Regional ecosystem details for 3.12.31
| Regional ecosystem | 3.12.31 |
|---|---|
| Vegetation Management Act class | Of concern |
| Wetlands | Not a Wetland |
| Biodiversity status | Of concern |
| Extent in reserves | This regional ecosystem is now mapped as 3.12.48b. |
| Short description | Themeda triandra tussock grassland on headlands and islands on acid volcanic rocks |
| Structure code | Tussock Grassland |
| Description | [RE not in use]²: This regional ecosystem is now mapped as 3.12.48b. Themeda triandra (kangaroo grass) dominates the mid-dense ground layer (10-60cm tall), which varies in height depending on exposure to the prevailing winds. Heteropogon contortus (black speargrass), Cassytha filiformis and Zornia muriculata are frequently present, but contribute only a small proportion of the biomass. Scattered shrubs may be present, but are generally windsheared and do not emerge much above the ground layer. Restricted to rocky headlands and islands. The lithology is predominantly acid volcanic rocks, but it may also occur on metamorphics and sandstones. Not a Wetland. (BVG1M: 29a). Vegetation communities in this regional ecosystem include: 3.12.31x1: [RE not in use]²: This proposed new regional ecosystem is now mapped as 3.12.47. The plants making up the sparse to mid-dense, even canopy (10-50cm tall) are severely windsheared. In sheltered positions, e.g. between rocks, the shrubs may reach 1m in height. A variety of species make up the canopy and the dominance may vary with locality. Asteromyrtus lysicephala (back to front bush), Grevillea pteridifolia (toothbrush grevillea), Melaleuca viridiflora (broad-leaved paperbark) and Neofabricia myrtifolia (yellow teatree) usually occur at the highest densities, with Styphelia ruscifolia locally dominant. Although in many areas, the canopy has a PFC of greater than 70%, the large amount of outcropping rock reduces the overall PFC to about 50%. The ground layer is very sparse and dominated by graminoids. Schoenus sparteus is the most frequent graminoid. Occurs on granite headlands. Not a Wetland. (BVG1M: 29a). 3.12.31x1a: [RE not in use]²: This vegetation community is now mapped as 3.12.43. Shrubland to dwarf open shrubland (0.5-1.5m) of Melaleuca viridiflora (broad-leaved paperbark) and Welchiodendron longivalve (yellow box-penda) +/- Asteromyrtus brassii +/- Acacia spp. +/- Cochlospermum gillivraei (kapok) +/-Parinari nonda (nonda plum). Lithomyrtus retusa is often prominent in a lower shrub layer and the sparse ground cover can contain a range of grass and sedge spp. on the infertile, skeletal soil. Occurs on rhyolite headlands on islands. Not a Wetland. (BVG1M: 29a). 3.12.31x2a: [RE not in use]²: This proposed new vegetation community now mapped as 3.12.47. A variety of dwarf shrubs (10-60cm tall) dominate this regional ecosystem, with Acacia humifusa, Lithomyrtus obtusa, Grevillea pteridifolia (toothbrush grevillea), Neoroepera banksii, Petalostigma pubescens (quinine) and Jacksonia thesioides, the most frequent. Occasional taller shrubs (1-2m) may be present in sheltered positions. The ground layer is frequently indistinct from the dwarf shrub layer. The dominant grasses are Eremochloa bimaculata, Heteropogon triticeus (giant speargrass) and Sarga plumosum (plume sorghum). Occurs on volcanic headlands and continental islands. Not a Wetland. (BVG1M: 29a). 3.12.31x2b: [RE not in use]²: This proposed new vegetation community now mapped as 3.7.6x2. A variety of dwarf shrubs (10-60cm tall) dominate this regional ecosystem, with Acacia humifusa, Lithomyrtus obtusa, Grevillea pteridifolia (toothbrush grevillea), Neoroepera banksii, Petalostigma pubescens (quinine) and Jacksonia thesioides, the most frequent. Occasional taller shrubs (1-2m) may be present in sheltered positions. The ground layer is frequently indistinct from the dwarf shrub layer. The dominant grasses are Eremochloa bimaculata, Heteropogon triticeus (giant speargrass) and Sarga plumosum (plume sorghum). Occurs on laterite headlands. Not a Wetland. (BVG1M: 29a). |
| Supplementary description | Neldner and Clarkson (in prep), 189, 189b |
| Comments | 3.12.31: A variant (vegetation unit 189B) occurs on Lizard Island and was described by Byrnes et al. (1977). Themeda triandra dominates the grassland, with Arundinella nepalensis codominant in the valleys. 3.12.31x1: Cape Weymouth. 3.12.31x1a: This proposed new vegetation community now mapped as 3.12.43a. |
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.
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.
