Ecosystems of the Fraser Coast Region

Ecosystems of the Fraser Coast Region

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Fraser Coast Regional ecosystem information

Regional Ecosystem   12.3.5

 

Priority   2

Short Description  Melaleuca quinquenervia open forest on coastal alluvium

Notes  koala

Comments  12.3.5: Tallest stands associated with estuarine sediments. Extensively cleared for sugar cane and urban development in south of bioregion. Subject to weed invasion, especially groundsel Baccharis halimifolia. Data on clearing rate between 1995 and 1997 indicate that the RE continues to experience an annual loss in excess of 1% of current extent per year. Generally a palustrine wetland although also some areas have been converted to lacustrine water bodies associated with the construction of bunding and levees. 12.3.5a: Extensively cleared for sugar cane and urban development in south of bioregion. Subject to weed invasion, especially groundsel Baccharis halimifolia.

Special Values  12.3.5: Habitat for threatened flora species including Phaius australis and P. bernaysii. Habitat for threatened fauna including the wallum froglet Crinia tinnula. This ecosystem is known to provide suitable habitat for koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus). 12.3.5a: Habitat for threatened flora species including Phaius australis, P. bernaysii and near threatened species including Schoenus scabripes.

Fraser Coast region distribution  Mapped on drainage lines in coastal catchments. Variant 12.3.5a present.

Long Description  Melaleuca quinquenervia open forest to woodland. Understorey depends upon duration of water logging; sedges and ferns, especially Blechnum indicum, in wetter microhabitats and grasses and shrubs in drier microhabitats. Ground layer species include the grasses Leersia hexandra and Imperata cylindrica, the sedges/rushes, Machaerina rubiginosa, Gahnia sieberiana, Lepironia articulata, Schoenus brevifolius and Schoenus scabripes and the fern Lygodium microphyllum. Other tree species that may be present as scattered individuals or clumps include Lophostemon suaveolens, Eucalyptus robusta, E. tereticornis, E. bancroftii, E. latisinensis, Corymbia intermedia, Melaleuca salicina, Livistona australis, Casuarina glauca, Endiandra sieberi. Melastoma malabathricum subsp. malabathricum, Glochidion sumatranum and Melicope elleryana are often in understorey. Occurs on Quaternary alluvium in coastal areas. Palustrine. (BVG1M: 22a). Vegetation communities in this regional ecosystem include: 12.3.5a: [RE not in use]: This vegetation community is now mapped as 12.3.20. Melaleuca quinquenervia, Casuarina glauca +/- Eucalyptus tereticornis, E. siderophloia open forest. Occurs on lowest terraces of Quaternary alluvial plains in coastal areas. Palustrine. (BVG1M: 22a).

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