Regional ecosystem details for 8.12.5
| Regional ecosystem | 8.12.5 |
|---|---|
| Vegetation Management Act class | Least concern |
| Wetlands | Not a Wetland |
| Biodiversity status | No concern at present |
| Subregion | 3, 4, 1, (2), (11.14), (5) |
| Estimated extent1 | Pre-clearing 65000 ha; Remnant 2021 62000 ha |
| Short description | Eucalyptus portuensis and/or Lophostemon confertus and/or E. exserta and/or Corymbia trachyphloia and/or E. fibrosa open forest on Mesozoic to Proterozoic igneous rocks |
| Structure code | Open Forest |
| Description | Eucalyptus portuensis and/or E. exserta and/or Corymbia trachyphloia and/or E. fibrosa open forest to low open woodland (to closed scrub). Eucalyptus portuensis is the most frequent dominant species, whilst E. exserta and C. trachyphloia are often subdominant or codominant. Lophostemon confertus or E. fibrosa are occasionally dominant. Corymbia intermedia is often present and sometimes codominant. Other associated canopy species may include E. crebra, Syncarpia glomulifera and E. suffulgens. There is frequently a sparse to very sparse secondary tree layer dominated by species such as Allocasuarina torulosa, Lophostemon confertus, Acacia flavescens, A. aulacocarpa, A. falcata and Banksia integrifolia subsp. compar. A sparse to very sparse shrub layer is usually present, and dominant species may include Acacia flavescens, A. falcata, Grevillea banksii, Allocasuarina torulosa, Jacksonia scoparia and Xanthorrhoea latifolia subsp. latifolia. The ground layer is most often dominated by species such as Themeda triandra, Xanthorrhoea latifolia subsp. latifolia, Sorghum nitidum forma aristatum, Heteropogon triticeus, Ottochloa nodosa and Mnesithea rottboellioides. Occurs on slopes, ridges and crests on undulating low hills, rolling mountains and steep hills of foothills and uplands, on Mesozoic to Proterozoic igneous rocks. Geology mapped as Pc/v (Carmila beds/v), PKgb (Bayfield Granite), RKvp (Peninsula Range Volcanics), PKgp (Pyri Pyri Granite) and Kp (Proserpine Volcanics). Early Cretaceous - Late Permian rhyolitic to dacitic volcaniclastic rocks and leucocratic biotite granite. Not a Wetland. (BVG1M: 9d). Vegetation communities in this regional ecosystem include: 8.12.5a: Lophostemon confertus and/or Eucalyptus portuensis (or E. exserta) open forest to closed scrub (5-38m tall). Other occasional co-dominant or associated species include Corymbia trachyphloia, Acacia spirorbis subsp. solandri, E. drepanophylla and Acacia falcata. Examples consisting of low dense stands of Lophostemon spp. have no (or very sparse) lower tree or shrub layers, whilst taller examples may have a secondary tree layer of species including Lophostemon confertus, Acacia falcata, E. portuensis, Alphitonia excelsa and Corymbia trachyphloia. Shrub layers when present, are very sparse to sparse and may be dominated by Xanthorrhoea latifolia subsp. latifolia, Acacia fimbriata, Bursaria tenuifolia, Acacia falcata, Breynia oblongifolia, Cassinia quinquefaria and Melichrus adpressus. The ground layer ranges from very sparse to mid-dense and may be dominated by species such as Xanthorrhoea latifolia subsp. latifolia, Sorghum nitidum forma aristatum, Themeda triandra, Mnesithea rottboellioides and Eremochloa bimaculata. Occurs on steep ridges, slopes and crests on rolling hills to steep mountains of foothills, uplands and highlands. Geologies mapped include Pc/v (Carmila beds/v), CKr (Urannah Igneous Complex), Pc/s (Carmila beds/s), Pla (Carmila Beds) and CPvl (Leura Volcanics). Early Cretaceous - Late Carboniferous acid, intermediate and basic plutonic rocks. Includes rhyolitic to dacitic volcaniclastic. Not a Wetland. (BVG1M: 28e). 8.12.5b: Eucalyptus portuensis and/or E. exserta and/or Corymbia trachyphloia and/or E. fibrosa open forest to low open woodland. Eucalyptus portuensis is the most frequent dominant species, whilst E. exserta and C. trachyphloia are often subdominant or codominant. Eucalyptus fibrosa is occasionally a dominant canopy tree. Corymbia intermedia is often present and sometimes codominant. Other associated canopy species may include E. crebra, Syncarpia glomulifera, Lophostemon confertus and E. suffulgens. There is frequently a sparse to very sparse secondary tree layer dominated by species such as Allocasuarina torulosa, Lophostemon confertus, Acacia flavescens, A. aulacocarpa and Banksia integrifolia subsp. compar. A sparse to very sparse shrub layer is usually present, and dominant species may include Acacia flavescens, A. aulacocarpa, Lophostemon confertus, Grevillea banksii, Allocasuarina torulosa, Jacksonia scoparia and Xanthorrhoea latifolia subsp. latifolia. The ground layer is most often dominated by species such as Themeda triandra, Xanthorrhoea latifolia subsp. latifolia, Macrozamia miquelii, Heteropogon triticeus, Ottochloa nodosa and Dianella caerulea. Occurs on slopes, ridges and crests on undulating low hills, rolling mountains and steep hills of foothills and uplands, on Mesozoic to Proterozoic igneous rocks (subregion 4). Geologies mapped as PKgb (Bayfield Granite), RKvp (Peninsula Range Volcanics), PKgp (Pyri Pyri Granite) and PKdm (Double Mountain Volcanics). Early Cretaceous - Late Permian leucocratic biotite granite, biotite-hornblende adamellite and pyroclastic crystal tuff flows. Not a Wetland. (BVG1M: 9d). 8.12.5c: Eucalyptus portuensis open forest (8-35m tall). Other common subdominant species include Corymbia intermedia and Lophostemon confertus. Less prominent species in the canopy may sometimes include E. drepanophylla, Acacia spirorbis subsp. solandri and Corymbia dallachiana. There are often lower tree layers present, with typical species often including Banksia integrifolia subsp. compar, Lophostemon confertus, Acacia disparrima and A. flavescens. Where Xanthorrhoea latifolia subsp. latifolia forms a distinct shrub layer, the shrub layer is dense, otherwise where it is a part of the ground layer, the shrub layer is sparse to moderately dense, with other species sometimes including Atractocarpus fitzalanii, Banksia integrifolia subsp. compar, Glochidion lobocarpum, Lepiderema punctulata, Pittosporum ferrugineum and Tephrosia brachyodon. There is sometimes a lower shrub layer with species such as Acrotriche aggregata and Xanthorrhoea latifolia subsp. latifolia. The ground layer is very sparse to mid-dense and often includes Xanthorrhoea latifolia subsp. latifolia, Walwhalleya subxerophila, Aristida spuria, Chrysopogon fallax, Heteropogon triticeus and Chionachne cyathopoda. Slopes, ridges and crests on rolling rises to rolling mountains of lowlands, foothills and uplands of near coastal hills. Geologies mapped include Kp (Proserpine Volcanics), Pc/v (Carmila beds/v), Pll (Airlie Volcanics) and Pc/s (Carmila beds/s). Early Cretaceous - Early Permian acid to intermediate pyroclastics and flows. Includes Rhyolite, andesite and rhyolitic to dacitic volcaniclastic rocks. Not a Wetland. (BVG1M: 9d). |
| Supplementary description | Bailey et al. (2003), EAb-12, EA-12; Batianoff, Dillewaard and Franks (1997), Vegetation unit 24Ea; Bean (1992b), vegetation type Et (in part); Brushe et al. (in prep), Map units c55-12b, c63-12, c64-12, c65-12, c68-12, c69-12, c70-12b, c71-12, c90; Cummi |
| Protected areas | Conway NP, Eungella NP, Cape Palmerston NP, Dryander NP, Crediton FR, Kelvin FR, Kelvin NP, Conway CP, Homevale NP, Connors FR, Molle Islands NP, Conway West CP |
| Special values | 8.12.5: Potential habitat for NCA listed species: Grevillea venusta, Ozothamnus eriocephalus, Parsonsia larcomensis. 8.12.5a: Habitat for the threatened species Ozothamnus eriocephalus and the Glossy Black Cockatoo which are all listed in the Queensland Nature Conservation Act 1992. Habitat for a number of plant species restricted to the narrow, high-altitude zone on the Clarke Range, which otherwise only occur in south-eastern Queensland and high altitudes of the Wet Tropics. These include Acacia falcata, Acacia fimbriata and Melichrus adpressus, as well as other species poorly known in the Central Queensland Coast such as Aristida vagans, Acacia penninervis, Banksia spinulosa, Monotoca scoparia and Tephrosia rufula. Acacia fimbriata is uncommon in northern parts of the bioregion. 8.12.5b: Habitat for the NCA listed plant species Parsonsia larcomensis, Comesperma oblongatum and Grevillea venusta. Habitat for plant species rarely recorded/poorly known in the bioregion including Acacia falcata, A. leiocalyx subsp. leiocalyx, A. penninervis var. penninervis, Brachychiton bidwillii, Eucalyptus suffulgens, Melaleuca hemisticta, Daviesia umbellulata, Monotoca scoparia, Banksia spinulosa, Comesperma oblongatum, Dodonaea triquetra, Persoonia amaliae, Hibiscus splendens, Ricinocarpos ledifolius, Hibbertia velutina, Gompholobium pinnatum, Gymnostachys anceps, Schizaea bifida, Centratherum riparium, Chorizema parviflorum, Corybas barbarae, Dipodium variegatum, Dockrillia bowmanii, Solanum stelligerum and Hovea longipes. Northern limit of Astrotricha intermedia, Macrozamia miquelii, Bowenia serrulata, Phylotheca difformis subsp. smithiana, Comesperma esulifolium, Hovea clavata, Pomaderris ferruginea, Hibbertia vestita, Patersonia sericea and Schoenus vaginatus. |
| Fire management guidelines | SEASON: 8.12.5a and c: Early winter. 8.12.5b: Any time when sufficient soil moisture is present (during growing season). INTENSITY: 8.12.5a: Moderate. 8.12.5b: Low to moderate. INTERVAL: 8.12.5a and c: 4 - 7 years. 8.12.5b: Minimum 4 - 7 years. INTERVAL_MIN: 4. INTERVAL_MAX: 50. STRATEGY: Attempt to retain at least 20% unburnt at any given time. ISSUES: 8.12.5a and b: Important to maintain layering within the forest structure. High fuel accumulations are possible and as such it is important to adopt fire regimes which will maintain fallen litter and timber habitats on the forest floor. 8.12.5c: In the Whitsunday sub-region prone to development of dense vine thicket understorey which will eventually preclude burning. High fuel accumulations are possible and as such it is important to adopt fire regimes which will maintain fallen litter and timber habitats on the forest floor. |
| Comments | 8.12.5a: Distinguished from other vegetation communities and regional ecosystems by a combination of landscape position (steep upper slopes and spurs), the relatively dense stands of Eucalyptus portuensis and/or L. confertus (or occasionally E. exserta), and the occurrence on the Clarke Ranges away from the coast (as opposed to near-coastal ranges and islands). The vegetation community 8.12.5b may sometimes be similar but occurs in subregions 4 and 5 only (8.12.5a does not occur in subregions 4 and 5). The vegetation 8.12.5c is usually taller, and occurs on near coastal ranges at lower altitudes. Examples dominated by Lophostemon confertus may be similar to 8.12.10a but 8.12.5a lacks the co-dominance or subdominance of a variety of heath species. Distinguished from the 8.12.12 and 8.12.22 series and 8.12.32 by the clear dominance of E. portuensis, L. confertus or E. exserta, from the 8.12.14 and 8.12.29 series by the occurrence on the Clarke Ranges away from the coast (as opposed to islands and coastal headlands), and from 8.12.31a by the absence of E. resinifera. Occurs from Mt Challenger (north of Lake Proserpine), south to Tooloombah Creek in Broadsound Range (40km north-west of Marlborough). Relatively good due to the usual remoteness or difficult access. Grazing has impacted some areas. The weed *Lantana camara is a problem in some areas. Other weeds include *Melinis minutiflora, *Ageratum conyzoides subsp. conyzoides, *Bidens bipinnata, *Passiflora suberosa, *P. pallida, *Mesosphaerum suaveolens, *Sida rhombifolia, *Stylosanthes spp., and *Triumfetta rhomboidea. Occasional areas are subject to removal of Allocasuarina spp. for pasture improvement purposes. 8.12.5b: Distinguished from other similar regional ecosystems and vegetation communities by a combination of occurring in subregion 4 only, occurring on the mainland (rather than on islands and headlands) and by being dominated by E. portuensis and/or E. exserta and/or C. trachyphloia and/or E. fibrosa. The vegetation community 8.12.31a may sometimes be similar but this occurs at slightly higher altitudes and always contains E. resinifera. The 8.12.7 series is related, but is always contains C. citriodora as a dominant to subdominant. Occurs in subregion 4 and 5 on Peninsular Range and Polygon Range in the Shoalwater Bay Military Training Area, and Coastal Range to the west of Corio Bay. Also found on Colcarra Range and Mt Solitude, south of Port Clinton. Some areas have been harvested for timber and/or grazed by cattle, but the condition of this ecosystem is generally good. *Lantana camara is a problem is some places, and *Passiflora suberosa, *P. pallida and *Stachytarpheta jamaicensis are sometimes prominent. 8.12.5c: The vegetation community 8.12.5b is often very similar but occurs in subregions 4 and 5 only (8.12.5a does not occur in subregions 4 and 5). The vegetation 8.12.5a is usually shorter, and occurs on mountainous ranges more inland (and usually higher altitudes). Examples dominated by Lophostemon confertus may be similar to 8.12.10a but 8.12.5a lacks the codominance or subdominance of a variety of heath species, and is usually much taller. Distinguished from the 8.12.12 and 8.12.22 series and 8.12.32 by the clear dominance of E. portuensis, and from 8.12.31a by the absence of E. resinifera. Can be similar to the 8.12.14 and 8.12.29 series but these are rarely dominated by E. portuensis and tend to be more stunted and further east on windswept islands. Occurs from north of Mount Dryander in Dryander National Park to Rocky Point in Conway National Park. Also found in an area south-west of Cape Palmerston from Mt Cutlack to Mosquito Hill. Generally good. Weed species recorded include *Passiflora suberosa, *P. pallida and *Melinis minutiflora. |
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.
