Regional ecosystem details for 3.11.8
| Regional ecosystem | 3.11.8 |
|---|---|
| Vegetation Management Act class | Least concern |
| Wetlands | Not a Wetland |
| Biodiversity status | No concern at present |
| Extent in reserves | This regional ecosystem is now mapped as 3.11.7. |
| Short description | Eucalyptus cullenii +/- Corymbia clarksoniana woodland on metamorphic ranges |
| Structure code | Woodland |
| Description | [RE not in use]²: This regional ecosystem is now mapped as 3.11.7. Eucalyptus cullenii (Cullen's ironbark) dominates the sparse to mid-dense canopy (6-24m tall). Corymbia clarksoniana (Clarkson's ironbark) is usually present as a subdominant canopy species. Other Eucalyptus spp. or Corymbia spp. may be present in the canopy and are occasionally subdominant. Dendrolobium umbellatum (horse bush), Erythrophleum chlorostachys (Cooktown ironwood) and Acacia disparrima subsp. calidestris (black wattle) are frequent species in the very sparse to mid-dense sub-canopy layer (2-8m tall). The sparse shrub layer (0.2-3m tall) is dominated by the same species. The ground layer is sparse to dense and dominated by the grasses Heteropogon contortus (black speargrass), H. triticeus (giant speargrass), Themeda triandra (kangaroo grass) and Sarga plumosum (plume sorghum). Occurs on metamorphic ranges. Not a Wetland. (BVG1M: 13a). Vegetation communities in this regional ecosystem include: 3.11.8x1: [RE not in use]²: This regional ecosystem is now mapped as 3.11.20. The canopy is dominated by Dendrolobium arbuscula (Chillagoe Pea) forming a closed forest 6 to 8 m tall with Terminalia subacroptera, Croton arnhemicus (Hard Cascarilla), Diospyros geminata Scaly Ebony), Elaeodendron melanocarpum (Black Olive Plum), Strychnos lucida (Strychnine Bush) and Wrightia pubescens subsp. penicillata (Chertie) common. There are scattered or clumped emergents (making up more than 5%) of Ficus virens (White Fig), Ficus obliqua (Small-leaved Fig), Ficus rubiginosa forma glabrescens (Rusty Fig), Gyrocarpus americanus subsp. Sphenopterus (Helicopter Tree), Bombax ceiba (Silk Cotton Tree), Garuga floribunda var. floribunda, Mimusops elengi (Red Coondoo) and Ficus drupacea (Hairy Fig). Dendrobium bigibbum (Cooktown Orchid) is a common epiphyte throughout with the vines Cayratia cardiophylla, Cissus adnata and Cissus reniformis being common. The shrublayer is dominated by Eugenia reinwardtiana (Beach Cherry) with Denhamia fasciculiflora, Graptophyllum excelsum (Scarlet Fuchsia), Gossia sankowskyorum (Lignum), Phyllanthus novae-hollandiae, Tabernaemontana orientalis (Iodine Bush), Turraea pubescens (Native Witch-hazel) and Ziziphus oenopolia (Wine Jujube). The ground layer is mostly bare ground and litter with Proiphys amboinensis (Cardwell Lily), Plumbago zeylanica (Wild Plumbago), Commelina ensifolia (Wandering Jew), Scleromitrion polycladum and occasionally Dendrocnide moroides (Gympi Gympi) common. Occurs on karst outcrops. Not a Wetland. (BVG1M: 7b). 3.11.8x2: [RE not in use]²: This regional ecosystem is now mapped as 3.11.21. The uneven sparse to mid-dense canopy (5-12m tall) is composed of a variety of mainly dry season deciduous species. Cochlospermum gillivraei (kapok), Canarium australianum (scrub turpentine), Terminalia muelleri (Mueller's damson) and Acacia polystachya (a wattle) frequently dominate this layer. Eucalyptus crebra (narrow-leaved ironbark) and Welchiodendron longivalve (yellow box-penda) are often present as part of the canopy or as emergents (12-15m tall). A very sparse sub-canopy layer (3-7m tall) is sometimes present. The sparse to mid-dense shrub layer (0.5-6m tall) is composed of a variety of species. Vines are frequent in both the shrub and tree layers. The ground layer is usually sparse, with grasses making up the majority of the cover. Occurs on metamorphic hillslopes. Not a Wetland. (BVG1M: 7b). |
| Supplementary description | Neldner and Clarkson (in prep), 70. Fox & Wilson (2004); w59-11c. |
| Special values | 3.11.8: Potential habitat for NCA listed species: Habenaria rumphii. |
| Fire management guidelines | SEASON: Dry season with occasional storm burns. INTENSITY: Low to moderate with occasional high intensity. INTERVAL: 1-5 years. INTERVAL_MIN: 1. INTERVAL_MAX: 5. STRATEGY: Burn less than 30% in any year. Begin burning early in the dry season, followed by progressive patch fires burnt through the year. ISSUES: This vegetation is fire tolerant. Management should aim at preventing extensive wildfire. Storm burns are used to add diversity to the fire mosaic, promoting perennial grasses and preventing vegetation thickening. |
| Comments | 3.11.8x1: Occurs on limestone karst, with plants growing between or around exposed limestone with limited soil in between. Includes areas where bare rock is dominant with scattered trees. Areas on metamorphic hills and slopes may have a different suite of species. Limited extent predominantly on and adjacent to Kings Plain station in the south of the bioregion. 3.11.8x2: Small patches scattered across the central and southern bioregion. |
1 Estimated extent is from version 13.1 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.
2 Superseded: Revision of the regional ecosystem classification removed this regional ecosystem code from use. It is included in the regional ecosystem description database because the RE code may appear in older versions of RE mapping and the Vegetation Management regulation.
