Regional ecosystem details for 3.3.4
| Regional ecosystem | 3.3.4 |
|---|---|
| Vegetation Management Act class | Of concern |
| Wetlands | Riverine |
| Biodiversity status | Of concern |
| Subregion | 4, (6), (2), (7) |
| Estimated extent1 | Pre-clearing 7000 ha; Remnant 2021 7000 ha |
| Short description | Evergreen mesophyll and/or notophyll vine forest with Archontophoenix spp. on stream banks |
| Structure code | Closed Forest |
| Description | Evergreen mesophyll and/or notophyll vine forest. This regional ecosystem varies in structure and floristic composition depending on the position relative to the stream channel, the substrate and the permanence of water flow. A dense, even canopy (15-40m tall) is dominated by a variety of species which may include Buchanania arborescens (native mango), Acacia polystachya, Syzygium forte subsp. potamophilum, S. tierneyanum, Blepharocarya involucrigera, Melaleuca leucadendra, Ilex arnhemensis subsp. ferdinandi and Dillenia alata. Archontophoenix tuckeri or A. alexandrae frequently occur at high densities in the canopy, although more often only reach the sub-canopy. Scattered emergent trees up to 40m in height are common. A sparse to mid-dense, sub-canopy tree layer (4-20m tall) is often present. Mallotus polyadenos, Buchanania arborescens (native mango), Barringtonia calyptrata, Beilschmiedia obtusifolia, Atractocarpus sessilis and Syzygium forte subsp. potamophilum are frequent low trees. Deciduous trees such as Nauclea orientalis and Vitex helogiton may be present in both the canopy and sub-canopy, but are generally infrequent. A variable shrub layer is present with Cryptocarya hypospodia, Atractocarpus sessilis, Buchanania arborescens (native mango), Calophyllum sil, Myristica insipida, Caryota spp., Cryptocarya brassii, Dictyoneura obtusa, Mallotus polyadenos and Melastoma malabathricum subsp. malabathricum amongst the most frequent species. The ground layer is usually very sparse with scattered herbs and grasses. Scattered vines are present such as Flagellaria indica, Hypserpa laurina and Mucuna gigantea, and often climb into the canopy. Epiphytic ferns such as Drynaria quercifolia, Pyrrosia rupestris and Platycerium spp. occur frequently on the canopy and emergent trees. Occurs on stream banks and terraces. Riverine. (BVG1M: 4b). |
| Supplementary description | Neldner and Clarkson (in prep), 16 |
| Protected areas | Bromley (Ampulin) NP (CYPAL), Batavia NP (CYPAL), KULLA (McIlwraith Range) NP (CYPAL), Cape Melville NP (CYPAL), Endeavour River NP |
| Special values | 3.3.4: High numbers of endemic plant species. The vulnerable plant species Calamus warburgii, Calamus aruensis and Hydriastele costata and near threatened species Litsea macrophylla, Margaritaria indica and Pandanus zea occur in this ecosystem. High biomass of Archontophoenix species. Archontophoenix tuckeri dominates north of the McIlwraith Range, with A. alexandrae replacing it in the south. |
| 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 | 3.3.4: The high biomass of these palms is a distinctive feature. Archontophoenix tuckeri occurs northwards from the McIlwraith Range and is replaced by A. alexandrae to the south. McIlwraith Range. |
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.
