, Melicope elleryana, Xanthostemon crenulatus, Horsfieldia australiana Buchanania arborescens and Lophostemon suaveolens. The mid-dense subcanopy includes canopy species commonly with Myrsine benthamiana, Gmelina dalrympleana and Heptapleurum actinophyllum. The shrublayer includes canopy species commonly with Melastoma malabathricum. Common palms include Livistona spp. and Hydriastele wendlandiana. Nepenthes mirabilis is a common species in the ground layer as are the ferns Taenitis blechnoides, Blechnum orientale and Stenochlaena palustris. Occurs as a result of seepage from the base of remnant Tertiary capping. Includes associated vegetation occurring downslope on colluvial and alluvial deposits. Palustrine. (BVG1M: 34e). |
| Protected areas | Juunju Daarrba Nhirrpan NP (CYPAL), Biniirr NP (CYPAL), Endeavour River NP |
| Special values | 3.10.1: Springs associated with this ecosystem are significant for local fauna and near threatened flora species. 3.10.1a: High diversity of vascular plants, many with restricted distributions. High frequency of palms. Often receive continuous moisture from permanent springs. |
| Fire management guidelines | INTERVAL: Fire return interval not relevant. INTERVAL_MIN: 100. INTERVAL_MAX: 100. STRATEGY: No deliberate fire management required within this unit. Undertake fuel reduction burns in surrounding vegetation utilising multiple small fires throughout the appropriate season to manage biodiversity values and to limit the extent and reduce risks of wildfire. ISSUES: Fire sensitive vegetation type. |
| Comments | 3.10.1a: Contains springs. The presence of the palms, Ptychosperma elegans, Archontophoenix alexandrae, Hydriastele wendlandiana and Licuala ramsayi, and trees such as Dillenia alata reflect this moist environment. Cooktown area. 3.10.1c: Dry vine thicket species are often have higher abundance due to the lower rainfall. 3.10.1d: In some cases an open forest of Eucalyptus brassiana with a rainforest understory can occur. Edges of bauxite plateaus in the Weipa area. |
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.
