Regional ecosystem details for 8.12.14
| Regional ecosystem | 8.12.14 |
|---|---|
| Vegetation Management Act class | Least concern |
| Wetlands | Not a Wetland |
| Biodiversity status | No concern at present |
| Subregion | 1, 2, (4), (5), (6) |
| Estimated extent1 | Pre-clearing 17000 ha; Remnant 2021 17000 ha |
| Short description | Eucalyptus drepanophylla and/or E. crebra and/or E. exserta and/or Acacia spirorbis subsp. solandri and/or Lophostemon confertus low woodland on islands and headlands, on Mesozoic to Proterozoic igneous rocks, and Tertiary acid to intermediate volcanics |
| Structure code | Low Woodland |
| Description | Eucalyptus drepanophylla and/or E. crebra and/or E. exserta and/or Acacia spirorbis subsp. solandri and/or Lophostemon confertus closed forest to open shrubland (1-28m tall). Associated canopy species may include Corymbia intermedia, C. clarksoniana, Acacia leptostachya, E. tereticornis, Allocasuarina littoralis and C. trachyphloia. There is occasionally a very sparse to mid-dense lower tree layer of Acacia spirorbis subsp. solandri, Lophostemon confertus, Allocasuarina littoralis and C. clarksoniana, or there may be a layer of pioneering vine thicket species. A very sparse to mid-dense shrub layer is often present, dominated by species such as Xanthorrhoea latifolia subsp. latifolia, Larsenaikia jardinei, Drypetes deplanchei, Dodonaea lanceolata var. subsessilifolia, Grevillea banksii, Alyxia spicata, Acacia simsii and Sersalisia sericea. The ground layer is very sparse to mid-dense and is commonly dominated by species such as Themeda triandra, Gahnia aspera, Scleria sphacelata, Lomandra longifolia, Eustrephus latifolius, Dianella caerulea, Heteropogon triticeus, H. contortus, Xanthorrhoea latifolia subsp. latifolia and Imperata cylindrica. Occurs on slopes, ridges and crests on undulating rises to rolling hills of lowlands and foothills of islands and headlands, on Mesozoic to Proterozoic igneous rocks and Tertiary acid to intermediate volcanics (land zone 8). Geologies mapped as Kw (Whitsunday Volcanics), Kg, Pll (Airlie Volcanics), Kp (Proserpine Volcanics) and RKvp (Peninsula Range Volcanics). Early Cretaceous - Late Permian waterlaid acid to intermediate air-fall pyroclastics, minor pyroclastic flows and lavas. Not a Wetland. (BVG1M: 9c). Vegetation communities in this regional ecosystem include: 8.12.14a: Eucalyptus drepanophylla and/or E. exserta open forest to shrubland (3-18m tall). Associated canopy species may include Lophostemon confertus, Acacia spirorbis subsp. solandri, A. leptostachya, Corymbia intermedia and C. clarksoniana. There is occasionally a very sparse to sparse lower tree layer of A. spirorbis subsp. solandri, Allocasuarina littoralis and C. clarksoniana, or there may be a layer of pioneering rainforest species. A very sparse to mid-dense shrub layer is often present, dominated by species such as Xanthorrhoea latifolia subsp. latifolia, Larsenaikia jardinei, Drypetes deplanchei, Dodonaea lanceolata var. subsessilifolia, Pseudanthus ligulatus subsp. ligulatus, Alyxia spicata, Acacia simsii and Sersalisia sericea. The ground layer is very sparse to mid-dense and is commonly dominated by species such as Themeda triandra, Lomandra longifolia, Gahnia aspera, Scleria sphacelata, Eustrephus latifolius, Dianella caerulea, Heteropogon triticeus, H. contortus, Xanthorrhoea latifolia subsp. latifolia, Imperata cylindrica and Pandorea pandorana. Occurs on exposed slopes, ridges and crests on undulating rises to rolling hills of lowlands and foothills of islands, on Mesozoic to Proterozoic igneous rocks, and Tertiary acid to intermediate volcanics. Geologies are mainly Kw (Whitsunday Volcanics), Kg, Pll (Airlie Volcanics), Kp (Proserpine Volcanics) and DCc (Campwyn Beds). Early Cretaceous - Late Devonian waterlaid acid to intermediate air-fall pyroclastics. Th (Cape Hillsborough Beds) Tertiary acid volcanics. Not a Wetland. (BVG1M: 9c). 8.12.14b: Acacia spirorbis subsp. solandri closed forest to open shrubland (1-18m tall). Occasional associated canopy species may include Eucalyptus exserta, E. tereticornis, E. drepanophylla and Acacia leptostachya. There is sometimes a very sparse to sparse lower tree layer (often including rainforest species) dominated by species such as Lophostemon confertus, Mallotus philippensis, Larsenaikia jardinei, Allocasuarina littoralis, Psydrax odorata, Drypetes deplanchei, Mallotus philippensis, Neolitsea brassii and Alphitonia excelsa. There is often a very sparse shrub layer with dominants including Acacia spirorbis subsp. solandri, Alyxia spicata, Acronychia laevis, Dodonaea lanceolata var. subsessilifolia and Drypetes deplanchei. The ground layer is usually very sparse and dominated by species such as Scleria sphacelata, Gahnia aspera, Drynaria rigidula, Oplismenus spp., Themeda triandra, Ancistrachne uncinulata, Dianella caerulea, Clematicissus opaca and Xanthorrhoea latifolia subsp. latifolia. Occurs on slopes, ridges and crests on undulating low hills to rolling hills of lowlands and foothills of islands and headlands on Mesozoic to Proterozoic igneous rocks, and Tertiary acid to intermediate volcanics. Geology mapped as Kw and Ki (Whitsunday Volcanics), Kg, Pll (Airlie Volcanics) and Kp (Proserpine Volcanics). Early Cretaceous - Early Parmian waterlaid acid to intermediate air-fall pyroclastics, minor pyroclastic flows and lavas. Includes leucocratic alkali granite. Not a Wetland. (BVG1M: 28e). 8.12.14c: Lophostemon confertus closed forest to tall shrubland (3.5-28m tall). The canopy is often exclusively L. confertus, however occasional associated species may include Eucalyptus exserta, E. tereticornis, E. drepanophylla and Acacia spirorbis subsp. solandri. There is sometimes a very sparse to mid-dense lower tree layer dominated by species such as Lophostemon confertus, Mallotus philippensis, Pittosporum ferrugineum, Acronychia laevis, Neolitsea brassii and Acacia leptostachya. There may be a very sparse to dense shrub layer consisting of species such as Xanthorrhoea latifolia subsp. latifolia, Cycas media, Dodonaea lanceolata var. subsessilifolia, Pittosporum ferrugineum and Sersalisia sericea. The ground layer is usually very sparse to sparse, consisting of species such as Oplismenus spp., Imperata cylindrica, Scleria mackaviensis, Scleria sphacelata, Dianella caerulea, Flemingia parviflora, Eustrephus latifolius, Microsorum grossum, Lomandra spp. and Xanthorrhoea latifolia subsp. latifolia. Occurs slopes, ridges and crests on undulating to rolling hills of lowlands and foothills of islands and headlands, on Mesozoic to Proterozoic igneous rocks. Contains minor areas of Tertiary acid to intermediate volcanics. Geology mapped as Kw (Whitsunday Volcanics), PKg, DCc (Campwyn Beds) and Kg. Early Cretaceous - Late Devonian waterlaid acid to intermediate air-fall pyroclastics, minor pyroclastic flows and lavas. Includes leucogranite alkali granite, microgranite and granophyre. Not a Wetland. (BVG1M: 28e). 8.12.14d: Eucalyptus crebra and/or Lophostemon confertus and/or E. exserta open forest to woodland (3-14m tall). Associated canopy species may include Corymbia intermedia, C. clarksoniana, Acacia disparrima subsp. disparrima, Allocasuarina littoralis, C. trachyphloia and E. portuensis. There are sometimes lower tree layers with species including Acacia disparrima subsp. disparrima, Lophostemon confertus, A. flavescens, Allocasuarina spp., Banksia integrifolia subsp. compar and Grevillea banksii. Rainforest species are sometimes prominent in these lower layers. There is sometimes a very sparse to sparse shrub layer of species such as Lophostemon confertus, Grevillea banksii, Acacia disparrima subsp. disparrima, Dodonaea lanceolata var. subsessilifolia, Planchonia careya, Acacia crassa subsp. longicoma and Acacia leptocarpa. The ground layer is sparse to very sparse, and common dominants may include Themeda triandra, Xanthorrhoea latifolia subsp. latifolia, Dianella caerulea, Eustrephus latifolius, Digitaria parviflora, Grewia latifolia and Entolasia stricta. Occurs on slopes, ridges and crests on undulating low hills of lowlands and foothills, of islands and headlands, on Mesozoic to Proterozoic igneous rocks. Geology mapped as RKvp (Peninsula Range Volcanics) and Ccs (Shoalwater Formation). Early Cretaceous - Late Carboniferous pyroclastic crystal tuff, rhyolite flows, agglomerate, quartzose sandstone and mudstone; local quartz-muscovite-biotite schist. Not a Wetland. (BVG1M: 9c). 8.12.14x2b: [RE not in use]²: This vegetation community has been placed in RE 8.12.14. Corymbia xanthope open forest to low woodland to tall shrubland. Acacia julifera and Eucalyptus drepanophylla are common associated species in the canopy. Other occasional to common associated canopy species may include Allocasuarina littoralis and Corymbia trachyphloia. There is sometimes a secondary tree layer of Allocasuarina littoralis with occasional Acacia julifera. Rainforest pioneering species may sometimes be prominent. A shrub layer of Xanthorrhoea latifolia subsp. latifolia is usually present, with occasional Dodonaea lanceolata var. subsessilifolia, and Leucopogon imbricatus. The ground layer very sparse to sparse and may include Gahnia aspera, Themeda triandra, Aristida spuria, Scleria mackaviensis, Brunoniella australis, Eriachne pallescens, Lomandra multiflora, Camptacra barbata, Eustrephus latifolius, Stephania japonica, Cyanthillium cinereum, Entolasia stricta and Hardenbergia violacea. Slopes on undulating rises to rolling low hills of lowlands and foothills of islands, on serpentinite. Very rocky substrate with minimal soil. Not a Wetland. (BVG1M: 9c). 8.12.14x2c: [RE not in use]²: This vegetation community is now mapped as 8.11.12. Eucalyptus crebra and/or E. exserta and/or Corymbia clarksoniana and/or Lophostemon confertus and/or Corymbia trachyphloia low woodland to open forest (2.5-15m tall). Occasional to common associated canopy species may include Corymbia dallachiana, Acacia disparrima subsp. Disparrima, Lophostemon suaveolens, Corymbia intermedia, Melaleuca nervosa and Acacia julifera. There is sometimes a secondary tree layer which may be dominated by species such as Lophostemon confertus, Acacia spp. And Petalostigma pubescens. There is often a shrub layer, and dominant species may include Lophostemon confertus, Alphitonia excelsa, Acacia julifera and Lophostemon suaveolens. The ground layer may be dominated by species such as Xanthorrhoea latifolia subsp. Latifolia, Entolasia stricta, Themeda triandra, Eustrephus latifolius, Dodonaea lanceolata var. subsessilifolia and Lomandra spp. Occurs on slopes, ridges and crests on undulating rises to rolling low hills of lowlands and foothills of islands and headlands, on metamorphic rocks. Not a Wetland. (BVG1M: 9c). |
| Supplementary description | Bailey et al. (2003), Ec; Batianoff (1995a), Vegetation community 4A, 4E+ and 5; Batianoff (1996), Vegetation unit 6a and 6b(Ee); Batianoff, Dillewaard and Franks (1997), Vegetation unit 23c (in part), 25; Bean (1991), Vegetation type 3; Brushe et al. (in |
| Protected areas | Whitsunday Islands NP, Lindeman Islands NP, South Cumberland Islands NP, Dryander NP, Brampton Islands NP, Smith Islands NP, Percy Isles NP, Cape Hillsborough NP, Broad Sound Islands NP, Molle Islands NP, Gloucester Island NP, Conway NP, Newry Islands NP, |
| Special values | 8.12.14: Potential habitat for NCA listed species: Berrya rotundifolia, Corymbia xanthope, Solanum graniticum, Solanum sporadotrichum. 8.12.14a: Stunted, sparse island and coastal headland examples of this vegetation community are habitat for endangered species Solanum graniticum. Also habitat of Pseudanthus ligulatus subsp. Ligulatus which is uncommon in the bioregion. 8.12.14b: Possible habitat for the threatened plant species Berrya rotundifolia, which has been recorded on Calder Island. 8.12.14d: Habitat for the NCA listed plant species Xylosma ovata and Comesperma oblongatum. Habitat for species which are poorly known from the Central Queensland Coast bioregion including Brachychiton bidwillii, Grewia latifolia, Schizaea dichotoma and Seringia lanceolata, as well as species at the northern limit of their range such as Comesperma esulifolium, Persoonia virgata and Mirbelia rubiifolia. 8.12.14x2b: Habitat for the highly restricted vulnerable plant species Corymbia xanthope. Northern limit of Leucopogon imbricatus. Serpentinite is rare in the bioregion. 8.12.14x2c: Habitat for species which are locally uncommon or at the limits of their range, including Acacia juncifolia, Melaleuca hemisticta, Parsonsia eucalyptophylla, Jacksonia scoparia, Marsdenia brevis and Xanthorrhoea pumilio. |
| Fire management guidelines | INTERVAL: Fire return interval not relevant. INTERVAL_MIN: 100. INTERVAL_MAX: 100. ISSUES: 8.12.14a-c: A geographically restricted ecosystem which with few exceptions is largely restricted to islands. Emphasis should be placed on the general principles of mosaic burning, and diversity of fire types. 8.12.14d, x2b: Emphasis should be placed on the general principles of mosaic burning, and diversity of fire types. |
| Comments | 8.12.14: Vegetation community 8.12.14x2b has been amalgamated into this RE. 8.12.14a: Can be similar to vegetation communities 8.12.6a and 8.12.6b which are also dominated by Eucalyptus drepanophylla, however 8.12.6a and 8.12.6b tend to be taller, with a more open canopy or sub-canopy and a more heavily grass dominated (instead of mixed sedge, grass and herb dominated) ground layer. Also 8.12.14a is only found on islands (or some headlands where it tends to be codominated by Lophostemon confertus or Acacia spirorbis subsp. solandri) whereas 8.12.6a and 8.12.6b are only found on the mainland. the vegetation community 8.12.12d may sometimes be similar but Corymbia clarksoniana (and/or other eucalypt species) will be a prominent feature in the canopy. The vegetation community 8.12.14d is very similar but occurs in subregions 4 and 5 only (8.12.14a is in subregions 1 and 2 only). The vegetation communities 8.12.14b and 8.12.14c are very closely related to 8.12.14a, but 8.12.14b is Acacia spirorbis subsp. solandri dominated and 8.12.14c is Lophostemon confertus dominated. Occurs on many islands from Gloucester Island to the Bedwell Island Group 40km east of Carmila. Widespread on some continental islands e.g. Broad Sound Island group. It occurs on the mainland at Double Bay, Shute Haven, Pinnacle Rock at Ball Bay, Cape Hillsborough and at The Leap north of Mackay. Most examples are in good condition probably due to the shallow soil/harsh environment which makes it difficult for weeds to establish. Many sites may not have been burnt for a long time. Weed species recorded include *Lantana camara, *Passiflora suberosa, *P. pallida, *Ageratum conyzoides subsp. conyzoides, *Stachytarpheta jamaicensis and *Triumfetta rhomboidea. 8.12.14b: The vegetation community 8.12.14d can be similar but occurs in subregions 4 and 5 only (8.12.14b is in subregions 1 and 2 only). The vegetation communities 8.12.14a and 8.12.14c are very closely related to 8.12.14b, but 8.12.14a is Eucalyptus spp. or Corymbia spp. dominated, and 8.12.14c is Lophostemon confertus dominated. Occurs on islands in subregions 1 and 2, from Hook Island in the Whitsunday group south to Keswick Island (30km north-east of Mackay). Also mapped in mainland coastal areas between Dingo Beach and Airlie Beach and on Round Head on Cape Conway. Most examples are in good condition probably due to the shallow soil/harsh environment which makes it difficult for weeds to establish. However some areas are infested with *Lantana camara. Other weeds commonly recorded include *Passiflora suberosa, *P. pallida, *P. pallida, *Ageratum conyzoides subsp. conyzoides, *Stachytarpheta jamaicensis and *Passiflora foetida. 8.12.14c: Lower, shrubbier examples of this vegetation community are similar to 8.12.29b, however in 8.12.29b Lophostemon confertus ranges from an associated to a co-dominant species, whereas in 8.12.14c Lophostemon confertus is strongly dominant. The vegetation community 8.12.14d and 8.12.29c can be similar but occur in subregions 4 and 5 only (8.12.14c is in subregions 1 and 2 only). The vegetation communities 8.12.14a and 8.12.14b are very closely related to 8.12.14c, but 8.12.14a is Eucalyptus spp. or Corymbia spp. dominated, and 8.12.14b is Acacia spirorbis subsp. solandri dominated. Occurs on several islands from Gloucester Island and Hayman Island south to Scawfell Island about 50km east-north-east of Mackay. Also mapped in the Gloucester Point area to the west of Hideaway Bay on the mainland. Most examples are in good condition probably due to the shallow soil/harsh environment which makes it difficult for weeds to establish. However some areas have *Lantana camara infestation. Other weeds commonly recorded include *Passiflora suberosa, *P. pallida, *Ageratum conyzoides subsp. conyzoides and *Triumfetta rhomboidea. 8.12.14d: Can be similar to vegetation communities 8.12.6a and 8.12.6b which are also dominated by Eucalyptus drepanophylla, however 8.12.6a and 8.12.6b tend to be taller, with a more open canopy or sub-canopy and a more heavily grass dominated (instead of mixed sedge, grass and herb dominated) ground layer. Also 8.12.14d is only found on islands and headlands in subregions 4 and 5 whereas 8.12.6a and 8.12.6b are only found on the mainland in subregions 1 to 3. The vegetation community 8.12.12d may sometimes be similar but Corymbia clarksoniana will be a prominent feature in the canopy. The vegetation community 8.12.14a is very similar but occurs in subregions 1 and 2 only (8.12.14d is in subregions 4 and 5 only). The vegetation communities 8.12.14b and 8.12.14c are very closely related to 8.12.14d, but 8.12.14b is Acacia spirorbis subsp. solandri dominated and 8.12.14c is Lophostemon confertus dominated (and only occurs in subregions 1 and 2). Occurs in the Shoalwater Bay region, on the mainland coast between Reef Point (north of the mouth of Island Head Creek ) and Cape Manifold. Also found on Turn Island in the Broad Sound area (30km north east of Clairview). Most examples are in good condition probably due to the shallow soil/harsh environment which makes it difficult for weeds to establish. However some areas are heavily infested with *Lantana camara. The weed *Passiflora suberosa, *P. pallida is also commonly recorded in this vegetation community. 8.12.14x2b: Distinguished from all other regional ecosystems by the presence of Corymbia xanthope. Mapped only on South Percy Island, but may also occur on other offshore islands. Has been heavily grazed by goats and is therefore probably suffering the effects of erosion, and the reduction in cover (and possible elimination) of the most palatable shrubs and ground layer species. Some weeds are present, including *Lantana camara and *Passiflora suberosa, *P. pallida. 8.12.14x2c: Distinguished from all other sclerophyll metamorphic (land zone 11) regional ecosystems by the low stature, and occurrence on headlands and islands in positions receiving high wind and salt-spray exposure. Occurs in subregions 4 and 5. Mapped at Sabina Point, Akens Island, Clara Island and Swan Island in Shoalwater Bay. Also found in coastal areas at Port Clinton and Freshwater Bay (north of Cape Manifold) and on the Keppel Isles. Usually reasonably good due to isolation and harsh rocky, wind and salt-exposed environment. Occasional weeds include *Lantana camara, *Passiflora suberosa, *P. pallida and *Melinis minutiflora. |
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.
