Content uploaded by John Hunter
Author content
All content in this area was uploaded by John Hunter on Jul 11, 2015
Content may be subject to copyright.
Vegetation and Floristics
of
Killarney
State Conservation Area
Dr John T. Hunter
Assisted by Peter C. Jobson & Dr Dorothy M. Bell
February 2008
23 Kendall Rd, Invergowrie NSW, 2350
Ph. & Fax: (02) 6775 2452
Email: jhunter8@bigpond.com
A Report to the New South Wales
National Parks and Wildlife Service
Vegetation of Killarney SCA
Dr John T. Hunter (02) 6775 2452
i
Summary
The vegetation of Killarney State Conservation Area is described and mapped (scale
1:50 000). Six communities are defined based on classification (Kulczynski
association). These six communities were mapped based on ground truthing, air photo
interpretation and landform. Much of the reserve is characterised by Callitris
glaucophylla (White Cypress Pine), Acacia leiocalyx (Hickory), Callitris endlicheri
(Black Cypress Pine), Eucalyptus crebra (Narrow-leaved Ironbark), Allocasuarina
leuhmannii (Bulloak) and Eucalyptus chloroclada (Dirty Gum). The reserve has been
disturbed up till recently by selective logging, thinning, grazing and wholesale
clearing in the distant past. The communities described and their status are:
Floristic Community
Reservation Status
C1: Bulloak – White Cypress
Pine
Not of concern, currently reserved across its range
within the local bioregions.
C2: White Cypress Pine –
Narrow-leaved Ironbark
Generally not of concern, though occurrences
including Carbeen are listed as endangered (EEC).
C3: White Cypress Pine –
Carbeen
Occurrences of Carbeen are listed as endangered
(EEC).
C4: Belah – Pilliga Box
Should be considered as poorly conserved and ‘of
concern’ but not currently listed as threatened
C5: Black Cypress Pine –
Dirty Gum
Not of concern, currently reserved across its range
within the local bioregions.
C6: Dwyer’s Gum – White
Cypress Pine
Not of concern, currently reserved across its range
within the local bioregions.
A total of 192 vascular plant taxa were found from 60 families and 130 genera. No
species of conservation significance were found during the current investigation.
Most management issues are related to controlling weeds, particularly Lycium
ferocissimum and Opuntia aurantiaca none of which are currently major issues.
Management of these weeds can only occur effectively if the surrounding land use
areas co-ordinate in any eradication programs.
Vegetation of Killarney SCA
Dr John T. Hunter (02) 6775 2452
ii
Contents
Summary ................................................................................................................ i
1 Introduction ....................................................................................................... 1
1.1 Objectives ....................................................................................... 1
1.2 Study area ...................................................................................... 2
2 Methodology ...................................................................................................... 5
2.1 Survey design ................................................................................. 5
2.2 Site and species information ......................................................... 6
2.3 Data management ......................................................................... 7
2.4 Analysis of regional diversity ....................................................... 7
2.5 Multivariate analysis..................................................................... 7
2.6 Coleman curves ............................................................................. 8
2.7 Significant vascular plant taxa within the study area ............... 9
2.8 Structural information ................................................................. 9
3 Results .............................................................................................................. 10
3.1 Site stratification ......................................................................... 10
3.2 Floristics ....................................................................................... 10
3.3 Community definition ................................................................. 15
3.4 Coleman curves and richness estimation .................................. 19
3.5 Description of plant communities .............................................. 23
3.5.1 Bulloak – White Cypress Pine ................................ 23
3.5.2 White Cypress Pine – Narrow-leaved Ironbark ...... 31
3.5.3 White Cypress Pine - Carbeen ................................ 40
3.5.4 Belah – Pilliga Box ................................................. 46
3.5.5 Black Cypress Pine – Dirty Gum ............................ 54
3.5.6 Red Gum – White Cypress Pine.............................. 63
3.6 Structural information ............................................................... 70
3.7 Reservation status of communities and comparison
with other studies ........................................................................ 74
3.8 Fire responses of individual taxa ............................................... 76
3.9 Description of taxa of conservation significance ...................... 95
4 Discussion ....................................................................................................... 96
Vegetation of Killarney SCA
Dr John T. Hunter (02) 6775 2452
iii
4.1 General comments....................................................................... 96
4.2 Fire................................................................................................ 96
4.3 Introduced species ..................................................................... 102
4.4 Management considerations ..................................................... 102
References & Bibliography .......................................................................... 104
Appendix A: Site record forms .................................................................... 137
Appendix B: Taxon list with authorities and common name ........... 139
Appendix C: Introduced taxa: life history, control & distribution .... 146
Appendix D: Two-way table: sp. occurrences in communities .......... 153
Appendix E: Locality and site information ............................................... 157
Appendix F: Uses of plants .......................................................................... 159
Appendix G: Original dendrogram & Twinspan analysis ..................... 174
Acknowledgements ............................................................................. 176
Vegetation of Killarney SCA
Dr John T. Hunter (02) 6775 2452
iv
Tables
1 Dominant species ............................................................................................... 12
2 Comparison of sp. richness for other recently surveyed areas in region ..... 13
3 Benchmark values for Community 1 .............................................................. 26
4 Benchmark values for Community 2 .............................................................. 34
5 Benchmark values for Community 3 .............................................................. 42
6 Benchmark values for Community 4 .............................................................. 50
7 Benchmark values for Community 5 .............................................................. 57
8 Benchmark values for community 6 ............................................................... 66
9 Diameter and number of hollows .................................................................... 72
10 Conservation status of communities.............................................................. 75
11 Known fire responses and traits of taxa found in the study area ............... 76
12 Suggested fire regimes for each of the five defined communities ............. 101
Vegetation of Killarney SCA
Dr John T. Hunter (02) 6775 2452
v
Plates
1 Photographs of Community 1 .......................................................................... 29
2 Photographs of Community 1 .......................................................................... 30
3 Photographs of Community 2 .......................................................................... 37
4 Photographs of Community 2 .......................................................................... 38
5 Photographs of Community 2 .......................................................................... 39
6 Photograph of Community 3............................................................................ 45
7 Photographs of Community 4 .......................................................................... 53
8 Photographs of Community 5 .......................................................................... 60
9 Photographs of Community 5 .......................................................................... 61
10 Photographs of Community 5 ........................................................................ 62
11 Photographs of Community 6 ........................................................................ 69
Vegetation of Killarney SCA
Dr John T. Hunter (02) 6775 2452
vi
Figures
1 Location of Killarney State Conservation Area ............................................... 3
2. SPOT5 image of Killarney State Conservation Area ..................................... 4
3 Dendrogram of all Bobbiwaa Group Reserves .............................................. 15
4 Summary dendrogram of full dataset of sites surveyed ................................ 16
5 Ordination scattergram of all sites sampled based on full floristics ............ 17
6 Comparison of rarefaction curves for other surveys ..................................... 18
7 Richness estimation ........................................................................................... 20
8 Location of sites within Killarney SCA ........................................................... 21
9 Vegetation map of Killarney SCA ................................................................... 22
10 Placement of sites within Community 1 ........................................................ 27
11 Mapped distribution of Community 1 .......................................................... 28
12 Placement of sites within Community 2 ........................................................ 35
13 Mapped distribution of Community 2 .......................................................... 36
14 Placement of sites within Community 3 ........................................................ 43
15 Mapped distribution of Community 3 .......................................................... 44
16 Placement of sites within Community 4 ........................................................ 51
17 Mapped distribution of Community 4 .......................................................... 52
18 Placement of sites within Community 5 ........................................................ 58
19 Mapped distribution of Community 5 .......................................................... 59
20 Placement of sites within Community6 ......................................................... 67
21 Mapped distribution of Community 6 .......................................................... 68
22 Number of trees measured for DBH ............................................................. 71
23 Average DBH of trees measured ................................................................... 71
24 DBH size classes .............................................................................................. 72
25 Average distance in meters between trees .................................................... 73
26 General distribution of Carbeen.................................................................... 74
Vegetation of Killarney SCA
Dr John T. Hunter (02) 6775 2452
1
Introduction
1.1 Objectives
Dr John T. Hunter prepared this report of the vegetation of the Killarney State
Conservation Area. Aims included the collation of existing information from previous
floristic surveys and that the survey of 23, 20 x 20 m stratified full vascular plant
floristic sites be carried out in order to complete a comprehensive investigation of the
vegetation and flora of Killarney SCA. This report represents the findings of this
study. The collated information is to be used as a guide for management purposes.
The requirements of the investigation were:
1. Collate existing information from previous vegetation surveys conducted within
the conservation areas.
2. Site placement to be based on selected environmental variables and be distributed
based on the area they occupy.
3. Identify weed species and their occurrence.
4. Identify RoTAP, EPB&C Act and TSC Act species and their occurrence.
5. Identify regionally significant species.
6. Provide known fire ecology information on species and communities.
7. Construction of a vegetation map based on communities as defined by
classification4 and ordination analyses.
8. Provide management recommendations.
Vegetation of Killarney SCA
Dr John T. Hunter (02) 6775 2452
2
1.2 Study area
Killarney State Conservation Reserve lies approximately 10 km northeast of Narrabri
(Figure 1) within the North Western Slopes Botanical District, the Brigalow Belt
South Bioregion and the Namoi Catchment. The reserve consists of 1,858 ha of lands
surrounded by private landholdings. The geology is predominantly Jurassic coarse-
grained sediments of Pilliga sandstone covered by Quaternary sands and talus
material. A small region of Cainozoic alluvium is present in the east of gravel, sand,
siltstone and clay. The majority of the soils are massive red and yellow earths, while
the northeastern corner is comprised of coarsely cracking grey and brown clays.
Areas of the reserve have been cleared in the past and management up until recently
has included selective logging, thinning and grazing. Grazing leases were still in
operation at the time of the survey but were due to cease.
Vegetation of Killarney SCA
Dr John T. Hunter (02) 6775 2452
3
Figure 1: Location of Bobbiwaa State Conservation Area.
Vegetation of Killarney SCA
Dr John T. Hunter (02) 6775 2452
4
Figure 2: SPOT5 image of Bobbiwaa State Conservation Area.
Vegetation of Killarney SCA
Dr John T. Hunter (02) 6775 2452
5
Methodology
2.1 Survey design
The survey was carried out in a stratified random way in order to sample and replicate
the major environmental changes. As the reserve is small and only a small number of
sites were allocated for survey purposes only a limited number of strata could be used.
Rock type and aspect were used to stratify sites within the landscape. All sites were
permanently marked in all four corners of the 20 x 20 m plot with LANDMARKER
survey pegs.
2.2 Site and species information
Topological information was also collected along with measurements of altitude,
slope, aspect and horizontal elevation. Altitude was taken directly from topographic
maps. Slope and horizontal elevation were measured using a ‘SUUNTO Optical
Reading Clinometer’. Horizontal elevation was measured at eight equidistant compass
bearings. Aspect was measured using a compass with reference to magnetic north.
Information on soil, fires and other disturbances was also collected in a form
amenable to the site survey data sheets supplied by the Northern Plains Region of the
National Parks and Wildlife Service (Appendix A). Site location was derived from a
Garmin GPSMap60CS with reference to topographic maps. Datum used was AMG66.
Vegetation structure was derived using the system developed by Walker and Hopkins
(1990). This method uses growth form, height and crown cover of the dominant taxa
in each of the strata layers that are identifiable. Individual taxon data for each quadrat
was recorded using the species data forms supplied by the Glen Innes Area of the
National Parks and Wildlife Service (Appendix A). Species were scored in
accordance with a modified Braun-Blanquet (1982) cover abundance six ranking
scale. Cover codes are as follows:
Cover Code Projected Canopy Cover
1 <5% few individuals
Vegetation of Killarney SCA
Dr John T. Hunter (02) 6775 2452
6
2 <5% any number of individuals
3 6-25%
4 26-50%
5 51-75%
6 >75%
These methods will enable cross comparison of species records with other major
vegetation surveys carried out by the New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife
Service.
2.3 Data management
‘Paradox 12 for Windows’ (Corel 2006) a relational database, was used for data
management, validation, storage and retrieval. ‘Parent’ tables were created with
verified information that was used for data entry in ‘Child’ tables allowing
consistency in data entry (for example the spelling of species names (Campbell 1984;
McKenzie 1991; McKenzie et al. 1991)). Three ‘parent’ tables were created to store
information with six ‘child’ tables used for referential integrity, validation and data
entry. The three primary tables stored information relating to the taxa found and the
quadrats placed. The region number and site number were the relational fields used to
link the three main tables. These three record values are unique and duplicate values
were not accepted by the database. The system was designed to minimise the number
of keystrokes, and allow for subsequent specimen determinations and results of
analyses to be incorporated later without disruption. Field data collected during a
single field trip were added either at night in the field on a ‘note book’ computer or
immediately on the days after returning from the field on the main computer. Thus,
discrepancies could be sorted out while the relevant survey sites were fresh in the
mind. Sorted data was exported to EXCEL spreadsheets prior to analysis. All site and
species attributes are presented in EXCEL spreadsheets and included in the electronic
form of this document that is held with the Narrabri office of the New South Wales
National Parks and Wildlife Service and Information and Assessment Section Dubo
(along with copies of all field datasheets).
Vegetation of Killarney SCA
Dr John T. Hunter (02) 6775 2452
7
2.4 Analysis of regional diversity
Regional diversity is calculated by assuming an exponential species-area curve
relationship exists. The regional diversity index is calculated by D=S/logA, where S is
the number of taxa in a region of A hectares. This is done for comparative purposes.
2.5 Multivariate Analysis
Initial exploratory analysis of sites was conducted using classification and ordination
techniques available in PATN: Pattern Analysis Package (Belbin 2004). PATN was
developed for manipulation, analysis and display of patterns in multivariate biological
data (Belbin 1995a). Both classification and ordination were performed on data as
each technique is complimentary and the use of both highlights anomalies produced
by the other (Gauch 1982). Ordination will detect natural clusters if they are present
and highlight overall trends clarifying relationships alluded to with classification
(Belbin 1991; Belbin 1995a). However, strong discontinuities in survey data can
affect the way ordination techniques display continuous variation (Faith 1991).
Classification techniques will impose groups on continuous data even if they are not
present (Belbin 1991; Faith 1991; Belbin 1995a). In such situations ‘chaining’ may
occur whereby samples grow by accretion one by one rather than by fusion with other
clusters (Goodall 1980). Even in such situations utility can be found in imposed
divisions (Gauch 1982). Classification is useful in detecting outliers that may affect
ordination procedures (strong discontinuity). This technique also aids in the detection
of smaller groupings or trends within the data that may be difficult to see from an
ordination where groupings may be less obvious (Faith 1991).
Site classification was achieved using the Kulczynski association measure that has
proven to be a superior measure of association with ecological data (Faith et al. 1987;
Belbin 1995b). Agglomerative hierarchical clustering using flexible UPGMA
(Unweighted Pair Group arithMetic Averaging) was used for group joining, this
optimises the hierarchy and not the groups. UPGMA gives equal weight to objects not
groups in the fusion process thereby groups are weighted proportionally to the number
of objects contained (Belbin 1995b). This method has been widely tested and is the
most frequently used classification technique (Gauch 1982; Belbin 1995b) and it
Vegetation of Killarney SCA
Dr John T. Hunter (02) 6775 2452
8
provides the best fit between the association measure and the distances implied from
the dendrogram (Belbin 1991). Flexible UPGMA enables the value of , which ranges
from –0.1 to 1.0 to be changed, this controls the amount of space dilation during the
fusion process (Belbin 1991; Belbin 1995b). A value of –0.1 was used to enable
slight dilation to occur; this has been shown to better recover known partitions
(Belbin 1995b).
Semi- Strong- Hybrid Multidimensional Scaling (SSH) was used as the ordination
technique. Multidimensional scaling (MDS) moves objects around in a space defined
by the number of dimensions chosen and the dissimilarities among sites in terms of
their composition (Faith 1991; Belbin 1991). SSH calculates the level of stress, which
is the miss-match between distances between points and the best estimate of the same
values (Belbin 1995b). Subsequently all points in the initial ordination are moved
slightly to reduce stress, this process is iterated a specified number of times or until a
minimum stress is achieved (Orloci 1978; Belbin 1995b). MDS has been shown to be
a robust method (Minchin 1987; Faith 1991). SSH has the advantage of being
designed to cope with unimodal responses of taxa replacing the assumption of
linearity used by many other ordination procedures (see e.g. Noy-Meir & Whittaker
1978; Orloci 1978; ter Braak & Prentice 1988; Faith 1991; Belbin 1995a).
The number of groups to be recognised can be based on a number of a priori methods.
The point at which a leveling of a scree plot of dissimilarity and number of fusion
points occurs can be an indication of the optimal cut off point. At such a point, many
clusters are formed at essentially the same linkage distance.
2.6 Coleman curves
Coleman curves represent the means of repeated sampling of all pooled samples. The
smoothed Colman curves thus represent the statistical expectation for the
corresponding acummunaltion curve. Coleman curves are different from
accumulation curves which record the total number of species found with addition
sampling (species area curves) as they are produced by repeated resampling of the
species pool at random. Sampling is done without replacement within each
Vegetation of Killarney SCA
Dr John T. Hunter (02) 6775 2452
9
resampling. This repeated randomised sampling produces a smooth rarefaction curve.
Here the algorithym of Incidence-Based Coverage Estimator of species richness was
used (ICE) to generate the data for estimating the potential total species richness (Lee
and Chao 1994). During these simulations 200 random samplings were used.
2.7 Significant vascular plant taxa within the conservation areas
Three main sources of information were used initially to assess the significance, in
terms of rarity, of any taxa found within the reserve. The national list of rare or
threatened Australian plants (RoTAP) (Briggs & Leigh 1996) along with the federal
Environmental Protection & Biodiversity Conservation Act (EPBC Act) and the New
South Wales Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 (TSC Act) were used as a
primary indicator of national and state significance. The regional significance of taxa
was assessed with reference to other flora survey publications. Finally, local botanical
knowledge as expressed in unpublished survey reports and the personal experience of
the author and other botanists was used as a source of information.
2.8 Structural information
Within each 20 x 20 m plot an individual from the overstorey was chosen along the
fifteen nearest individuals to this central mark over 10 cm diameter at breast height
(DBH). The diameter at breast height (DBH) of all 16 individuals (< 10 cm DBH) was
measured in centimeters along with the distance of the 15 from the central individual
in meters. The height of all 16 was also estimated to the nearest meter along the
number of hollows.
A 50 m tape was laid out along one side of the plot. Every 5 m along this tape
measure a cover estimate of the overstorey and the shrub, grass, non-shrub or gras and
weed components of the understorey (Biometric (Gibbons et al. 2005)). In addition
the total length of logs over 10 cm width were estimated within the 20 x 50 plot in
meters by stepping out the length of each.
Vegetation of Killarney SCA
Dr John T. Hunter (02) 6775 2452
10
Results
3.1 Site stratification
Based on a review of data contained within YETTI (Sept. 2007) two full floristic sites
had previously been placed within the reserve. A total of 30 new sites were surveyed
within the reserve between the 12
th
of August and the 14
th
August 2007, making a
total of 32 sites that were used as the source data for this report. During the entire
survey an additional botanist was used to survey and collect specimens from outside
of plots to increase species capture and voucher submission. These species have been
included within the completed checklist of plants found.
3.2 Floristics
A total of 192 vascular plant taxa were recorded during the collation of site data and
opportunistic sampling. The 192 taxa occurred in 60 families and 130 genera. The
families with the greatest number of taxa are: Asteraceae (32), Poaceae (24),
Myrtaceae (14), Fabaceae (12), Rubiaceae (5) and Solanaceae (5). The richest genera
include: Eucalyptus (9), Aristida (6), Brachyscome (6), Acacia (4), Senecio (4) and
Solanum (4).
The most dominant species in terms of summed cover/abundance scores are given in
Table 1. Of the top 16 taxa recorded six are trees (or tall shrubs), four are shrubs, four
are herbs, and three are grasses. Callitris glaucophylla was the most ubiquitous
species within the reserve. Overall the character of the vegetation within the reserve
can be described as being dominated by Callitris glaucophylla, Acacia leiocalyx,
Callitris endlicheri, Eucalyptus crebra, Allocasuarina luehmanii and Eucalyptus
chloroclada with an understorey of a variety of herbs and grasses, particularly
Aristida spp., Cheilanthes sieberi, Crassula sieberiana, Austrostipa scabra and
Daucus glochidiatus, with a shrub layer most commonly of Melichrus urceolatus and
Acacia deanei.
Vegetation of Killarney SCA
Dr John T. Hunter (02) 6775 2452
11
Species diversity has many measures that are of importance to an overall
understanding of community dynamics and include richness and abundance. Richness
itself has a number of components which include species density (number of taxa per
defined area) and species turnover. A high richness of both are needed to maintain
overall regional or gamma diversity. In comparison to other surveys conducted within
western New South Wales (Table 2), the study area was found to be similar in terms
of richness per site to other reserves within its region. In terms of regional diversity
Killarney was found to be medial and very similar in diversity based on the area of
reserve compared to than others within the general vicinity (Bobbiwaa, Moema,
Couradda). Killarney SCA showed a low diversity between sites (species turnover,
Figure 6) and was found have the 7
th
lowest overall beta diversity compared to the 22
graphed in Figure 6.
Within this report Eucalyptus elegans A.R.Bean a small fruited form of Eucalyptus
crebra that occurs within New South Wales and Queensland has not been used though
specimens conforming to this species have been found within the reserve. This has
been done as its status within NSW is under question (J. Benson, pers comm.). Thus
upon request only Eucalyptus crebra has been used throughout this report.
Vegetation of Killarney SCA
Dr John T. Hunter (02) 6775 2452
12
Table 1: List of the most dominant native species, in terms of summed cover, based
on the 30 sampled sites.
Taxa
Summed Cover
1: Callitris glaucophylla (Tree)
60
2: Aristida vagans (Grass)
59
3: Cheilanthes sieberi (Fern)
55
4: Acacia leiocalyx (Tree)
50
5: Callitris endlicheri (Tree)
39
6: Melichrus urceolatus (Shrub)
37
7: Crassula sieberiana (Herb)
32
8: Eucalyptus crebra (Tree)
30
9: Austrostipa scabra (Grass)
29
10: Aristida calycina (Grass)
29
11: Allocasuarina luehmanii (Tree)
26
12: Daucus glochidiatus (Herb)
25
13: Eucalyptus chloroclada (Tree)
24
14: Acacia deanei (Shrub)
24
15: Solanum ferocissimum (Shrub)
21
16: Einadia nutans (Herb)
20
Vegetation of Killarney SCA
Dr John T. Hunter (02) 6775 2452
13
Table 2: Comparison of selected attributes between floristic surveys conducted within the Western Slopes, Plains and Far Western Plains.
Number
of Taxa
Introduced
Species
Number
of Sites
Mean
Richness
EPB&C – TSC –
RoTAP
Regional Diversity
Index
Area Covered by Survey
752
5%
201
60/0.1 ha
34
168
Torrington State Conservation Area (Clarke et al. 1998). 0.1 ha sites. 152 species from
previous records.
657
8%
170
36/0.04 ha
11
144
Mt Kaputar National Park (Hunter & Alexander 2000a). 20 x 20 m sites.
507
31%
87
38/0.04
8
143
Warrabah National Park (Hosking & James 1998). Also 20 x 20 m sites Meanders over
many seasons and years.
477
9%
140
35/0.04 ha
10
142
Ironbark Nature Reserve & Bornhardtia VCA (Hunter & Hunter 2003). 20 x 20 m sites.
410
35%
None
NA
?
140
Attunga State Forest (Hosking & James 1998). Meanders over many seasons and years.
460
9%
48
38/0.04 ha
17
130
Severn River Nature Reserve (Hunter 2000f) 20 x 20 m sites.
434
21%
50
36/0.04 ha
9
123
Arakoola Nature Reserve (Hunter 2000d). 20 x 20 m sites.
503
20%
171
20/0.09 ha
108
Kinchega National Park (Westbrooke et al. 2001). 30 x 20 m sites.
407
17%
101
40/0.04 ha
5
116
Kwiambal National Park (Hunter 1998d). 20 x 20 m sites.
441
10%
75
51/0.04 ha
17
112
Kings Plains National Park (Hunter 2000h). 20 x 20 m sites.
325
11%
50
22/0.04 ha
2
89
Narran Lake Nature Reserve (Hunter et al. 2001). 20 x 20 m sites.
237
10%
21
34/0.04 ha
1
88
Boronga, Boomi & Boomi West Nature Reserves (Hunter 2006). 20 x 20 m sites.
422
14%
125
25/0.09 ha
?
85
Peery National Park (Westbrooke et al. 2002). 30 x 30 m sites.
175
14%
14
36/0.04 ha
1
85
Gamilaroi Nature Reserve (Hunter 2006). 20 x 20 m sites.
371
13%
132
37/0.04 ha
?
80
Goobang National Park (Porteners 1997). 20 x 20 m sites.
210
15%
25
35/0.04 ha
1
74
Planchonella Nature Reserve (Hunter 2006). 20 x 20 m sites.
186
8%
19
28/0.04 ha
1
72
‘Marrawah’ (Hunter 2007) 20 x 20 m sites.
185
8%
20
21/0.04 ha
0
71
‘Sandy Wells’ (Hunter 2007). 20 x 20 m sites.
235
15%
31
26/0.04 ha
1
67
Bobbiwaa State Conservation Area (Hunter 2007). 20 x 20 m sites.
217
13%
31
24/0.04 ha
0
66
Moema National Park (Hunter 2007). 20 x 20 m sites.
Vegetation of Killarney SCA
Dr John T. Hunter (02) 6775 2452
14
Number
of Taxa
Introduced
Species
Number
of Sites
Mean
Richness
EPB&C – TSC –
RoTAP
Regional Diversity
Index
Area Covered by Survey
161
12%
15
25/0.04 ha
0
63
Midkin Nature Reserve (Hunter 2006). 20 x 20 m sites.
131
10%
9
33/0.04 ha
0
62
Bullawa Creek State Conservation Area (Hunter 2007). 20 x 20 m sites.
156
9%
15
24/0.04 ha
0
61
Couradda Community Conservation Area (Hunter 2007). 20 x 20 m sites.
192
7%
30
24/0.04 ha
0
59
Killarney State Conservation Area (Hunter 2007). 20 x 20 m.
199
11%
45
21/0.04 ha
2
55
Budelah Nature Reserve (Hunter 2006). 20 x 20 m sites.
503
10%
105
37/0.04 ha
?
53
1:100 000 Ashford Map Sheet (Le Brocque & Benson 1995). 20 x 20 m sites (290 taxa) and
all additional records (213 extra taxa).
240
8%
42
28/0.04 ha
1
51
Culgoa National Park (Hunter 2005). 20 x 20 m sites.
155
17%
22
37/0.1 ha
2
49
Kirramingly Nature Reserve (Clarke et al. 1998). 33 x 33 m nested sites.
129
14%
20
22/0.04 ha
1
49
Brigalow Park & Claremont Nature Reserves (Hunter 2006). 20 x 20 m sites.
235
26%
200
18/0.09 ha
?
48
Mungo National Park (Westbrooke & Miller 1995). 30 x 30 m sites.
200
?
?
?
?
47
Macquarie Marshes Nature Reserve (NSW NPWS).
127
1%
16
32/0.04 ha
1
46
Weetalibah Nature Reserve (Porteners 1998). 20 x 20 m sites.
215
20%
92
?
?
45
Mallee Cliffs National Park (Morcom & Westbrooke 1990). 10 x 20 m sites.
185
5%
40
12/0.04 ha
1
44
Ledknapper Nature Reserve (Hunter & Fallavollita 2003). 20 x 20 m sites.
227
4%
184
?
?
44
Nombinnie NP & Round Hill NR (Cohn 1995). 30 x 30 m sites.
174
9%
59
15/0.04 ha
1
40
Thilta Karra section Paroo Darling NP (Hunter & Fallavollita 2003). 20 x 20 m sites
139
1%
30
31/0.04 ha
0
39
Binnaway Nature Reserve (Porteners 1998). 20 x 20 m sites.
133
7%
30
14/0.04 ha
0
39
‘Goonama’ (Hunter 2007). 20 x 20 m sites.
107
8%
15
25/0.04 ha
0
39
Careunga Nature Reserve (Hunter 2006). 20 x 20 m sites.
90
2%
7
27/0.04 ha
1
25
Derra Derra Ridge, Bingara (Benson et al. 1996). 20 x 20 m sites.
Vegetation of Killarney SCA
Dr John T. Hunter (02) 6775 2452
15
3.3 Community definition
Seven broader associations are recognised as occurring within the Bobbiwaa group of
Reserves. These assemblages were recognised at a dissimilarity of 0.9 based on the
analysis of all 115 sites placed within Bobbiwaa, Bullawa Creek, Couradda, Killarney
and Moema reserves (Figure 3).
A1: Callitris glaucophylla -
Eucalyptus chloroclada -
Angophora leiocarpa
A2: Callitris endlicheri -
Eucalyptus chloroclada -
Eucalyptus crebra
A3: Callitris glaucophylla -
Eucalyptus melanophloia -
Eucalyptus albens
A4: Casuarina cristata
A5: Callitris glaucophylla -
Allocasuarina luehmanii -
Eucalyptus crebra
A6: Acacia cheelii -
Callitris glaucophylla -
Corymbia trachyphloia
A7: Acacia pendula -
Eucalyptus camaldulensis
0.8 0.9 1.0 1.1 1.2
Figure 3: Summary dendrogram of dataset sites surveyed during this investigation using
Kulczynski association and flexible UPGMA fusion strategy. Communities are defined at
a dissociation of c. 0.9.
Vegetation of Killarney SCA
Dr John T. Hunter (02) 6775 2452
16
Six communities are recognised as occurring within the Killarney State Conservation
Area. These assemblages were recognised at a dissimilarity of 0.75 (Figure 2).
C1: Allocasuarina luehmannii -
Callitris glaucophylla
C2: Callitris glaucophylla -
Eucalyptus crebra
C3: Callitris glaucophylla -
Corymbia tesselaris
C4: Casuarina cristata -
Eucalyptus pilligaensis
C5: Callitris endlicheri -
Eucalyptus chloroclada
C6: Eucalyptus dwyeri -
Callitris glaucophylla
0.7 0.8 0.9 1.0 1.1
Figure 4: Summary dendrogram of dataset sites surveyed during this investigation using
Kulczynski association and flexible UPGMA fusion strategy. Communities are defined at
a dissociation of c. 0.75.
Vegetation of Killarney SCA
Dr John T. Hunter (02) 6775 2452
17
Figure 5: Ordination scattergram of all sites sampled based on full floristics and analysis by Flexible UPGMA association measure and Semi-
Strong-Hybrid Multi-Dimensional Scaling.
Vegetation of Killarney SCA
Dr John T. Hunter (02) 6775 2452
18
Figure 6: Species accumulation curves for selected sampled areas in the northern plains and north western New South Wales.
Vegetation of Killarney SCA
Dr John T. Hunter (02) 6775 2452
19
3.4 Coleman curves
Incident Based Estimator of species richness uses the turnover of species between
sites in order to estimate how many species may have been missed by the sampling
technique used. This estimate is based on the survey conditions at the time of
surveying and therefore is only an indicator of what was likely to be present at the
time of sampling based on the average difference is species between all sites. Based
on this analysis there was predicted to be potentially 223 taxa within the reserve
(Figure 7). The formal plot based sampling procedure and opportunistic sightings
captured 86% of species predicted to occur. This indicates that the sampling
procedure was sufficient and more effort would likely not have improved the capture
of species appreciably.
Vegetation of Killarney SCA
Dr John T. Hunter (02) 6775 2452
20
Figure 7: Comparison of richness observed in sites, total recorded and the number
predicted based on Incident Coverage Estimator of species richness, which is
calculated based on the turnover between sampled sites. 86% of the predicted number
of species was found during the survey. The predicted number is only an estimation
technique based on the differences between sites at time of survey and is only an
indication of the number of taxa that may have been missed.
Vegetation of Killarney SCA
Dr John T. Hunter (02) 6775 2452
21
Figure 8: Location of sites within each community at Killarney SCA.
Vegetation of Killarney SCA
Dr John T. Hunter (02) 6775 2452
22
Figure 9: Mapped distribution of all communities within Killarney State
Conservation Area.
Vegetation of Killarney SCA
Dr John T. Hunter (02) 6775 2452
23
3.5 Description of plant communities
3.5.1 Community 1: Bulloak – White Cypress Pine Forest
Allocasuarina luehmanii (Bulloak) – Callitris glaucophylla (White Cypress Pine)
Forest
Bobbiwaa Group of Reserves: White Pine (Callitris glaucophylla) – Bulloak
(Allocasuarina luehmanii) – Narrow-leaved Ironbark (Eucalyptus crebra)
Woodland and Forest.
Benson et al. (2006): Formation – Eucalyptus (Grassy or Shrubby) Woodlands and
Forests on Low Fertility Soils on the Western Slopes
Keith (2004): Pilliga Outwash Dry Sclerophyll Forest
Sample sites (4): 1, 2, 12, 23.
Number of hectares: 673.5 Proportion of reserve: 36.2%
Environmental relationships: found on lower slopes and open depressions. Soils are
well drained to damp sandy loam or loamy sand and of a light brown to cream colour.
Distribution within reserve: found throughout primarily lower lying areas of the
reserve.
Structure: generally a layered woodland or open woodland.
Tree-layer: 8-18 m tall. 10-30% cover.
Tall shrub layer: (1-) 4-8 m tall. 30-60% cover.
Understorey layer: < 1 m tall. 5-10% cover.
No. of taxa: 39 No. of taxa per plot: 14-18-22.
Most common natives: listed in order of decreasing summed cover scores (fidelity x
cover).
Trees: Allocasuarina luehmanii, Callitris glaucophylla, Acacia leiocalyx, Eucalyptus
crebra, Corymbia dolichocarpa, Geijera parviflora, Eucalyptus chloroclada.
Shrubs: Acacia deanei, Solanum ferocissimum, Phebalium squamulosum var.
squamulosum, Notelaea microcarpa, Myoporum montanum, Melichrus urceolatus,
Carissa ovata, Alphitonia excelsa.
Ground cover: Aristida vagans, Cheilanthes sieberi, Laxmannia gracilis, Lomandra
multiflora, Calandrinia eremaea, Austrostipa scabra, Aristida calycina, Eragrostis
Vegetation of Killarney SCA
Dr John T. Hunter (02) 6775 2452
24
leptostachya, Einadia nutans var. linifolia, Einadia hastata, Crinum flaccidum,
Crassula sieberiana, Aristida acuta, Paspalidium gracile, Lomandra leucocephala,
Juncus usitatus, Gonocarpus elatus, Dianella revoluta var. revoluta, Cyperus gracilis,
Brachyscome diversifolia var. dissecta.
Introduced taxa: Opuntia stricta var. stricta.
Percent of species introduced: 5%
Taxa of conservation importance: none apparent.
Variability: in terms of structural layers this assemblage is rather consistent. The
overstorey density is dependent on the amount of selective logging that has taken
place and may be very open (10%) to typical woodland density. The understorey was
very sparse but it is likely that under better conditions, a later season survey and
removal of grazing this would be markedly enhanced.
Condition: generally of a moderate quality being somewhat intermediate stage
healthy regrowth with a number of overstorey trees removed.
Notes and conservation status: in the broader context of the group of reserves
including Bobbiwaa, Moema, Couradda and Bullawa Creek this community falls
within an assemblage typified by Callitris glaucophylla, Allocasuarina luehmannii
and Eucalyptus crebra. In general this type of assemblage falls within Beadle’s (1981)
Eucalyptus crebra Alliance (E. crebra synonym for smaller fruited forms) Callitris
glaucophylla will usually occur prominently on deep sands with a distinctive
understorey of Allocasuarina luehmannii on solidic soils. Such stands have no distinct
shrub layer but only grasses. However in the context of this set of reserves there is
often a sparse layer of Acacia deanei and occasionally scattered other medium tall
shrubs to low trees. The main distribution of Bulloak is in a belt 10-150 km wide
which extends from across central Victoria along the western slopes of NSW and into
Queensland as far north as 26 degrees latitude (Doran & Hall 1981). It prefers a warm
subhumid climate within a rainfall zone of 425-650 mm. It often occurs on lower
foothills and plains on sandy or light loam soils. This community type is most
synonymous to Map Unit 22: White Pine/Narrow-leaved Ironbark Shrub/Grass Open
Forest of the North-West in the Nandewar Western Regional Assessment (DEC 2004)
and that of the BBS Unit 76: Allocasuarina luehmannii/Callitris glaucophylla/Acacia
deanei Woodland (NSW WRA 2000). This type of assemblage is predicted to occur
on in the far northern western section of the Nandewar and north east section of the
BBS. Found within Dthiniia Dthinnawan Nature Reserve where 4,320 are found. Also
Vegetation of Killarney SCA
Dr John T. Hunter (02) 6775 2452
25
known to be reserved within Couradda NP, Bobbiwaa SCA, Moema NP and Trinkey
CCA. Once considered poorly reserved these recent additions to the reserve network
have captured samples of this community type from across its range within the
Brigalow Belt South and Nandewar Bioregions.
Management considerations: inappropriate fire regimes and invasion from exotic
species.
Vegetation of Killarney SCA
Dr John T. Hunter (02) 6775 2452
26
Table 26: Benchmark values for Community 1.
Namoi: Pilliga Outwash Dry Sclerophyll Forest
Native
Richness
Native
Overstorey
Cover
Native Mid-
storey Cover
Native Ground
Cover (Grasses)
Native Ground
Cover (Shrubs)
Native Ground
Cover (Other)
Exotic
Cover
Trees with
Hollows
Regen.
Length of
Logs
Site 1
15
16
6
10.8
0
1
0.1
1
2 of 2
106
Site 2
22
2
23
3.9
1.3
10.8
0
3
2 of 3
64
Site 12
13
14.2
12.7
6.1
1.1
1.4
0
0
2 of 3
96
Site 23
19
14.5
10.3
3.4
9.5
7.1
0
1
2 of 3
81
Range
13-17-22
2-12-16
6-13-23
3.4-6-10.8
0-3-9.5
1-5-10.8
0
1
2 of 3
87
Benchmark
30
25-40
6-25
20-30
3-10
3-5
0
2
20
Vegetation of Killarney SCA
Dr John T. Hunter (02) 6775 2452
27
Figure 10: Placement of sites within Community 1.
Vegetation of Killarney SCA
Dr John T. Hunter (02) 6775 2452
28
Figure 11: Mapped distribution of Community 1.
Vegetation of Killarney SCA
Dr John T. Hunter (02) 6775 2452
29
Plate 1: Photographs of Community 1; above Site 1, below Site 2.
Vegetation of Killarney SCA
Dr John T. Hunter (02) 6775 2452
30
Plate 2: Photographs of Community 1; above Site 12, below Site 23.
Vegetation of Killarney SCA
Dr John T. Hunter (02) 6775 2452
31
3.5.2 Community 2: White Cypress Pine – Narrow-leaved Ironbark Woodland
Callitris glaucophylla (White Cypress Pine) – Eucalyptus crebra (Narrow-leaved
Ironbark) Woodland
Sample sites (12): 3, 5, 7, 10, 13, 14, 17, 18, 22, 26, 28, 30.
Number of hectares: 804.3 Proportion of reserve: 43.2%
Environmental relationships: found in a variety of topographic positions from upper
slopes to flats, but more common on lower slopes. Soils are generally moist and more
rarely well drained and are deep. Soil colour is light chocolate brown or rarely, light
brown, cream brown or pinkish to red brown. Soil texture is primarily sandy loam or
occasionally loamy sand.
Distribution within reserve: this is the most common association and is found
throughout the entire reserve.
Structure: .
Tree-layer: (10-) 12-16 (-18) m tall. 10-30 (-40)% cover.
Tall shrub layer: (2-) 4-8 (-12) m tall. 10-40% cover. Very rarely absent.
Low shrub layer: 0.5-2 (-5) m tall. 10-20% cover. Very rarely present.
Understorey layer: < 1 m tall. 20-30 (-50)% cover.
No. of taxa: 100 No. of taxa per plot: 23-28-37.
Most common natives: listed in order of decreasing summed cover scores (fidelity x
cover).
Trees: Callitris glaucophylla, Acacia leiocalyx, Eucalytpus crebra, Eucalyptus
pilligaensis, Angophora leiocarpa, Allocasuarina luehmannii, Acacia cheelii,
Eucalyptus chloroclada, Eucalyptus sideroxylon, Eucalyptus blakelyi, Brachychiton
populneus.
Shrubs: Solanum ferocissimum, Acacia deanei, Alstonia constricta, Melichrus
urceolatus, Carissa ovata, Dodonaea viscosa var. angustifolia, Phebalium
squamulosum, Cassinia laevis, Pimelea microcephala, Olearia elliptica, Myoporum
montanum.
Climbers & trailers: Parsonsia eucalyptophylla, Glycine tabacina, Desmodium
varians, Clematis microphylla var. leptophylla.
Vegetation of Killarney SCA
Dr John T. Hunter (02) 6775 2452
32
Ground cover: Aristida vagans, Cheilanthes sieberi, Daucus glochidiatus,
Austrostipa scabra, Crassula sieberiana, Paspalidium constrictum, Einadia nutans
var. linifolia, Oxalis perennans, Microlaena stipoides, Lomandra multiflora,
Calandrinia eremaea, Ranunculus sessiliflorus, Brunoniella australis, Bulbine
semibarbata, Brachyscome dissectifolia, Cyperus gracilis, Dichondra sp. A, Aristida
calycina, Senecio prenanthoides, Cymbopogon refractus, Chrysocephalum
apiculatum, Goodenia hederacea, Eragrostis leptostachya, Einadia hastata, Crinum
flaccidum, Cassinia laevis, Brachyscome multifida, Vittadinia sulcata, Vittadinia
dissecta var. hirta, Parietaria debilis, Goodenia cycloptera, Gonocarpus elatus,
Geranium solanderi, Brachyscome microcarpa.
Introduced taxa: Hypochaeris radicata, Opuntia stricta, Sonchus oleraceus, Opuntia
aurantiaca, Taraxacum officinale, Solanum nigrum, Sisyrinchium sp. A.
Percent of species introduced: 7%
Taxa of conservation importance: none apparent.
Variability: a very structurally and compositionally diverse assemblage. This
community due to past activities may form a low open woodland throughout to a tall
forest and at times may be almost dominated by regrowth acacias and juvenile
eucalypts. Generally consistent in containing a taller shrub layer but this at times is
missing and sometimes a small shrub layer may also be present.
Condition: heavily affected by past land clearing and selective logging, of moderate
quality middle regrowth.
Notes & conservation status: in the broader context of this community within the
group of reserves including Killarney, Moema, Couradda and Bullawa Creek this
community falls within an assemblage typified by Callitris glaucophylla,
Allocasuarina luehmannii and Eucalyptus crebra. Visually this community largely
differs in the lack of prominence of Allocasuarina luehmanii. In general this type of
assemblage falls within Beadle’s (1981) Eucalyptus crebra Alliance (E. crebra
synonym for smaller fruited forms) Callitris glaucophylla will usually occur
prominently on deep sands with a distinctive understorey of Allocasuarina luehmannii
on solidic soils. Such stands have no distinct shrub layer but only grasses. Notes on
the distribution and features of Bulloak are given within description of community 1
above. This community type is most synonymous to Map Unit 22: White
Pine/Narrow-leaved Ironbark Shrub/Grass Open Forest of the North-West in the
Nandewar Western Regional Assessment (DEC 2004) and that of the BBS Unit 76:
Vegetation of Killarney SCA
Dr John T. Hunter (02) 6775 2452
33
Allocasuarina luehmannii/Callitris glaucophylla/Acacia deanei Woodland (NSW
WRA 2000). This type of assemblage is predicted to occur on in the far northern
western section of the Nandewar and north east section of the BBS. Found within
Dthiniia Dthinnawan Nature Reserve where 4,320 are found. Also known to be
reserved within Couradda NP, Bobbiwaa SCA, Moema NP and Trinkey CCA. Once
considered poorly reserved these recent additions to the reserve network have
captured samples of this community type from across its range within the Brigalow
Belt South and Nandewar Bioregions. Eucalyptus pilligaensis is a minor but also a
component of this community, Beadle (1981) describes a Eucalyptus pilligaensis
alliance that can dominate woodlands where rainfall is between 400 to 500 mm that is
generally evenly distributed throughout the year, on flat to undulating terrain on red
brown earths to deep sands along watercourses. It is most often associated with
Callitris glaucophylla and a shrub layer is rare in these assemblages. Planning NSW
(2002) estimate that there were 18,016 ha of Eucalyptus pilligaensis associations
within the Brigalow Belt South Bioregion but listed none within any reserves. Cannon
et al. (2003) did not map or describe any communities that contain Eucalytpus
pilligaensis within the Gravesend 1:100 000 Map Sheet. Communities with
Eucalyptus pilligaensis have been reported at Derra Derra Ridge (Bingara NP)
(Benson et al. 1996) and within Brigalow Park NR (Hunter 2006), the nearby Verdun
VCA, Gamilaroi NR (Hunter 2006), Dthiniia Dthinnawan NR (Hunter 2006), Pilliga
NR and within Killarney SCA and Trinkey CCA and informally within voluntary
conservation areas of Goonama and Marrawah. Though in all of these situations (but
Goonama and the Pilliga NR) the tree is only a minor component within a small
number of hectares. This assemblage type until recently was largely unreserved across
its range in New South Wales.
Management considerations: inappropriate fire regimes and invasion from exotic
species are threats.
Vegetation of Killarney SCA
Dr John T. Hunter (02) 6775 2452
34
Table 4: Benchmark values for Community 2.
Namoi: Pilliga Outwash Dry Sclerophyll Forest
Native
Richness
Native
Overstorey
Cover
Native Mid-
storey Cover
Native Ground
Cover (Grasses)
Native Ground
Cover (Shrubs)
Native Ground
Cover (Other)
Exotic
Cover
Trees with
Hollows
Regen.
Length of
Logs
Site 3
28
20.5
9.5
15.3
2.6
2.9
0
0
2 of 3
58
Site 5
29
4
5
26.5
4
22
12.2
3
0 of 4
103
Site 7
25
6.5
18
15.3
1.4
2.8
0.2
0
1 of 2
56
Site 10
32
11.6
9.5
17.1
1.5
6.1
0.5
0
1 of 2
108
Site 13
24
13
13
9.8
13.3
10.4
0.5
1
3 of 3
121
Site 14
25
13
8.8
10.2
12.9
13.8
0.8
1
2 of 3
67
Site 17
35
4.5
12.5
11.6
0.7
50
2
1
2 of 3
198
Site 18
22
19.4
7.5
13.6
1.4
2.8
0.2
0
2 of 4
93
Site 22
21
32.5
3.5
8.4
1.4
23.4
1.5
0
2 of 2
144
Site 26
29
13.5
4.5
36
1.3
5.3
7.7
0
1 of 3
198
Site 28
22
14.9
10
6.2
3.7
13.5
2.1
0
2 of 2
78
Site 30
21
3.5
5
5.6
0
5.1
1.1
1
1 of 2
290
Range
21-26-35
3.5-13-32.5
3.5-9-18
5.6-14-36
0-4-13.3
2.8-13-50
0-2-12.2
1
2 of 3
126
Benchmark
30
25-40
6-25
20-30
3-10
3-5
0
2
20
Vegetation of Killarney SCA
Dr John T. Hunter (02) 6775 2452
35
Figure 12: Placement of sites within Community 2.
Vegetation of Killarney SCA
Dr John T. Hunter (02) 6775 2452
36
Figure 13: Mapped distribution of Community 2.
Vegetation of Killarney SCA
Dr John T. Hunter (02) 6775 2452
37
Plate 3: Photographs of Community 2; above Site 5, below Site 10.
Vegetation of Killarney SCA
Dr John T. Hunter (02) 6775 2452
38
Plate 4: Photographs of Community 2; above Site 13, below Site 14.
Vegetation of Killarney SCA
Dr John T. Hunter (02) 6775 2452
39
Plate 5: Photographs of Community 2; above Site 22, below Site 30.
Vegetation of Killarney SCA
Dr John T. Hunter (02) 6775 2452
40
3.5.3 Community 3: White Cypress Pine – Carbeen Woodland
Callitris glaucophylla (White Cypress Pine) – Corymbia tessellaris Carbeen
Woodland
Bobbiwaa Group of Reserves: White Pine (Callitris glaucophylla) – Silver-leaved
Ironbark (Eucalyptus melanophloia) – White Box (Eucalyptus albens)
Woodland.
Benson et al. (2006): Formation – Eucalyptus Box (Mostly Grassy) Woodlands of the
Inland Plains (EBWP)
Keith (2004): Floodplain Transition Woodlands
Sample sites (1): 27.
Number of hectares: 4.1 Proportion of reserve: 0.2%
Environmental relationships: found on a lower slope on moist and deep red brown
sandy loam soils.
Distribution within reserve: found in the north east corner of the reserve.
Structure: an open woodland.
Tree-layer: 13-18 m tall. 10% cover.
Tall shrub layer: 3-8 m tall. 20% cover.
Understorey layer: < 1 m tall. 30% cover.
No. of taxa: 30 No. of taxa per plot: 30.
Most common natives: listed in order of decreasing summed cover scores (fidelity x
cover).
Trees: Callitris glaucophylla, Corymbia tessellaris, Acacia leiocalyx.
Shrubs: Pimelea microcephala, Pittosporum angustifolium, Notelaea microcarpa,
Dodonaea viscosa var. angustifolia.
Ground cover: Cyperus gracilis, Cheilanthes distans, Aristida latifolia, Senecio
quadridentatus, Ranunculus sessiliflorus, Oxalis perennans, Mentha satureioides,
eragrostis lacunaria, Enneapogon nigricans, Dichondra sp. A, Cymbopogon
refractus, Chrysocephalum semipapposum, Cheilanthes sieberi, Carex inversa,
Brunoniella australis, Vittadinia dissecta var. hirta, Sida corrugata, Rumex brownii,
Daucus glochidiatus, Cyperus gunnii.
Vegetation of Killarney SCA
Dr John T. Hunter (02) 6775 2452
41
Introduced taxa: Hypochaeris radicata, Opuntia stricta.
Percent of species introduced: 7%
Taxa of conservation importance: none apparent.
Variability: only one site was sampled and thus variation could not be assessed.
Condition: generally over cleared.
Notes & conservation status: Carbeen is not restricted to this assemblage and occurs
as a minor or at times dominant in the near adjacent parts of community 2 (see figure
26). Corymbia tessellaris communities are best expressed on gently undulating terrain
on well drained deep uniform sandy soils and texture contrast soils with a deep sandy
acid surface layer the soils are mainly derived from coarse textured sediments
(Johnson 1982). It is concentrated within the northern part of the Castlereagh-Barwon
province north of Whalan Creek (Cox et al. 2001). Carbeen (Corymbia tessellaris)
communities within the Brigalow Belt South Bioregion are listed as an endangered
ecological community (EEC) on the TSC Act. Cox et al. (2001) estimated that 14 551
ha of White Cypress Pine – Carbeen Woodland remnant remained in the Northern
Wheatbelt in the year 2000. 76 ha are reserved within the nearby Budelah Nature
Reserve (Hunter 2006) approximately 95 ha in Dthiniia Dthinnawan NR, Midkin NR
(opportunistic sighting) and Bobbiwaa SCA. Adding all these occurrences together
would suggest that under 2% of the occurrence of this community within the Northern
Wheatbelt is in reservation. Carbeen woodlands such as those within this assemblage
are described as a separate vegetation community within the Nandewar Western
Regional Assessment (DEC 2004) as Map Unit 116: Carbeen Woodland, which was
found to be restricted to a few low elevation sites in the far north west of the
Nandewar area on unconsolidated sediments.
Management considerations: appropriate fire regimes and exclusion of weeds.
Vegetation of Killarney SCA
Dr John T. Hunter (02) 6775 2452
42
Table 5: Benchmark values for Community 3.
Namoi: Floodplain Transition Woodlands
Native
Richness
Native
Overstorey
Cover
Native Mid-
storey Cover
Native Ground
Cover (Grasses)
Native Ground
Cover (Shrubs)
Native Ground
Cover (Other)
Exotic
Cover
Trees with
Hollows
Regen.
Length of
Logs
Site 27
28
8.8
2
15.2
3.4
14
0.2
1
3 of 3
97
Benchmark
25
6-25
3-20
20-30
0-0
3-5
0
1
15
Vegetation of Killarney SCA
Dr John T. Hunter (02) 6775 2452
43
Figure 14: Placement of sites within Community 3.
Vegetation of Killarney SCA
Dr John T. Hunter (02) 6775 2452
44
Figure 15: Mapped distribution of Community 3.
Vegetation of Killarney SCA
Dr John T. Hunter (02) 6775 2452
45
Plate 6: A stand of Community 1.
Vegetation of Killarney SCA
Dr John T. Hunter (02) 6775 2452
46
3.5.4 Community 4: Belah – Pilliga Box Forest
Casuarina cristata (Belah) – Eucalyptus pilligaensis (Pilliga Box) Forest
Bobbiwaa Group of Reserves: Belah (Casuarina cristata) – Poplar Box (Eucalyptus
populnea) Forest.
Benson et al. (2006): Formation – Eucalyptus Communities of Inland Watercourses
and Inner Floodplains
Keith (2004): North-west Floodplain Woodlands
Sample sites (3): 15, 16, 19.
Number of hectares: 39.4 Proportion of reserve: 2.1%
Environmental relationships: found on upper to lower slopes. Soils are moist and
generally deep or shallow. Soil colour is pink to red brown clay loam.
Distribution within reserve: found in the western section of the reserve.
Structure: shrubby woodland to forest.
Tree-layer: 10-20-m tall. 20-40% cover.
Tall shrub layer: 3-6 m tall. 10-30% cover.
Low shrub layer: 0.5-1 m tall. 5-30% cover. Sometimes absent.
Understorey layer: < 1 m tall. 10-30% cover.
No. of taxa: 47 No. of taxa per plot: 21-25-28.
Most common natives: listed in order of decreasing summed cover scores (fidelity x
cover).
Trees: Casuarina cristata, Geijera parviflora, Eucalytpus pilligaensis, Eucalyptus
populnea, Callitris glaucophylla.
Shrubs: Carissa ovata, Eremophila mitchellii, Solanum ferocissimum, Abutilon
oxycarpum, Capparis mitchellii, Psydrax odoratum, Notelaea microcarpa, Acacia
deanei, Spartothamnella juncea, Santalum acuminatum, Melichrus urceolatus,
Exocarpos cupressiformis, Enchylaena tomentosa, Dodonaea viscosa var.
angustifolia.
Climbers & trailers: Clematis microphylla var. leptophylla, Parsonsia lanceolata,
Parsonsia eucalyptophylla, Glycine tabacina.
Vegetation of Killarney SCA
Dr John T. Hunter (02) 6775 2452
47
Ground cover: Cheilanthes distans, Paspalidium constrictum, Brunoniella australis,
Einadia nutans var. linifolia, Aristida vagans, Austrostipa verticillata, Austrostipa
scabra, Parietaria debilis, Microlaena stipoides, Einadia hastata, Aristida calycina,
Vittadinia dissecta var. hirta, Sisymbrium irio, Senecio prenanthoides, Pterostylis
mutica, Plectranthus parviflorus, Oxalis perennans, Galium migrans, Eragrostis
elongata, Cheilanthes sieberi, Calotis lappulacea.
Introduced taxa: Opuntia stricta var. stricta, Lycium ferocissimum.
Percent of species introduced: %
Taxa of conservation importance: .
Variability: generally consistent in structure but variable in height due to recovery
from past clearing activities.
Condition: generally moderate.
Notes & conservation status: Casuarina cristata may occur as a uni-specific canopy
of open forest communities. Belah assemblages such as these occur commonly in
western New South Wales and parts of adjacent areas of South Australia and western
Queensland (most extensive in the vicinity of St George). In the south Belah is
dominated by Casuarina pauper and by Casuarina cristata in the north. Cox et al.
(2001) describe Belah Woodlands as occurring on brown and grey clays of flats on
gentle slopes and streamlines being restricted to the Northern Outwash province and
the Castlereagh-Barwon Province of the Northern Wheatbelt where around an
estimated 10 000 ha was mapped. Most of the recorded occurrences of Belah within
reserves in New South Wales are likely to be Casuarina pauper assemblages. As both
species were once synonymous older references may not have separated both in their
descriptions of the distributions of Belah; the two different species are also considered
to be ecotypically different. Casuarina cristata communities are considered to be
poorly reserved across their range and to have been highly disturbed by agricultural
and pastoral practices. Planning NSW (2002) recorded 559 ha of this system within
reserves in the Brigalow Belt South region. 949 ha of Casuarina cristata woodlands
for Ledknapper NR (Hunter & Fallavollita 2003), 1531 ha mixed within Eucalyptus
coolabah at Budelah NR (Hunter 2006), 130 ha within Brigalow Park/Claremont
NR’s (Hunter 2006), 4 ha at Gamilaroi NR (Hunter 2006), 399 ha at Careunga
(Hunter 2006), 49 ha at Bobbiwaa SCA (Hunter 2007), Boronga NR (Hunter 2006),
Boomi NR (Hunter 2006), Moema NP (Hunter 2007), and a minor occurrence at
Kirramingly NR (Clarke et al. 1999). Belah is most common on cracking clay soils on
Vegetation of Killarney SCA
Dr John T. Hunter (02) 6775 2452
48
alluvial plains but occasionally with a thin sandy or loamy surface. Casuarina cristata
has no soil stored seed bank and relies on annual seed production and rainfall to
promote germination. Germination of Casuarina cristata and its associated
understorey species occur best after above average rainfall. Belah Woodlands have a
relatively non-flammable understorey and sometimes the community will not burn
even when nearby eucalypt woodlands will (Westbrooke et al. 1998). Within the
Northern Wheatbelt only around 2% of the estimated remaining stands of Belah
Woodlands are reserved, though with recent additions to the reserve network this may
have increased to 5-10%. In general this community should be considered to be
poorly conserved across its range, under pressure from agricultural practices and ‘of
concern’ though not currently vulnerable or endangered. Eucalyptus populnea
dominated communities span 14 of latitude in eastern Australia (Neldner 1984). In
western Queensland similar associations are widespread occur (Boyland 1984;
Neldner 1984; Neldner 1991). Eucalyptus populnea and can occur as far east as
Inverell and as far west as the Paroo (Hunter & Fallavollita 2003) and across 14° of
latitude in eastern Australia (Neldner 1984). However this broadly occurring
association is an artificial grouping of a larger number of floristic assemblages that
just happen to have Poplar Box. Grazing and cropping (Neldner 1984) has extensively
modified these communities. Eremophila mitchellii and Geijera parviflora often are a
frequent component of the understorey a situation found throughout the range of E.
populnea (Neldner 1984). In areas cleared of Eucalyptus populnea the woody
understorey taxa may become very prominent and form thickets. Alectryon oleifolius
(Rosewood) requires disturbance such as fire to produce root suckers and rarely
regenerates from seed (Wisniewski & Parsons 1986). Most stands of Rosewood
within the reserve are clumps of a single individual that has suckered from its roots.
Rosewood suckers are highly palatable to sheep, rabbits and goats and suckers are
often absent due to this. This may also occur after good rains or fire (Neldner 1984).
Planning NSW (2002) estimate that there were 18,016 ha of Eucalyptus pilligaensis
associations within the Brigalow Belt South Bioregion but listed none within any
reserves. Cannon et al. (2003) did not map or describe any communities that contain
Eucalytpus pilligaensis within the Gravesend 1:100 000 Map Sheet. Communities
with Eucalyptus pilligaensis have been reported at Derra Derra Ridge (Bingara NP)
(Benson et al. 1996) and within Brigalow Park NR (Hunter 2006), the nearby Verdun
Vegetation of Killarney SCA
Dr John T. Hunter (02) 6775 2452
49
VCA, Gamilaroi NR (Hunter 2006), Dthiniia Dthinnawan NR (Hunter 2006), Pilliga
NR and within Killarney SCA and Trinkey CCA and informally within voluntary
conservation areas of Goonama and Marrawah. Though in all of these situations (but
Goonama and the Pilliga NR) the tree is only a minor component within a small
number of hectares. This assemblage type until recently was largely unreserved across
its range in New South Wales. Eucalyptus pilligaensis assemblages could therefore be
thought of as of least concern in terms of threat but probably still poorly reserved.
Management considerations: rabbits and grazing has in general resulted in the loss
of much of the natural understorey and may have also severely affected the
regeneration capacity of Belah itself. This community may be under threat from spray
drift from the neighbouring land use areas. Fires are likely to be detrimental to this
assemblage particularly if of a high frequency and/or intensity.
Vegetation of Killarney SCA
Dr John T. Hunter (02) 6775 2452
50
Table 6: Benchmark values for Community 4.
Namoi: North-west Floodplain Woodlands
Native
Richness
Native
Overstorey
Cover
Native Mid-
storey Cover
Native Ground
Cover (Grasses)
Native Ground
Cover (Shrubs)
Native Ground
Cover (Other)
Exotic
Cover
Trees with
Hollows
Regen.
Length of
Logs
Site 15
26
18.5
13.5
8.5
34
3.4
0
2
2 of 3
49
Site 16
25
18.5
11.3
10.4
20.6
11.1
1.2
4
1 of 2
67
Site 19
20
18
2.2
9.9
1.2
6.2
0
7
1 of 2
52
Range
20-24-26
18-18.5
2.2-9-13.5
8.5-10-10.4
1.2-19-34
3.4-7-11.1
0-1.2
2-4-7
1 of 2
56
Benchmark
23
6-25
0-5
30-40
0-0
3-5
0
1
15
Vegetation of Killarney SCA
Dr John T. Hunter (02) 6775 2452
51
20
Figure 16: Placement of sites within Community 4.
Vegetation of Killarney SCA
Dr John T. Hunter (02) 6775 2452
52
Figure 17: Mapped distribution of Community 4.
Vegetation of Killarney SCA
Dr John T. Hunter (02) 6775 2452
53
Plate 7: Photographs of Community 1; above Site 16, below Site 19.
Vegetation of Killarney SCA
Dr John T. Hunter (02) 6775 2452
54
3.5.5 Community 5: Black Cypress Pine – Dirty Gum Shrubby Low Woodland
Callitris endlicheri (Black Cypress Pine) – Eucalyptus chloroclada (Dirty Gum)
Shrubby Low Woodland
Bobbiwaa Group of Reserves: Dirty Gum (Eucalyptus chloroclada) – White Pine
(Callitris glaucophylla) – Smooth-barked Apple (Angophora leiocarpa)
Shrubby Woodland.
Benson et al. (2006): Formation – Eucalyptus (Grassy or Shrubby) Woodlands and
Forests on Low Fertility Soils on the Western Slopes
Keith (2004): Western Slopes Dry Sclerophyll Forests
Sample sites (8): 4, 6, 8, 9, 20, 21, 24, 25.
Number of hectares: 223.2 Proportion of reserve: 12%
Environmental relationships: found primarily on mid slopes to crests but also on
lower slopes. Soils are well drained or more rarely moist and deep but sometimes
shallow or skeletal. Soil texture is primarily loamy sand to sandy loam, or more rarely
sand or loam. Soil colour is pink or red brown to chocolate brown or occasionally
light to cream brown.
Distribution within reserve: generally restricted to the central portion of the reserve.
Structure: highly variable from layered low open woodland or tall shrubland to
layered forest.
Tree-layer: (5-) 8-15 (-18) m tall. 10-40 (-60)% cover.
Tall shrub layer: (3-) 6-8 (-10) m tall. 30-60% cover. Sometimes absent.
Low shrub layer: 1-2 m tall. (5-) 20-40 (-60)% cover.
Understorey layer: < 1 m tall. 5-20% cover.
No. of taxa: 50 No. of taxa per plot: 13-20-24.
Most common natives: listed in order of decreasing summed cover scores (fidelity x
cover).
Trees: Callitris endlicheri, Eucalyptus chloroclada, Acacia leiocalyx, Eucalyptus
crebra, Angophora leiocarpa, Eucalyptus dealbata, Acacia cheelii.
Shrubs: Melichrus urceolatus, Homoranthus flavescens, Brachyloma daphnoides
subsp. pubescens, Phebalium squamulosum var. squamulosum, Calytrix tetragona,
Vegetation of Killarney SCA
Dr John T. Hunter (02) 6775 2452
55
Mirbelia pungens, Jacksonia scoparia, Grevillea arenaria var. canescens, Acacia
gladiiformis, Pimelea microcephala, Xanthorrhoea johnsonii, Persoonia sericea,
Leucopogon biflorus, Hibbertia obtusifolia, Dodonaea viscosa var. cuneata, Acacia
deanei.
Climbers & trailers: Cassytha pubescens.
Ground cover: Cheilanthes sieberi, Aristida calycina, Pomax umbellata, Crassula
sieberiana, Cyanicula caerulea, Gonocarpus elatus, Goodenia hederacea, Aristida
vagans, Senecio prenanthoides, Pterostylis mutica, Daucus glochidiatus, Calandrinia
eremaea, Actinotus helianthi, Chrysocephalum apiculatum, Brachyscome microcarpa,
Austrostipa scabra, Paspalidium gracile, Galium gaudichaudii, Brachyscome
multifida var. multifida, Goodenia cycloptera, Digitaria ramularis, Cymbopogon
refractus, Brachyscome dissectifolia.
Introduced taxa: Hypochaeris radicata, Opuntia stricta, Sonchus oleraceus.
Percent of species introduced: 6%
Taxa of conservation importance: .
Variability: this community shows great variation in terms of structure and height,
though due to its preference for more exposed positions on upper slopes and crests the
height of the canopy is usually low. Canopy density of Callitris spp. is the most
variable structural feature. At times a younger cohort of Callitris may form a distinct
tall shrub layer. The low shrub layer is sometimes absent but usually is a distinctive
feature of this assemblage. Often a more scattered overstorey of eucalypt or
Angophora may occur overtopping the dense stands of Callitris.
Condition: generally has been left unlogged and is in very good condition with often
very dense ground layer of lichen attesting to its quality.
Notes & conservation status: In the broader context this community is probably
most synonymous with Map Unit 23: Black Pine/Northern Smooth-barked Apple
Shrubby Open Forest (north west) of the Nandewar Western Regional Assessment
(DEC 2004) and it is also somewhat equivalent to the BBS Unit 110: Northern Heath
Woodland (NSW WRA 2000). The modelled distributional extent of this community
type extends from west of Mt Kaputar to the study area. Angophora leiocarpa is
usually only known from wide sandy valleys derived from sandstone primarily on the
North Western Slopes and Plains within NSW, north from Warialda and however it is
very common in central Queensland (Neldner 1984; Leach 1986; Young & McDonald
1989; Hill 1991; Carr 1996). Beadle (1981) placed Angophora leiocarpa in a sub-
Vegetation of Killarney SCA
Dr John T. Hunter (02) 6775 2452
56
alliance of Eucalyptus crebra and refers to it as being common in sandstone areas and
notes that they have been termed ‘sandstone woodlands’ by other authors. Angophora
leiocarpa may occur on other rock types such as granite as at Kwiambal or on other
areas of the Ashford 1:100 000 map sheet (Le Brocque & Benson 1995; Hunter 1998)
but these are only minor occurrences. This community type is highly restricted within
NSW only occurring in any coverage from Warialda north. Angophora leiocarpa
dominated communities are conserved within NSW at the nearby Arakoola NR,
Kwiambal NP and Warialda NR. In the broader context this community is probably
most synonymous with Map Unit 23: Black Pine/Northern Smooth-barked Apple
Shrubby Open Forest (north west) of the Nandewar Western Regional Assessment
(DEC 2004) and it is also somewhat equivalent to the BBS Unit 110: Northern Heath
Woodland (NSW WRA 2000). The modelled distributional extent of this community
type extends from west of Mt Kaputar to the study area.
Management considerations: appropriate fire frequencies need to be investigated
and in particular the affects of fire and wattle dominance, regeneration and type.
Vegetation of Killarney SCA
Dr John T. Hunter (02) 6775 2452
57
Table 7: Benchmark values for Community 5.
Namoi: Western Slopes Dry Sclerophyll Forests
Native
Richness
Native
Overstorey
Cover
Native Mid-
storey Cover
Native Ground
Cover (Grasses)
Native Ground
Cover (Shrubs)
Native Ground
Cover (Other)
Exotic
Cover
Trees with
Hollows
Regen.
Length of
Logs
Site 4
18
0
19
4.8
38
6.4
0
5
2 of 2
103
Site 6
17
2.5
15
3.1
10.5
10
0.9
4
1 of 2
145
Site 8
13
9.4
21
4.2
7.3
4.6
0
0
1 of 2
64
Site 9
19
3.7
9.4
3.4
24.5
6.6
10.8
3
2 of 3
56
Site 20
20
24
0.5
1.6
17.2
16.4
0.1
0
2 of 3
168
Site 21
23
22
0
3.4
21.5
6
1
4
3 of 3
182
Site 24
19
19.5
12
2.8
8.1
8
0
1
2 of 3
81
Site 25
20
10.5
2.5
2.5
16.7
5.1
5.2
1
1 of 3
112
Range
13-19-23
0-15-24
0-13-19
1.6-4-4.8
7.3-24-38
4.6-11-16.4
0-3-10.8
0-3-5
2 of 3
152
Benchmark
30
25-40
6-25
20-30
3-10
3-5
0
2
20
Vegetation of Killarney SCA
Dr John T. Hunter (02) 6775 2452
58
Figure 18: Placement of sites within Community 5.
Vegetation of Killarney SCA
Dr John T. Hunter (02) 6775 2452
59
Figure 19: Mapped distribution of Community 5.
Vegetation of Killarney SCA
Dr John T. Hunter (02) 6775 2452
60
Plate 8: Photographs of Community 5; above Site 6, below Site 9.
Vegetation of Killarney SCA
Dr John T. Hunter (02) 6775 2452
61
Plate 9: Photographs of Community 5; above Site 20, below Site 21.
Vegetation of Killarney SCA
Dr John T. Hunter (02) 6775 2452
62
Plate 10: Photographs of Community 5; above Site 24, below Site 25.
Vegetation of Killarney SCA
Dr John T. Hunter (02) 6775 2452
63
3.5.6 Community 6: Red Gum – White Cypress Pine Shrubby Woodland
Eucalyptus dwyeri (Dwyer’s Red Gum) – Eucalyptus chloroclada (Dirty Gum) –
Callitris glaucophylla (White Cypress Pine) Shrubby Woodland
Bobbiwaa Group of Reserves: Dirty Gum (Eucalyptus chloroclada) – White Pine
(Callitris glaucophylla) – Smooth-barked Apple (Angophora leiocarpa)
Shrubby Woodland.
Benson et al. (2006): Formation – Eucalyptus (Grassy or Shrubby) Woodlands and
Forests on Low Fertility Soils on the Western Slopes
Keith (2004): Western Slopes Dry Sclerophyll Forests
Sample sites (2): 11, 29.
Number of hectares: 116.5 Proportion of reserve: 6.3%
Environmental relationships: found on mid slopes with soils that are well drained
deep pinkish to red brown sand.
Distribution within reserve: scattered throughout the reserve.
Structure: variable due to past logging practices but predominantly shrubby
woodlands.
Tree-layer: 8-16 m tall. 10-20% cover.
Shrub layer: 1-5 m tall. 20% cover.
Understorey layer: < 1 m tall. 20-30% cover.
No. of taxa: 46 No. of taxa per plot: 23-28-32.
Most common natives: listed in order of decreasing summed cover scores (fidelity x
cover).
Trees: Eucalyptus dwyeri, Eucalyptus chloroclada, Callitris glaucophylla,
Angophora leiocarpa, Callitris endlicheri, Allocasuarina luehmannii, Acacia cheelii.
Shrubs: Jacksonia scoparia, Melichrus urceolatus, Daviesia ulicifolia subsp.
pilligaensis, Calytrix tetragona, Brachyloma daphnoides subsp. pubescens,
Phebalium squamulosum, Hovea apiculata, Aotus mollis, Xanthorrhoea johnsonii,
Styphelia triflora, Pimelea linifolia, Leucopogon biflorus, Hibbertia obtusifolia,
Dodonaea viscosa var. cuneata, Acacia gladiiformis, Acacia deanei.
Climbers & trailers: Cassytha pubescens.
Vegetation of Killarney SCA
Dr John T. Hunter (02) 6775 2452
64
Ground cover: Cheilanthes sieberi, Crassula sieberiana, Pomax umbellata,
Brachyscome dissectifolia, Aristida vagans, Senecio prenanthoides, Juncus usitatus,
Eragrostis leptostachya, Daucus glochidiatus, Chrysocephalum apiculatum, Aristida
calycina, Stackhousia monogyna, Lomandra multiflora, Lemooria burkittii,
Gonocarpus elatus, Brachyscome multifida, Actinobole uliginosum.
Introduced taxa: Fumaria densiflora, Sonchus oleraceus, Hypochaeris radicata.
Percent of species introduced: 6%
Taxa of conservation importance: none apparent.
Variability: only two sites sampled this assemblage and both were remarkably
different in structure due to one being heavily affected by clearing activities. More
sampling would be required in order to properly assess natural variability.
Condition: generally moderate to good.
Notes & conservation status: As with community 5, this assemblage is distinguished
by its prominent and diverse heathy shrub layer and may be transitional between
Community 5 and others within the reserve as it includes species such as
Allocasuarina luehmannii and Callitris glaucophylla as a more common component
than Callitris endlicheri (which is still present). Angophora leiocarpa is usually only
known from wide sandy valleys derived from sandstone primarily on the North
Western Slopes and Plains within NSW, north from Warialda and however it is very
common in central Queensland (Neldner 1984; Leach 1986; Young & McDonald
1989; Hill 1991; Carr 1996). Beadle (1981) placed Angophora leiocarpa in a sub-
alliance of Eucalyptus crebra and refers to it as being common in sandstone areas and
notes that they have been termed ‘sandstone woodlands’ by other authors. Angophora
leiocarpa may occur on other rock types such as granite as at Kwiambal or on other
areas of the Ashford 1:100 000 map sheet (Le Brocque & Benson 1995; Hunter 1998)
but these are only minor occurrences. This community type is highly restricted within
NSW only occurring in any coverage from Warialda north. Angophora leiocarpa
dominated communities are conserved within NSW at the nearby Arakoola NR,
Kwiambal NP and Warialda NR. In the broader context this community is probably
most synonymous with Map Unit 23: Black Pine/Northern Smooth-barked Apple
Shrubby Open Forest (north west) of the Nandewar Western Regional Assessment
(DEC 2004) and it is also somewhat equivalent to the BBS Unit 110: Northern Heath
Woodland (NSW WRA 2000). The modelled distributional extent of this community
type extends from west of Mt Kaputar to the study area.
Vegetation of Killarney SCA
Dr John T. Hunter (02) 6775 2452
65
Management considerations: appropriate fire frequencies need to be investigated.
Vegetation of Killarney SCA
Dr John T. Hunter (02) 6775 2452
66
Table 8: Benchmark values for Community 6.
Namoi: Western Slopes Dry Sclerophyll Forests
Native
Richness
Native
Overstorey
Cover
Native Mid-
storey Cover
Native Ground
Cover (Grasses)
Native Ground
Cover (Shrubs)
Native Ground
Cover (Other)
Exotic
Cover
Trees with
Hollows
Regen.
Length of
Logs
Site 11
21
8.5
4.9
2
3.4
0
0
0
3 of 3
9
Site 19
20
18
2.2
9.9
1.2
6.2
0
7
1 of 2
52
Range
20-21
8.5-13-18
2.2-3.5-4.9
2-6-9.9
1.2-3-3.4
0-3-6.2
0
0-3.5-7
2 of 3
31
Benchmark
30
25-40
6-25
20-30
3-10
3-5
0
2
20
Vegetation of Killarney SCA
Dr John T. Hunter (02) 6775 2452
67
Figure 20: Placement of sites within Community 6.
Vegetation of Killarney SCA
Dr John T. Hunter (02) 6775 2452
68
Figure 21: Mapped distribution of Community 6.
Vegetation of Killarney SCA
Dr John T. Hunter (02) 6775 2452
69
Plate 11: Photographs of Community 6; above Site 11, below Site 29.
Vegetation of Killarney SCA
Dr John T. Hunter (02) 6775 2452
70
3.6 Structural information
Based on counts of trees within hollows with 20 x 50 m area at all sites it is estimated
that on average there are fifteen hollow bearing trees per hectare at present, this is
despite the intensity of selective logging that has occurred. Approximately 4% of trees
measured contained hollows. In terms of actually counts of tree density Calltris
glaucophylla was far the most common tree within Killarney SCA (Table 22)
however the average DBH was only 16.4 cm (much lower than Bobbiwaa &
Couradda). On average the largest trees left within the reserve are Angophora
leiocarpa which is probably a reflection of its poorer timber quality. The average
diameter of Acacia cheelii specimens was 13.6 cm potentially indicating ages of
probably 10-15 yrs. Very few trees reached any great width with 90% of all measured
being less than 40 cm DBH (Figure 24). Although width varies depending on the
variability of the seasons and a direct correlation between width and age is not always
apparent, this age can be deduced by comparison with widths from other nearby areas
and by age related functional attributes such as hollows. Few old trees remain within
the reserve.
On average there were significant differences between the densities of overstorey
species within each community (Figure 25). Much of this may be a reflection of past
clearing practices along with natural differences between each assemblage. Changes
in these averages are likely to occur as some communities recovery from past logging,
clearing and also mature naturally.
Vegetation of Killarney SCA
Dr John T. Hunter (02) 6775 2452
71
Figure 22: The distribution of the 441 trees measured for their DBH (minimum DBH
10 cm).
Figure 23: The average diameter of trees measured. Please reference the number of
trees of each type measured above.
Vegetation of Killarney SCA
Dr John T. Hunter (02) 6775 2452
72
Figure 24: Distribution of measured trees in each 10 cm diameter class. Note 90% of
meared trees were below 40 cm DBH.
Table 9: Diameter and number of hollows in trees measured in plots. (ca. 10% of
measured trees had hollows).
Taxon
Diameter at Breast Height
No. of Visible Hollows
Angophora leiocarpa
21
1
Eucalyptus albens
27
2
Corymbia trachyphloia
30
1
Eucalyptus pilligaensis
35
1
Eucalyptus pilligaensis
36
3
Angophora leiocarpa
38
3
Eucalyptus chloroclada
40
1
Eucalyptus pilligaensis
40
1
Eucalyptus crebra
51
2
Angophora leiocarpa
52
1
Angophora leiocarpa
54
1
Eucalyptus pilligaensis
54
2
Angophora leiocarpa
56
1
Eucalyptus pilligaensis
56
1
Angophora leiocarpa
58
2
Angophora leiocarpa
66
1
Angophora leiocarpa
120
3
Vegetation of Killarney SCA
Dr John T. Hunter (02) 6775 2452
73
Figure 25: Average distance in meters between stems (over 10 cm DBH) in each of
the six community types within Killarney SCA.
Vegetation of Killarney SCA
Dr John T. Hunter (02) 6775 2452
74
3.7 Reservation status of communities and comparison with other
studies
Community 3 and parts of Community 2 contain Corymbia tessellaris as a sub-
component and at times even a dominant and are listed as endangered (EEC) on the
NSW TSC Act. No other assemblages are considered as of state or national
significance
Vegetation of Killarney SCA
Dr John T. Hunter (02) 6775 2452
75
Figure 26: General distribution of Carbeen (Corymbia tessellaris) within Killarney
SCA.
Vegetation of Killarney SCA
Dr John T. Hunter (02) 6775 2452
76
Table 10: Summary of reservation status of communities.
Floristic Community
Reservation Status
C1: Bulloak – White Cypress
Pine
Not of concern, currently reserved across its range
within the local bioregions.
C2: White Cypress Pine –
Narrow-leaved Ironbark
Generally not of concern, though occurrences
including Carbeen are listed as endangered (EEC).
C3: White Cypress Pine –
Carbeen
Occurrences of Carbeen are listed as endangered
(EEC).
C4: Belah – Pilliga Box
Should be considered as poorly conserved and ‘of
concern’ but not currently listed as threatened
C5: Black Cypress Pine –
Dirty Gum
Not of concern, currently reserved across its range
within the local bioregions.
C6: Dwyer’s Gum – White
Cypress Pine
Not of concern, currently reserved across its range
within the local bioregions.
Vegetation of Killarney SCA
Dr John T. Hunter (02) 6775 2452
77
3.8 Fire responses of individual taxa
The following represents a review of the current knowledge of the fire responses of selected taxa found within the conservation areas.
Table 4: Known fire responses and traits of taxa found in Killarney State Conservation Area. NPFR refers to National Fire Register. Fire
responses are based on published information, some of which is contradictory. Possible reasons for these contradictions are in the discussion.
Taxon
Response
Germination
Diaspore
Disp. & Est.
1 Juv
2 Juv
Longev.
Notes
Refs.
Abutilon
oxycarpum
Resprouter
Fire stimulates
recruitment
2-4
4-10
Killed by fire. Annual
pioneer species.
Mallick et al.
(1997), Williams
(1998).
Acacia cheelii
Obligate
Seeder
Seed
Acacia deanei
Seed
Acacia
gladiiformis
Seed
Acacia leiocalyx
Resprouter
Seed
Meltzer (1988).
Actinobole
uliginosum
Resprouter
Actinotus
helianthi
Obligate
Seeder
Fire promotes
germination of
seed
Seeds dispersed
by wind.
2-4
1-5
Killed and re-established
from soil-stored seed. Old
plants of 'headland' form with
thick stems (1cm) may be
unaffected.
Bradstock et al.
(1997), Benson
(1985), Conroy
(1996), Fox & Fox
(1986), Clemens &
Franklin (1980),
Siddiqi et al.
(1976), NPFR,
Benson &
McDougall (1993),
Vegetation of Killarney SCA
Dr John T. Hunter (02) 6775 2452
78
Clarke (1989).
Taxon
Response
Germination
Diaspore
Disp. & Est.
1 Juv
2 Juv
Longev.
Notes
Refs.
Ajuga australis
Resprouter
Fruit
(indehiscent
1 seeded)
Erect flowering
stems become
horizontal at
maturity,
allowing short
distance gravity
dispersal of se
Grows rapidly after fire.
Benson &
McDougall (1997),
Lazarides & Hince
(1993).
Allocasuarina
luehmannii
Resprouter
4-6
Williams (1998).
Alphitonia
excelsa
Resprouter
Very slow, 8
months for
70% germ.
Fracturing
hard coat
reduces
dormancy. 30-
70% viable
after 15-20 y
Fruit (Dry
indehiscent 1
seeded)
Diaspore: fruit.
Coloniser
species, although
seen on edges can
also occur as
mature specimens
in gully
rainforest.
4-9
Facultative resprouter.
Survive 100% scorch - basal
sprouts.
NPFR, Benson &
McDougall (2000).
Amyema
linophyllum
Obligate
Seeder
Amyema
miquelii
Obligate
Seeder
Germination
occurs only if
fruit coat is
removed, the
embryo is
green, & can
begin to grow
in dark.
Diaspore: fleshy
fruit, bird-
dispersed mainly
by Mistletoe bird,
transportation
only about 45km.
Killed by high intensity fire.
Reid (1997),
Benson &
McDougall (1997).
Amyema
quandang
Obligate
Seeder
4-8
Williams (1998).
Vegetation of Killarney SCA
Dr John T. Hunter (02) 6775 2452
79
Taxon
Response
Germination
Diaspore
Disp. & Est.
1 Juv
2 Juv
Longev.
Notes
Refs.
Angophora
leiocarpa
Seed
Aotus mollis
Resprouter
Arctotheca
calendula
Obligate
Seeder
Lunt (1990).
Aristida acuta
Resprouter
Fruit (Dry
indehiscent 1
seeded)
Adhesive fruit,
animal dispersed.
Aristida
calycina
Resprouter
Fruit (Dry
indehiscent 1
seeded)
Adhesive fruit,
animal dispersed.
Aristida caput-
medusae
Resprouter
Fruit (Dry
indehiscent 1
seeded)
Adhesive fruit,
animal dispersed.
Aristida
jerichoensis
Resprouter
Fruit (Dry
indehiscent 1
seeded)
Adhesive fruit,
animal dispersed.
Flowers in summer in
response to rain.
Benson &
McDougall (2005).
Aristida latifolia
Resprouter
Fruit (Dry
indehiscent 1
seeded)
Adhesive fruit,
animal dispersed.
Aristida vagans
Resprouter
Fruit (Dry
indehiscent 1
seeded)
Adhesive fruit,
animal dispersed.
<1
Fruiting within 6 m of high
intensity fire.
Benson &
McDougall (2005).
Austrostipa
scabra
Resprouter
Fruit (Dry
indehiscent 1
seeded)
Adhesive, animal
dispersed.
Benson &
McDougall (2005).
Austrostipa
verticillata
Resprouter
Fruit (Dry
indehiscent 1
seeded)
Adhesive, animal
dispersed.
1-2
Williams (1998),
Benson &
McDougall (2005).
Beyeria viscosa
Obligate
3-5
Vegetation of Killarney SCA
Dr John T. Hunter (02) 6775 2452
80
Seeder
Taxon
Response
Germination
Diaspore
Disp. & Est.
1 Juv
2 Juv
Longev.
Notes
Refs.
Boerhavia
dominii
Obligate
Seeder
1-2
Williams (1998).
Brachychiton
populneus
Resprouter
4-9
Williams (1998).
Brachyloma
daphnoides
Resprouter
Within 1 yr of
fire
1 yr
From ground level or below
Fox (1988), Hunter
(1991), Benson &
McDougall (1995).
Brachyscome
dissectifolia
Resprouter
Brachyscome
diversifolia
Resprouter
Brachyscome
formosa
Resprouter
Diaspore: fruit.
Brachyscome
goniocarpa
Resprouter
Brachyscome
microcarpa
Resprouter
Brachyscome
multifida
Resprouter
<1
1
Breynia cernua
Resprouter
Soil stored
seedbank,
germinates
easily, 1-7wks,
and grows
quickly.
Reprod.
sexual, by seed
1-5yrs.
Fruit (Fleshy
Red)
Probably bird
dispersed; seed,
ant-dispersed.
3-5
< 1yr
5-30
From ground level suckering.
Mature fruit within 1yr of
high intensity fire. Resprouts
below ground.
Fox (1988), Benson
& Howell (1994),
Benson &
McDougall (1995),
Clarke (1989).
Brunoniella
Resprouter
< 1yr
At ground level, flower
Benson &
Vegetation of Killarney SCA
Dr John T. Hunter (02) 6775 2452
81
australis
within 1 month of fire,
probably fire dependent on
removal from competition
McDougall (1993).
Taxon
Response
Germination
Diaspore
Disp. & Est.
1 Juv
2 Juv
Longev.
Notes
Refs.
Bulbine
semibarbata
Resprouter
Calandrinia
eremaea
Obligate
Seeder
Callitris
endlicheri
Obligate
Seeder
No soil-stored
seedbank.
100%
mortality when
stem cut at
ground level.
Winged seed
Probably no
dormancy
mechanism.
3-7
100% scorch will kill. Killed
by fire (100% scorch).
Benson &
McDougall (1993).
Callitris
glaucophylla
Obligate
Seeder
Calotis
hispidula
Obligate
Seeder
NPFR.
Calytrix
tetragona
Variable
Soil-stored
seedbank.
Fruit
Wind-dispersed
locally, or gravity
dispersed.
2-4
3.75
Resprouts. Killed after high
intensity fire.
Benwell (1998),
Myerscough et al
(1995), Benson &
McDougall (1998)
Carex inversa
Resprouter
Lunt (1990).
Cassinia laevis
Obligate
Seeder
Fruit
(plumose)
Probably wind-
dispersed.
2-3
Williams (1998)
Cassytha
pubescens
Obligate
Seeder
Reproduction
sexual and
vegetative, by
seed
propagation
between 1-
5yrs.
Fruit (fleshy)
By animals.
5-30
Clarke (1989).
Vegetation of Killarney SCA
Dr John T. Hunter (02) 6775 2452
82
Taxon
Response
Germination
Diaspore
Disp. & Est.
1 Juv
2 Juv
Longev.
Notes
Refs.
Casuarina
cristata
Seed
(winged)
Centipeda
minima
Diaspore: fruit.
Possibly water
dispersed.
Coloniser.
<1
1
Cheilanthes
distans
Resprouter
Spores
Wind dispersed.
Probably no
dormancy
mechanism.
1-2
Facultative resprouter.
NPFR, Williams
(1998).
Cheilanthes
sieberi
Resprouter
Spores
Wind-dispersed.
Probably no
dormancy
mechanism.
1-2
Facultative resprouter.
NPFR, Benson &
McDougall (1993).
Chloris truncata
Resprouter
Viability
decreases 12-
30 m in
storage. Total
germination in
36 days. 30-
40%
germination of
wild seed.
Light assists
germination.
Seed (dry
indehiscent 1
seeded)
Wind, adhesion
to animals & mud
on cars.
1
2-3
Flowers opportunistically in
response to rain.
Lunt (1990),
Benson &
McDougall (2005).
Chrysocephalum
apiculatum
Variable
Germination
promoted by
light, strong
after ripening
requirement
(dormancy).
Dormancy
broken by high
temperature but
not cold-
stratification or
gibberellic acid.
Resprouter. Minor Obligate
seeder regeneration. 100%
scorch kills. Soil stored seed.
Lunt (1990), Lunt
(1994), NPFR.
Vegetation of Killarney SCA
Dr John T. Hunter (02) 6775 2452
83
Taxon
Response
Germination
Diaspore
Disp. & Est.
1 Juv
2 Juv
Longev.
Notes
Refs.
Chrysocephalum
semipapposum
Resprouter
1
Resprouts from rootstock
suckers and lateral roots, no
seedlings 1 yr after fire
Purdie & Slatyer
(1976), Purdie
(1977), NPFR.
Benson &
McDougall (1994).
Clematis
microphylla
Resprouter
Fruit
(achene)
2-4
Williams (1998).
Conyza albida
Obligate
Seeder
Diaspore: fruit.
Wind-dispersed
locally & wide-
spread, readily
colonising
disturbed sites.
<1
1-2
Killed. Seedlings recorded
<1yr after fire, probably
recruiting from wind-blown
seed.
Purdie (1977),
Benson &
McDougall (1994).
Corymbia
dolichocarpa
Resprouter
Seed
Corymbia
tessellaris
Resprouter
Seed
Crassula
sieberiana
Obligate
Seeder
Seedlings in
burnt and
unburnt areas
1yr after fire.
Diaspore: seed,
mobile. Growing
in winter.
< 1yr
Probably killed, seedlings
recorded <1yr after fire,
flowering within 7m after
high intensity fire.
Purdie (1977),
NPFR, Purdie
(1977), Benson &
McDougall (1995).
Crinum
flaccidum
Cyanicula
caerulea
Resprouter
Seed, winged
Indefinite
Benson &
McDougall (2005).
Cymbopogon
refractus
Resprouter
Fruit (dry
indehiscent 1
seeded)
Diaspore
adhesive , animal
dispersed &
wind.
1
<1
Fruiting within 7 m of high
intensity fire.
Williams (1998),
Benson &
McDougall (2005).
Cyperus gracilis
Obligate
Seeder
Vegetation of Killarney SCA
Dr John T. Hunter (02) 6775 2452
84
Taxon
Response
Germination
Diaspore
Disp. & Est.
1 Juv
2 Juv
Longev.
Notes
Refs.
Cyperus gunnii
Daucus
glochidiatus
Obligate
Seeder
<1 yr
Seedlings recorded < 1yr
after fire
Benson &
McDougall (1993),
Purdie & Slatyer
(1976), Purdie
(1977), NPFR.
Daviesia
ulicifolia
Obligate
Seeder
Soil stored
seedbank
<1 yr
Flower within 10 m of high
intensity fire
Benson &
McDougall (1996).
Desmodium
brachypodum
Resprouter
Soil stored
seedbank
pers. obs.
Desmodium
varians
Resprouter
Probably soil-
stored
seedbank.
Diaspore: 1-
seeded segments,
shed at maturity.
Adhesive.
1-2
<1 yr
Flowering within 11 wks of
high intensity fire.
Resprouted.
Lunt (1990), NPFR,
Benson &
McDougall (1996).
Dianella
revoluta
Resprouter
Germination
takes approx. 2
yrs. Seeds
should be
smoked for 1
hr. Viability of
fresh seed
80%.
Fruit (Blue
Berry)
Vertebrates
2-3
2
Benson &
McDougall (2005).
Dichondra sp. A
Resprouter
1
Digitaria
breviglumis
Resprouter
Fruit (dry
indehiscent 1
seeded)
Digitaria
hubbardii
Resprouter
Fruit (dry
indehiscent 1
seeded)
Digitaria
Resprouter
Fruit (dry
Benson &
Vegetation of Killarney SCA
Dr John T. Hunter (02) 6775 2452
85
ramularis
indehiscent 1
seeded)
McDougall (2005).
Taxon
Response
Germination
Diaspore
Disp. & Est.
1 Juv
2 Juv
Longev.
Notes
Refs.
Diuris
goonooensis
Resprouter
Seed,
winged
Indefinite
Dodonaea
peduncularis
Obligate
Seeder
Dodonaea
viscosa
Obligate
Seeder
Dodonaea
viscosa
Obligate
Seeder
3-5
Williams (1998).
Einadia hastata
Obligate
Seeder
1
Williams (1998).
Einadia nutans
Obligate
Seeder
Enneapogon
nigricans
Resprouter
Total
germination
approx. 8
days.
Fruit (dry
indehiscent 1
seeded)
Flowers in response to rain.
Benson &
McDougall (2005).
Entolasia stricta
Resprouter
Fruit (dry
indehiscent 1
seeded)
Vigorous growth
after fire. No
special dispersal
mechanism.
< 1yr
Indefinite
Survives 100% scorch - root
suckers & basal shoots. Soil
stored seed and clonal
increaser. Recruitment
mainly after fire. Fruit within
5 m of high intensity fire.
Bradstock et al.
(1997), Lumley &
Spencer (1990),
Clark (1988),
NPFR, Benson &
McDougall (2005).
Eragrostis
elongata
Obligate
Seeder
Fruit (dry
indehiscent 1
seeded)
<1
<1
Flowers in summer in
response to rain.
Benson &
McDougall (2005).
Eragrostis
lacunaria
Resprouter
Fruit (dry
indehiscent 1
seeded)
Vegetation of Killarney SCA
Dr John T. Hunter (02) 6775 2452
86
Taxon
Response
Germination
Diaspore
Disp. & Est.
1 Juv
2 Juv
Longev.
Notes
Refs.
Eragrostis
leptostachya
Resprouter
Fruit (dry
indehiscent 1
seeded)
Flowering within 2 m of high
intensity fire.
Benson &
McDougall (2005).
Eremophila
mitchellii
Fruit
Erodium
crinitum
1
<1
Eucalyptus
blakelyi
Resprouter
No dormancy.
Seed
Dispersed locally
by wind and
gravity. No
dormancy
mechanism.
4-7
100+
Seedlings - remarkable
tolerance to being burnt.
Resprouts from epicormic
buds. Two-year cycle of
reproduction & replacement
of foliage or variable.
Leigh & Holgate
(1979), Gill (1997),
Benson &
McDougall (1998).
Eucalyptus
chloroclada
Resprouter
No dormancy.
Seed
Dispersed locally
by wind or
gravity.
Eucalyptus
dealbata
Resprouter
No dormancy
mechanism.
Seed
Dispersed
locally.
Benson &
McDougall (1998).
Eucalyptus
dwyeri
Resprouter
No dormancy.
Seed
Dispersed locally
by wind or
gravity.
Eucalyptus
crebra
Resprouter
Eucalyptus
melanophloia
Resprouter
No dormancy.
Seed
Dispersed
locally.
Eucalyptus
pilligaensis
Resprouter
No dormancy.
Seed
Dispersed locally
by wind or
gravity. No
dormancy
mechanism.
Vegetation of Killarney SCA
Dr John T. Hunter (02) 6775 2452
87
Taxon
Response
Germination
Diaspore
Disp. & Est.
1 Juv
2 Juv
Longev.
Notes
Refs.
Eucalyptus
populnea
Resprouter
No dormancy.
Seed
Dispersed locally
by wind or
gravity. No
dormancy
mechanism.
Eucalyptus
sideroxylon
Resprouter
No dormancy.
Seeds require
light for
germination,
optimum
temperature
20C.
Seed
Dispersed locally
by wind or
gravity.
3
100+
Short lived in cultivation.
Lignotuber in seedlings &
persist in adults.
Benson &
McDougall (1998).
Exocarpos
cupressiformis
Resprouter
Hard seed is
difficult to
germinate.
Fruit.
Limited root
suckering. Hemi-
parasite on roots
of other plants,
commonly
eucalypts but also
other species.
5-9
Indefinite.
Facultative resprouter. Fire
resistant increaser. Survives
100% scorch by root suckers
and basal sprouts. Resprouts
with numerous suckers from
lateral roots and from
rootstock. Seedlings recorded
<1y after fire.
NPFR; Benson &
McDougall (2001).
Galium
gaudichaudii
Obligate
Seeder
No particular
mechanism for
dispersal.
Vegetative spread
by weak
development of
nodal roots up to
5 cm from
rootstock.
2-4
100% scorch kills. Possibly
resprouts.
NPFR, Benson &
McDougall (2000).
Galium migrans
Obligate
Seeder
Vegetation of Killarney SCA
Dr John T. Hunter (02) 6775 2452
88
Taxon
Response
Germination
Diaspore
Disp. & Est.
1 Juv
2 Juv
Longev.
Notes
Refs.
Geranium
solanderi
Obligate
Seeder
1-2
Williams (1998).
Glossogyne
tannensis
Resprouter
Probably resprouts from
ground level after low
intensity fires: pers obs
Glycine
tabacina
Resprouter
Soil-stored
seedbank.
No particular
mechanism for
dispersal.
1-3
pers.obs. Resprouter from
basal sprouts. Survives 100%
scorch. Probably resprouts
from above ground level
(taxon B).
Stewart (1996),
NPFR. Benson &
McDougall (1996).
Gonocarpus
elatus
Resprouter
Goodenia
hederacea
Variable
Mucilaginous
rim may be
mechanism for
absorbing
water to secure
germination.
Diaspore: seed,
no particular
mechanism for
dispersal.
1
Regrowth and suckers from
rootstocks and lateral roots,
but fire appeared to retard
vegetative multiplication.
Seedlings recorded <1yr after
fire. Resprouting plants
reached maturity in about 2
yrs.
Purdie (1977),
Benson &
McDougall (1997).
Grevillea
arenaria
Variable
Soil stored
seedbank.
Seed
Mostly killed, regernates
from soil stored seedbank,
sometimes resprouts from
rhizomes.
Benson &
McDougall (2000).
Grevillea striata
Seed
Hibbertia
obtusifolia
Variable
Within 1yr
after fire
(7020).
Seed
Seedlings within
1 yr
1-2
Resprout from suckers of
roots and lateral root stock.
Soil seedbank. Fire resistant
increaser.
Benson &
McDougall (1995),
Fox & Fox (1986),
Purdie & Slayter
(1976), Siddiqi et
al. (1976), Purdie
Vegetation of Killarney SCA
Dr John T. Hunter (02) 6775 2452
89
(1977), Benwell
(1998), NPFR.
Taxon
Response
Germination
Diaspore
Disp. & Est.
1 Juv
2 Juv
Longev.
Notes
Refs.
Homoranthus
flavescens
Obligate
Seeder
Hovea apiculata
Obligate
Seeder
Hypochaeris
glabra
Obligate
Seeder
Hypochaeris
radicata
Variable
decreased after
burning.
Seedlings up
within 1yr of
fire.
Seed
Dispersed by
wind.
<5
Obligate seeder - minor
regeneration. Post burn seed
coloniser. Facultative root
resprouter. Fire resistant
decreaser.
Lunt (1990),
Hamilton et al.
(1991), Purdie &
Slatyer (1976),
Dickinson &
Kirkpatrick (1987),
Purdie (1977),
NPFR, Clarke
(1989).
Jacksonia
scoparia
Resprouter
Soil stored
seedbank
3-4
Root suckers. Size of stem
may influence survival after
low intensity fire. 20-60%
stems killed by low intensity
fire, all killed by high. Fewer
stems after high intensity
than low intensity fire. No
new shoots unless upper part
of stem killed.
Benson &
McDougall (1996),
Floyd (1966),
Morrison &
Renwick (2000).
Juncus usitatus
Resprouter
1-2
Obligate resprouter.
NPFR, Williams
(1998).
Lachnagrostis
aemula
Fruit (dry
indehiscent 1
seeded)
Adhesion &
wind.
Benson &
McDougall (2005).
Vegetation of Killarney SCA
Dr John T. Hunter (02) 6775 2452
90
Taxon
Response
Germination
Diaspore
Disp. & Est.
1 Juv
2 Juv
Longev.
Notes
Refs.
Lagenifera
stipitata
Resprouter
Fruit
No special
dispersal
morphology.
< 1yr
Stems killed, resprouts from
ground level, flowers 9 wks
after high intensity fire and
12 wks fruiting. Seeds shed
within 12 weeks of high
intensity fire.
Benson &
McDougall (1994),
NPFR, Benson &
McDougall (1994).
Laxmannia
gracilis
Resprouter
Leucopogon
biflorus
Resprouter
Fruit
Lomandra
leucocephala
Resprouter
Seed
Lomandra
multiflora
Resprouter
Seed viability
96%. Smoke
increases
germination.
Seed
Ant adapted
elaiosome.
2yrs
1
Facultative and obligate
resprouter. Fire resistant
increaser. Obligate root
resprouter. veg. regeneration.
Absent from infrequently
burnt sites.
Nieuwenhuis
(1987), Purdie &
Slatyer (1976),
Purdie (1977),
Roche et al. (1997),
NPFR, Benson &
McDougall (2005).
Melichrus
urceolatus
Resprouter
No seedlings
within 1 yr of
fire. Diaspore:
fruit, adaptation
for dispersal by
ingestion.
2-3
From rootstock. Facultative
root resprouter. Fire resistant
decreaser.
Gill (1975), Purdie
& Slatyer (1976),
Purdie (1977),
NPFR, Benson &
McDougall (1995).
Mentha
satureioides
Resprouter
Diaspore: seed.
No particular
morphology for
dispersal.
1
Probably resprouts from
rhizome.
Benson &
McDougall (1997).
Microlaena
stipoides
Resprouter
Total
germination 25
Fruit (dry
indehiscent 1
No particular
mechanism for
1
<1
Flowers at anytime of the
year.
Williams (1998),
Benson &
Vegetation of Killarney SCA
Dr John T. Hunter (02) 6775 2452
91
days. Little
dormancy.
Germination
slow if under
10C and
develop
slowly.
seeded).
dispersal.
McDougall (2005).
Taxon
Response
Germination
Diaspore
Disp. & Est.
1 Juv
2 Juv
Longev.
Notes
Refs.
Mirbelia
pungens
Obligate
Seeder
Seed
Modiola
caroliniana
Obligate
Seeder
1
Williams (1998).
Myoporum
montanum
Resprouter
3-5
Williams (1998).
Notelaea
microcarpa
Resprouter
Olearia elliptica
Obligate
Seeder
Fruit
Olearia
viscidula
Obligate
Seeder
Fruit
2-3
Williams (1998).
Opercularia
diphylla
?Resprouter
Soil stored
seedbank.
100% scorch kills, soil stored
seed. Probably resprouts
(herbarium specimen).
NPFR, Benson &
McDougall (2000).
Opuntia
aurantiaca
Resprouter
Stem-segments
dispersed by
floods along
stream banks.
Lazarides & Hince
(1993).
Opuntia stricta
Resprouter
Germinate at
any time,
bristled seeds
vulnerable in
exposed
Seed
Vegetative. Stem
fragments
dispersed by
animals, water,
wind. Seeds bird-
3
Williams (1998).