Regional ecosystem details for 8.2.5
| Regional ecosystem | 8.2.5 |
|---|---|
| Vegetation Management Act class | Of concern |
| Wetlands | Not a Wetland |
| Biodiversity status | Of concern |
| Subregion | 5 |
| Estimated extent1 | Pre-clearing 200 ha; Remnant 2021 200 ha |
| Short description | Evergreen notophyll Archontophoenix cunninghamiana vine forest in deep depressions and narrow gullies on coastal parabolic dunes |
| Structure code | Closed Forest |
| Description | Evergreen notophyll vine forest. Emergents of Archontophoenix cunninghamiana and/or Elaeocarpus eumundi may be present. The canopy includes species such as Endiandra sieberi, Cryptocarya vulgaris, Elaeocarpus eumundi, Syzygium oleosum, Archontophoenix cunninghamiana, Livistona decora, Calophyllum inophyllum, Mischocarpus pyriformis and Elaeocarpus grandis. The sub-canopy consists of species such as Acronychia laevis, Melicope elleryana, Polyscias australiana, Chionanthus ramiflorus, Acacia flavescens, Polyscias australiana and Scolopia braunii. Lower tree and shrub layers often include Syzygium oleosum, Carallia brachiata, Mackinlaya macrosciadea, Cyathea rebeccae, Hibiscus heterophyllus, Cordyline petiolaris and Alyxia ruscifolia. The ground layer is very sparse and includes Lindsaea ensifolia, Schizaea dichotoma, Scleria terrestris and Dianella caerulea. Common vines are Freycinetia scandens, Piper hederaceum, Smilax glyciphylla and Flagellaria indica. Epiphytes include Drynaria rigidula and Dendrobium discolor. Occurs on parabolic dunes, often in depressions or gullies where water accumulates or flows above or beneath the surface. (The depression formations are known as "sinkholes"). Geology mapped as Qpd (Pleistocene high parabolic quartz sand dunes). Not a Wetland. (BVG1M: 4a). |
| Supplementary description | Bailey et al. (2003), RF-2; Brushe et al. (in prep), Map Unit c17; McDonald (1995), Group 12 |
| Protected areas | Byfield NP |
| Special values | 8.2.5: Habitat for vulnerable plant species Samadera bidwillii. Also habitat for death adders and fruit pigeons. A naturally restricted ecosystem. |
| Fire management guidelines | INTERVAL: Fire return interval not relevant. INTERVAL_MIN: 100. INTERVAL_MAX: 100. ISSUES: Not normally flammable. May need active protection from wildfire in extreme conditions or after prolonged drought. |
| Comments | 8.2.5: This regional ecosystem has close affinities with notophyll rainforest of dune sands in the Southeast Queensland bioregion. Distinguished from most other regional ecosystems in the Central Queensland Coast bioregion by occurring on sand dunes and consisting of a more or less closed canopy with rainforest species. The other (more widespread) CQC ecosystem on sand (8.2.2) occurs along foredunes or hind dunes in much harsher situations, often exposed to salt-laden winds, and where species such as Mimusops elengi, Diospyros geminata and Pleiogynium timorense dominate. Occurs in subregion 5 from Island Head Creek south to Stockyard Point (10km north of Corio Bay). Threatening processes include recreational four-wheel-driving in the Three Rivers area. Some examples have weeds such as *Lantana camara and *Passiflora suberosa, *P. pallida. |
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.
