Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation
Prepared by
1
1
1
1
2
V.J. Neldner , R.E. Niehus , B.A. Wilson , W.J.F. McDonald and A.J. Ford
1
Queensland Herbarium, Science Delivery
Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation
PO Box 5078, Brisbane QLD 4001
2
CSIRO, Tropical Forest Research Centre
Maunds Road, Atherton QLD 4883
© The State of Queensland (Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation) 2015
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Citation
Neldner, V.J., Niehus, R.E., Wilson, B.A., McDonald, W.J.F. and Ford, A.J. (2015). The Vegetation of
Queensland. Descriptions of Broad Vegetation Groups. Version 2.0. Queensland Herbarium, Department of
Science, Information Technology and Innovation.
Front cover images
Clockwise from top left:
Ficus sp. in complex notophyll vine forest, RE 12.8.3. Binna Burra, SEQ (RE Niehus)
Corymbia citriodora subsp. variegata and Eucalyptus racemosa, RE 12.9-10.17. Karawatha Forest Park,
SEQ (VJ Neldner)
Corymbia confertiflora in foreground with impending storm near Musgrave, CYP (VJ Neldner)
Eucalyptus microtheca woodland, RE 2.3.16. Long Reach Lagoon, NNW of Bulimba, NWH (GW Wilson)
Duma florulenta open shrubland, RE 5.3.13. Fringing Lake Machattie, CHC (N Cuff)
Acacia peuce on stony downs, RE 5.7.8. North of Birdsville, CHC (VJ Neldner)
Broad Vegetation Groups of Queensland
Acknowledgements
This publication has been prepared by the Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation.
Acknowledgement is made of the Queensland Herbarium staff involved in the vegetation communities and
regional ecosystem survey, mapping and assessment program over the past 35 years. Contributing current
and former Queensland Herbarium staff include: Arnon Accad, Eda Addicott, Chris Appelman, Julie Bahr,
Lynne Bailey, Birte Balle-Hosking, Peter Bannink, George Batianoff, Darryl Baumgartner, Tony Bean, Greg
Beeston, Ron Booth, Des Boyland, Joy Brushe, Don Butler, Helen Cartan, John Clarkson, Ben Collyer, Nick
Cuff, Russell Cumming, Andrew Daniel, Lori Dean, Hans Dillewaard, Ralph Dowling, Lorraine Durrington,
Mark Edginton, Brad Ellis, James Elsol, Russell Fairfax, Rod Fensham, Ian Fox, Paul Grimshaw, Gordon
Guymer, James Holman, Troy Honeman, Roger Jaensch, Bob Johnson, Kerstin Jones, Derek Johnson,
Peter Johnson, Chris Kahler, Jack Kelley, Annie Kelly, Dan Kelman, Jeanette Kemp, Jacob Kirk, Andrew
Kirkwood, Melinda Laidlaw, Alison Lawrence, Jiaorong Li, Rosemary Lovatt, Michael Mathieson, Bill
McDonald, John McDonald, Chris Mitchell, John Neldner, Mark Newton, Rosemary Niehus, Les Pedley,
Chris Pennay, Sandy Pollock, Robbie Price, Rosemary Purdie, Dale Richter, Tim Ryan, Paul Sattler, Miriam
Schmeider, Christine Shewell, Matt Skett, Kym Sparshott, Kathy Stephens, Trevor Stanley, Shelley Sullivan,
Peter Taylor, Megan Thomas, Simon Thompson, John Thompson, Gerry Turpin, Kaori van Baalen, Bruce
Wilson, Gary Wilson and Peter Young.
Thank you to Arnon Accad, Eda Addicott, Andrew Franks, Gordon Guymer and David Keith for assistance in
proof reading and suggested improvements to the manuscript, and to Dale Richter and Arnon Accad for
providing updated regional ecosystem statistics. Thank you to Will Smith for designing the cover for the
document.
Special acknowledgement to Campbell Clarke and Steve Goosem, Wet Tropics Management Authority
(WTMA), Eleanor Collins, David Hopkins and Frank Nissen, Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service
(QPWS), Melissa Spry, Natural Resources and Mines (NRM), and consultants David Fell, Roger Jaensch
and Peter Stanton for the use of their photographs. All photographs without an agency acknowledgement,
apart from the three consultants listed, were taken by Queensland Herbarium staff.
May 2015
Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation
Contents
Abstract ......................................................................................................................................... 7
Introduction ................................................................................................................................... 8
Defining Broad Vegetation Groups .............................................................................................. 9
Broad Vegetation Groups extent................................................................................................ 10
Bioregional distribution .............................................................................................................. 16
Extent in Protected Areas ........................................................................................................... 17
Additional Regional Ecosystem information............................................................................. 20
Broad Vegetation Group descriptions ....................................................................................... 21
1
Complex mesophyll to notophyll vine forests of the Wet Tropics bioregion ............... 22
2
Complex to simple, semi-deciduous mesophyll to notophyll vine forests,
sometimes with Araucaria cunninghamii (hoop pine) .............................................................. 26
3
Notophyll vine forests/ thickets (sometimes with sclerophyll and/or Araucarian
emergents) on coastal dunes and sand masses ...................................................................... 35
4
Notophyll and mesophyll vine forests with feather or fan palms on alluvia, along
streamlines and in swamps on ranges or within coastal sand masses .................................. 38
5
Notophyll to microphyll vine forests, frequently with Araucaria spp. or Agathis
spp. (kauri pines) ........................................................................................................................ 44
6
Notophyll vine forest and microphyll fern forests to thickets on high peaks and
plateaus ....................................................................................................................................... 52
7
Semi-evergreen to deciduous microphyll vine thickets................................................. 57
8
Wet eucalypt tall open forests on uplands and alluvia .................................................. 61
9
Moist to dry eucalypt open forests to woodlands usually on coastal lowlands and
ranges .......................................................................................................................................... 65
10
Corymbia citriodora (spotted gum) dominated open forests to woodlands on
undulating to hilly terrain ........................................................................................................... 82
11
Moist to dry eucalypt open forests to woodlands mainly on basalt areas (land
zone 8) ......................................................................................................................................... 86
12
Dry eucalypt woodlands to open woodlands, mostly on shallow soils in hilly
terrain (mainly on sandstone and weathered rocks, land zones 7 and 10) ............................. 92
13
Dry to moist eucalypt woodlands and open forests, mainly on undulating to hilly
terrain of mainly metamorphic and acid igneous rocks, Land zones 11 and 12) ................... 96
14
Woodlands and tall woodlands dominated by Eucalyptus tetrodonta (Darwin
stringybark) (or E. megasepala), and/or Corymbia nesophila (Melville Island bloodwood)
and/or E. phoenicea (scarlet gum) ........................................................................................... 104
15
Temperate eucalypt woodlands..................................................................................... 112
16
Eucalyptus spp. dominated open forest and woodlands drainage lines and
alluvial plains............................................................................................................................. 116
17
Eucalyptus populnea (poplar box) or E. melanophloia (silver-leaved ironbark) (or
E. whitei (White's ironbark)) dry woodlands to open woodlands on sandplains or
depositional plains .................................................................................................................... 124
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Broad Vegetation Groups of Queensland
18
Dry eucalypt woodlands to open woodlands primarily on sandplains or
depositional plains .................................................................................................................... 130
19
Eucalyptus spp. (E. leucophloia (snappy gum), E. leucophylla (Cloncurry box), E.
persistens, E. normantonensis (Normanton box)) low open woodlands often with Triodia
spp. dominated ground layer ................................................................................................... 138
20
Callitris glaucophylla (white cypress pine) or C. intratropica (northern cypress
pine) woodlands to open forests ............................................................................................. 146
21
Melaleuca spp. dry woodlands to open woodlands on sandplains or depositional
plains ......................................................................................................................................... 148
22
Melaleuca spp. open forests and woodlands on seasonally inundated lowland
coastal swamps and fringing lines (Palustrine wetlands) ...................................................... 152
23
Acacia aneura (mulga) woodlands to tall open shrublands on red earth plains,
sandplains or residuals ............................................................................................................ 158
24
Acacia spp. low woodlands to tall shrublands on residuals. Species include A.
clivicola/ A. sibirica (bastard mulga), A. shirleyi (lancewood), A. microsperma
(bowyakka), A. catenulata (bendee), Acacia rhodoxylon (rosewood) ................................... 162
25
Acacia harpophylla (brigalow) sometimes with Casuarina cristata (belah) open
forests to woodlands on heavy clay soils ............................................................................... 166
26
Acacia cambagei (gidgee) / A. georginae (Georgina gidgee) / A. argyrodendron
(blackwood) open forests to tall shrublands........................................................................... 168
27
Mixed species woodlands to open woodlands (Atalaya hemiglauca (whitewood),
Lysiphyllum spp., Acacia tephrina (boree), wooded downs .................................................. 170
28
Open forests to open woodlands in coastal locations. Dominant species such as
Casuarina spp., Corymbia spp., Allocasuarina spp. (she-oak), Acacia spp.,
Lophostemon suaveolens (swamp box), Asteromyrtus spp., Neofabricia myrtifolia .......... 176
29
Heathlands and associated scrubs and shrublands on coastal dunefields and
inland montane locations ......................................................................................................... 187
30
Astrebla spp. (Mitchell grass), Dichanthium spp. (bluegrass) tussock grasslands .. 192
31
Mixed open forblands to open tussock grasslands in inland locations ..................... 196
32
Closed tussock grasslands in coastal locations .......................................................... 200
33
Hummock grasslands dominated by Triodia spp. (spinifex) or Zygochloa
paradoxa (sandhill canegrass) associations on dunefields or sandplains ........................... 204
34
Wetlands associated with permanent lakes and swamps, as well as ephemeral
lakes, claypans and swamps. Includes fringing woodlands and shrublands....................... 208
35
Mangroves and saltmarshes .......................................................................................... 222
References................................................................................................................................. 226
APPENDICES ............................................................................................................................. 229
Appendix 1
Key to Broad Vegetation Groups .................................................................... 229
Appendix 2
Key to Wetland Broad Vegetation Groups ...................................................... 233
Appendix 3
Glossary ............................................................................................................ 234
Appendix 4
Broad Vegetation Groups making up Major Vegetation Groups ................... 238
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List of tables
Table 1 Eight largest and four least extensive (by pre-clearing area) broad vegetation groups
for Queensland ...................................................................................................... 10
Table 2 Broad vegetation groups that have less than 80% of their pre-clearing extent
remaining in 2013 .................................................................................................. 14
Table 3 Number of classification units for Queensland ............................................................. 16
Table 4 Broad vegetation groups where less than 5% of the pre-clearing area occurs in
protected areas in 2014 ......................................................................................... 17
List of figures
Figure 1 Extent and scale of regional ecosystem mapping in Queensland in 2015………………
9
Figure 2(a) Pre-clearing extent of 16 BVGs at the 1:5 million scale……………………………….. 12
Figure 2(b) Remnant 2013 extent of 16 BVGs at the 1:5 million scale……………………………. 13
Figure 3 Number of regional ecosystems per million hectares for Queensland bioregions
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16
Broad Vegetation Groups of Queensland
Abstract
The State of Queensland in northeast Australia covers 1.73 million square kilometres and
encompasses a wide variety of landscapes across temperate, wet and dry tropics and semiarid to arid climatic zones. Currently (May 2015), 1383 regional ecosystems are recognised
across Queensland. Regional ecosystems are defined and mapped at 1:100,000 scale across
the state. Many regional ecosystems include one or more vegetation communities, some of
which are only recognised and mapped at scales larger than 1:100,000. A vegetation
community is an association within a regional ecosystem that has similar structure and
floristics and occurs within the same land zone.
Broad Vegetation Groups (BVGs) are a higher-level grouping of vegetation communities and
regional ecosystems. BVGs provide an overview of vegetation across the state or a bioregion.
They are a useful addition to the regional ecosystem framework by providing an overview of
major ecological patterns and relationships across Queensland, independent of bioregions and
land zones, and facilitate comparisons with vegetation in other states and internationally. The
primary aim of this document is to concisely describe the BVGs of Queensland to enhance
their use in government planning, policy and regulation, e.g. vegetation offsets, Bushfire
Hazard Area mapping, public education and scientific investigations.
Floristic, structural, functional, biogeographic and landscape attributes have all been used in
the BVG classification. The first aggregation of BVGs in the hierarchical classification is
determined on the basis of vegetation structure (cover, height and growth form) of the
ecologically dominant layer. BVGs are ordered broadly to reflect the vegetation structure along
a mesic gradient from wet closed forests (rainforests) of the coast and north east, to the arid
spinifex hummock grasslands of the south west. Specialised habitats such as freshwater
wetlands (BVG 34) and intertidal areas (BVG 35) form the final groups. The rainforest
aggregation (BVGs 1-7) are characterised by a generally closed tree canopy, predominantly
non-sclerophyllous plants and frequently specialised lifeforms. The large aggregation of BVGs
dominated by eucalypts (BVGs 8-19) is further subdivided on the basis of structure, mesic
situation, landscape situation, predominant geology and dominant/ diagnostic species. The
third aggregation of BVGs is dominated by trees or tall shrubs that are not eucalypts or
rainforest species. Some BVGs in this aggregation are generally dominated by a single
species, e.g. Melaleuca viridiflora (BVG 21a), or a group of taxonomically and functionally
related species, e.g. Acacia cambagei/ A. georginae/ A. argyrodendron (BVG 26a), or by a
combination of a structural formation, habitat and functionally related species such as low open
woodlands on sand plains (BVG 27b).
The final aggregation of BVGs is those not dominated by trees or tall shrubs. Some BVGs in
this aggregation encompass vegetation types that are generally dominated by a suite of
taxonomically and functionally related species, such as Acacia spp. on residuals (BVG 24a) or
Senna spp. (e.g. BVG 24b). Other groups are dominated by a distinct structural formation
(such as tussock and closed tussock grasslands BVGs 30-32).
The Vegetation of Queensland describes the 98 BVGs defined for the 1:1M mapping level and
lists the most extensive regional ecosystems in each BVG. The document is illustrated with
375 photographs, 108 tables and 103 maps, with detailed pre-clearing and remnant extent,
and extent within the protected area estate. There are three nested levels of BVG which reflect
the approximate scale at which they are designed to be used: the 1:1,000,000 (regional) (98
BVGs), 1:2,000,000 (state) (35 BVGs) and 1:5,000,000 (national) (16 BVGs). Links are
provided to more detailed information and online regional ecosystem mapping.
Keywords: Broad Vegetation Groups; BVGs; vegetation classification; regional ecosystems;
Queensland vegetation; vegetation offsets
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Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation
Introduction
Queensland encompasses a wide variety of landscapes across temperate, wet and dry tropics
and semi-arid to arid climatic zones. Currently (May 2015), 1383 regional ecosystems are
recognised across Queensland. Regional ecosystems are defined and mapped at 1:100,000
scale across the state, with larger scale mapping in some parts of the coastal bioregions.
These regional ecosystems are described in the Regional Ecosystem Description Database
(REDD) (Queensland Herbarium 2015a) and listed in the Queensland Vegetation Management
Regulation 2012. Many regional ecosystems include one or more vegetation communities,
some of which are only recognised and mapped at scales larger than 1:100,000. A vegetation
community is an association or sub-association within a regional ecosystem that has similar
structure and floristics and occurs within the same land zone. These vegetation communities
are also described in REDD.
The history of classifying, survey and mapping the vegetation and regional ecosystems of
Queensland is documented in Neldner (1993), and the methods used described in Neldner et
al. (2012). Ninety-seven per cent of the state has been mapped as pre-clearing and remnant
2013 (remnant in 2013) regional ecosystems at least at 1:100,000 scale (Queensland
Herbarium 2015a), see Figure 1. In the Wet Tropics bioregion and much of the Southeast
Queensland bioregion, the regional ecosystem mapping is at 1:50,000 scale. For the three per
cent of the state where regional ecosystem mapping is not completed, mainly Channel
Country bioregion and islands in the Gulf of Carpentaria, existing vegetation maps from the
Vegetation Survey of Queensland (Boyland 1984, Neldner 1991) have been converted to draft
regional ecosystem maps using expert knowledge to develop vegetation units to regional
ecosystems look up tables. The advanced state of knowledge of Queensland’s regional
ecosystems allows for this publication to be produced. In addition, the Queensland Herbarium
Regional Ecosystem Survey and Mapping program has made a significant contribution to
Herbarium collections and botanical knowledge (Neldner 2014).
Broad vegetation groups (BVGs) are a higher-level grouping of vegetation communities and
regional ecosystems. BVGs provide an overview of vegetation across the state or a bioregion.
They are a useful addition to the regional ecosystem framework by providing an overview of
major ecological patterns and relationships across Queensland, independent of bioregions and
land zones, and facilitate comparisons with vegetation in other states and internationally. The
primary aim of this document is to concisely describe the BVGs of Queensland to enhance
their use in government planning, policy and regulation, e.g. vegetation offsets, Bushfire
Hazard Area mapping, public education and scientific investigations.
Page 8 of 238
Broad Vegetation Groups of Queensland
Figure 1 Extent and scale of regional ecosystem mapping in Queensland in 2015
Defining Broad Vegetation Groups
The Queensland Herbarium has been using the term Broad Vegetation Groups since 1984
(Boyland 1984, Neldner 1984) to amalgamate vegetation communities and regional
ecosystems on a pragmatic basis to form BVGs that communicate higher-level ecological
groupings. Floristic, structural, functional, biogeographic and landscape (land zone, landform,
soil type) attributes have all been used in this classification. Appendix 1 provides four tables
which show the key diagnostic characteristics of each broad vegetation group. These tables
can be used as a deductive key to determine the correct BVG for any regional ecosystem or
vegetation community in Queensland.
The first aggregation of BVGs in the hierarchical classification is determined on the basis of
vegetation structure (cover, height and growth form) of the ecologically dominant layer. BVGs
are ordered broadly to reflect the vegetation structure along a mesic gradient from wet closed
forests (rainforests) of the coast and north east, to the arid spinifex hummock grasslands of the
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Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation
south west. Specialised habitats such as freshwater wetlands (BVG 34) see Appendix 2, and
intertidal areas (BVG 35) form other groups, and use water salinity and landscape situation to
further classify the groups. The rainforest aggregation (BVGs 1-7) are characterised by a
generally closed tree canopy, predominantly non-sclerophyllous plants and frequently
specialised lifeforms. The rainforests are further divided into broad groups based on the
predominantly structural classification of Webb (1978), see Appendix 1 Table A.
The large aggregation of BVGs dominated by eucalypts (BVGs 8-19) are further subdivided in
a hierarchical classification on the basis of structure, mesic situation, landscape situation,
predominant geology and dominant/ diagnostic species, see Appendix 1 Table B.
The third aggregation of BVGs, see Appendix 1 Table C, is dominated by trees or tall shrubs
that are not eucalypts or rainforest species. Some BVGs in this aggregation are generally
dominated by a single species, e.g. Melaleuca viridiflora (BVG 21a), Acacia aneura (BVG
23a,b), Acacia harpophylla (BVG 25a), or a group of taxonomically and functionally related
species, e.g. Acacia cambagei/ A. georginae/ A. argyrodendron (BVG 26a), or by a
combination of a structural formation, habitat and functionally related species (such as low
open woodlands dominated by Lysiphyllum spp./ Atalaya hemiglauca/ Grevillea striata,
primarily on sand plains (BVG 27b).
The final aggregation of BVGs are those not dominated by trees or tall shrubs, see Appendix 1
Table D. Some BVGs in this aggregation encompass vegetation types that are generally
dominated by a suite of taxonomically and functionally related species, such as Acacia spp. on
residuals (BVG 24a) or Senna spp. (e.g. BVG 24b). Other groups are dominated by a distinct
structural formation (such as tussock and closed tussock grasslands BVGs 30-32).
There are three nested levels of broad vegetation groups which reflect the approximate scale
at which they are designed to be used: the 1:1,000,000 (regional), 1:2,000,000 (state) and
1:5,000,000 (national). The regional ecosystem spatial dataset includes the dominant broad
vegetation groups as DBVG1M, DBVG2M, and DBVG5M for each polygon. The BVG
hierarchy is nested hence the 98 BVGs at the 1:1M mapping level are combined into 35
groups at the 1:2M level, and into 16 groups at the 1:5M level. This document describes the 98
BVGs defined for the 1:1M mapping level and lists the most extensive (by pre clearing area)
regional ecosystems included in each BVG. Previous BVGs from regional survey and mapping
projects (Boyland 1984, Neldner 1984, 1991, Neldner and Clarkson 1994, Fox et al. 2001)
have been modified and incorporated into this state-wide BVG classification.
Similar high-level broad groupings are used at the national level, in the native vegetation
assessment carried out by the National Land and Water Resources Audit (NLWRA 2001),
where vegetation communities were summarised into major vegetation groups (MVGs) (DEWR
2007). MVG classifications contain different mixes of plant species within the canopy, shrub or
ground layers, but are structurally similar and often dominated by the same genus. The
relationship of the National MVGs to the Queensland BVGs is given in Appendix 4. Some
Queensland BVGs are split into two MVGs on the basis of structure, which can vary at a site
depending on environmental conditions and management at the site. In addition for carbon
accounting, the vegetation is often classified into the very broad structural categories of closed
forest, open forest, woodland and non-woody vegetation.
Broad Vegetation Groups extent
Broad vegetation groups vary greatly in their extent. The largest BVG 30b Astrebla spp. or
Dichanthium spp. tussock grasslands on undulating downs had a pre-clearing distribution
covering 10% of Queensland, while the diverse collection of wetlands in BVG 34e Springs with
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Broad Vegetation Groups of Queensland
water dependent herbs throughout Queensland only covers 0.003% of the state. Table 1 lists
the eight largest and four smallest BVG by pre-clearing area.
Some BVGs are restricted to one or only a few bioregions e.g. BVG 33a Hummock grasslands
dominated by Triodia basedowii (hard spinifex) or Zygochloa paradoxa (sandhill canegrass)
associations on dunefields or sandplains is restricted to the Channel Country bioregion, and
the rainforest BVGs largely to the coastal bioregions. In many cases, a single or combination
of a few BVGs dominate and define the character of the landscapes of a particular bioregion
e.g. BVG 30b Astrebla spp. (Mitchell grass) or Dichanthium spp. tussock grasslands on
undulating downs or clay plains covers 40% of the Mitchell Grass Downs bioregion, and the
extensive Brigalow Belt Bioregion is dominated by BVG 25a Acacia harpophylla (brigalow)
open-forests (24% of area) and BVG 17a Eucalyptus populnea woodlands (15%). Whereas
vegetation of riparian areas such as BVG 16a Open forest and woodlands dominated by
Eucalyptus camaldulensis (river red gum) (or E. tereticornis) and/or E. coolabah (or E.
microtheca) fringing drainage lines occurs in all bioregions apart from Cape York Peninsula
and Central Queensland Coast.
Table 1 Eight largest and four least extensive (by pre-clearing area) broad vegetation groups for Queensland
BVG
1:1M
30b
Pre-clear
area (ha)
%
QLD
Most extensive
18,996,452
10.7
%
remnant
in 2013
Description
96.0%
Tussock grasslands dominated by Astrebla spp. (Mitchell grass)
or Dichanthium spp. (bluegrass) often with Iseilema spp. on
undulating downs or clay plains.
25a
10,183,351
5.9
12.5%
Acacia harpophylla (brigalow) open-forests to woodlands
sometimes with Casuarina cristata (belah). Includes areas codominated with A. cambagei (gidgee).
26a
8,772,049
4.9
76.6%
Acacia cambagei (gidgee) or A. georginae (Georgina gidgee) or
A. argyrodendron (blackwood) open-forests to tall shrublands.
17a
8,083,260
4.7
37.3%
Eucalyptus populnea (poplar box) (or E. brownii (Reid River
box)) woodlands on alluvium, sand plains and footslopes.
23a
7,759,565
4.5
72.6%
Acacia aneura (mulga) on red earth plains or sandplains.
24a
6,913,670
4.0
93.2%
Acacia spp. low woodlands to tall shrublands on residuals.
16c
6,851,195
3.9
66.7%
Eucalyptus coolabah (coolibah) or E. microtheca or E.
largiflorens (black box) or E. tereticornis (blue gum) woodlands.
13c
6,734,927
3.9
70.0%
Eucalyptus crebra (narrow-leaved red ironbark), E.
drepanophylla (grey ironbark), E. fibrosa (dusky-leaved
ironbark), E. shirleyi (Shirley's silver-leaved ironbark) woodlands.
82.7%
Notophyll vine forest and microphyll fern forest to thicket on high
peaks and plateaus of southern Queensland.
6a
Least extensive
23,727
0.014
2b
23,253
0.014
99.7%
Semi-deciduous mesophyll to notophyll vine forest usually on
granitic ranges.
34f *
6,497
0.004
59.4%
Palustrine wetlands. Sedgelands/grasslands on seeps and
soaks on wet peaks, coastal dunes and non-floodplain features.
34e *
4,995
0.003
99.7%
Palustrine wetlands. Springs with water dependent herbs.
* Restricted habitats of high conservation significance. The extent figures are inflated by the inclusion of
small areas of surrounding habitats.
Different BVGs have been subjected to more clearing than others based primarily on their
agricultural potential and also human population density.
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Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation
Figure 2(a) and (b) show maps of the Queensland BVGs for both their pre-clearing and
remnant (as defined under the Vegetation Management Act 1999) distribution.
Figure 2(a) Pre-clearing extent of 16 BVGs at the 1:5 million scale
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Broad Vegetation Groups of Queensland
Figure 2(b) Remnant 2013 extent of 16 BVGs at the 1:5 million scale
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Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation
The BVGs that have lost more than 20% of their pre-clearing distribution are listed in Table 2.
Statistics on the pre-clearing and remnant extent of regional ecosystems and BVGs are
provided in Accad and Neldner (2015). The Queensland Herbarium maps remnant vegetation
as described in the glossary (Appendix 3) and remnant maps are defined under the Vegetation
Management Act 1999. However it is recognised that there are a number of condition states
within remnant vegetation. BioCondition (Eyre et al. 2015) is a site based assessment tool for
quantifying the condition of vegetation based on both site and landscape attributes.
Table 2 Broad vegetation groups that have less than 80% of their pre-clearing extent remaining in 2013
BVG
1:1M
Pre-clear
area (ha)
% Preclear
that
remains
in 2013
25a
10,183,351
12.5%
Open forests to woodlands dominated by Acacia harpophylla (brigalow)
sometimes with Casuarina cristata (belah) on heavy clay soils. Includes areas
co-dominated with A. cambagei (gidgee) and/or emergent eucalypts.
15b
46,927
15.1%
Woodlands dominated by Eucalyptus conica (fuzzy box) or E. nova-anglica
(New England peppermint) or E. blakelyi (Blakely's red gum) on alluvial plains.
5a
201,848
25.5%
Araucarian notophyll/microphyll and microphyll vine forests of southern
coastal bioregions.
1a
110,239
26.2%
Complex mesophyll to notophyll vine forests usually in fertile and very wet
locations.
17a
8,083,260
37.3%
Woodlands dominated by Eucalyptus populnea (poplar box) (or E. brownii
(Reid River box)) on alluvium, sand plains and footslopes of hills and ranges.
9g
838,317
38.8%
Moist to dry woodlands to open forest dominated by stringybarks or
mahoganies such as Eucalyptus tindaliae (Queensland white stringybark), E.
latisinensis (white mahogany), E. acmenoides (narrow-leaved white
stringybark); or E. racemosa (scribbly gum) or E. seeana or E. tereticornis
(blue gum) and Corymbia intermedia (pink bloodwood).
1b
81,534
39.1%
Complex mesophyll to notophyll vine forests usually on basalt tablelands.
7a
958,482
39.7%
Semi-evergreen vine thickets on wide range of substrates.
15a
342,102
43.1%
Woodlands and open forests dominated by Eucalyptus youmanii (Youman's
stringybark), E. scoparia (Wallangarra white gum), E. caliginosa (broad-leaved
stringybark) or E. melliodora (yellow box) occurring on traprock.
2d
39,029
46.6%
Semi-deciduous notophyll/mesophyll vine forest on coastal ranges.
22a
176,280
46.8%
Open forests and woodlands dominated by Melaleuca quinquenervia (swamp
paperbark) in seasonally inundated lowland coastal areas and swamps.
13d
749,314
47.4%
Woodlands dominated by Eucalyptus moluccana (gum-topped box) (or E.
microcarpa (inland grey box)) on a range of substrates.
11a
1,425,601
57.3%
Moist to dry open forests to woodlands dominated by Eucalyptus orgadophila
(mountain coolibah). Some areas dominated by E. tereticornis (blue gum), E.
melliodora (yellow box), E. albens (white box), E. crebra (narrow-leaved red
ironbark) or E. melanophloia (silver-leaved ironbark).
34f
6,497
59.4%
Palustrine wetlands. Sedgelands/grasslands on seeps and soaks on wet
peaks, coastal dunes and other non-floodplain features.
17b
4,221,240
60.9%
Woodlands to open woodlands dominated by Eucalyptus melanophloia (silverleaved ironbark) (or E. shirleyi (Shirley's silver-leaved ironbark)) on sand
plains and footslopes of hills and ranges.
8b
153,998
60.9%
Moist open forests to tall open forests mostly dominated by Eucalyptus
pilularis (blackbutt) on coastal sands, sub-coastal sandstones and basalt
ranges. Also includes tall open forests dominated by E. montivaga, E. obliqua
(messmate stringybark) and E. campanulata (New England ash).
Page 14 of 238
Description
Broad Vegetation Groups of Queensland
BVG
1:1M
Pre-clear
area (ha)
% Preclear
that
remains
in 2013
Description
9a
281,900
63.4%
Moist eucalypt open forests to woodlands dominated by a variety of species
including Eucalyptus siderophloia (red ironbark), E. propinqua (small-fruited
grey gum), E. acmenoides (narrow-leaved white stringybark), E. microcorys
(tallowwood), E. carnea (broad-leaved white mahogany), E. tindaliae
(Queensland white stringybark), Corymbia intermedia (pink bloodwood),
Lophostemon confertus (brush box).
10b
1,541,642
63.8%
Moist open forests to woodlands dominated by Corymbia citriodora (spotted
gum).
4a
6,851,195
66.7%
Notophyll and mesophyll vine forest with feather or fan palms in alluvia and in
swampy situations on ranges or within coastal sand masses.
16c
1,696,578
66.8%
Woodlands and open woodlands dominated by Eucalyptus coolabah (coolibah)
or E. microtheca (coolibah) or E. largiflorens (black box) or E. tereticornis (blue
gum) or E. chlorophylla on floodplains. Does not include alluvial areas
dominated by herb and grasslands or alluvial plains that are not flooded.
9e
1,264,785
69.4%
Open forests, woodlands and open woodlands dominated by Corymbia
clarksoniana (grey bloodwood) (or C. novoguinensis or C. intermedia (pink
bloodwood) or C. polycarpa (long-fruited bloodwood)) frequently with
Erythrophleum chlorostachys (red ironwood) or Eucalyptus platyphylla (poplar
gum) predominantly on coastal sandplains and alluvia.
20a
6,734,927
70.0%
Woodlands to open forests dominated by Callitris glaucophylla (white cypress
pine) or C. intratropica (coast cypress pine).
13c
325,063
70.9%
Woodlands of Eucalyptus crebra (narrow-leaved red ironbark), E.
drepanophylla (grey ironbark), E. fibrosa (dusky-leaved ironbark), E. shirleyi
(Shirley's silver-leaved ironbark) on granitic and metamorphic ranges.
9h
43,662
71.5%
Dry woodlands dominated by species such as Eucalyptus acmenoides (narrowleaved white stringybark) (or E. portuensis or E. helidonica), E. tereticornis
(blue gum), Angophora leiocarpa (rusty gum), Corymbia trachyphloia (yellow
bloodwood) or C. intermedia (pink bloodwood), and often ironbarks including E.
crebra (narrow-leaved red ironbark) or E. fibrosa (dusky-leaved ironbark). A
heathy shrub layer is frequently present. On undulating to hilly terrain.
9f
7,759,565
72.6%
Woodlands dominated by Corymbia spp. e.g. C. intermedia (pink bloodwood),
C. tessellaris (Moreton Bay ash) and/or Eucalyptus spp. such as E. tereticornis
(blue gum), frequently with Banksia spp., Acacia spp. and Callitris columellaris
(Bribie Island pine) on coastal dunes and beach ridges.
23a
511,195
73.4%
Woodlands to low woodlands dominated by Acacia aneura on red earth plains
or sandplains (soft mulga).
2a
2,402,810
73.6%
Complex evergreen notophyll vine forest frequently with Araucaria
cunninghamii (hoop pine) from foothills to ranges.
18b
197,151
74.7%
Woodlands dominated Eucalyptus crebra (narrow-leaved red ironbark)
frequently with Corymbia spp. or Callitris spp. on flat to undulating plains.
4b
248,434
76.5%
Evergreen to semi-deciduous mesophyll to notophyll vine forest, frequently with
Archontophoenix spp. (palms) fringing streams.
8a
8,772,049
76.6%
Wet tall open forest dominated by species such as Eucalyptus grandis (flooded
gum) or E. saligna, E. resinifera (red mahogany), Lophostemon confertus
(brush box), Syncarpia glomulifera (turpentine), E. laevopinea (silvertop
stringybark). Contains a well-developed understorey of rainforest components,
including ferns and palms, or the understorey may be dominated by sclerophyll
shrubs.
26a
6,851,195
76.6%
Open forests to tall shrublands dominated by Acacia cambagei (gidgee) or A.
georginae (Georgina gidgee) or A. argyrodendron (blackwood).
Page 15 of 238
Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation
Bioregional distribution
The relative numbers of units for Queensland bioregions for each of the classification levels
(regional ecosystems, broad vegetation groups at 1:5 million, 1:2 million and 1:1 million) is
shown in Table 3.
Table 3 Number of classification units for Queensland
Bioregion name
BGR (abbrev)
Number of
regional
ecosystems
43
BVG
communities
at 1:1 M
23
BVG
communities
at 1:2 M
14
BVG
communities
at 1:5 M
11
Northwest Highlands
NWH
Gulf Plains
GUP
84
50
25
14
Cape York Peninsula
CYP
236
50
24
12
Mitchell Grass Downs
MGD
60
21
12
9
Channel Country
CHC
55
18
9
7
Mulga Lands
MUL
65
19
13
9
Wet Tropics
WET
185
42
20
9
Central Queensland Coast
CQC
82
32
18
9
Einasleigh Uplands
EIU
144
42
22
12
Desert Uplands
DEU
76
38
21
13
Brigalow Belt
BRB
172
52
29
15
Southeast Queensland
SEQ
156
43
24
11
New England Tableland
NET
25
13
9
7
1383
98
35
16
All Queensland
Figure 3 Number of regional
ecosystems per million
hectares for Queensland
bioregions
Page 16 of 238
Broad Vegetation Groups of Queensland
Cape York Peninsula (bioregion 3) currently has the highest number of regional ecosystems at
236 which occur in 49 different BVGs at the 1:1M level. The smallest Queensland bioregion
New England Tablelands (bioregion 13), has the lowest number of regional ecosystems (25)
from only 13 BVGs at the 1:1M level. However, when the diversity of regional ecosystems is
examined on an area basis as in Figure 3, it can be seen that the coastal bioregions of the Wet
Tropics and Central Queensland Coast are the most diverse, with the more expansive inland
bioregions having the lowest diversity per area basis. These statistics will change in the future
for the bioregions such as the Gulf Plains, Northwest Highlands and Channel Country where
the regional ecosystem mapping is still to be finalised.
Extent in Protected Areas
In 2014, Queensland has 8,729,633 ha or 5% of the land area in protected areas which
includes National Parks and Regional Parks, but not State Forests and Timber Reserves.
While the protected area system endeavours to preserve areas of all vegetation types, the
coverage varies. Table 4 lists the 1:1M BVGs where less than 5% of the BVG pre-clearing
area is protected.
Table 4 Broad vegetation groups where less than 5% of the pre-clearing area occurs in protected areas in 2014
BVG
Hectares
in
protected
areas (PA)
% of
preclear
extent
in PA
27b
43
0.0
Low woodlands of a variety of species including Lysiphyllum cunninghamii,
Grevillea striata (beefwood) Atalaya hemiglauca (whitewood) occurring on
sandplains. (Bylong land system).
33b
518
0.2
Hummock grasslands dominated by Triodia pungens or T. longiceps (giant
grey spinifex) or T. mitchellii (buck spinifex) sandplains.
27a
10106
0.3
Low open woodlands dominated by a variety of species including Acacia
tephrina (boree), Atalaya hemiglauca (whitewood), Ventilago viminalis
(supplejack) and Lysiphyllum spp.
13b
2945
0.4
Woodlands to open woodlands dominated by Eucalyptus microneura (Gilbert
River box) on shallow soils on rolling hills.
30a
20934
0.4
Tussock grasslands dominated by Astrebla spp. (Mitchell grass) or
Dichanthium spp. (bluegrass) often with Eulalia aurea (silky browntop) on
alluvia.
15b
296
0.6
Woodlands dominated by Eucalyptus conica (fuzzy box) or E. nova-anglica
(New England peppermint) or E. blakelyi (Blakely's red gum) on alluvial plains.
17a
58323
0.7
Woodlands dominated by Eucalyptus populnea (poplar box) (or E. brownii
(Reid River box)) on alluvium, sand plains and footslopes of hills and ranges.
23b
40957
0.8
Tall shrublands to low open woodlands dominated by Acacia aneura on
shallow red earth plains (hard mulga).
25a
81894
0.8
Open forests to woodlands dominated by Acacia harpophylla (brigalow)
sometimes with Casuarina cristata (belah) on heavy clay soils. Includes areas
co-dominated with A. cambagei (gidgee) and/or emergent eucalypts.
18b
20825
0.9
Woodlands dominated Eucalyptus crebra (narrow-leaved red ironbark)
frequently with Corymbia spp. or Callitris spp. on flat to undulating plains.
18d
5455
0.9
Woodlands to low open woodlands dominated by Eucalyptus microneura
(Gilbert River box) sometimes with Corymbia spp.
1:1M
Description
Page 17 of 238
Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation
BVG
Hectares
in
protected
areas (PA)
% of
preclear
extent
in PA
18a
12193
1.2
Dry woodlands to open woodlands, dominated by bloodwoods (Corymbia
dallachiana, C. terminalis (long-fruited bloodwood), C. plena, or C. leichhardtii
(rustyjacket)) or ironbarks (Eucalyptus quadricostata (Pentland ironbark), E.
crebra (narrow-leaved red ironbark) or E. exilipes (fine-leaved ironbark)), often
with E. acmenoides (narrow-leaved white stringybark), Angophora leiocarpa
(rusty gum) and Callitris glaucophylla (white cypress pine) in the Brigalow Belt,
on sandy plateaus and plains.
17b
57549
1.4
Woodlands to open woodlands dominated by Eucalyptus melanophloia
(silver-leaved ironbark) (or E. shirleyi (Shirley's silver-leaved ironbark)) on
sand plains and footslopes of hills and ranges.
19b
39097
1.5
Low open woodlands dominated by Eucalyptus leucophylla (Cloncurry box) or
less extensively Corymbia terminalis (long-fruited bloodwood) low open
woodlands and related associations, mainly lower slopes and valleys.
13c
107028
1.6
Woodlands of Eucalyptus crebra (narrow-leaved red ironbark), E.
drepanophylla (grey ironbark), E. fibrosa (dusky-leaved ironbark), E. shirleyi
(Shirley's silver-leaved ironbark) on granitic and metamorphic ranges.
30b
315560
1.7
Tussock grasslands dominated by Astrebla spp. (Mitchell grass) or
Dichanthium spp. (bluegrass) often with Iseilema spp. on undulating downs or
clay plains.
16a
69976
1.8
Open forest and woodlands dominated by Eucalyptus camaldulensis (river red
gum) (or E. tereticornis (blue gum)) and/or E. coolabah (coolibah) (or E.
microtheca (coolibah)) fringing drainage lines. Associated species may include
Melaleuca spp., Corymbia tessellaris (carbeen), Angophora spp., Casuarina
cunninghamiana (river she-oak). Does not include alluvial areas dominated by
herb and grasslands or alluvial plains that are not flooded.
13d
13472
1.8
Woodlands dominated by Eucalyptus moluccana (gum-topped box) (or E.
microcarpa (inland grey box)) on a range of substrates.
17c
32083
1.9
Eucalyptus whitei (White's ironbark) or E. similis (Queensland yellowjacket)
woodlands to open woodlands on sand sheets.
13a
64541
2.1
Woodlands and open woodlands dominated by ironbarks such as Eucalyptus
cullenii (Cullen's ironbark), E. staigeriana (lemon-scented ironbark) or E.
melanophloia (silver-leaved ironbark) and bloodwoods such as Corymbia
stockeri subsp. peninsularis, C. clarksoniana (grey bloodwood) or C.
leichhardtii (rustyjacket).
34g
40281
2.2
Palustrine wetlands. Generally intermittent swamps/ claypans on floodplains
in inland areas dominated by chenopods e.g. Chenopodium auricomum
(Queensland blue bush) or Tecticornia spp. (samphire) or herbs.
23a
183341
2.4
Woodlands to low woodlands dominated by Acacia aneura on red earth plains
or sandplains (soft mulga).
31a
139283
2.5
Open forblands to open tussock grasslands which may be composed of
Atriplex spp. (saltbush), Sclerolaena spp. (burr), Asteraceae spp. and/or short
grasses on alluvial plains.
20a
35450
2.8
Woodlands to open forests dominated by Callitris glaucophylla (white cypress
pine) or C. intratropica (coast cypress pine).
19c
34477
2.9
Low open woodlands dominated by Eucalyptus pruinosa on sandplains and
outwash areas.
16d
5668
3.1
River beds, open water or sand, or rock, frequently not vegetated.
1:1M
Page 18 of 238
Description
Broad Vegetation Groups of Queensland
BVG
Hectares
in
protected
areas (PA)
% of
preclear
extent
in PA
34b
42282
3.1
Palustrine wetlands. Generally intermittent swamps/ claypans (non
floodplains) in inland areas dominated by chenopods e.g. Chenopodium
auricomum (Queensland blue bush) or Tecticornia spp. (samphire) or herbs.
16c
222286
3.3
Woodlands and open woodlands dominated by Eucalyptus coolabah
(coolibah) or E. microtheca (coolibah) or E. largiflorens (black box) or E.
tereticornis (blue gum) or E. chlorophylla on floodplains. Does not include
alluvial areas dominated by herblands or grasslands or alluvial plains that are
not flooded.
24b
16857
3.5
Open shrublands dominated by Senna spp. on calcareous residuals
34d
14194
3.5
Palustrine wetlands. Freshwater swamps/springs/billabongs on floodplains
ranging from permanent and semi-permanent to ephemeral.
21b
87480
3.8
Low open woodlands and tall shrublands of Melaleuca citrolens or M.
stenostachya or other Melaleuca spp.
26a
327874
3.9
Open forests to tall shrublands dominated by Acacia cambagei (gidgee) or A.
georginae (Georgina gidgee) or A. argyrodendron (blackwood).
31b
72850
3.9
Short grass / forb associations on stony downs.
16b
67841
3.9
Woodlands dominated by Eucalyptus leptophleba (Molloy red box), with
Corymbia tessellaris (carbeen) or C. clarksoniana (grey bloodwood) or C.
dallachiana. On sandy levees.
19d
78452
4.2
Low open woodlands dominated by Eucalyptus persistens (or E.
normantonensis (Normanton box), E. tardecidens, E. provecta) with Triodia
spp. dominated ground layer, mainly on hills and ranges.
12b
8400
4.3
Woodlands and open woodlands dominated by Eucalyptus crebra (narrowleaved red ironbark) and/or Corymbia spp. such as C. clarksoniana (grey
bloodwood), C. stockeri, C. setosa (rough leaved bloodwood) or C. peltata
(yellowjacket) on hilly terrain.
32a
59493
4.3
Closed tussock grasslands dominated by Themeda arguens, Dichanthium
sericeum (Queensland bluegrass) or Panicum spp., Eriachne spp., Fimbristylis
spp., Aristida spp. or Imperata cylindrica (blady grass) on marine and alluvial
plains.
18c
38692
4.5
Woodlands and open woodlands dominated by Eucalyptus chlorophylla (E.
microtheca or E. leptophleba on heavy soils) frequently with Corymbia spp.
15a
16373
4.8
Woodlands and open forests dominated by Eucalyptus youmanii (Youman's
stringybark), E. scoparia (Wallangarra white gum), E. caliginosa (broad-leaved
stringybark) or E. melliodora (yellow box) occurring on traprock.
24a
332484
4.8
Low woodlands to tall shrublands dominated by Acacia spp. on residuals.
Species include A. shirleyi (lancewood), A. catenulata (bendee), A.
microsperma (bowyakka), A. clivicola, A. sibirica, A. rhodoxylon (rosewood)
and A. leptostachya (Townsville wattle).
19a
185864
5.0
Low open woodlands dominated by Eucalyptus leucophloia (snappy gum) with
Triodia spp. dominated ground layer, mainly on hills and ranges.
1:1M
Description
Page 19 of 238
Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation
Additional Regional Ecosystem information
Detailed information on individual regional ecosystems and vegetation communities is
available from the Regional Ecosystem Description Database (REDD) (Queensland Herbarium
2013a), https://data.qld.gov.au/dataset/regional-ecosystem-description-database.
For an introductory explanation of the regional ecosystem classification system, readers
should refer to Sattler (1999). For more detailed and up to date information, the references of
Neldner et al. (2012), Wilson and Taylor (2012), regional ecosystem framework training
(Queensland Herbarium 2013b), REDD and regional ecosystem technical descriptions e.g.
Ryan (2014) should be consulted. The pre-clearing and remnant 2013 extent of regional
ecosystems and vegetation communities for bioregions, subregions, Natural Resource
Management Group areas, local government areas, catchment areas and Queensland
electorate districts is documented in Accad and Neldner (2015) and associated spread sheets.
There are fire management guidelines provided for some regional ecosystem in REDD
(Queensland Herbarium 2014b). The guidelines for regional ecosystems are presented from
an ecological perspective, designed to enhance biodiversity. While it is likely most regional
ecosystems in a BVG will have similar fire guidelines, it is preferable to refer to individual
regional ecosystems for management decisions. However BVGs have been used to form
general fire behaviour classes such as the Savanna Burning Classes under the Carbon
Farming Initiative (Australian Government 2013).
Regional Ecosystem data sources
Pre-clearing and remnant regional ecosystem mapping data and the BVG derived layers are
available for most of Queensland in shapefile format through the Queensland Government
data web site (https://data.qld.gov.au/). Use the search term, “regional ecosystem”.
BVG Maps in Portable Document Format (PDF) are available online
(https://environment.ehp.qld.gov.au/map-request/re-broad-veg-group/).
Alternatively regional ecosystem and BVG mapping can be viewed using the Biota Globe, one
of the categories of the Queensland Globe using Google Earth:
www.dnrm.qld.gov.au/mapping-data/queensland-globe.
A complete listing of the vegetation communities in each Broad Vegetation Group is available
as a separate spreadsheet for download. Refer to Broad Vegetation Groups:
www.qld.gov.au/environment/plants-animals/plants/ecosystems/.
Version updates
In version 1.0, the draft vegetation mapping areas were not included in the area calculations
for each BVG. In this document, version 1.1, these data are included in the area calculations,
to provide a state-wide area estimate of area for each BVG.
In version 2.0, the statistics have been updated from remnant 2011 to remnant 2013 figures
from Accad and Neldner (2015). The latest regional ecosystem coverage version 9.0 includes
additional completed regional ecosystem mapping in the Northwest Highlands – Duchess and
Urandangi 1:250,000 map sheets.
Page 20 of 238
Broad Vegetation Groups of Queensland
Broad Vegetation Group descriptions
The broad vegetation group descriptions include the following information. More definitions can
be found in the glossary (Appendix 3).
Title
Description of the dominant and most frequent species, structural formations and habitat of the
broad vegetation group.
Pre-clearing area
The area of the broad vegetation group before clearing (in hectares).
Remnant 2013
area
The remnant area of the broad vegetation group (in hectares) and as a percentage of pre-clearing
extent.
Bioregions
The pre-clearing area of the BVG is listed by the bioregions it occurs in, in decreasing percentage
of BVG pre-clearing area. Only bioregions where >1% of the BVG distribution occurs are listed.
Land zones
The pre-clearing area of the BVG is listed by the land zones (Wilson and Taylor 2012) it occurs in,
in decreasing percentage of BVG pre-clearing area. Land zones making up <1% are not listed.
Land zone 1: deposits subject to periodic tidal inundation (tidal flats and beaches).
Land zone 2: Quaternary coastal sand deposits (coastal dunes).
Land zone 3: recent Quaternary alluvial systems (alluvial river and creek flats).
Land zone 4: Tertiary-early Quaternary clay plains (clay plains).
Land zone 5: Tertiary-early Quaternary loamy and sandy plains and plateaus
(old loamy and sandy plains).
Land zone 6: Quaternary inland dunefields (inland dunefields).
Land zone 7: Cainozoic duricrusts (ironstone jump-ups).
Land zone 8: Cainozoic igneous rocks (basalt plains and hills).
Land zone 9: fine grained sedimentary rocks (undulating country on fine-grained
sedimentary rocks). LZ9 and 10 are combined (LZ9-10) in SEQ bioregion.
Land zone 10: coarse grained sedimentary rocks (sandstone ranges).
Land zone 11: metamorphic rocks (hills and lowlands on metamorphic rocks).
Land zone 12: Mesozoic to Proterozoic igneous rocks (hills and lowlands on granitic rocks).
Mean annual
rainfall (mm)
Range of mean annual rainfall experienced over the majority of the pre-clearing distribution of the
BVG.
Typical land
forms
Most frequent land forms (Speight 2009) that the BVG occurs on.
Typical soils
Most frequent soils (McKenzie et al. 2004) that the BVG occurs on.
Structural
Formation Range
Most frequent structural formations (Neldner et al. 2012) that the BVG form.
Floristic
description
A brief generalised description of the characteristic species in each BVG. Nomenclature follows
Bostock and Holland 2014). Only the most frequent species are mentioned for each layer, and
some structural information of the typical vegetation provided. Where tree species are mentioned
in the canopy, the same species is not repeated even though it is frequently present in the
subcanopy, low tree or shrub layers. Low tree and shrub layers are frequently combined for
brevity. Typical species in the ground layer are listed. These descriptions are brief and
generalised, and do not include naturalised species.
The status listed in the Tables of regional ecosystems making up each BVG is the Biodiversity
Status which uses the latest current extent of remnant vegetation and an assessment of the
condition of the remnant vegetation which includes expert opinion. Endangered (E), Of
concern (OC) or No concern at present (NC) are defined online under regional ecosystems. A
limited number of regional ecosystems are included in threatened ecological communities
listed under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC)
Act. These regional ecosystems are listed under the appropriate BVG. Summary information
for each broad vegetation group is given in the next section. A complete listing of the
vegetation communities in each BVG is available as a separate spreadsheet for download.
National Parks (NP) and State Forests (SF) have been abbreviated in photo captions.
Page 21 of 238
Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation
1
Complex mesophyll to notophyll vine forests of the Wet
Tropics bioregion
1a
Complex mesophyll to notophyll vine forests usually in fertile and very wet
locations
Pre-clearing area: 110,239 ha
Remnant 2013 area: 28,847 ha
(26.2% of pre-clearing)
Bioregions: WET (99.6%) CYP (0.4%)
Land zones: 3 (70%), 8 (28%), 12
(1%), 11 (1%)
Mean annual rainfall range:
2000-4200 mm
Typical landforms: Alluvial plains,
lowlands and footslopes, occasionally
on steep slopes
Typical soils: Well- to poorly-drained
Rudosols, and Red Ferrosols, Red
Kandosols
Structural formation range:
Complex mesophyll to notophyll vine
forest
Photo 1 Complex mesophyll vine forest,
7.8.1a, North Mission Beach, WET.
(CSIRO AJ Ford)
Floristic characteristics: Scattered emergent strangling Ficus spp. may occur, especially F.
pleurocarpa. The dense canopy is usually at least 25 m tall and frequently includes Acmena
graveolens, Argyrodendron peralatum, Alstonia scholaris, Cananga odorata, Canarium
vitiense, Castanospermum australe, Dysoxylum mollissimum, D. pettigrewianum, Elaeocarpus
grandis, Ficus variegata, Palaquium galactoxylon, Planchonella myrsinodendron, Syzygium
sayeri, Terminalia sericocarpa and Vitex queenslandica. Subcanopy trees may also include
Page 22 of 238
Broad Vegetation Groups of Queensland
Antirhea tenuiflora, Brombya platynema, Cryptocarya laevigata, Gomphandra australiana,
Gossia myrsinifolia, Myristica muelleri, Pisonia umbellifera, Rockinghamia angustifolia and
Synima cordierorum. Lianas such as Austrosteenisia stipularis, Calamus australis, C. moti,
Entada phaseoloides, Faradaya splendida and Merremia peltata are frequent and climb into
the canopy. The ground layer is very sparse, and may include Bowenia spectabilis, Pandanus
monticola and sprawling Calamus spp. Ferns such as Blechnum, Diplazium and Tectaria spp.
occur frequently, with fleshy herbs such as Alpinia arctiflora, A. modesta, Hornstedtia
scottiana, Pleuranthodium racemigerum and Alocasia brisbanensis occurring frequently (see
Tracey 1982 1a).
Table 2 Five most extensive regional ecosystems included in Broad Vegetation Group 1a
RE
Description
Pre-clear
area (ha)
Remnant
2013 (ha)
%
remaining
Status
7.3.10a
Mesophyll vine forest on moderately to poorlydrained alluvial plains, of moderate fertility
50,907
11,880
23
E
7.8.1a
Complex mesophyll vine forest on lowlands and
foothills on basalt
27,385
10,677
39
E
7.3.17
Complex mesophyll vine forest, on well-drained
alluvium of high fertility
26,258
3,950
15
E
7.8.1b
Mesophyll vine forest on lowlands and foothills
on basalt
3,279
53
2
E
7.12.39a
Complex mesophyll vine forest of lowlands and
foothills on granite and rhyolite
923
919
100
Photo 2 Ristantia pachysperma (yellow penda)
in complex mesophyll vine forest. WET
(WTMA)
Photo 4 Complex mesophyll vine forest,
7.3.17, Mossman River, WET.
(AJ Ford, CSIRO)
OC
Photo 3 Mesophyll vine forest, 7.3.10a, Tully
River, WET. (AJ Ford, CSIRO)
Photo 5 Complex mesophyll vine forest,
7.3.10a on lowlands, with 7.11.1a (BVG 2a)
on the ranges, near Cape Tribulation, WET.
(VJ Neldner)
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Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation
1b
Complex mesophyll to notophyll vine forests usually on basalt tablelands
Pre-clearing area: 81,534 ha
Remnant 2013 area: 31,844 ha
(39.1% of pre-clearing)
Bioregions: WET (100%)
Land zones: 8 (99%), 3 (1%)
Mean annual rainfall range:
2000-4200 mm
Typical landforms: Highland plateaus
and ranges, occasionally on alluvium
Typical soils: Red Ferrosols
Structural formation range:
Complex mesophyll to notophyll vine
forest
Photo 6 Complex notophyll vine forest,
7.8.4a. Koolmoon Creek, WET.
(AJ Ford, CSIRO)
Floristic characteristics: The closed canopy is over 30 m tall with scattered emergent
strangling Ficus spp., especially Ficus crassipes and F. pleurocarpa. Frequent trees include
Beilschmiedia bancroftii, B. recurva, Caldcluvia australiensis, Cardwellia sublimis, Cryptocarya
oblata, Doryphora aromatica, Elaeocarpus spp., Endiandra monothyra, E. sankeyana, E.
sideroxylon, Flindersia bourjotiana, F. brayleyana, Franciscodendron laurifolium, Galbulimima
baccata, Karrabina biagiana, Opisthiolepis heterophylla, Sloanea australis, Syzygium
gustavioides, S. kuranda and Xanthophyllum spp. Subcanopy trees may also include Apodytes
brachystylis, Beilschmiedia tooram, Bubbia semecarpoides, Daphnandra repandula, Ficus
leptoclada, Fontainea picrosperma, Gossia dallachiana, Myristica muelleri, Polyosma
rhytophloia, Polyscias australiana, Rockinghamia angustifolia and Siphonodon
membranaceus. Canopy lianas are relatively infrequent and may include Austrobaileya
scandens, Austrosteenisia stipularis, Cissus hypoglauca, C. vinosa, Faradaya splendida and
Page 24 of 238
Broad Vegetation Groups of Queensland
Morinda umbellata. Light wiry vines are common and include Cayratia japonica, Morinda
retropila, Ripogonum album and Smilax aculeatissima. Additional species that may occur in
the mid-dense shrub layer include Atractocarpus hirtus, Ardisia brevipedata, Haplostichanthus
submontanus, Cyathea rebeccae, Diplazium spp., Pilidiostigma tetramerum and Wilkiea
angustifolia. The ground layer is generally very sparse (see Tracey 1982 1b and 5a).
Table 3 Five most extensive regional ecosystems included in Broad Vegetation Group 1b
RE
Description
Pre-clear
area (ha)
Remnant
2013 (ha)
%
remaining
Status
7.8.2a
Complex mesophyll vine forest of high rainfall,
cloudy uplands on basalt
51,740
21,265
41
OC
7.8.4a
Complex notophyll vine forests of cloudy wet
highlands on basalt
28,558
10,168
36
E
7.3.36a
Complex mesophyll vine forest, of high rainfall,
cloudy uplands, on alluvium
950
336
35
E
7.3.36c
Complex notophyll vine forest, of high rainfall,
cloudy uplands, on alluvium
172
16
10
E
7.8.4c
Complex notophyll vine forest of highlands on
basalt in the moist rainfall zone.
114
58
51
E
Photo 7 Complex notophyll vine forest, 7.8.4c,
Nitchaga Creek, WET.
(AJ Ford, CSIRO)
Photo 9 Complex notophyll vine forest, 7.8.2a.
Topaz, WET.
(AJ Ford, CSIRO)
Photo 8 Twin kauri pines, Agathis microstachya, in
complex notophyll vine forest, 7.8.2a. Lake Barrine,
WET.
(VJ Neldner)
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Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation
2
Complex to simple, semi-deciduous mesophyll to
notophyll vine forests, sometimes with Araucaria
cunninghamii (hoop pine)
2a
Complex evergreen notophyll vine forests frequently with Araucaria
cunninghamii from foothills to ranges. (Tracey 1982 5a, 5b)
Pre-clearing area: 511,195 ha
Remnant 2013 area: 375,190 ha
(73.4% of pre-clearing)
Bioregions: WET (53%), SEQ (47%),
CQC (0.2%)
Land zones: 11 (46%), 12 (43%), 8
(11%)
Mean annual rainfall range:
>1200mm in SEQ; >2500 mm in WET
Typical landforms: Highland plateaus
and ranges, occasionally on alluvium
Typical soils: Red and Brown
Dermosols, and Red Ferrosols
Structural formation range:
Complex mesophyll to notophyll vine
forest
Photo 10 Mesophyll vine forest, 7.12.1a, Harvey
Creek, WET.
(AJ Ford, CSIRO)
Photo 11 Mesophyll vine forest,
7.11.1a surrounding Lake Morris,
from Lamb’s Head, WET.
(VJ Neldner)
Page 26 of 238
Broad Vegetation Groups of Queensland
Floristic characteristics: (1) WET bioregion. The dense canopy is usually at least 25 m tall
and frequently includes Acacia celsa, Acmena graveolens, Argyrodendron peralatum,
Beilschmiedia bancroftii, Cardwellia sublimis, Carnarvonia araliifolia, Cryptocarya oblata,
Darlingia darlingiana, Doryphora aromatica, Dysoxylum pettigrewianum, Elaeocarpus
bancroftii, Flindersia bourjotiana, F. pimenteliana, Gillbeea adenopetala, Palaquium
galactoxylon, Planchonella myrsinodendron, Prunus turneriana, Syzygium kuranda and
Xanthophyllum octandrum. Frequent species in the subcanopy include Antirhea tenuiflora,
Apodytes brachystylis, Brombya platynema, Citronella smythii, Davidsonia pruriens, Gossia
myrsinocarpa, Helicia nortoniana, Medicosma fareana, Myristica globosa, Pilidiostigma
tropicum, Polyscias australiana, Rockinghamia angustifolia, Steganthera laxiflora and
Toechima erythrocarpum. Additional species that may occur in the mid-dense shrub layer
include Ardisia brevipedata, Atractocarpus hirtus, Austromatthaea elegans, Lasianthus kurzii,
Linospadix minor, Pandanus monticola and Psychotria spp. Vines tend to be very common
especially Austrosteenisia stipularis, Calamus spp., Connarus conchocarpus, Faradaya
splendida, Freycinetia excelsa, Melodinus australis, Melodorum uhrii and Tetracera spp.
Following disturbances (such as cyclones) Musa banksii can become very prominent. The
ground layer is generally sparse and may include the fern Blechnum cartilagineum and the
herbs Alpinia arctiflora, Pleuranthodium racemigerum and Bowenia spectabilis (see Tracey
1982 5a & 5b).
(2) SEQ bioregion. Araucaria cunninghamii is frequently present as emergent trees to
30 metres tall. The dense canopy is usually at least 20 m tall and frequently includes
Argyrodendron trifoliolatum, Argyrodendron sp. (Kin Kin W.D.Francis AQ81198), Dendrocnide
spp., Archidendropsis thozetiana, Vitex lignum-vitae, Aphananthe philippinensis, Cissus spp.,
Austrosteenisia blackii, Cryptocarya spp., Elaeocarpus obovatus, Euroschinus falcatus var.
falcatus, Ficus spp., Flindersia australis and Geijera salicifolia.
Additional species that occur in the mid-dense subcanopy include Gossia bidwillii, Diospyros
geminata, D. fasciculosa, Polyscias elegans, Psydrax lamprophylla, Alectryon spp., Baloghia
inophylla and Drypetes deplanchei.
Additional species that may occur in the mid-dense shrub/ low tree layer include Alchornea
ilicifolia, Cleistanthus cunninghamii, Capparis arborea, Turraea pubescens, Carissa ovata,
Croton spp., Breynia oblongifolia, Mallotus philippensis, Wilkiea macrophylla, Acalypha
eremorum, Acronychia laevis, Alyxia ruscifolia, Arytera divaricata, Atractocarpus chartaceus
and Ixora beckleri.
The ground layer is generally sparse, but can include grasses such as Oplismenus aemulus,
O. imbecillis and Ottochloa gracillima, sedges such as Cyperus enervis and C. tetraphyllus,
vines such as Smilax australis, Hoya australis subsp. australis, Geitonoplesium cymosum,
Dioscorea transversa and Melodorum leichhardtii, ferns such as Pellaea paradoxa or forbs
such as Pseuderanthemum variabile.
Page 27 of 238
Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation
Table 4 Five most extensive regional ecosystems included in Broad Vegetation Group 2a
RE
Description
Pre-clear
area (ha)
Remnant
2013 (ha)
%
remaining
Status
7.11.1a
Mesophyll vine forest on very wet and wet
lowlands and foothills on metamorphics
145,667
126,728
87
NC
7.12.1a
Mesophyll to notophyll vine forest on granite and
rhyolite lowlands and foothills
123,424
118,750
96
NC
12.11.10
Notophyll vine forest +/- Araucaria cunninghamii
on metamorphics +/- interbedded volcanics
87,047
38,921
45
NC
12.12.13
Araucarian Complex microphyll to notophyll vine
forest on Mesozoic to Proterozoic igneous rocks
62,769
38,223
61
NC
12.12.16
Notophyll vine forest on Mesozoic to Proterozoic
igneous rocks
33,723
23,661
70
NC
The regional ecosystems 12.8.3, 12.8.4, 12.11.10 and 12.12.16 from this BVG form part of the
EPBC Act critically endangered listed Lowland Rainforest of Subtropical Australia. Lowland
Rainforest occurs in areas <300 m above sea level with high annual rainfall (>1300 mm).
Photo 12 Complex notophyll vine forest,12.8.3
Darlington Range, Lamington NP, SEQ.
(WJF McDonald)
Photo 14 Complex notophyll vine forest, 12.8.3. Palm
Grove NP, Mount Tamborine, SEQ.
(VJ Neldner)
Page 28 of 238
Photo 13 Complex notophyll vine forest,12.8.3
Natural Bridge, Springbrook NP, SEQ.
(WJF McDonald)
Photo 15 Complex notophyll vine forest with Araucaria
bidwillii emergents, 12.8.4. Bunya Mountains NP, SEQ.
(WJF McDonald)
Broad Vegetation Groups of Queensland
2b
Semi-deciduous mesophyll to notophyll vine forests usually on granitic ranges
Pre-clearing area: 23,253 ha
Remnant 2013 area: 23,191 ha
(99.7% of pre-clearing)
Bioregions: CYP (100%)
Land zones: 12 (100%)
Mean annual rainfall range:
1200-2000 mm
Typical landforms: Highland plateaus
and ranges, occasionally on alluvium
Typical soils: Yellow Kandosols or
Yellow Dermosols
Structural formation range:
Semi-deciduous mesophyll to notophyll
vine forest
Photo 16 Araucaria cuninghamii notophyll
vine forest on steep granitic boulder slopes,
3.12.2. Cape Melville NP, CYP.
(F Nissen, QPWS)
Floristic characteristics: Emergent Araucaria cunninghamii trees to 30 metres height are
sometimes present. Canarium australianum, Bombax ceiba var. leiocarpum, Buchanania
arborescens, Antiaris toxicaria var. macrophylla, Sterculia quadrifida, Acacia auriculiformis, A.
polystachya, Aidia racemosa, Albizia lebbeck, Beilschmiedia obtusifolia, Dysoxylum
acutangulum, Maranthes corymbosa, Myristica insipida, Polyscias elegans and Terminalia
subacroptera are frequent in the canopy which is usually greater than 20 m tall. Subcanopy
trees include Aidia racemosa, Cryptocarya hypospodia, Cleistanthus peninsularis, Cupaniopsis
anacardioides, Garcinia warrenii, Miliusa horsfieldii and Polyalthia nitidissima, and the vine
Entada rheedii. Additional species in the low tree/ shrub layer include Glycosmis trifoliata,
Micromelum minutum, Phaleria octandra, Atractocarpus sessilis, Cupaniopsis flagelliformis
var. flagelliformis, Drypetes deplanchei, Eugenia reinwardtiana, Litsea glutinosa, Murraya
ovatifoliolata, Myrsine porosa, Wilkiea rigidifolia, Aglaia elaeagnoidea, Alyxia spicata, Arytera
bifoliolata, Breynia cernua, Brucea javanica, Dimorphocalyx australiensis, Exocarpos latifolius,
Memecylon pauciflorum, Opilia amentacea, Pleomele angustifolia and Salacia disepala. The
Page 29 of 238
Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation
ground layer is very sparse with occasional Abrus precatorius, Drynaria quercifolia, Hypoestes
floribunda and seedling trees.
Table 5 Five most extensive regional ecosystems included in Broad Vegetation Group 2b
RE
Description
Pre-clear
area (ha)
Remnant
2013 (ha)
%
remaining
Status
3.12.3c
Semi-deciduous mesophyll / notophyll vine
forest with acacias on poorly drained podzolic
soils from granite
14,312
14,304
100
NC
3.12.2
Araucarian notophyll vine forest on granitic
ridges and mountains
7,940
7,940
100
OC
3.12.35d
Tall semi-deciduous vine forest on diorite knolls
389
389
100
OC
3.12.35e
Semi-deciduous vine forest on diorite boulder
slopes
291
242
83
OC
3.12.35a
Semi-deciduous notophyll vine forest and
occasional thicket on Torres Strait islands
190
186
98
OC
Photo 17 Semi-deciduous notophyll vine forest,
3.12.3. Cape Melville, CYP.
(PI Forster)
Photo 18 Wodyetia bifurcata, 3.12.6. Cape
Melville NP, CYP. (JP Stanton)
Photo 19 Simple evergreen notophyll vine
forest with Wodyetia bifurcata, 3.12.6.
Eastern fall of Melville Range, CYP.
(JP Stanton)
Page 30 of 238
Broad Vegetation Groups of Queensland
2c
Semi-deciduous notophyll vine forests to simple evergreen notophyll vine
forests, frequently with Welchiodendron longivalve on northern Cape York Peninsula
Pre-clearing area: 79,416 ha
Remnant 2013 area: 78,915 ha
(99.4% of pre-clearing)
Bioregions: CYP (100%)
Land zones: 7 (44%), 5 (39%), 12 (17%)
Mean annual rainfall range:
1600-2000 mm
Typical landforms: Undulating plateaus
and low ranges, occasionally on alluvium
Typical soils: Yellow and Red Kandosols
Structural formation range:
Semi-deciduous notophyll to simple
evergreen notophyll vine forest
Photo 20 Semi-deciduous notophyll vine
forest, 3.5.4. NE of Weipa, CYP.
(VJ Neldner)
Floristic characteristics: Emergent trees rarely occur. The even canopy is usually at least
17m tall with Welchiodendron longivalve, Acacia polystachya, Canarium australianum,
Buchanania arborescens, Endiandra glauca, Alstonia actinophylla, A. spectabilis,
Blepharocarya involucrigera, Sterculia quadrifida, Planchonella chartacea, P. sericea,
Flindersia ifflaiana, Syzygium forte, Beilschmiedia obtusifolia, Podocarpus grayae, Bombax
ceiba var. leiocarpum, Cryptocarya cunninghamii and Halfordia kendack frequently occurring.
Additional species that can occur in the mid-dense canopy layer are Flagellaria indica,
Chionanthus ramiflora, Ptychosperma elegans, Choriceras tricorne, Drypetes deplanchei,
Dysoxylum oppositifolium, Myristica insipida and Pachygone ovata. The mid-dense shrub/ low
tree layer frequently includes the additional species Tabernaemontana orientalis,
Atractocarpus sessilis, Wilkiea rigidifolia, Pleomele angustifolia, Alyxia spicata, Micromelum
Page 31 of 238
Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation
minutum, Glycosmis trifoliata, Haplostichanthus fruticosus and Memecylon pauciflorum. The
ground layer is very sparse with very occasional Pseuderanthemum variabile, Curcuma
australasica and Drynaria quercifolia.
Table 6 Five most extensive regional ecosystems included in Broad Vegetation Group 2c
RE
Description
Pre-clear
area (ha)
Remnant
2013 (ha)
%
remaining
Status
3.7.1x1a
Simple evergreen notophyll vine forest on
ferricrete outcrops & slopes
34,882
34,830
100
OC
3.5.4
Semi-deciduous notophyll vine forest in small
patches on northern plateaus
15,873
15,842
100
NC
3.5.3
Semi-deciduous notophyll vine forest restricted
to lateritic Carnegie Tableland
10,921
10,672
98
OC
3.12.4a
Notophyll vine forest of Welchiodendron
longivalve on low hills and rises
6,177
6,026
98
OC
3.12.20
Evergreen notophyll vine forest dominated by
Welchiodendron longivalve on headlands
6,152
6,153
100
OC
The regional ecosystem 3.12.20 from this BVG forms part of the EPBC Act critically
endangered listed Littoral Rainforest and Coastal Vine Thickets of Eastern Australia.
Photo 22 Welchiodendron longivalve evergreen
notophyll vine forest, 3.12.20. Mubuiag Island, CYP.
(DG Fell)
Photo 21 Semi-deciduous notophyll vine forest,
3.5.3, Lockerbie Scrub near Bamaga, CYP.
(VJ Neldner)
Page 32 of 238
Broad Vegetation Groups of Queensland
2d
Semi-deciduous notophyll/mesophyll vine forests on coastal ranges.
(Tracey 1982 4, 5b on basalt, metamorphics and granite)
Pre-clearing area: 39,029 ha
Remnant 2013 area: 18,188 ha
(46.6% of pre-clearing)
Bioregions: WET (58%), CYP (42%)
Land zones: 8 (59%), 11 (35%), 3 (3%),
12 (2%)
Mean annual rainfall range:
1600-3200 mm
Typical landforms: Highland plateaus
and ranges, occasionally on alluvium
Typical soils: Red Ferrosols, and Yellow
and Red Dermosols
Structural formation range:
Semi-deciduous mesophyll to notophyll
vine forest
Photo 23a and b Semi-deciduous notophyll vine forest,
7.8.3a. Wongabel SF, WET.
(C Clarke, WTMA)
Floristic characteristics: Emergent trees taller than 30 m of Argyrodendron spp., Bombax
ceiba var. leiocarpum, Ficus virens and F. obliqua may occur. The dense canopy is generally
greater than 20 m tall and frequently contains Alstonia scholaris, A. spectabilis, Aleurites
moluccanus, Diospyros hebecarpa, Beilschmiedia obtusifolia, Myristica globosa, Cryptocarya
hypospodia, C. rhodosperma, Flindersia brayleyana, Argyrodendron polyandrum, Buchanania
Page 33 of 238
Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation
arborescens, Dysoxylum pettigrewianum, Terminalia sericocarpa, Wrightia laevis,
Adenanthera pavonina, Canarium australianum, C. vitiense, Toona ciliata, Endiandra
longipedicellata, Ganophyllum falcatum, Vitex queenslandica and Miliusa horsfieldii. Additional
tree species that may occur in the subcanopy include Arytera divaricata, Chionanthus
ramiflora, Mallotus philippensis, Arytera bifoliolata, Pisonia umbellifera, Ptychosperma elegans,
Cryptocarya triplinervis, Calophyllum sil and Aidia racemosa. A sparse shrub layer is usually
present with Glycosmis trifoliata, Eugenia reinwardtiana, Micromelum minutum, Codiaeum
variegatum, Pleomele angustifolia, Hodgkinsonia frutescens and Phaleria octandra frequently
occurring. Woody canopy vines and large root climbers (Epipremnum pinnatum) can be
prominent, especially Dalbergia densa var. australis, Strychnos minor, Trophis scandens,
Cissus spp. and Austrosteenisia blackii. Very sparse seedlings are present in the ground layer
(see Tracey 1982 4, 5b).
Table 7 Six most extensive regional ecosystems included in Broad Vegetation Group 2d
RE
Description
Pre-clear
area (ha)
Remnant
2013 (ha)
%
remaining
Status
7.8.3a
Complex semi-evergreen notophyll vine forest of
uplands on basalt
18,922
869
5
E
3.11.1x1b
Closed semi-deciduous mesophyll vine forest on
metamorphic slopes
8,796
8,776
100
OC
3.8.2a
Semi-deciduous notophyll/microphyll vine forest
on basalt rises
3,558
2,385
67
OC
3.11.2a
Semi-deciduous mesophyll vine forest on
metamorphic ranges in the south
3,532
3,531
100
OC
7.3.37
Complex semi-evergreen notophyll vine forest of
uplands on alluvium
1,362
8
1
E
7.11.3a
Semi-deciduous mesophyll vine forest on moist
and dry lowlands and foothills on metamorphics
1,079
1,062
98
OC
The regional ecosystems 7.8.3 and 7.3.37 from this BVG form the EPBC Act critically
endangered listed Mabi Forest (Complex Notophyll Vine Forest 5b)
Photo 24 Semi-deciduous
notophyll vineforest, 7.8.3a.
Tolga Scrub, WET.
(AJ Ford,CSIRO)
Page 34 of 238
Broad Vegetation Groups of Queensland
3
Notophyll vine forests/ thickets (sometimes with
sclerophyll and/or Araucarian emergents) on coastal dunes
and sand masses
3a
Evergreen to semi-deciduous, notophyll to microphyll vine forests/ thickets on
beach ridges and coastal dunes, occasionally Araucaria cunninghamii (hoop pine)
microphyll vine forests on dunes. Pisonia grandis on coral cays
Pre-clearing area: 89,053 ha
Remnant 2013 area: 84,198 ha
(94.5% of pre-clearing)
Bioregions: CYP (64%), GUP (18%),
SEQ (7%), WET (4%), BRB (3%), CQC
(3%)
Land zones: 2 (100%)
Mean annual rainfall range: > 1200 mm
Typical landforms: Beach ridges, coastal
dunes, sand islands and coral atolls
Typical soils: Aeric Podosols, Semiaquic
Podosols or Bleached-Orthic Tenosols
Structural formation range:
Notophyll vine forest to semi-evergreen
microphyll vine thicket
Photo 25 Notophyll vine forest, 3.2.2a. Pormpuraaw, CYP.
(AJ Ford, CSIRO)
Photo 26 Araucaria cunninghamii emergents
above Asteromyrtus angustifolia microphyll
vine forest, 3.2.12. Cape Flattery, CYP.
(VJ Neldner)
Floristic characteristics (CYP, GUP, WET, CQC): Araucaria cunninghamii occasionally
occurs as an emergent tree to 25 m tall. The dense canopy is generally greater than 10 m tall
and includes a mixture of deciduous and evergreen trees including Terminalia muelleri,
Manilkara kauki, Mimusops elengi, Pleiogynium timorense, Gyrocarpus americanus, Sterculia
Page 35 of 238
Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation
quadrifida, Buchanania arborescens, Acacia polystachya, Celtis paniculata, Acacia
crassicarpa, Syzygium forte, Drypetes deplanchei, Canarium australianum, Pandanus tectorius
and Cupaniopsis anacardioides. Species that may be present in the sparse shrub/low tree
layer include Exocarpos latifolius, Sersalisia sericea, Micromelum minutum, Millettia pinnata,
Eugenia reinwardtiana, Elaeodendron melanocarpum, Polyalthia nitidissima, Endiandra
glauca, Diospyros geminata, Litsea glutinosa, Antirhea ovatifolia, Psychotria poliostemma,
Memecylon pauciflorum, Atractocarpus sessilis, Ficus opposita, Premna serratifolia, Aglaia
elaeagnoidea and Tabernaemontana orientalis. Vines are prominent and include Alyxia
spicata, Abrus precatorius, Tetracera nordtiana and Rhamnella vitiense. There are very few
herbs present in the ground layer, although annual species can be conspicuous during the wet
season. Pisonia grandis dominates simple closed forests on the coral cays. Mesophyllnotophyll vine forests in the Wet Tropics bioregion (e.g. 7.2.1a-c, e and f) tend to be better
developed and species rich, and are floristically more similar to adjacent mesophyll rainforest
types.
Floristic characteristics (SEQ, BRB): Generally occurs with a wind-sheared canopy 8-15 m
high, taller in more sheltered hind-dune and swale situations. The dense canopy is dominated
by Cupaniopsis anacardioides, Pleiogynium timorense, Celtis paniculata, Drypetes deplanchei,
Mallotus discolor, Sersalisia sericea, Alectryon conatus, and Bridelia leichhardtii. Euroschinus
falcatus, Corymbia tessellaris and Ficus rubiginosa frequently occur as emergent trees to 20 m
tall. Polyalthia nitidissima and Exocarpos latifolius are frequent subcanopy trees. The middense shrub layer frequently contains Alyxia ruscifolia, Ixora queenslandica, Micromelum
minutum and Carissa ovata. Trophis scandens and Jasminum spp. are frequently present
climbers. Cyperus spp. and Microsorum punctatum occur in the sparse ground layer.
On the parabolic dunes of the Fraser Island and Cooloola sand masses there are communities
10-15 m high more or less dominated by Backhousia myrtifolia, with emergents 20-35 m high
of Araucaria cunninghamii together with Agathis robusta and Lophostemon confertus. Other
canopy species include Halfordia kendack, Euroschinus falcatus, Flindersia bennettii,
Syzygium oleosum and (locally) Syzygium luehmannii. There is a sparse shrub layer and the
patchy ground layer is dominated by Macrozamia douglasii.
Table 8 Five most extensive regional ecosystems included in Broad Vegetation Group 3a
RE
Description
Pre-clear
area (ha)
Remnant
2013 (ha)
%
remaining
Status
2.2.2x2
Semi-deciduous microphyll vine thicket on
Quaternary coastal dunes.
15,835
15,820
100
NC
3.2.2a
Semi-deciduous vine thicket on coastal dunes
and beach ridges
12,761
12,696
99
OC
3.2.11
Low microphyll vine forest on coastal dunes and
beach ridges
12,321
12,293
100
NC
3.2.12
Araucarian microphyll vine forest on coastal
dunefields and beach ridges
12,236
12,163
99
NC
3.2.17
Leucopogon yorkensis ± Asteromyrtus
angustifolia closed scrub on dunefields
8,984
8,974
100
OC
The following regional ecosystems 3.2.1a, 3.2.1b, 3.2.12, 3.2.13, 3.2.28, 3.2.29, 3.2.31, 3.2.11,
7.2.1a, b, c, e, f, & I; 7.2.2a-h, 7.2.5a, 7.2.6b, 8.2.2 and 12.2.2 form part of the EPBC Act
critically endangered listed Littoral Rainforest and Coastal Vine Thickets of Eastern Australia.
Page 36 of 238
Broad Vegetation Groups of Queensland
Photo 28 Araucarian microphyll/ notophyll vine forest on
parabolic high dunes, 12.2.3. Lake Allom, Fraser Island,
SEQ.
(JP Stanton)
Photo 27 Low microphyll vine forest on coastal dunes
and beach ridges, 3.2.11. Chilli Beach, CYP.
(VJ Neldner)
Photo 29 Low microphyll/notophyll vine thicket (beach
scrub) on coastal dunes, 8.2.2. South Percy Island,
CQC.
(JE Kemp)
Photo 30 Pisonia grandis low closed forest, 12.2.21a.
Wreck Island, Capricornia Cays NP, SEQ.
(GN Batianoff)
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Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation
4
Notophyll and mesophyll vine forests with feather or
fan palms on alluvia, along streamlines and in swamps on
ranges or within coastal sand masses
4a
Notophyll and mesophyll vine forests with feather or fan palms in alluvia and in
swampy situations on ranges or within coastal sand masses
Pre-clearing area: 48,052 ha
Remnant 2013 area: 31,392 ha
(65.3% of pre-clearing)
Bioregions: SEQ (57%), WET (35%),
CQC (7%), CYP (1%)
Land zones: 3 (40%), 11 (31%), 12
(20%), 2 (9%)
Mean annual rainfall range: > 1600 mm
Typical landforms: Narrow gullies or
swamps on ranges; streamlines on
alluvial plains; and swamps in dune
swales
Typical soils: Stratic Rudosols, Yellow
and Brown Dermosols and Aquic
Podosols
Structural formation range:
Simple notophyll to mesophyll vine forest,
generally with a subcanopy dominated by
feather or fan palms
Photo 31 Mesophyll vine forest, 7.3.10c,
Silky Oak, WET.
(AJ Ford, CSIRO)
Floristic characteristics (WET): The closed canopy is usually at least 15 m tall with frequent
tree species including Acmena hemilampra, Alstonia scholaris, Beilschmiedia obtusifolia,
Cananga odorata, Cryptocarya hypospodia, Cryptocarya mackinnoniana, Elaeocarpus grandis,
Myristica globosa, Nauclea orientalis, Melicope elleryana and Syzygium tierneyanum. The
dense subcanopy is often dominated by the palms Archontophoenix alexandrae or less
extensively Licuala ramsayi. Additional subcanopy tree species include Acmenosperma
Page 38 of 238
Broad Vegetation Groups of Queensland
claviflorum, Carallia brachiata, Cryptocarya triplinervis var. riparia, Ficus congesta, Helicia
nortoniana, Ilex arnhemensis, Macaranga polyadenia, Polyscias australiana, Planchonella
chartacea, Rhodamnia sessiliflora and Symplocos puberula. Frequent lianas and vines include
Connarus conchocarpus, Faradaya splendida, Freycinetia scandens, Piper caninum and
Trophis scandens. The ground layer is usually sparse but can be dominated by Pandanus
monticola and rosettes of Calamus as well as Cordyline cannifolia, Hypolytrum nemorum,
Helminthostachys and Oplismenus occasionally being present.
Photo 32 Licuala ramsayi fan palm
swamp, 7.11.2. Cape Tribulation,
Daintree NP, WET.
(GW Wilson)
Photo 33 Archontophoenix alexandrae
feather palm forest, 7.3.3a. Russell River,
WET.
(C Clarke, WTMA)
Floristic characteristics SEQ (Fraser Island & Cooloola) and CQC (Shoalwater Bay):
The closed canopy is usually 20-25 m high with frequent tree species including Syzygium
luehmannii, Canarium australasicum, Pleioluma queenslandica, Schizomeria ovata,
Calophyllum australianum, Elaeocarpus grandis, Endiandra discolor, Cryptocarya macdonaldii,
C. vulgaris, Archontophoenix cunninghamiana and A. alexandrae (CQC). Emergent trees up to
35 m tall include Araucaria cunninghamii, Lophostemon confertus, and on Fraser Island and
Cooloola, Agathis robusta and Syncarpia hillii. Lower tree species include Mischarytera
lautereriana, Mischocarpus pyriformis, Halfordia kendack, Litsea leefeana, L. fawcettiana,
Planchonella chartacea, Melicope vitiflora, Syzygium oleosum, Synoum glandulosum,
Cryptocarya glaucescens, Guioa acutifolia, Cinnamomum baileyanum, Rhodamnia acuminata,
Polyalthia nitidissima and Sarcopteryx stipata. On the margins, Backhousia myrtifolia is
frequent, while Syzygium johnsonii and Myrsine arenaria occur near springs and permanent
streams. Frequent climbers include Callerya megasperma, Cissus hypoglauca, C. sterculiifolia,
Freycinetia scandens, Hypserpa decumbens, Gynochthodes jasminoides, Melodinus australis,
Piper hederaceum, Trophis scandens, and Smilax spp. The open shrub layer includes Alyxia
ruscifolia, Cordyline rubra, Eupomatia laurina, Neolitsea dealbata, Myrsine subsessilis,
Mackinlaya macrosciadea, Psychotria loniceroides and Tasmannia insipida. The ground layer
is very sparse with Cyperus spp., Calanthe triplicata, Pellaea falcata, and Schizaea dichotoma.
Floristic characteristics SEQ (Conondale Range & Mt Glorious) (Kroombit & Bulburin):
The closed canopy is 20-25 m high and may consist of Pseudoweinmannia lachnocarpa,
Sloanea woollsii, Schizomeria ovata, Cryptocarya macdonaldii, C. erythroxylon, Elaeocarpus
grandis, Caldcluvia paniculosa, Cinnamomum oliveri, Syzygium corynanthum, S. crebrinerve,
Canarium australasicum, Planchonella australis, Litsea reticulata, Beilschmiedia obtusifolia,
Argyrodendron trifoliolatum, A. actinophyllum subsp. actinophyllum, Citronella moorei, Gmelina
leichhardtii, Endiandra discolor, Doryphora sassafras, Diospyros pentamera, Diploglottis
australis, and Elaeocarpus kirtonii. At Kroombit Tops Ceratopetalum apetalum and Sloanea
macbrydei are present in the canopy .Emergent Lophostemon confertus, Ficus watkinsiana,
Eucalyptus grandis or Araucaria bidwillii .trees up to 50m tall may occur. The palm
Archontophoenix cunninghamiana is characteristic of the subcanopy, sometimes with Sloanea
Page 39 of 238
Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation
australis. Climbers are prominent and include Trophis scandens, Austrosteenisia glabristyla,
Gynochthodes jasminoides, Palmeria racemosa, Cissus sterculiifolia, Calamus muelleri,
Callerya megasperma, Carronia multisepalea, Cephalaralia cephalobotrys, Melodinus
australis, and Ripogonum elseyanum. The lower tree layer 10-15 m tall frequently consists of
Niemeyera chartacea, Syzygium oleosum, Synoum glandulosum, Mischarytera lautereriana,
Mischocarpus pyriformis, Endiandra muelleri subsp. muelleri, Litsea leefeana, and Alangium
villosum subsp. polyosmoides. The open shrub layer is 2-5 m high and includes Eupomatia
laurina, Linospadix monostachyos, Cyathea leichhardtiana, Tasmannia insipida, Wilkiea
huegeliana, Wilkiea macrophylla, Psychotria simmondsiana, Neolitsea dealbata and at
Kroombit and Bulburin, Myrsine ireneae subsp. curvata. A sparse to mid-dense ground layer of
Blechnum cartilagineum, Lastreopsis spp., Lomandra spicata, Alpinia arundelliana,
Gymnostachys anceps, Calanthe triplicata, and Doodia aspera is generally present.
Table 9 Five most extensive regional ecosystems included in Broad Vegetation Group 4a
RE
Description
Pre-clear
area (ha)
Remnant
2013 (ha)
%
remaining
Status
12.11.1
Simple notophyll vine forest often with abundant
Archontophoenix cunninghamiana (gully vine
forest) on metamorphics +/- interbedded
volcanics
14,505
11,349
78
NC
12.12.1
Simple notophyll vine forest usually with
abundant Archontophoenix cunninghamiana
(gully vine forest) on Mesozoic to Proterozoic
igneous rocks
9,256
7,706
83
OC
7.3.10c
Mesophyll vine forest with scattered
Archontophoenix alexandrae in the sub-canopy,
of seasonally inundated alluvial plains
8,277
1,570
19
E
7.3.3a
Mesophyll vine forest with Archontophoenix
alexandrae, on poorly drained alluvial plains
4,365
1,692
39
E
12.2.1
Notophyll vine forest on parabolic high dunes
3,761
3,754
100
OC
Regional ecosystems 12.11.1 and 12.12.1 form part of the EPBC Act critically endangered
listed Lowland Rainforest of Subtropical Australia. Lowland Rainforest is defined as occurring
in areas <300 m above sea level with high annual rainfall (>1300 mm).
Regional ecosystems 7.2.1d, g & h form part of the EPBC Act critically endangered listed
Littoral Rainforest and Coastal Vine Thickets of Eastern Australia.
Photo 34 Notophyll feather palm vine forest, 12.2.1.
Great Sandy NP (Cooloola Section), SEQ.
(WJF McDonald)
Page 40 of 238
Photo 35 Simple notophyll vine forest, 12.12.1.
Kroombit Tops, SEQ.
(VJ Neldner)
Broad Vegetation Groups of Queensland
4b
Evergreen to semi-deciduous mesophyll to notophyll vine forests, frequently
with Archontophoenix spp., fringing streams
Pre-clearing area: 197,151 ha
Remnant 2013 area: 147,355 ha
(74.7% of pre-clearing)
Bioregions: CYP (63%), SEQ (21%),
WET (8%), CQC (7%), GUP (1%)
Land zones: 3 (99%)
Mean annual rainfall range: > 1200 mm
Typical landforms: Banks and levees of
major watercourses
Typical soils: Leptic Tenosols
Structural formation range:
Evergreen notophyll to semi-deciduous
mesophyll vine forest
Photo 36 Melaleuca leucadendra dominated gallery
forest, 3.3.5a. Peach Creek, ENE of Coen Airstrip,
CYP.
(MR Newton)
Photo 37 Syzygium forte in evergreen notophyll
vine forest, 3.3.5. Archer River, CYP.
(JR Clarkson)
Floristic characteristics (NQ): Emergent trees more than 28 m tall are sometimes present.
Frequent species include Melaleuca leucadendra, Alstonia scholaris, Terminalia sericocarpa,
Page 41 of 238
Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation
Eucalyptus tereticornis, Ficus spp., Acacia auriculiformis, A. polystachya, Elaeocarpus grandis
and Bombax ceiba var. leiocarpum. The dense canopy which is generally over 20 m tall is
composed of the emergent species plus additional species such as Buchanania arborescens,
Castanospermum australe, Beilschmiedia obtusifolia, Archontophoenix spp., Argyrodendron
polyandrum, Chionanthus ramiflorus, Cryptocarya hypospodia, Blepharocarya involucrigera,
Cordia dichotoma, Dillenia alata, Miliusa horsfieldii, Syzygium tierneyanum, Aleurites
moluccanus, Canarium australianum, Carallia brachiata, Lophostemon suaveolens, Mallotus
polyadenos, Millettia pinnata, Myristica globosa, Semecarpus australiensis, Syzygium
bamagense and Waterhousea floribunda. Vines are relatively infrequent, and include
Flagellaria indica, Dioscorea transversa, Geitonoplesium cymosum, Cissus antarctica,
Faradaya splendida, Gynochthodes jasminoides, Maclura cochinchinensis, Melodorum
leichhardtii, and Trophis scandens. The mid-dense subcanopy is composed of smaller
individuals of the canopy species. Additional species found in the sparse shrub/ low tree layer
include Cleistanthus apodus, Glycosmis trifoliata, Mallotus philippensis, Atractocarpus
fitzalanii, A. sessilis, Alyxia spicata, Arytera divaricata, Calophyllum sil, Ficus congesta, F.
opposita, Leea indica, Streblus pendulinus, Barringtonia calyptrata, Cryptocarya triplinervis
var. riparia, Diospyros geminata, Drypetes deplanchei and Lunasia amara. Sparse forbs may
occur in the ground layer and include Pseuderanthemum variabile, Adiantum hispidulum,
Christella dentata, Lomandra hystrix, Aneilema acuminatum and Oplismenus aemulus (see
Tracey 1982 1c).
Floristic characteristics (SEQ): Complex to simple notophyll vine forest. Waterhousea
floribunda is predominant fringing stream channels. Frequent canopy species can include
Cryptocarya hypospodia, C. obovata, C. triplinervis, Argyrodendron trifoliolatum, Ficus
coronata, F. fraseri, F. macrophylla forma macrophylla, Aphananthe philippinensis,
Elaeocarpus grandis, Grevillea robusta, Castanospermum australe and Syzygium francisii.
Emergent trees may be present and include Ficus racemosa and Nauclea orientalis (in
northern SEQ and CQC), Eucalyptus spp. (e.g. E. grandis) and Araucaria cunninghamii.
Table 10 Five most extensive regional ecosystems included in Broad Vegetation Group 4b
RE
Description
Pre-clear
area (ha)
Remnant
2013 (ha)
%
remaining
Status
3.3.5a
Evergreen notophyll vine forest on alluvia on
major watercourses
72,133
72,019
100
NC
12.3.1
Gallery rainforest (notophyll vine forest) on
alluvial plains
41,212
10,562
26
E
3.3.1a
Closed semi-deciduous mesophyll vine forest on
loamy alluvia
34,237
33,695
98
NC
7.3.23a
Simple-complex semi-deciduous notophyll to
mesophyll vine forest, on lowland alluvium,
predominantly riverine levees
15,310
3,460
23
E
8.3.1a
Semi-deciduous notophyll to mesophyll vine
forest, fringing or in the vicinity of watercourses,
on lowlands (subregions 1 to 3 and 6)
11,835
5,815
49
E
The regional ecosystem 12.3.1 from this BVG forms part of the EPBC Act critically endangered
listed Lowland Rainforest of Subtropical Australia.
Page 42 of 238
Broad Vegetation Groups of Queensland
Photo 38 Gallery rainforest (notophyll vine
forest), 12.3.1. Stony Creek, SW of Agnes
Water, SEQ.
(WJF McDonald)
Photo 39 Gallery rainforest (notophyll vine
forest), 12.3.1. Munna Creek, west of
Maryborough, SEQ.
(TS Ryan)
Photo 40 Closed semi-deciduous mesophyll
vine forest on loamy alluvia, 3.3.1a. Claudie
River, CYP.
(VJ Neldner)
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Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation
5
Notophyll to microphyll vine forests, frequently with
Araucaria spp. or Agathis spp. (kauri pines)
5a
Araucarian notophyll/microphyll and microphyll vine forests of southern coastal
bioregions
Pre-clearing area: 201,848 ha
Remnant 2013 area: 51,571 ha
(25.5% of pre-clearing)
Bioregions: SEQ (100%)
Land zones: 8 (40%), 11 (29%), 5
(19%), 9 (11%)
Mean annual rainfall range:
1000-2000 mm
Typical landforms: Hills and ranges of a
variety of geological substrates; coastal
lowland plains
Typical soils: Red Ferrosols and Red
and Brown Dermosols
Structural formation range:
Araucarian microphyll to notophyll vine
forest
Photo 41 Araucarian complex microphyll vine forest,
12.11.12. Goodnight Scrub NP, SEQ.
(WJF McDonald)
Photo 42 Microphyll to notophyll vine forest with
Araucaria cunninghamii, 12.5.13a, near Murgon, SEQ.
(TS Ryan)
Floristic characteristics: Araucaria cunninghamii is a frequent emergent tree and regularly
grows to over 30 m tall. Argyrodendron trifoliolatum, Flindersia australis, F. collina,
Dendrocnide photinophylla, D. excelsa, Excoecaria dallachyana and Vitex lignum-vitae are
frequent trees in the dense canopy. Cupaniopsis parvifolia, Alectryon connatus, Notelaea
microcarpa, Denhamia pittosporoides, Dinosperma erythrococcum, Geijera salicifolia,
Page 44 of 238
Broad Vegetation Groups of Queensland
Polyscias elegans and Psydrax lamprophylla may also occur in the canopy. Vines are frequent
and include Jasminum simplicifolium subsp. australiense, J. didymum subsp. racemosum,
Trophis scandens, Melodorum leichhardtii, Austrosteenisia blackii, Tinospora smilacina and
Cissus oblonga. Additional species that may be in the mid-dense subcanopy include Capparis
arborea, C. sarmentosa, Planchonella cotinifolia, P. myrsinifolia, Arytera foveolata, Croton
insularis, Gossia bidwillii, Drypetes deplanchei, Cupaniopsis parvifolia, Diospyros geminata, D.
australis, Elattostachys xylocarpa, Alectryon connatus, Baloghia inophylla and Mallotus
philippensis. The mid-dense shrub/ low tree layer frequently contains the additional species of
Carissa ovata, Capparis arborea, Gossia bidwillii, Alyxia ruscifolia, Everistia vacciniifolia var.
nervosa, Alchornea ilicifolia, Cleistanthus cunninghamii, Casearia multinervosa, Acalypha
capillipes, Pittosporum viscidum, Arytera foveolata, Croton insularis, Exocarpos latifolius,
Turraea pubescens and Alectryon subdentatus. The ground layer is very sparse and includes
Harnieria hygrophiloides, Solanum corifolium, S. stelligerum and Pellaea paradoxa, and the
graminoids Ancistrachne uncinulata, Cyperus gracilis and Oplismenus aemulus.
Table 11 Five most extensive regional ecosystems included in Broad Vegetation Group 5a
RE
Description
Pre-clear
area (ha)
Remnant
2013 (ha)
%
remaining
Status
12.8.13
Araucarian complex microphyll vine forest on
Cainozoic igneous rocks
81,055
14,365
18
OC
12.5.13a
Microphyll to notophyll vine forest ± Araucaria
cunninghamii on remnant Tertiary surfaces
37,522
5,055
13
E
12.11.11
Araucarian microphyll vine forest on
metamorphics ± interbedded volcanics; usually
southern half of bioregion
35,897
14,019
39
NC
12.11.12
Araucarian complex microphyll vine forest on
metamorphics ± interbedded volcanics; usually
northern half of bioregion
23,098
9,346
40
OC
12.9-10.16
Araucarian microphyll to notophyll vine forest on
Cainozoic and Mesozoic sediments
22,839
8,759
38
E
The regional ecosystems 12.5.13 and 12.8.13 from this BVG form part of the EPBC Act
critically endangered listed Lowland Rainforest of Subtropical Australia.
Photo 43 Araucarian microphyll vine forest on
metamorphics +/- interbedded volcanics, 12.11.11.
Bunderra Nature Refuge, SEQ.
(WJF McDonald)
Photo 44 Notophyll vine forest, 12.8.13. Hummock
boardwalk, east of Bundaberg, SEQ.
(TS Ryan)
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Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation
5b
Notophyll to microphyll vine forests, frequently with Araucaria cunninghamii
(hoop pine), on ranges of central coastal bioregions
Pre-clearing area: 187,265 ha
Remnant 2013 area: 173,667 ha
(92.7% of pre-clearing)
Bioregions: CQC (99%), WET (1%)
Land zones: 12 (97%), 11 (2%), 8 (1%)
Mean annual rainfall range:
1200-2000 mm
Typical landforms: Occurs on high
mountain plateaus, slopes, ridges and
crests on rolling mountains of foothills,
uplands and highlands
Typical soils: Red Ferrosols and Red
and Brown Dermosols
Structural formation range:
Evergreen notophyll to semi-deciduous
microphyll vine forest
Photo 45 Notophyll vine forest,
8.12.2. Eungella NP, CQC.
(JE Kemp)
Floristic characteristics: Araucaria cunninghamii is sometimes present as an emergent tree.
The dense canopy is generally greater than 18 m tall with Argyrodendron polyandrum,
Falcataria toona, Dendrocnide photinophylla, Cryptocarya hypospodia, C. bidwillii, C.
triplinervis, Diospyros hebecarpa, Pleiogynium timorense, Macropteranthes fitzalanii,
Terminalia porphyrocarpa, Flindersia schottiana, Drypetes deplanchei, Euroschinus falcatus,
Cleistanthus dallachyanus and Olea paniculata often occurring. The lianas Cissus oblonga,
Austrosteenisia blackii, Smilax australis, Melodorum leichhardtii, Trophis scandens, Flagellaria
indica and Tetrastigma nitens are relatively frequent. The palm Archontophoenix
cunninghamiana is sometimes present. Additional tree species that occur in the subcanopy
include Aidia racemosa, Mallotus philippensis, Gossia bidwillii, Chionanthus ramiflora, Arytera
divaricata, Acronychia laevis, Alangium villosum subsp. tomentosum, Aphananthe
Page 46 of 238
Broad Vegetation Groups of Queensland
philippinensis, Harpullia pendula and Atalaya rigida. The low tree/ shrub layer is sparse, and
can include the additional species of Lepiderema punctulata, Memecylon pauciflorum, Alyxia
ruscifolia, Mischocarpus anodontus, Tabernaemontana orientalis, Fitzalania heteropetala,
Atalaya rigida, Elattostachys xylocarpa, Elaeodendron melanocarpum, Psychotria daphnoides,
Cupaniopsis wadsworthii and Eugenia reinwardtiana. The sparse ground layer frequently
contains ferns Adiantum hispidulum, A. aethiopicum, Microsorum punctatum, Lastreopsis
tenera and Drynaria sparsisora, and graminoids Dianella caerulea var. vannata, Gahnia
aspera, Oplismenus aemulus, O. imbecillis and Gymnostachys anceps, Alpinia caerulea,
Aneilema acuminatum and Scleria sphacelata.
Table 12 Five most extensive regional ecosystems included in Broad Vegetation Group 5b
RE
Description
Pre-clear
area (ha)
Remnant
2013 (ha)
%
remaining
Status
8.12.3a
Evergreen notophyll to microphyll vine forest, of
foothills and uplands on Mesozoic to Proterozoic
igneous rocks
61,830
57,554
93
NC
8.12.2
Evergreen notophyll to complex notophyll vine
forest of uplands, highlands and foothills, on
Mesozoic to Proterozoic igneous rocks
34,040
31,251
92
NC
8.12.18
Semi-evergreen notophyll/microphyll to complex
notophyll Argyrodendron spp. vine forest +/Araucaria cunninghamii, of foothills and uplands
on near-coastal ranges and islands, on
Mesozoic to Proterozoic igneous rocks
26,747
26,026
97
NC
8.12.1a
Evergreen notophyll feather palm vine forest, of
uplands and highlands, on Mesozoic to
Proterozoic igneous rocks (subregion 3)
21,854
18,373
84
NC
8.12.11a
Semi-evergreen microphyll vine thicket +/Araucaria cunninghamii, on islands and coastal
headlands, on Mesozoic to Proterozoic igneous
rocks and Tertiary acid to intermediate volcanics
(subregions 1-3)
14,955
14,905
100
OC
Photo 46 Notophyll vine forest with feather palms, 8.12.3a.
Shoalwater Bay Training Area, CQC.
(JM Brushe)
Photo 47 Semi-evergreen notophyll/microphyll vine forest
dominated by Argyrodendron polyandrum and Backhousia
citriodora, 8.12.18. North of Whitsunday Great Walk, near
Repulse Creek, CQC.
(WJF McDonald)
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Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation
5c
Simple to complex notophyll vine forests, often with Agathis spp. on ranges and
uplands of the Wet Tropics bioregion
Pre-clearing area: 64,786 ha
Remnant 2013 area: 61,788 ha
(95.4% of pre-clearing)
Bioregions: WET (98%), EIU (2%)
Land zones: 12 (51%), 11 (46%), 8 (2%)
Mean annual rainfall range:
1600-3000 mm
Typical landforms: On foothills and
uplands on metamorphic and granitic
geologies
Typical soils: Red and Brown Dermosols,
and Red Ferrosols
Structural formation range:
Complex notophyll to simple notophyll vine
forest
Photo 48 Simple notophyll vine forest,
7.12.7a. Downfall Creek, WET.
(AJ Ford, CSIRO)
Floristic characteristics: Agathis robusta is a frequent emergent tree to 35 m tall. The closed
canopy frequently contains Argyrodendron polyandrum, Falcataria toona, Aleurites
moluccanus, Cryptocarya triplinervis, Ficus benjamina, Flindersia schottiana var. pubescens,
Linociera ramiflora, Pleiogynium timorense and Polyalthia nitidissima. The mid-dense
subcanopy and low tree layer frequently includes Gossia myrsinocarpa, Codiaeum variegatum,
Elaeodendron melanocarpum, Euonymus australiana, Glycosmis pentaphylla, Mallotus
philippensis, Denhamia bilocularis, Memecylon pauciflorum and Myrsine porosa. The palms
Ptychosperma elegans and Archontophoenix alexandrae are frequent in the wetter areas.
Lianas are frequent in the canopy and on the ground and include Calamus caryotoides,
Carronia protensa, Derris trifoliata, Austrosteenisia stipularis, Hippocratea barbata, Parsonsia
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Broad Vegetation Groups of Queensland
velutina, Pachygone ovata and Trophis scandens. Scattered ferns Adiantum hispidulum,
Doodia caudata and Taenitis pinnata may be present in the ground layer. (see Tracey 1982 6)
Table 13 Five most extensive regional ecosystems included in Broad Vegetation Group 5c
RE
Description
Pre-clear
area (ha)
Remnant
2013 (ha)
%
remaining
Status
7.11.7a
Complex notophyll vine forests (with emergent
Agathis robusta) on metamorphic foothills and
uplands of areas excluding the Seaview Range
Subregion
27,724
25,604
92
NC
7.12.7a
Complex notophyll vine forests (with emergent
Agathis robusta), on foothills and uplands on
granite and rhyolite north of the Herbert River
14,862
14,231
96
NC
7.12.11a
Complex notophyll vine forests south of the
Herbert River, on foothills and uplands on
granite and rhyolite
12,885
12,879
100
OC
7.12.11b
Simple notophyll vine forest of rocky areas and
unstable talus on granite and rhyolite
2,502
2,497
100
OC
7.12.11c
Notophyll semi-evergreen vine forest of foothills
and uplands on granite and rhyolite
1,795
1,789
100
OC
The regional ecosystem 7.12.11d from this BVG forms part of the EPBC Act critically
endangered listed Littoral Rainforest and Coastal Vine Thickets of Eastern Australia.
Photo 49 Simple notophyll vine forest, 7.12.7a.
Hunter Creek, WET.
(AJ Ford, CSIRO)
Photo 50 Simple notophyll vine forest, 7.12.11b.
Bullocky Tom's Creek, WET.
(AJ Ford, CSIRO)
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Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation
5d
Acacia celsa / A. mangium (brown sandalwood) / A. polystachya closed forests
to open forests with mixed rainforest species understorey includes areas regenerating
after disturbance (upland and lowland areas)
Pre-clearing area: 176,778 ha
Remnant 2013 area: 180,065 ha
(102% of pre-clearing)
Bioregions: CYP (89%), WET (11%)
Land zones: 12 (74%), 11(19%), 3 (4%),
8 (2%), 5 (1%)
Mean annual rainfall range: >1600 mm
Typical landforms: (1) on metamorphic
and granitic plateaus and slopes on
Cape York Peninsula; (2) exposed
metamorphic and granitic slopes,
frequently damaged by cyclones
Typical soils: Red and Brown
Dermosols
Structural formation range:
Simple evergreen notophyll vine forest.
Photo 51 Simple evergeen notophyll vine forest,
3.12.3a. McIllwraith Range, CYP.
(VJ Neldner)
Photo 52 Notophyll vine forest on granitic slopes,
3.12.3b. Chester Gorge, CYP.
(JR Clarkson)
Floristic characteristics: (CYP) The dense canopy averages 23 m in height and frequently
includes Acacia polystachya, A. midgleyi, Argyrodendron polyandrum, Buchanania
arborescens, Grevillea baileyana, Cryptocarya vulgaris, C. cunninghamii, Aleurites
moluccanus, Alstonia scholaris, Canarium australianum, Terminalia sericocarpa,
Blepharocarya involucrigera, Cordia dichotoma, Garuga floribunda, Litsea fawcettiana,
Mallotus polyadenos, Maniltoa lenticellata, Miliusa horsfieldii and Semecarpus australiensis.
The subcanopy is usually sparse and averages 14 m in height, and includes the additional tree
species Tetracera nordtiana, Dysoxylum acutangulum subsp. foveolatum, Strychnos minor,
Acronychia acronychioides, Coelospermum decipiens, Diospyros fasciculosa, Endiandra
glauca, Gossia floribunda and Maniltoa lenticellata. Frequently occurring vines include
Page 50 of 238
Broad Vegetation Groups of Queensland
Calamus caryotoides, C. australis, Flagellaria indica and Smilax australis. Additional species
that occur in the very sparse shrub/ low tree layer include Atractocarpus sessilis,
Tabernaemontana orientalis, Cleistanthus hylandii, Diploglottis macrantha, Wilkiea rigidifolia,
Cryptocarya exfoliata, Cupaniopsis flagelliformis, Diospyros hebecarpa, Drypetes deplanchei,
Euonymus australiana, Ixora timorensis, Mallotus philippensis, Planchonella chartacea and
Streblus pendulinus. The ground layer is very sparse with occasional gingers Cordyline
cannifolia and Alpinia caerulea, and ferns Taenitis pinnata and Adiantum aethiopicum being
present.
Floristic characteristics: (wind disturbed WET and CYP) The dense canopy is between 15
and 30 m tall and may be dominated solely by Acacia celsa (upland areas), or A. celsa in
combination with A. cincinnata, A. polystachya, A. mangium (foothills and lowlands) or A.
melanoxylon (higher altitudes). The vine forest understorey is usually 5-10 m below the canopy
and includes a number of species that have been described by Tracey (1982) Types 12a, b, c,
& d.
Table 14 Five most extensive regional ecosystems included in Broad Vegetation Group 5d
RE
Description
Pre-clear
area (ha)
Remnant
2013 (ha)
%
remaining
Status
3.12.3a
Simple evergreen notophyll vine forest on
exposed and granitic slopes
73,463
73,461
100
NC
3.12.3b
Notophyll vine forest on granitic slopes and
plateaus
47,565
47,563
100
NC
3.11.3
Simple evergreen notophyll vine forest on
exposed metamorphic and granitic slopes
18,043
17,884
99
NC
3.11.1x1a
Simple evergreen notophyll vine forest on
exposed slopes
7,354
7,335
100
OC
3.3.2b
Simple evergreen notophyll vine forest on
floodplains
6,648
6,100
92
OC
Photo 53 Simple evergreen notophyll vine forest,
3.11.3. Iron Range, CYP.
(VJ Neldner)
Photo 54 Closed vineland of cyclone-disturbed vine
forest, 7.12.40a. Near Babinda, WET.
(VJ Neldner)
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Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation
6
Notophyll vine forest and microphyll fern forests to
thickets on high peaks and plateaus
6a
Notophyll vine forests and microphyll fern forests to thickets on high peaks and
plateaus of southern Queensland
Pre-clearing area: 23,727 ha
Remnant 2013 area: 19,612 ha
(82.7% of pre-clearing)
Bioregions: SEQ (100%)
Land zones: 8 (100%)
Mean annual rainfall range:
1200-2400 mm
Typical landforms: Plateaus and ranges
greater than 600 m altitude
Typical soils: Red Ferrosols
Structural formation range:
Complex notophyll vine forest to
microphyll fern forest to thicket
Photo 55 Complex notophyll vine forest on
Cainozoic igneous rocks, 12.8.5. Goomburra
section, Main Range NP, SEQ.
(WJF McDonald)
Floristic characteristics: Common canopy species include Argyrodendron actinophyllum,
Sloanea woollsii, Cryptocarya erythroxylon, Ficus watkinsiana, Dysoxylum fraserianum,
Caldcluvia paniculosa, Karrabina benthamiana, Doryphora sassafras, Orites excelsus,
Acmena ingens, Syzygium crebrinerve and Citronella moorei. Caldcluvia paniculosa,
Nothofagus moorei, Ceratopetalum apetalum, Acmena smithii, Quintinia spp., Doryphora
sassafras and Orites excelsus often dominate at higher altitudes and the structure is a simple
microphyll fern forest/ thicket. In this situation, there is a profusion of mosses, ferns and other
epiphytes, (i.e.: Dendrobium falcorostrum).
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Broad Vegetation Groups of Queensland
The low tree/ shrub layer includes Callicoma serratifolia, Cordyline stricta, Myrsine howittiana,
Pittosporum oreillyanum and Tasmannia insipida. Frequent vines include Cephalaralia
cephalobotrys, Hibbertia scandens, Marsdenia rostrata, Pandorea baileyana, Parsonsia
induplicata, Ripogonum discolor and Smilax australis. The ferns Asplenium australasicum,
Blechnum cartilagineum, Calochlaena dubia, Cyathea australis, Histiopteris incisa, Lastreopsis
decomposita and Microsorum pustulatum, together with Lomandra spicata and Dianella
caerulea, form a mid-dense ground cover. Most of the bark of the trees and vines are covered
with lichens and mosses.
Table 15 The four regional ecosystems included in Broad Vegetation Group 6a
RE
Description
Pre-clear
area (ha)
Remnant
2013 (ha)
%
remaining
Status
12.8.5
Complex notophyll vine forest on Cainozoic
igneous rocks. Altitude usually >600m
21,823
17,730
81
NC
12.8.7
Simple microphyll fern thicket with Acmena
smithii on Cainozoic igneous rocks
1,002
997
99
OC
12.8.6
Simple microphyll fern forest with Nothofagus
moorei on Cainozoic igneous rocks
634
629
99
OC
12.8.18
Simple notophyll vine forest with Ceratopetalum
apetalum on Cainozoic igneous rocks
267
256
96
OC
Photo 56 Simple microphyll fern forest with Nothofagus
moorei on Cainozoic igneous rocks, 12.8.6. Bethongabel,
Lamington NP, SEQ. (WJF McDonald)
Photo 57 Simple microphyll fern forest with
Nothofagus moorei, 12.8.6. Best of All Lookout,
Springbrook ,SEQ.
(VJ Neldner)
Photo 58 Simple notophyll vine forest with Ceratopetalum
apetalum on Cainozoic igneous rocks, 12.8.18. Daves
Creek Circuit, Lamington NP, SEQ.
(WJF McDonald)
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Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation
6b
Simple evergreen notophyll vine forests to simple microphyll vine fern thickets
on high peaks and plateaus of northern Queensland
Pre-clearing area: 319,372 ha
Remnant 2013 area: 301,009 ha
(94.3% of pre-clearing)
Bioregions: WET (97%), CQC (2%)
Land zones: 12 (89%), 11 (11%)
Mean annual rainfall range:
2400-8000 mm
Typical landforms: Predominantly
granitic and rhyolitic ranges and
tablelands, although metamorphosed
sediments and quartzites also locally
significant
Typical soils: Yellow Kandosols and
Semiaquic Podsols
Structural formation range:
Simple notophyll vine forest to simple
microphyll vine-fern thicket
Photo 59 Mesophyll vine forest,
7.12.16a. Bellenden Ker Range,
WET.
(AJ Ford, CSIRO)
Floristic characteristics (WET 400-1000 m altitude): This simple notophyll vine forest has a
canopy is generally even, dense and 24-33 m tall. Common species include Acmena resa,
Balanops australiana, Beilschmiedia collina, B. recurva, Caldcluvia australiensis, Canarium
australasicum, Cardwellia sublimis, Ceratopetalum succirubrum, Cryptocarya angulata, C.
corrugata, C. densiflora, C. grandis, C. oblata, Doryphora aromatica, Elaeocarpus largiflorens,
E. foveolatus, Endiandra dielsiana, E. monothyra, E. palmerstonii, Flindersia bourjotiana, F.
pimenteliana, Franciscodendron laurifolium, Garcinia zichii, Halfordia kendack, Placospermum
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Broad Vegetation Groups of Queensland
coriaceum, Planchonella euphlebia, Pleioluma papyracea, Rhodamnia blairiana, Sloanea spp.,
Sphenostemon lobosporus, Synoum glandulosum subsp. paniculosum, Syzygium
endophloium, S. johnsonii, S. papyraceum, S. wesa and Xanthophyllum octandrum. The subcanopy includes the species Apodytes brachystylis, Brackenridgea australiana, Bobea
myrtoides, Bubbia semecarpoides, Casearia costulata, Chionanthus axillaris, Cryptocarya
lividula, Gossia shepherdii, Harpullia rhyticarpa, Lethedon setosum, Medicosma fareana,
Niemeyera prunifera, Polyosma hirsuta, Polyscias australiana, P. purpurea, Rockinghamia
angustifolia, Steganthera macooraia and Symplocos glabra. A dense to sparse shrub layer
frequently contains Ardisia brevipedata, A. hylandii, Hedraianthera porphyropetala, Psychotria
spp., Pilidiostigma tetramerum and Wilkiea angustifolia. Liana and epiphytes are frequent.
Cordyline cannifolia, Linospadix spp., the ferns Blechnum cartilagineum and Lastreopsis spp.
the graminoids Exocarya scleroides and Lomandra longifolia and the tree fern Cyathea
rebeccae are prominent in the ground layer (Tracey 1982 type 8).
Floristic characteristics (WET 800-1300 m altitude): A simple microphyll vine fern forest
usually occurs (Tracey 1982 Type 9), sometimes down to 600 m. The canopy is even but only
20-25 metres tall, with patches of emergent Agathis atropurpurea in places (at higher
elevations). Frequent canopy species include Balanops australiana, Caldcluvia australiensis,
Ceratopetalum spp., Elaeocarpus ferruginiflorus, E. foveolatus, E. largiflorens, E.
sericopetalus, Flindersia acuminata, F. pimenteliana, Garcinia zichii, Halfordia kendack, Orites
fragrans, Pleioluma macrocarpa, Psydrax montigena, Pullea stutzeri, Sphalmium racemosum,
Syzygium apodophyllum, S. endophloium, Syzygium johnsonii and Syzygium wesa. The subcanopy tends to be dense and contains Ardisia pachyrrhachis, Bubbia spp., Crispiloba
disperma, Chionanthus axillaris, Helicia recurva, Linospadix spp., Laccospadix australasicus,
Oraniopsis appendiculata, Pittosporum rubiginosum, Polyosma rigidiuscula, Psychotria spp.,
Schistocarpaea johnsonii, Symplocos spp. and Wilkiea spp. Large lianas are rare, although
wiry vines are frequent, as are epiphytes. The ground layer includes Blechnum patersonii,
Bolbitis quoyana, Cyathea rebeccae, Oenotrichia tripinnata and Pteridoblechnum neglectum.
Floristic characteristics (WET above 1300 m altitude): A simple microphyll vine fern thicket
occurs with the dense canopy only 10-12 m tall, and wind-sheared emergent Leptospermum
wooroonooran to 15 m tall (Tracey 1982 Type 10). Frequent canopy species include Acmena
hemilampra subsp. orophila, Acronychia chooreechillum, Balanops australiana, Uromyrtus
metrosideros, Cinnamomum propinquum, Cryptocarya bellendenkerana, Elaeocarpus
ferruginiflorus, E. hylobroma, Garcinia brassii, Myrsine oreophila, Syzygium apodophyllum,
Flindersia oppositifolia, Halfordia kendack, Orites fragrans, Pleioluma singuliflora,
Rhodomyrtus sericea and Trochocarpa bellendenkerensis. The subcanopy to 3 m high tends
to be dense and contains Alyxia orophila, Crispiloba disperma, Chionanthus axillaris,
Dracophyllum sayeri, Hypsophila spp., Laccospadix australasicus, Linospadix spp., Oraniopsis
appendiculata, Pittosporum rubiginosum, Polyosma rigidiuscula, Psychotria spp. and
Tasmannia membranea and the tree fern Cyathea rebeccae is very common. Lianas are
relatively sparse, but wiry vines can be common especially Smilax glyciphylla and Morinda
spp., and epiphytes occur both on tree trunks and rocks. Dianella caerulea, Lomandra hystrix,
Calanthe triplicate, Helmholtzia acorifolia and a variety of ferns and mosses form a dense to
sparse ground layer.
An outlier of simple notophyll vine forest (7.12.16a) occurs above 800 m on Mt Elliot in the
Brigalow Belt bioregion. In the Central Queensland Coast bioregion, evergreen microphyll
mossy vine forests dominated by Argyrodendron spp. and Cryptocarya spp. (8.12.17) occur
above 800m mainly in the Eungella National Park, and simple notophyll vine forests dominated
by Ristantia waterhousei occur above 600m on Mt Dryander.
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Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation
Table 16 The five regional ecosystems included in Broad Vegetation Group 6b
RE
Description
Pre-clear
area (ha)
Remnant
2013 (ha)
%
remaining
Status
7.12.16a
Simple notophyll vine forest (often with Agathis
microstachya), on uplands, granite and rhyolite
241,297
228,951
95
NC
7.11.12a
Simple notophyll vine forest of cloudy wet and
moist uplands on metamorphics
35,207
29,400
84
NC
7.12.19a
Simple microphyll vine-fern forest (often with
Agathis atropurpurea), on granite and rhyolite
highlands of northern parts of the Bellenden Ker
subregion and north
13,055
13,054
100
NC
7.12.50
Simple microphyll vine-fern forest of highlands
on granite and rhyolite
7,473
7,470
100
OC
7.12.48
Wind-sheared notophyll vine forest on exposed
granite and rhyolite ridge crests and steep
slopes
6,893
6,889
100
OC
Photo 60 Wind-sheared microphyll vine forest,
7.12.20. Mount Lewis, WET.
(S Goosem)
Photo 61 Simple notophyll vine forest,
7.12.16a, Longlands Gap, WET.
(AJ Ford, CSIRO)
Photo 62 Simple microphyll vine-fern thicket,
7.12.20. Bellenden Ker, WET.
(AJ Ford, CSIRO)
Page 56 of 238
Broad Vegetation Groups of Queensland
7
Semi-evergreen to deciduous microphyll vine thickets
7a
Semi-evergreen vine thickets on wide range of substrates
Pre-clearing area: 958,482 ha
Remnant 2013 area: 380,218 ha
(39.7% of pre-clearing)
Bioregions: BRB (75%), EIU (15%),
SEQ (9%), CQC (1%)
Land zones: 8 (29%), 9 (27%), 11
(16%), 12 (15%), 5 (6%), 4 (3%), 3
(2%), 10 (2%)
Mean annual rainfall range:
800-1200 mm
Typical landforms: Crests and slopes
of low hills on igneous and metamorphic
rocks
Typical soils: Red Kandosols, Red and
Yellow Dermosols and Red Ferrosols
Structural formation range:
Semi-evergreen vine thicket to
microphyll vine forest
Photo 63 Semi-evergreen microphyll vine forest on
igneous rocks, 11.12.4. Grevillea SF, BRB.
(WJF McDonald)
Photo 64 Semi-evergreen vine thicket, 9.11.8a.
Chillagoe, EIU.
(AJ Ford, CSIRO)
Floristic characteristics: Emergent trees to 20 m tall include Ailanthus triphysa, Brachychiton
rupestris, B. australis, Gyrocarpus americanus and sometimes Ficus rubiginosa, F. virens and
Araucaria cunninghamii. The dense canopy which is rarely more than 10 m tall frequently
includes Acacia fasciculifera, Planchonella cotinifolia, Brachychiton spp., Notelaea microcarpa
var. microcarpa, Coatesia paniculata, Dinosperma erythrococcum, Backhousia angustifolia,
Bridelia leichhardtii, Canarium australianum, Drypetes deplanchei, Ehretia membranifolia,
Grevillea helmsiae, Croton insularis, Flindersia australis, Alstonia constricta, Geijera salicifolia,
Diospyros humilis, Gossia bidwillii, Lysiphyllum spp., Strychnos lucida, S. psilosperma and
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Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation
Owenia venosa. Macropteranthes leichhardtii may dominate the canopy in some communities.
Cissus oblonga, Cissus reniformis, Glossocarya hemiderma, Secamone elliptica, Melodorum
leichhardtii, Jasminum simplicifolium subsp. australiense, Tinospora smilacina, Clematicissus
opaca, Cayratia trifolia and C. acris are frequent deciduous and evergreen vines. Additional
species occurring in the mid-dense shrub/ low tree layer include Carissa ovata, Acalypha
eremorum, Pittosporum spinescens, Alyxia ruscifolia, Glossocarya hemiderma, Turraea
pubescens, Alectryon diversifolius, Capparis loranthifolia, Eugenia reinwardtiana, Flueggea
leucopyrus, Croton phebalioides, C. acronychioides, Murraya ovatifoliolata, Coatesia
paniculata, Erythroxylum spp., Everistia spp., Exocarpos latifolius and Psydrax odorata. The
sparse ground layer includes the graminoids Ancistrachne uncinulata, Cyperus gracilis,
Oplismenus aemulus, Aristida gracilipes and Dinebra decipiens, and forbs Pseuderanthemum
variabile, Solanum stelligerum, Abutilon oxycarpum var. oxycarpum, Achyranthes aspera and
Nyssanthes diffusa (includes Tracey 1982 type 11).
Table 17 The five regional ecosystems included in Broad Vegetation Group 7a
RE
Description
Pre-clear
area (ha)
Remnant
2013 (ha)
%
remaining
Status
11.9.4a
Semi-evergreen vine thicket that occur on crests
and slopes of low hills and mountains
182,512
33,136
18
E
11.12.4
Semi-evergreen vine thicket and microphyll vine
forest on igneous rocks
98,323
56,017
57
NC
9.8.7
Semi-evergreen vine thicket on cones, craters
and rocky basalt flows with little soil
development
86,785
86,774
100
OC
11.8.3
Semi-evergreen vine thicket on Cainozoic
igneous rocks
80,598
25,400
32
OC
11.11.5
Microphyll vine forest ± Araucaria cunninghamii
on old sedimentary rocks with varying degrees
of metamorphism and folding
65,962
27,307
41
NC
The regional ecosystems 11.3.11, 11.4.1, 11.5.15, 11.8.13, 11.9.4, 11.11.18, 11.2.3, 11.8.3,
11.8.6, and 11.9.8 from this BVG form the EPBC Act endangered listed Semi-evergreen vine
thickets of the Brigalow Belt (North and South) and Nandewar Bioregions. The regional
ecosystem 7.11.3b from this BVG forms part of the EPBC Act critically endangered listed
Littoral Rainforest and Coastal Vine Thickets of Eastern Australia.
Photo 65 Semievergreen vine thicket
with emergent
Brachychiton
rupestris and Cadellia
pentastylis, 11.10.8.
Carnarvon, BRB.
(VJ Neldner)
Page 58 of 238
Photo 66 Macropteranthes leichhardtii thicket on finegrained sedimentary rocks, 11.9.8. Expedition Range
SF, BRB.
(WJF McDonald)
Broad Vegetation Groups of Queensland
7b
Deciduous microphyll vine thickets on ranges and heavy clay alluvia in northern
bioregions
Pre-clearing area: 65,195 ha
Remnant 2013 area: 64,975 ha
(99.7% of pre-clearing)
Bioregions: CYP (99%), WET (1%)
Land zones: 3 (45%), 12 (37%), 11
(8%), 10 (7%), 7 (3%)
Mean annual rainfall range:
1200-2000 mm
Typical landforms: (1) Near drainage
lines on central CYP clay plains; (2)
Rocky granitic, metamorphic and
sandstone ranges
Typical soils: (1) Yellow and Brown
Dermosols, with some areas of Brown or
Grey Vertosols and Dermosolic
Oxyaquic Hydrosols. (2) Orthic or
Bleached-leptic Tenosols, sometimes
Brown Dermosols or Yellow Kandosols
Structural formation range:
Deciduous microphyll vine thicket to
semi-deciduous notophyll/microphyll vine
thicket
Photo 67 Deciduous notophyll /
microphyll vine thicket with emergent
Lagerstroemia archeriana and,
Eucalyptus microtheca, 3.3.38a.
Archer Bend NP, near the Archer and
Coen Rivers junction, CYP.
(VJ Neldner)
Floristic characteristics (CYP alluvial clays): The uneven canopy (5-10 m, rarely to 18 m
tall) is composed of a variety of deciduous species. Lagerstroemia archeriana, Strychnos
lucida, Diospyros hebecarpa, Croton arnhemicus, Larsenaikia ochreata and Memecylon
pauciflorum frequently occur at high densities. Lagerstroemia archeriana and Bombax ceiba
var. leiocarpum are frequently present as emergent trees up to 25 m tall. Eucalyptus
microtheca is a frequent emergent tree along the drainage lines. A mid-dense subcanopy layer
is sometimes present. Ixora timorensis, Gardenia scabrella, Strychnos lucida and Cleistanthus
Page 59 of 238
Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation
apodus usually dominate the sparse to mid-dense shrub layer (0.5-6 m tall). Vines are frequent
in both the shrub and tree layers. The ground layer is usually sparse, with Abutilon auritum,
Curcuma australasica and Oplismenus spp. providing the greatest cover.
Floristic characteristics (CYP rocky slopes and ranges): The uneven canopy (5-12 m tall)
is composed of a variety of species, most of which are deciduous in the dry season.
Cochlospermum gillivraei, Canarium australianum, Croton arnhemicus, Terminalia muelleri
and Acacia polystachya frequently dominate the mid-dense to dense canopy. Gyrocarpus
americanus and Bombax ceiba var. leiocarpum are frequently present as part of the canopy, or
as emergents (12-15 m tall). A sparse subcanopy layer (3-7 m tall) is sometimes present. The
sparse to mid-dense shrub layer (0.5-6 m tall) is frequently composed of Drypetes deplanchei,
Eugenia reinwardtiana, Ziziphus oenopolia, Memecylon pauciflorum, Cryptocarya exfoliata,
Diospyros compacta, Ixora timorensis, Miliusa traceyi, Tabernaemontana orientalis, Croton
arnhemicus, Gardenia scabrella, Millettia pinnata and Strychnos lucida. Vines are frequent in
both the shrub and tree layers. The ground layer is usually sparse, with graminoids Panicum
trichoides, Scleria mackaviensis, Ancistrachne uncinulata and Oplismenus burmannii making
up the majority of the cover.
Table 18 Five most extensive regional ecosystems included in Broad Vegetation Group 7b
RE
Description
Pre-clear
area (ha)
Remnant
2013 (ha)
%
remaining
Status
3.3.38a
Deciduous notophyll / microphyll vine thicket ±
Lagerstroemia archeriana on heavy clay
alluvium
25,498
25,423
100
OC
3.12.21a
Deciduous to semi-deciduous vine thicket to
forest on granite slopes
22,191
22,153
100
NC
3.11.8x2
Deciduous vine thicket on metamorphic slopes
4,116
4,115
100
NC
3.10.5a
Deciduous notophyll/microphyll vine thicket ±
Gyrocarpus americanus on sandstone hills
3,199
3,199
100
OC
3.3.39
Semi-deciduous microphyll vine forest ±
Melaleuca spp. associated with sinkholes
2,133
2,091
98
OC
Photo 68 Deciduous vine thicket, 3.12.21.
Mubuiag Island, CYP.
(DG Fell)
Photo 69 Semi-deciduous microphyll vine forest
with emergent Melaleuca clarksonii, Asteromyrtus
symphocarpa and M. viridiflora in swamp, 3.3.39.
25 km south of Batavia Downs, CYP.
(VJ Neldner)
Page 60 of 238
Broad Vegetation Groups of Queensland
8
Wet eucalypt tall open forests on uplands and alluvia
8a
Wet tall open forests dominated by species such as Eucalyptus grandis (flooded
gum) or E. saligna, E. resinifera (red mahogany), Lophostemon confertus (brush box),
Syncarpia glomulifera (turpentine), E. laevopinea (silvertop stringybark)
Pre-clearing area: 248,434 ha
Remnant 2013 area: 190,132 ha
(76.5% of pre-clearing)
Bioregions: SEQ (51%), WET (29%),
BRB (19%), CQC (2%), NET (minor)
Land zones: 12 (36%), 8 (18%), 10
(11%), 11 (11%), 3 (9%), 5 (6%), 9 (5%),
2 (4%)
Mean annual rainfall range: >1200 mm
Typical landforms: On uplands and
highlands on a range of geologies; some
on alluvial flats
Typical soils: Red Ferrosols and
Dermosols
Structural formation range:
Tall open forest to open forest, rarely
woodlands
Photo 70 Eucalyptus grandis tall open forest,
12.11.2. Mt Tamborine, SEQ.
(VJ Neldner)
Floristic characteristics: These tall (30-50 m) dense forests are generally dominated by
Eucalyptus grandis or E. saligna or E. resinifera, E. sphaerocarpa or Syncarpia glomulifera.
Corymbia intermedia, Lophostemon confertus and Eucalyptus microcorys may be present as
canopy or subcanopy trees. Allocasuarina torulosa is often present in a subcanopy layer, while
in some locations rainforest species such as Cryptocarya glaucescens and Endiandra discolor
may be present. The shrub layer is sparse with Alphitonia excelsa, Glochidion ferdinandi,
Neolitsea dealbata, Notelaea longifolia and Breynia oblongifolia frequently occurring. The
dense ground layer is usually dominated by the grasses Themeda triandra, Ottochloa
gracillima or Imperata cylindrica or the ferns Pteridium esculentum, Blechnum cartilagineum
and Calochlaena dubia. Entolasia stricta, Oplismenus aemulus, O. imbecillis, Digitaria
parviflora, Lepidosperma laterale, Ottochloa nodosa, Gahnia aspera, Microlaena stipoides and
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Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation
Scleria sphacelata are other frequent graminoids. Other frequent forbs are Eustrephus
latifolius, Dianella caerulea, Smilax australis, Desmodium rhytidophyllum, D. gunnii, Lomandra
longifolia, Cissus hypoglauca, Geitonoplesium cymosum, Hardenbergia violacea, Dioscorea
transversa and Cyanthillium cinereum.
Table 19 Five most extensive regional ecosystems included in Broad Vegetation Group 8a
RE
Description
Pre-clear
area (ha)
Remnant
2013 (ha)
%
remaining
Status
7.12.22a
Eucalyptus resinifera, E. acmenoides, Corymbia
intermedia, Syncarpia glomulifera tall open
forest on uplands and highlands
28,984
28,193
97
E
11.10.5
Eucalyptus sphaerocarpa ±E. mensalis, E.
saligna, tall open forest
26,881
26,863
100
NC
12.3.2
Eucalyptus grandis tall open forest on alluvial
plains
21,904
7,466
34
OC
12.11.2
Eucalyptus saligna or E. grandis, E. microcorys,
Lophostemon confertus tall open forest
19,969
13,585
68
NC
11.8.1
Eucalyptus laevopinea tall open forest on
Cainozoic igneous rocks. Elevated plateaus
15,783
15,782
100
NC
Photo 71
Eucalyptus oreades
tall open forest,
12.8.2. Springbrook
NP, SEQ.
(VJ Neldner)
Photo 73 Eucalyptus grandis open forest of wet
uplands, 8.12.4. Eungella, CQC.
(JE Kemp)
Page 62 of 238
Photo 72 Eucalyptus
sphaerocarpa tall
open forest, 11.10.5
Blackdown Tableland
NP, BRB.
(D Hopkins, QPWS)
Photo 74 Eucalyptus resinifera, Syncarpia glomulifera
tall open forest, 7.12.22a, Tumoulin SF, WET.
(E Collins, QPWS)
Broad Vegetation Groups of Queensland
8b
Moist open forests to tall open forests mostly dominated by Eucalyptus pilularis
(blackbutt) on coastal sands, sub-coastal sandstones and basalt ranges. Also includes
tall open forests dominated by E. montivaga, E. obliqua (messmate stringybark), E.
campanulata (New England ash) and Syncarpia hillii (turpentine)
Pre-clearing area: 153,998 ha
Remnant 2013 area: 93,754 ha
(60.9% of pre-clearing)
Bioregions: SEQ (99%), CQC (1%)
Land zones: 12 (30%), 9 (19%), 11
(18%), 2 (15%), 5 (10%), 8 (8%)
Mean annual rainfall range: >1000 mm
Typical landforms: Coastal hills and
ranges on a variety of substrates; also on
parabolic dunes
Typical soils: Aeric Podosols, Red and
Brown Dermosols, Red Ferrosols
Structural formation range:
Tall open forest to open forest, rarely
woodlands
Photo 75 Eucalyptus pilularis open forest,
12.2.8. Fraser Island, SEQ.
(VJ Neldner)
Floristic characteristics: Eucalyptus pilularis is the main dominant tree that defines this BVG.
Closely related E. montivaga and E. campanulata also dominate open forests. E. cloeziana, E.
obliqua and Syncarpia hillii also can dominate smaller areas in this BVG. The canopy trees can
reach up to 50 m tall. Corymbia intermedia, E. microcorys, E. acmenoides and E. racemosa
are often present as sub-dominant trees. Allocasuarina torulosa and Lophostemon confertus
are often present in subcanopy tree layer. Additional species that may occur in the shrub / low
tree layer are Monotoca sp. (Fraser Island P.Baxter 777), Acacia disparrima, A. maidenii,
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Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation
Alphitonia excelsa and Breynia oblongifolia. The ground layer is frequently dominated by the
grasses Imperata cylindrica, Themeda triandra or Ottochloa nodosa or the ferns Calochlaena
dubia and Blechnum cartilagineum. Other frequent graminoids are Entolasia stricta,
Lepidosperma laterale, Digitaria parviflora, Panicum effusum, Cymbopogon refractus and
Oplismenus aemulus. Additional frequent forbs are Pteridium esculentum, Dianella caerulea,
Eustrephus latifolius, Lomandra longifolia, Desmodium rhytidophyllum, Cyanthillium cinereum,
Hardenbergia violacea, Goodenia rotundifolia, Desmodium gunnii and Smilax australis.
Table 20 Five most extensive regional ecosystems included in Broad Vegetation Group 8b
RE
Description
Pre-clear
area (ha)
Remnant
2013 (ha)
%
remaining
Status
12.12.2
Eucalyptus pilularis tall open forest on Mesozoic
to Proterozoic igneous rocks especially granite
32,628
21,836
67
NC
12.2.8
Eucalyptus pilularis open forest on parabolic
high dunes
22,380
21,585
96
NC
12.9-10.14
Eucalyptus pilularis tall open forest on
sedimentary rocks
20,316
8,664
43
NC
12.11.16
Eucalyptus cloeziana open forest on
metamorphics ± interbedded volcanics
17,913
3,931
22
E
12.5.6c
Eucalyptus pilularis open forest on remnant
Tertiary surfaces. Usually deep red soils
15,420
5,569
36
E
Photo 76 Eucalyptus pilularis tall open forest,
12.12.2. Mapleton NP, SEQ.
(RE Niehus)
Page 64 of 238
Photo 77 Syncarpia hillii, Lophostemon confertus
tall open to closed forest on parabolic high dunes,
12.2.4. Central Station, Fraser Island, SEQ.
(VJ Neldner)
Broad Vegetation Groups of Queensland
9
Moist to dry eucalypt open forests to woodlands
usually on coastal lowlands and ranges
9a
Moist eucalypt open forests to woodlands dominated by a variety of species
including Eucalyptus siderophloia (red ironbark), E. propinqua (small-fruited grey gum),
E. acmenoides (narrow-leaved white stringybark), E. microcorys (tallowwood), E. carnea
(broad-leaved white mahogany), E. tindaliae (Queensland white stringybark), Corymbia
intermedia (pink bloodwood), Lophostemon confertus (brush box)
Pre-clearing area: 281,900 ha
Remnant 2013 area: 178,689 ha
(63.4% of pre-clearing)
Bioregions: SEQ (99%), BRB (1%)
Land zones: 11 (56%), 12 (26%), 9-10
(11%), 5 (6%), 8 (minor)
Mean annual rainfall range:
1000-2000 mm
Typical landforms: Flat to gently
undulating lowlands through to ranges
on metamorphic, sedimentary and
igneous rocks
Typical soils: Red, Yellow and Brown
Dermosols and Kandosols
Structural formation range:
Open forests to woodlands
Photo 78 Eucalyptus biturbinata, E.
acmenoides, Corymbia intermedia, E.
siderophloia and Lophostemon confertus open
forest, 12.11.3. Mt Glorious Rd, Brisbane
Forest Park, SEQ.
(TS Ryan)
Floristic characteristics: These open forests to woodlands are characterised by having a
number (typically 4-8) of eucalypt species making up the canopy at any site. The most frequent
canopy species are Corymbia intermedia, Eucalyptus siderophloia, E. propinqua, E.
microcorys, E. acmenoides, E. carnea, E. tereticornis, E. crebra, E. racemosa subsp.
Page 65 of 238
Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation
racemosa, C. trachyphloia subsp. trachyphloia and E. biturbinata. A range of other eucalypts
may occur. Lophostemon confertus and Angophora leiocarpa may be present in the canopy or
subcanopy. The sparse subcanopy frequently also contains Allocasuarina torulosa or A.
littoralis and Acacia disparrima subsp. disparrima. The sparse shrub layer frequently contains
Alphitonia excelsa, Breynia oblongifolia, Acacia maidenii, A. leiocalyx, A. melanoxylon, A.
irrorata, A. concurrens Jacksonia scoparia, Wikstroemia indica, Psychotria daphnoides,
Denhamia silvestris, Exocarpos cupressiformis, Leucopogon juniperinus and Acrotriche
aggregata. The ground layer is usually mid-dense and dominated by Imperata cylindrica,
Themeda triandra, Entolasia stricta, Eremochloa bimaculata and Ottochloa gracillima. Other
frequent graminoids are Cymbopogon refractus, Digitaria parviflora, Lepidosperma laterale,
Panicum effusum, Oplismenus aemulus, Alloteropsis semialata, Poa labillardierei, Cyperus
laevis, Microlaena stipoides and Paspalidium distans. Frequent forbs are Desmodium
rhytidophyllum, D. gunnii, Cyanthillium cinereum, Eustrephus latifolius, Lobelia purpurascens,
Lomandra longifolia, Glycine clandestina, Hardenbergia violacea, Goodenia rotundifolia,
Dianella caerulea, Plectranthus parviflorus, Clematicissus opaca, Hybanthus stellarioides and
Smilax australis.
Table 21 Five most extensive regional ecosystems included in Broad Vegetation Group 9a
RE
Description
Pre-clear
area (ha)
Remnant
2013 (ha)
%
remaining
Status
12.11.3
Eucalyptus siderophloia, E. propinqua ± E.
microcorys, Lophostemon confertus, Corymbia
intermedia, E. acmenoides open forest on
metamorphics ± interbedded volcanics
141,937
95,910
68
NC
12.12.15
Corymbia intermedia ± Eucalyptus propinqua, E.
siderophloia, E. microcorys, Lophostemon
confertus open forest on Mesozoic to
Proterozoic igneous rocks
73,354
54,331
74
NC
12.9-10.17
Eucalyptus acmenoides, E. major, E.
siderophloia ± Corymbia citriodora subsp.
variegata woodland on sedimentary rocks
21,675
9,219
43
NC
12.11.3a
Lophostemon confertus ± Eucalyptus
microcorys, E. carnea, E. propinqua, E. major,
E. siderophloia woodland on metamorphics ±
interbedded volcanics
17,321
10,112
58
NC
12.5.6b
Eucalyptus siderophloia, E. propinqua open
forest +/- Corymbia intermedia, E. microcorys,
E. acmenoides, E. tereticornis, E. biturbinata, E.
pilularis, Lophostemon confertus
12,386
1,531
12
E
Photo 79 Eucalyptus carnea with Corymbia
citriodora subsp. variegata, Eucalyptus crebra and
E. major open forest,12.9-10.17c. Karawatha
Forest Park, SEQ.
(VJ Neldner)
Page 66 of 238
Broad Vegetation Groups of Queensland
Photo 80 Corymbia intermedia, Eucalyptus siderophloia,
E. microcorys, Lophostemon confertus open forest with
understorey of Allocasuarina torulosa on andesite,
12.12.15. Bellthorpe NP, Woodford, SEQ.
(TS Ryan)
Photo 81 Corymbia trachyphloia and Eucalyptus
acmenoides open forest with shrub layer of Acacia
complanata and Xanthorrhoea johnsonii. The ground
layer is dominated by Entolasia stricta, 12.9-10.21. Cania
Gorge NP, SEQ.
(TS Ryan)
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Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation
9b
Moist to dry woodlands dominated by Eucalyptus platyphylla (poplar gum)
and/or E. leptophleba (Molloy red box). Other frequent tree species include Corymbia
clarksoniana (grey bloodwood), E. drepanophylla (grey ironbark) and occasionally E.
chlorophylla
Pre-clearing area: 570,607 ha
Remnant 2013 area: 461,096 ha
(80.8% of pre-clearing)
Bioregions: CYP (31%), CQC (22%),
BRB (22%), WET (15%), EIU (9%)
Land zones: 12 (54%), 11 (26%), 3
(13%), 10 (4%), 5 (3%)
Mean annual rainfall range:
>1200 mm
Typical landforms: (1) On coastal low
hills and foothills on metamorphic,
igneous and rarely sandstone rocks;
(2) on alluvial plains and coastal plains
Typical soils: (1) Yellow Dermosols or
Brown Kandosols
(2) Redoxic Hydrosols
Structural formation range:
Woodland to open woodland
Photo 82 Eucalyptus platyphylla, E.
leptophleba open woodland, 9.5.9b. North
of Mareeba, EIU.
(VJ Neldner)
Floristic characteristics: (1) Eucalyptus leptophleba or E. platyphylla usually dominate in
different communities, although they sometimes occur together. Corymbia clarksoniana and C.
dallachiana are frequent co-dominants that may occur with either species of eucalyptus. The
ironbarks E. crebra, E. drepanophylla or E. cullenii tend to be codominant in E. platyphylla
communities. C. tessellaris and Erythrophleum chlorostachys are frequently also present. E.
chlorophylla dominates woodlands on sandstone and some metamorphic situations. Melaleuca
viridiflora may sometimes be present in the very sparse subcanopy. Shrubs are very sparse
with Planchonia careya, Flueggea virosa subsp. melanthesoides, Acacia leptocarpa, Ficus
opposita, Alphitonia pomaderroides, Canarium australianum and Grevillea parallela being the
most frequent additional species. The mid-dense ground layer is dominated by the grasses
Page 68 of 238
Broad Vegetation Groups of Queensland
Themeda triandra, Heteropogon contortus, H. triticeus, Mnesithea rottboellioides, Sarga
plumosum and Capillipedium parviflorum. Frequent forbs include Flemingia parviflora,
Cyanthillium cinereum, Phyllanthus virgatus, Crotalaria montana, C. calycina, C. medicaginea,
Wollastonia biflora, Chamaecrista mimosoides, Desmodium rhytidophyllum, Thecanthes
cornucopiae, Blumea saxatilis, Galactia muelleri, Grewia retusifolia, Ipomoea eriocarpa,
Pycnospora lutescens and Spermacoce brachystema.
(2) The vegetation on the alluvial and coastal plains is very similar to (1). Corymbia
clarksoniana and C. tessellaris are frequent co-dominants, however the ironbarks are generally
not present. Lophostemon suaveolens may be a frequent subcanopy tree. The ground and
shrub layers are very similar to (1).
Table 22 Five most extensive regional ecosystems included in Broad Vegetation Group 9b
RE
Description
Pre-clear
area (ha)
Remnant
2013 (ha)
%
remaining
Status
11.12.9
Eucalyptus platyphylla woodland on igneous
rocks
111,518
95,850
86
NC
8.12.6a
Eucalyptus drepanophylla and E. platyphylla
woodland on low hills and foothills on Mesozoic
to Proterozoic igneous rocks (subregions 2, 3
and 6)
64,487
45,133
70
NC
8.12.20a
Eucalyptus drepanophylla and/or E. platyphylla
woodland on low gently undulating landscapes
(grading into land zone 3 or 5) on Mesozoic to
Proterozoic igneous rocks (subregions 2 and 6)
42,487
16,750
39
OC
3.12.17a
Eucalyptus leptophleba and Corymbia
dallachiana open woodland on igneous hills and
ranges
36,668
36,432
99
NC
9.11.7a
Eucalyptus platyphylla and/or E. cullenii ±
Corymbia clarksoniana woodland on texture
contrast soils on metamorphic hills
34,522
32,716
95
NC
Photo 83 Eucalyptus drepanophylla and E. platyphylla
open forest with Planchonia careya and Vachellia bidwillii
shrubs, and Mnesithea rottboellioides and Heteropogon
contortus grasses, 8.12.6a. Near Bloomsbury township,
CQC. (JE Kemp)
Photo 84 Eucalyptus platyphylla open woodland
with scattered Corymbia clarksoniana on slopes
of steep hill, 9.11.7a. 20 km NNW of Mareeba on
Big Mitchell Reserve, EIU.
(MR Newton)
Page 69 of 238
Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation
9c
Open forests of Corymbia clarksoniana (grey bloodwood) (or C. intermedia (pink
bloodwood) or C. novoguinensis), C. tessellaris (carbeen) ± Eucalyptus tereticornis
(blue gum) predominantly on coastal ranges. Other frequent tree species include
Eucalyptus drepanophylla (grey ironbark), E. pellita (large-fruited red mahogany), E.
brassiana (Cape York red gum) and Lophostemon suaveolens (swamp box)
Pre-clearing area: 384,370 ha
Remnant 2013 area: 333,642 ha
(86.8% of pre-clearing)
Bioregions: WET (53%), CQC (27%),
CYP (14%), BRB (3%), SEQ (minor)
Land zones: 12 (76%), 11 (18%), 8 (4%),
5 (2%)
Mean annual rainfall range: >1200 mm
Typical landforms: Coastal hills and
ranges
Typical soils: Yellow Kandosols, or
Yellow Dermosols
Structural formation range:
Open forest to woodlands
Photo 85 Corymbia tessellaris and scattered
Corymbia clarksoniana open forest over
rainforest and Acacia spp. in the subcanopy,
7.11.34. Near Cooktown, CYP.
(VJ Neldner)
Floristic characteristics: The mid-dense canopy may be dominated by the bloodwoods
Corymbia intermedia, C. clarksoniana, C. novoguinensis or Corymbia tessellaris, or Eucalyptus
tereticornis and E. drepanophylla. Lophostemon suaveolens and Allocasuarina torulosa are
also often present in the canopy or a subcanopy. E. portuensis, E. platyphylla or E. brassiana
may sometime form part of the canopy. Additional subcanopy tree species frequently present
include Acacia crassicarpa, Planchonia careya, Parinari nonda, Melaleuca viridiflora and
Allocasuarina littoralis. These species may form a sparse shrub layer together with Ficus
opposita, Acacia flavescens, A. leptocarpa, Alphitonia pomaderroides, Antidesma
ghaesembilla, Breynia cernua, Coelospermum reticulatum, Cupaniopsis anacardioides,
Page 70 of 238
Broad Vegetation Groups of Queensland
Exocarpos latifolius, Flueggea virosa subsp. melanthesoides, Glochidion lobocarpum, Mallotus
philippensis, Persoonia falcata and Petalostigma pubescens. The mid-dense ground layer is
dominated by Themeda triandra, Heteropogon triticeus, H. contortus, Imperata cylindrica or
Mnesithea rottboellioides. Other frequent graminoids include Sorghum nitidum forma
aristatum, Scleria brownii, S. mackaviensis, Oplismenus burmannii, Paspalidium distans,
Alloteropsis semialata and Sarga plumosum. Frequent forbs are Flemingia parviflora, Dianella
caerulea, Cyanthillium cinereum, Lomandra longifolia, Desmodium rhytidophyllum, Eustrephus
latifolius, Phyllanthus virgatus, Crotalaria montana, Breynia oblongifolia, Pycnospora
lutescens, Aristolochia pubera and Brunoniella australis.
Table 23 Five most extensive regional ecosystems included in Broad Vegetation Group 9c
RE
Description
Pre-clear
area (ha)
Remnant
2013 (ha)
%
remaining
Status
7.12.29a
Corymbia intermedia, Eucalyptus tereticornis, E.
drepanophylla open forest to woodland with
Allocasuarina spp., Lophostemon suaveolens,
Acacia cincinnata, A. flavescens, Banksia
aquilonia and Xanthorrhoea johnsonii on
uplands, on granite and rhyolite
50,113
49,184
98
NC
7.12.29b
Corymbia intermedia, Allocasuarina torulosa,
Lophostemon suaveolens open forest and
woodland, on uplands, on granite and rhyolite
36,421
36,026
99
NC
8.12.9
Eucalyptus tereticornis ± Corymbia intermedia ±
Lophostemon suaveolens woodland on
undulating uplands, on Mesozoic to Proterozoic
igneous rocks
30,227
20,278
67
OC
8.12.32
Corymbia intermedia ± E. portuensis ±E. exserta
open forest to woodland with areas of
Allocasuarina spp. ± Banksia integrifolia open
forest on high ranges, on Mesozoic to
Proterozoic igneous rocks
29,116
27,971
96
NC
7.12.61a
Eucalyptus tereticornis open forest to tall open
forest and woodland ± Corymbia intermedia, E.
drepanophylla, Lophostemon suaveolens and
Allocasuarina torulosa, on foothills and uplands
on granite and rhyolite
25,150
24,433
97
OC
Photo 86 Eucalytpus tereticornis open forest with
occasional Corymbia intermedia over a grassy ground
stratum, 8.12.9. Near Crediton township, CQC.
(JE Kemp)
Photo 87 Corymbia intermedia and
Lophostemon suaveolens woodland. 8.11.3c.
Shoalwater Bay Training Area, CQC.
(D Moore)
Page 71 of 238
Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation
9d
Moist to dry open forests to woodlands dominated by Eucalyptus portuensis,
Corymbia intermedia (pink bloodwood), E. drepanophylla, E. resinifera or E. reducta +/Syncarpia glomulifera (turpentine) or E. cloeziana (Gympie messmate) on ranges. Also
includes mixed forests with E. pellita or C. torelliana (cadaghi) emergents and rainforest
understories
Pre-clearing area: 597,114 ha
Remnant 2013 area: 534,237 ha
(89.5% of pre-clearing)
Bioregions: WET (44%), CQC (37%),
EIU (22%)
Land zones: 12 (78%), 11 (14%), 3
(4%), 5 (2%), 9 (1%), 8 (1%)
Mean annual rainfall range: >1200 mm
Typical landforms: On foothills and
coastal ranges on granitic and
metamorphic rocks
Typical soils: Yellow Dermosols or
Kandosols
Structural formation range:
Open forest to woodlands
Photo 88 Corymbia citriodora,
Eucalyptus reducta and E. crebra
woodland on slopes of low granite hill,
9.12.2, near Ravenshoe, EIU.
(MR Newton)
Floristic characteristics: Eucalyptus portuensis and Corymbia intermedia are the most
frequent dominant trees. Some open forests are dominated by E. drepanophylla, E. resinifera,
E. pellita, Syncarpia glomulifera or E. cloeziana. E. tereticornis, E. crebra, E. granitica and C.
citriodora are frequently present as codominant trees. Lophostemon confertus, L. suaveolens
and Allocasuarina torulosa are often present as subcanopy trees. Acacia flavescens, Cycas
media subsp. media, Persoonia falcata, Planchonia careya, Xanthorrhoea johnsonii, Alphitonia
excelsa, Ficus opposita, Acacia leptocarpa, Grevillea parallela and Mallotus philippensis are
Page 72 of 238
Broad Vegetation Groups of Queensland
frequent in the shrub/ low tree layer. The dense ground layer is dominated by Themeda
triandra, Heteropogon triticeus, H. contortus, Imperata cylindrica or Mnesithea rottboellioides.
Other frequent graminoids include Scleria brownii, Eragrostis brownii, Oplismenus burmannii,
Entolasia stricta, Paspalidium distans, Eremochloa bimaculata, Fimbristylis dichotoma,
Abildgaardia ovata, Arundinella setosa, Chrysopogon fallax and Sarga plumosum. Frequent
forbs are Flemingia parviflora, Dianella caerulea, Cyanthillium cinereum, Lomandra longifolia,
Desmodium rhytidophyllum, Eustrephus latifolius, Phyllanthus virgatus, Crotalaria montana,
Glycine cyrtoloba and Brunoniella australis.
Table 24 Five most extensive regional ecosystems included in Broad Vegetation Group 9d
RE
Description
Pre-clear
area (ha)
Remnant
2013 (ha)
%
remaining
Status
9.12.2
Eucalyptus portuensis, Corymbia citriodora, E.
granitica or E. crebra, C. intermedia or C.
clarksoniana mixed woodland on steep hills and
ranges on igneous hills
116,817
115,206
99
NC
8.12.12a
Corymbia intermedia and/or Eucalyptus
platyphylla ± E. drepanophylla ± E. tereticornis ±
C. tessellaris ± E. portuensis open forest, on
foothills and uplands
110,888
78,870
71
NC
7.12.34
Eucalyptus portuensis and/or E. drepanophylla,
± C. intermedia ± C. citriodora, ± E. granitica
open woodland to open forest, on uplands on
granite
52,283
50,647
97
NC
8.12.5b
Eucalyptus portuensis and/or E. exserta and/or
Corymbia trachyphloia and/or E. fibrosa ± C.
intermedia open forest
26,610
24,866
93
NC
8.12.31a
Eucalyptus resinifera and/or E. portuensis
and/or E. acmenoides open forest on high, moist
upper slopes of ranges
25,288
24,848
98
NC
Photo 89 Eucalyptus drepanophylla, Corymbia intermedia,
and Eucalyptus platyphylla open forest with Cycas media
subsp. media and Mnesithea rottboellioides grass,
8.12.12a. Cathu SF, CQC.
(JE Kemp)
Photo 90 Eucalyptus resinifera, Corymbia
intermedia and Eucalyptus portuensis open forest
over a subcanopy tree layer of Lophostemon
confertus. 8.12.31a. Near Crediton SF, CQC.
(JE Kemp)
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Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation
9e
Open forests, woodlands and open woodlands dominated by Corymbia
clarksoniana (grey bloodwood) (or C. novoguinensis or C. intermedia (pink bloodwood)
or C. polycarpa (long-fruited bloodwood)) frequently with Erythrophleum chlorostachys
(red ironwood) or Eucalyptus platyphylla (poplar gum) predominantly on coastal
sandplains and alluvia
Pre-clearing area: 1,696,578ha
Remnant 2013 area: 1,132,838 ha
(66.8% of pre-clearing)
Bioregions: CYP (38%), BRB (32%),
CQC (15%), WET (8%), EIU (5%)
Land zones: 3 (70%), 5 (27%), 2 (3%)
Mean annual rainfall range:
>1200 mm in most coastal locations;
down to 600 mm inland
Typical landforms: Alluvial and
erosional plains; dunefields
Typical soils: Redoxic Hydrosols,
Yellow Dermosols
Structural formation range:
Open forests, woodlands and open
woodlands
Photo 91 Eucalyptus platyphylla,
Lophostemon suaveolens and Corymbia
clarksoniana woodland on alluvial plains,
8.3.5. CQC.
(JE Kemp)
Floristic characteristics: The mid-dense canopy is either dominated by bloodwoods; most
frequently Corymbia clarksoniana, (or C. intermedia, C. novoguinensis, or C. polycarpa) and/
or C. tessellaris, or Eucalyptus platyphylla or less frequently E. tereticornis. Lophostemon
suaveolens and Erythrophleum chlorostachys are sometimes codominant trees. Melaleuca
viridiflora, M. nervosa, Planchonia careya, Grevillea glauca, Parinari nonda, Acacia flavescens,
A. crassicarpa, Alphitonia pomaderroides and Banksia integrifolia subsp. compar are
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Broad Vegetation Groups of Queensland
frequently present in a sparse low tree layer. Additional species that may be present on the
sparse shrub layer are Coelospermum reticulatum, Petalostigma pubescens, Acacia
leptocarpa, Lithomyrtus obtusa, Ficus opposita, Antidesma ghaesembilla and Cupaniopsis
anacardioides. The mid-dense ground layer is dominated by Themeda triandra, Heteropogon
triticeus, H. contortus, or Imperata cylindrica. Other frequent graminoids are Sarga plumosum,
Alloteropsis semialata, Eremochloa bimaculata, Mnesithea rottboellioides, Schizachyrium
fragile and Fimbristylis dichotoma. Frequent forbs include Flemingia parviflora, Dianella
caerulea, Phyllanthus virgatus, Cyanthillium cinereum, Crotalaria montana, Blumea saxatilis,
Eustrephus latifolius, Lomandra longifolia, Glycine tomentella and Spermacoce brachystema.
Table 25 Five most extensive regional ecosystems included in Broad Vegetation Group 9e
RE
Description
Pre-clear
area (ha)
Remnant
2013 (ha)
%
remaining
Status
8.3.5
Eucalyptus platyphylla and/or Lophostemon
suaveolens and/or Corymbia clarksoniana
woodland on alluvial plains
153,982
21,282
14
E
11.3.35
Eucalyptus platyphylla, Corymbia clarksoniana
woodland on alluvial plains
152,367
95,514
63
NC
11.3.9
Eucalyptus platyphylla, Corymbia spp. woodland
on alluvial plains
144,544
63,674
44
NC
3.5.22x2
Corymbia clarksoniana woodland on erosional
plains
139,308
138,709
100
NC
11.3.7
Corymbia spp. woodland on alluvial plains
137,980
61,826
45
OC
Photo 92 Eucalyptus platyphylla woodland on level
plain. 11.3.9. Shoalwater Bay Training Area, BBN
(AL Kelly)
Photo 93 Corymbia clarksoniana woodland, 3.5.22x2.
Moreton Telegraph Station, CYP.
(MR Newton)
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Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation
9f
Woodlands dominated by Corymbia spp. e.g. C. intermedia (pink bloodwood), C.
tessellaris (Moreton Bay ash) and/or Eucalyptus spp. such as E. tereticornis (blue gum),
frequently with Banksia spp., Acacia spp. and Callitris columellaris (Bribie Island pine)
on coastal dunes and beach ridges
Pre-clearing area: 43,662 ha
Remnant 2013 area: 31,237 ha
(71.5% of pre-clearing)
Bioregions: SEQ (100%)
Land zones: 2 (100%)
Mean annual rainfall range: 1200-2000
mm
Typical landforms: (1) Coastal dunes,
and sandplains; (2) beach ridges
Typical soils: Bleached Orthic Tenosols,
Aeric Podosols
Structural formation range:
Open forests to woodlands
Photo 94 Corymbia tessellaris, Eucalyptus
tereticornis, C. intermedia and Lopostemon
suaveolens woodland in swales, 12.2.11.
Burrum Heads, SEQ.
(TS Ryan)
Floristic characteristics: Corymbia tessellaris or C. intermedia dominate the sparse canopy
on the beach ridges frequently with Eucalyptus tereticornis, Lophostemon suaveolens, L.
confertus, Callitris columellaris and/or Melaleuca dealbata. Acacia disparrima subsp.
disparrima, A. leiocalyx, Banksia integrifolia and Livistona decora may be present in the
subcanopy layer. The sparse shrub layer frequently is composed of Persoonia virgata, P.
stradbrokensis, Monotoca sp. (Fraser Island P.Baxter 777), Leucopogon margarodes, L.
pimeleoides, Leptomeria acida and Styphelia viridis. Graminoids frequently in the mid-dense
ground layer include Themeda triandra, Eriachne pallescens, Caustis recurvata, C. blakei,
Imperata cylindrica, Lepidosperma laterale and Entolasia stricta. Frequent forbs include
Page 76 of 238
Broad Vegetation Groups of Queensland
Pteridium esculentum, Lomandra longifolia, L. multiflora, Platysace ericoides and Dianella
caerulea.
Table 26 The two regional ecosystems included in Broad Vegetation Group 9f
RE
Description
Pre-clear
area (ha)
Remnant
2013 (ha)
%
remaining
Status
12.2.11
Corymbia tessellaris ± Eucalyptus tereticornis,
C. intermedia and Livistona decora woodland on
beach ridges in northern half of bioregion
27,685
20,631
75
NC
12.2.5
Corymbia intermedia ± Lophostemon confertus
± Banksia spp. ± Callitris columellaris open
forest on beach ridges usually in southern half of
bioregion
15,977
10,606
66
OC
Photo 95 Corymbia intermedia, Lophostemon
confertus open forest on sand, 12.2.5. Woorim, SEQ.
(TS Ryan)
Photo 96 Corymbia intermedia and Lophostemon
confertus open forest on beach ridges. 12.2.5. Cooloola
NP, SEQ. (TS Ryan)
Photo 97 Corymbia intermedia, Lophostemon confertus
and Banksia integrifolia subsp. integrifolia open forest,
12.2.5. Noosa Headland, Noosa NP, SEQ.
(VJ Neldner)
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Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation
9g
Moist to dry woodlands to open forests dominated by stringybarks or
mahoganies such as Eucalyptus tindaliae (Queensland white stringybark), E.
latisinensis (white mahogany), E. acmenoides (narrow-leaved white stringybark); or E.
racemosa (scribbly gum) or E. seeana or E. tereticornis (blue gum) and Corymbia
intermedia (pink bloodwood)
Pre-clearing area: 838,317 ha
Remnant 2013 area: 325,581 ha
(38.8% of pre-clearing)
Bioregions: SEQ (100%)
Land zones: 5 (44%), 12 (32%), 9-10
(9%), 2 (9%), 11 (6%), 8, 3 (minor)
Mean annual rainfall range:
1000-2000 mm
Typical landforms: Coastal remnant
Tertiary surfaces and dunes
Typical soils: Red Kandosols and Red
Dermosols, and Aeric Podosols or
Tenosols
Structural formation range:
Woodland to open woodland
Photo 98 Corymbia trachyphloia subsp.
trachyphloia, Eucalyptus latisinensis and
Eucalyptus exserta woodland, 12.5.4.
Vernon Conservation Park, SEQ.
(MJ Laidlaw)
Floristic characteristics (SEQ remnant surfaces): Corymbia intermedia, C. trachyphloia
subsp. trachyphloia, Eucalyptus latisinensis, E. exserta and Angophora leiocarpa codominate
the mid-dense canopy. Eucalyptus racemosa dominates in some areas or maybe a codominant or absent in other areas. Melaleuca viridiflora var. viridiflora, Lophostemon
suaveolens and L. confertus are frequent in the very sparse subcanopy. The shrub layer is
very sparse with Acacia leiocalyx, A. disparrima subsp. disparrima, A. flavescens,
Allocasuarina littoralis, Grevillea banksii, Alphitonia excelsa, Banksia integrifolia subsp. compar
and Jacksonia scoparia frequent species. The mid-dense ground layer is dominated by
Themeda triandra, Eremochloa bimaculata, Entolasia stricta, Digitaria parviflora, Imperata
Page 78 of 238
Broad Vegetation Groups of Queensland
cylindrica, Lepidosperma laterale var. laterale, Paspalidium distans, Panicum effusum,
Alloteropsis semialata, Aristida queenslandica, A. warburgii, Eriachne pallescens and
Eragrostis brownii. Frequent forbs are Xanthorrhoea johnsonii, X. latifolia, Dianella longifolia,
Pteridium esculentum, Lobelia purpurascens, Goodenia rotundifolia, Gompholobium pinnatum,
Desmodium rhytidophyllum, Velleia spathulata, Cyanthillium cinereum, Lomandra multiflora
and Patersonia sericea.
Floristic characteristics (SEQ coastal dunes): Eucalyptus racemosa subsp. racemosa
dominates the mid-dense canopy on the coastal dunes. Corymbia intermedia or C. gummifera,
E. pilularis and Angophora leiocarpa are frequent codominant trees. Banksia aemula,
Allocasuarina torulosa, Leptospermum trinervium and Lophostemon confertus are often
present in the very sparse subcanopy. The sparse shrub layer frequently is composed of
Persoonia virgata, P. stradbrokensis, Monotoca sp. (Fraser Island P.Baxter 777), Leucopogon
margarodes, L. pimeleoides, Leptomeria acida and Styphelia viridis. Graminoids frequently in
the mid-dense ground layer which is often dominated by Xanthorrhoea johnsonii include
Themeda triandra, Eriachne pallescens, Caustis recurvata, C. blakei, Imperata cylindrica,
Lepidosperma laterale and Entolasia stricta. Frequent forbs include Pteridium esculentum,
Lomandra longifolia, L. multiflora, Platysace ericoides and Dianella caerulea.
Table 27 Five most extensive regional ecosystems included in Broad Vegetation Group 9g
RE
Description
Pre-clear
area (ha)
Remnant
2013 (ha)
%
remaining
Status
12.12.12
Eucalyptus tereticornis, Corymbia intermedia, E.
crebra ± Lophostemon suaveolens woodland on
Mesozoic to Proterozoic igneous rocks
233,777
50,887
22
OC
12.5.4
Eucalyptus latisinensis ± Corymbia intermedia, C.
trachyphloia subsp. trachyphloia, Angophora
leiocarpa, Eucalyptus exserta woodland on
complex of remnant Tertiary surfaces; Cainozoic
and Mesozoic sediments
194,320
95,031
49
NC
12.2.6
Eucalyptus racemosa subsp. racemosa open
forest on dunes and sand plains. Usually deeply
leached soils
73,626
69,492
94
NC
12.5.12
Eucalyptus racemosa, E. latisinensis ± Corymbia
gummifera, C. intermedia, E. bancroftii woodland
with heathy understorey on remnant Tertiary
surfaces
56,082
15,826
28
OC
12.9-10.4
Eucalyptus racemosa subsp. racemosa woodland
on sedimentary rocks
53,518
19,753
37
NC
Photo 99 Eucalyptus racemosa woodland, 12.2.6.
Fraser Island, SEQ. (VJ Neldner)
Photo 100 Eucalyptus racemosa woodland, 12.9-10.4
Karawatha Forest Park, SEQ. (VJ Neldner)
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Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation
9h
Dry woodlands dominated by species such as Eucalyptus acmenoides (narrowleaved white stringybark) (or E. portuensis or E. helidonica), E. tereticornis (blue gum),
Angophora leiocarpa (rusty gum), Corymbia trachyphloia (yellow bloodwood) or C.
intermedia (pink bloodwood), and often ironbarks including E. crebra (narrow-leaved
red ironbark) or E. fibrosa (dusky-leaved ironbark). A heathy shrub layer is frequently
present. On undulating to hilly terrain
Pre-clearing area: 325,063 ha
Remnant 2013 area: 230,542 ha
(70.9% of pre-clearing)
Bioregions: SEQ (91%), BRB (9%)
Land zones: 12 (53%), 9-10 (25%),
11 (17%), 8 (3%), 5 (2%)
Mean annual rainfall range:
800-2000 mm
Typical landforms: On undulating
foothills to hills and ranges on igneous
or metamorphic rocks often with interbedded volcanics
Typical soils: Red Dermosols and
Kandosols
Structural formation range:
Woodlands to open forests
Photo 101 Eucalyptus exserta, E. crebra,
Angophora leiocarpa and Corymbia clarksoniana
open forest on granite, 12.12.21. North of Middle
Creek Campground Road, SEQ.
(TS Ryan)
Floristic characteristics: Eucalyptus tereticornis, together with Corymbia intermedia and E.
crebra, dominate the sparse canopy in some situations. Eucalyptus acmenoides or E.
portuensis and C. trachyphloia subsp. trachyphloia dominate elsewhere. Other canopy species
that may be present include E. exserta, E. fibrosa subsp. fibrosa, Angophora leiocarpa and
Corymbia citriodora subsp. variegata. Lophostemon suaveolens or L. confertus trees may form
a very sparse subcanopy. The shrub layer is generally very sparse with Acacia disparrima
subsp. disparrima, Jacksonia scoparia, Acacia leiocalyx and Alphitonia excelsa the most
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Broad Vegetation Groups of Queensland
frequent species. The mid-dense ground layer is dominated by the graminoids Themeda
triandra, Cymbopogon refractus, Eremochloa bimaculata, Entolasia stricta, Lepidosperma
laterale, Scleria brownii, Arundinella nepalensis, Panicum effusum, Aristida queenslandica var.
dissimilis, A. spuria, Digitaria parviflora, Chrysopogon fallax, Imperata cylindrica and
Paspalidium gausum. Frequent forbs include Desmodium rhytidophyllum, Cyanthillium
cinereum, Dianella caerulea, Hardenbergia violacea, Eustrephus latifolius, Phyllanthus
virgatus, Crotalaria montana, Lomandra confertifolia subsp. pallida, Hybanthus stellarioides,
Breynia oblongifolia and Cheilanthes sieberi.
Table 28 Five most extensive regional ecosystems included in Broad Vegetation Group 9h
RE
Description
Pre-clear
area (ha)
Remnant
2013 (ha)
%
remaining
Status
12.12.11
Eucalyptus portuensis or E. acmenoides,
Corymbia trachyphloia subsp. trachyphloia
woodland on Mesozoic to Proterozoic igneous
rocks
62,514
54,561
87
NC
12.12.24
Angophora leiocarpa, Eucalyptus crebra
woodland on Mesozoic to Proterozoic igneous
rocks
52,228
18,879
36
OC
12.9-10.21
Eucalyptus acmenoides or E. portuensis
woodland usually with Corymbia trachyphloia
subsp. trachyphloia on Cainozoic to Proterozoic
sediments
37,592
31,825
85
NC
12.11.22
Angophora leiocarpa, Eucalyptus crebra
woodland on metamorphics ± interbedded
volcanics
23,636
13,302
56
NC
12.9-10.5a
Eucalyptus helidonica, Corymbia citriodora
subsp. variegata ± C. trachyphloia subsp.
trachyphloia, Eucalyptus fibrosa subsp. fibrosa,
E. taurina open forest on quartzose sandstone
in the Helidon hills region
17,538
14,861
85
NC
Photo 102 Eucalyptus tereticornis, E. crebra,
Angophora leiocarpa woodland, 12.12.12.
Nanango, SEQ.
(TS Ryan)
Photo 103 Eucalyptus crebra, E. tereticornis,
Corymbia intermedia woodland, 12.12.23. Pine
Mountain SF, SEQ.
(TS Ryan)
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Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation
10 Corymbia citriodora (spotted gum) dominated open
forests to woodlands on undulating to hilly terrain
10a
Dry woodlands to open woodlands dominated by Corymbia citriodora (spotted
gum)
Pre-clearing area: 1,793,753 ha
Remnant 2013 area: 1,462,630 ha
(81.5% of pre-clearing)
Bioregions: BRB (99%), NET (1%),
DEU (minor)
Land zones: 10 (55%), 7 (23%), 12
(13%), 11 (9%)
Mean annual rainfall range:
600-1200 mm
Typical landforms: Ranges and
plateaus of sandstone, acid volcanic
and metamorphic origin
Typical soils: Red Dermosols,
Kandosols and Chromosols
Structural formation range:
Woodland to open woodland
Photo 104 Corymbia citriodora and
Eucalyptus crebra woodland on Cainozoic
lateritic duricrust, 11.7.6. Barakula SF, BRB.
(TJ Eyre)
Floristic characteristics: Corymbia citriodora subsp. citriodora dominates the mid-dense
canopy often with Eucalyptus crebra or E. fibrosa subsp. fibrosa. Corymbia clarksoniana and
Angophora leiocarpa are frequently present in the canopy. Alphitonia excelsa, Acacia
leiocalyx, A. cretata, A. longispicata, Petalostigma pubescens, Breynia oblongifolia and
Capparis canescens are frequently present in the very sparse shrub layer. The sparse ground
layer is dominated by the grasses Cymbopogon refractus, Themeda triandra, Eremochloa
bimaculata, Arundinella nepalensis and Panicum effusum var. effusum. Frequent forbs include
Desmodium varians, Brunoniella australis Cyanthillium cinereum, Chrysocephalum apiculatum
Eustrephus latifolius, Dianella revoluta, Phyllanthus virgatus, Evolvulus alsinoides Lomandra
confertifolia subsp. pallida, L. multiflora subsp. multiflora, and Glossocardia bidens.
Page 82 of 238
Broad Vegetation Groups of Queensland
Table 29 Five most extensive regional ecosystems included in Broad Vegetation Group 10a
RE
Description
Pre-clear
area (ha)
Remnant
2013 (ha)
%
remaining
Status
11.10.1
Corymbia citriodora woodland on coarsegrained sedimentary rocks
988,129
860,213
87
NC
11.7.6
Corymbia citriodora or Eucalyptus crebra
woodland on Cainozoic lateritic duricrust
413,980
337,218
81
NC
11.12.6
Corymbia citriodora open forest on igneous
rocks (granite)
134,817
73,826
55
NC
11.11.3
Corymbia citriodora, Eucalyptus crebra, E.
acmenoides open forest on old sedimentary
rocks with varying degrees of metamorphism
and folding. Coastal ranges
125,770
88,586
70
NC
11.12.6a
Eucalyptus crebra ± Corymbia citriodora and/or
E. acmenoides ± Lophostemon suaveolens
woodland to open forest
80,619
69,893
87
NC
Photo 106 Corymbia citriodora open forest on
igneous rocks, 11.12.6, Auburn Range, west of
Monto, BRB.
(K Jones)
Photo 105 Corymbia citriodora woodland on
coarse-grained sedimentary rocks, 11.10.1,
Serecold SF, south of Rolleston, BRB.
(AL Kelly)
Photo 107 Corymbia citriodora tall open
forest with occasional Eucalyptus crebra, and
a mid-dense subcanopy of whipstick
Lophostemon confertus, 11.10.1.
Cania Gorge NP, BRB.
(TS Ryan)
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Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation
10b
Moist open forests to woodlands dominated by Corymbia citriodora (spotted
gum)
Pre-clearing area: 1,541,642 ha
Remnant 2013 area: 983,606 ha
(63.8% of pre-clearing)
Bioregions: SEQ (78%), CQC (13%),
EIU (6%), WET (3%), BRB (1%)
Land zones: 12 (39%), 11 (32%), 9
(16%), 5 (12%), 8 (1%)
Mean annual rainfall range:
1000-2000 mm
Typical landforms: Coastal and
subcoastal hills and ranges of igneous,
metamorphic and sedimentary rocks
Typical soils: Red Dermosols,
Kandosols and Chromosols
Structural formation range:
Open forest to woodland
Photo 108 Corymbia citriodora subsp.
variegata and Eucalyptus crebra tall open
forest, with shrub layer of Acacia
penninervis, Allocasuarina littoralis and
Jacksonia scoparia, 12.11.6, south of
Goondicum Crater, SE of Monto, SEQ.
(TS Ryan)
Floristic characteristics: Corymbia citriodora subsp. variegata (mainly in SEQ and southern
BRB) with C. citriodora subsp. citriodora (elsewhere) dominates the mid-dense canopy often
with Eucalyptus crebra or E. siderophloia or E. fibrosa subsp. fibrosa. Corymbia intermedia, C.
trachyphloia subsp. trachyphloia, E. acmenoides, E. carnea, E. tereticornis and Angophora
leiocarpa are frequently present in the canopy. Lophostemon confertus and Allocasuarina
torulosa are sometimes present in the very sparse subcanopy. Acacia disparrima subsp.
disparrima, A. falcata, A. fimbriata, A. leiocalyx, A. maidenii, Alphitonia excelsa, and Jacksonia
scoparia are frequently present in the very sparse shrub layer. The sparse ground layer is
dominated by the grasses Themeda triandra, Eremochloa bimaculata, Arundinella nepalensis,
Entolasia stricta and Cymbopogon refractus. Other frequent graminoids are Panicum effusum,
Page 84 of 238
Broad Vegetation Groups of Queensland
Imperata cylindrica, Digitaria parviflora, Eragrostis brownii, Heteropogon contortus, Arundinella
nepalensis, Eragrostis spartinoides, Alloteropsis semialata, Aristida queenslandica var.
queenslandica, Gahnia aspera, Scleria brownii, Lepidosperma laterale and Paspalidium
distans. Frequent forbs include Desmodium rhytidophyllum, Cyanthillium cinereum, Eustrephus
latifolius, Brunoniella australis, Hardenbergia violacea, Dianella caerulea, Phyllanthus virgatus,
Galactia tenuiflora, Goodenia rotundifolia, Lobelia purpurascens, Lomandra confertifolia subsp.
pallida, L. multiflora subsp. multiflora, L. longifolia, Crotalaria montana, Hybanthus
stellarioides, Cheilanthes sieberi and Dianella longifolia.
Table 30 Five most extensive regional ecosystems included in Broad Vegetation Group 10b
RE
Description
Pre-clear
area (ha)
Remnant
2013 (ha)
%
remaining
Status
12.11.6
Corymbia citriodora subsp. variegata,
Eucalyptus crebra woodland on metamorphics ±
interbedded volcanics
367,740
234,952
64
NC
12.12.5
Corymbia citriodora subsp. variegata,
Eucalyptus crebra open forest on Mesozoic to
Proterozoic igneous rocks
341,556
191,329
56
NC
12.9-10.2
Corymbia citriodora subsp. variegata ±
Eucalyptus crebra open forest on sedimentary
rocks
222,895
86,464
39
NC
8.12.7a
Corymbia citriodora, Eucalyptus portuensis ± C.
trachyphloia ± C. intermedia open forest on hills
on Mesozoic to Proterozoic igneous rocks
(subregion 2)
105,810
101,729
96
NC
12.11.5e
Corymbia citriodora subsp. variegata woodland
± Eucalyptus siderophloia or E. crebra, E.
carnea, E. acmenoides, E. propinqua on
metamorphics ± interbedded volcanics
98,393
56,544
57
NC
Photo 109 Corymbia citriodora subsp. variegata,
Eucalyptus crebra, and E. exserta open forest on
low hills, 12.9-10.2. near Biggenden, SEQ.
(TS Ryan)
Photo 110 Eucalyptus portuensis, Corymbia
citriodora and E. drepanophylla woodland with
Themeda triandra and Aristida spp. dominated
ground layer on plateau, 8.12.7a.
Connors Range, CQC.
(JE Kemp)
Page 85 of 238
Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation
11 Moist to dry eucalypt open forests to woodlands mainly
on basalt areas (land zone 8)
11a
Moist to dry open forests to woodlands dominated by Eucalyptus orgadophila
(mountain coolibah). Some areas dominated by E. tereticornis (blue gum), E. melliodora
(yellow box), E. albens (white box), E. crebra (narrow-leaved red ironbark) or E.
melanophloia (silver-leaved ironbark)
Pre-clearing area: 1,425,601 ha
Remnant 2013 area: 817,489 ha
(57.3% of pre-clearing)
Bioregions: BRB (76%), SEQ (16%),
EIU (8%)
Land zones: 8 (95%), 11 (3%), 4 (2%)
Mean annual rainfall range:
800-1200 mm
Typical landforms: Predominantly low
basaltic ranges and rolling hills
Typical soils: Red Ferrosols and Black
Vertosols
Structural formation range:
Woodland to open forest
Photo 111 Eucalyptus orgadophila
open woodland with Geijera parviflora
understorey, 11.8.5a. Oakey, BRB.
(C Pennay)
Floristic characteristics: Eucalyptus orgadophila, Eucalyptus crebra, Eucalyptus
melanophloia, and Eucalyptus tereticornis are the most frequent canopy species, with
generally only one or two species dominating a site. Corymbia erythrophloia and Eucalyptus
melliodora occur less frequently. The shrub layer is generally sparse. The mid-dense grassy
ground layer is dominated by Heteropogon contortus, Cymbopogon refractus, Themeda
Page 86 of 238
Broad Vegetation Groups of Queensland
triandra, Dichanthium sericeum, Aristida spp. and Cyperus gracilis. Frequent forbs include
Brunoniella australis, Grewia latifolia, Breynia oblongifolia, Desmodium varians, Rostellularia
adscendens, Eustrephus latifolius and Galactia tenuiflora.
Table 31 Five most extensive regional ecosystems included in Broad Vegetation Group 11a
RE
Description
Pre-clear
area (ha)
Remnant
2013 (ha)
%
remaining
Status
11.8.5
Eucalyptus orgadophila open woodland on
Cainozoic igneous rocks
601,087
341,919
57
NC
11.8.4
Eucalyptus melanophloia open woodland on
Cainozoic igneous rocks.
217,340
151,581
70
NC
12.8.16
Eucalyptus crebra ± E. melliodora, E.
tereticornis woodland on Cainozoic igneous
rocks
112,950
33,019
29
OC
9.8.9
Eucalyptus orgadophila ± Corymbia spp. open
woodland on basalt plains and rocky basalt hills
109,566
108,553
99
NC
11.8.8
Eucalyptus albens, E. crebra woodland on
Cainozoic igneous rocks
81,201
37,013
46
NC
Photo 114 Eucalyptus orgadophila woodland on
basalt plain, 9.8.9, south of Blackbraes NP, EIU.
(MR Newton)
Photo 112 Eucalyptus tereticornis and E.
melliodora open forest, 11.8.8. Main Range NP,
east of park headquarters on boundary of park,
SEQ. (AL Kelly)
Photo 113 Eucalyptus melliodora woodland on
Cainozoic igneous rocks, 12.8.16. Dalrymple
Creek, Goomburra section, Main Range NP,
SEQ.
(RE Niehus)
Page 87 of 238
Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation
11b
Moist to dry open forests to woodlands dominated by Eucalyptus crebra (narrowleaved red ironbark) or E. tereticornis (blue gum), frequently with Corymbia species or
E. microneura (Gilbert River box) on Red Ferrosols on undulating terrain
Pre-clearing area: 1,170,226 ha
Remnant 2013 area: 1,153,250 ha
(98.5% of pre-clearing)
Bioregions: EIU (99%)
Land zones: 8 (100%)
Mean annual rainfall range:
500-800 mm
Typical landforms: Flat to gently
undulating basaltic derived plains
Typical soils: Red Ferrosols and Red
Dermosols
Structural formation range:
Woodland to open woodland
Photo 115 Eucalyptus crebra woodland
on a basalt plain, 9.8.1a. Reedy Springs
Station, NW of Pentland, EIU.
(CPF Kahler)
Floristic characteristics: Eucalyptus crebra, Corymbia dallachiana and Corymbia
erythrophloia are the most frequent dominant species. Eucalyptus granitica or E. microneura
may replace E. crebra in some areas. There is generally very sparse shrub cover of Vachellia
bidwillii, Grevillea parallela, Denhamia cunninghamii, Carissa lanceolata and Bursaria incana.
The mid-dense ground layer is dominated by Heteropogon contortus, Themeda triandra, H.
triticeus and Dichanthium species. The most frequent forbs are Indigofera linnaei, Cyanthillium
cinereum, Indigofera linifolia, Rhynchosia minima, Rostellularia adscendens, Crotalaria
montana and Ipomoea eriocarpa.
Page 88 of 238
Broad Vegetation Groups of Queensland
Table 32 Five most extensive regional ecosystems included in Broad Vegetation Group 11b
RE
Description
Pre-clear
area (ha)
Remnant
2013 (ha)
%
remaining
Status
9.8.1a
Eucalyptus crebra and Corymbia erythrophloia ±
C. dallachiana open woodland on basalt plains
984,393
975,700
99
NC
9.8.4a
Eucalyptus crebra or E. granitica ± Corymbia
intermedia woodland on basalt plains
77,669
73,549
95
NC
9.8.4b
Eucalyptus tereticornis ± E. crebra ± C.
dallachiana open woodland on basalt plains
49,439
46,954
95
NC
9.8.5b
Corymbia terminalis open woodland to
grassland
34,136
34,087
100
NC
9.8.11
Eucalyptus microneura ± Corymbia spp. ±
Terminalia spp. woodland on basalt plains
15,494
15,469
100
NC
Photo 116 Eucalyptus crebra open woodland with grassy
ground layer on basalt plain, 9.8.4a. Yourka Station, EIU.
(JE Kemp)
Photo 117 Corymbia terminalis and C. dallachiana open
woodland with scattered shrubs in mid-layer, 9.8.5b, south
of Porcupine Gorge NP, EIU.
(MR Newton)
Photo 118 Eucalyptus microneura, Corymbia terminalis
low open woodland; with Vachellia farnesiana, Carissa
spp.,and Acacia chisholmii shrubs; and Aristida spp.
ground cover, 9.8.11, NE of Richmond, EIU.
(HA Dillewaard)
Photo 119 Corymbia erythrophloia and Eucalyptus similis
low woodland on rocky basalt rises, 9.8.11, north of
Einasleigh, EIU.
(MR Newton)
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Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation
11c
Moist woodlands dominated by Eucalyptus leptophleba (Molloy red box) ±
Corymbia papuana (ghost gum) ± C. tessellaris (carbeen)
Pre-clearing area: 131,599 ha
Remnant 2013 area: 108,269 ha
(82.3% of pre-clearing)
Bioregions: EIU (95%), CYP (5%)
Land zones: 8 (97%), 11 (3%)
Mean annual rainfall range:
1000-2000 mm
Typical landforms: Tertiary basalt
plains and low ranges
Typical soils: Red Ferrosols and Red
Dermosols
Structural formation range:
Woodland to open woodland
Photo 120 Eucalyptus leptophleba
woodland on basalt rises, 9.8.2a.
South of Mareeba township, EIU.
(MR Newton)
Floristic characteristics: Eucalyptus leptophleba is the most frequent and usually dominant
tree. Corymbia clarksoniana, C. dallachiana and C. erythrophloia may be co-dominant trees.
The shrub layer is usually very sparse with Planchonia careya, Grewia retusifolia, and
Antidesma ghaesembilla the most frequent species. The dense ground layer is dominated by
the grasses Heteropogon contortus, H. triticeus, Themeda triandra, Sarga plumosum and
Mnesithea rottboellioides. Frequent forbs include Crotalaria montana, Cayratia trifolia,
Flemingia parviflora and Rhynchosia minima.
Page 90 of 238
Broad Vegetation Groups of Queensland
Table 33 Five most extensive regional ecosystems included in Broad Vegetation Group 11c
RE
Description
Pre-clear
area (ha)
Remnant
2013 (ha)
%
remaining
9.8.1b
Eucalyptus leptophleba ± C. erythrophloia ± C.
dallachiana open woodland on basalt plains
85,400
83,119
97
9.8.2a
Eucalyptus leptophleba ± Corymbia
clarksoniana ± Corymbia dallachiana woodland
on Tertiary basalts
35,439
16,935
48
3.8.3a
Eucalyptus leptophleba ± Corymbia
clarksoniana woodland on basalt flows
5,904
3,659
62
9.11.32
Eucalyptus leptophleba and/or Corymbia
terminalis ± C. dallachiana woodland on aprons
surrounding limestone outcrops
3,445
3,300
96
Eucalyptus leptophleba ± Corymbia tessellaris ±
C. clarksoniana woodland on floodplains
1,009
3.3.25c
Status
NC
OC
E
OC
855
85
NC
Photo 122 Eucalyptus leptophleba and Corymbia
terminalis woodland with Terminalia aridicola subsp.
chillagoensis and Planchonia careya at the base of a
karst limestone outcrop, 9.11.32. Mungana Caves NP,
west of Chillagoe, EIU.
(GW Wilson)
Photo 121 Eucalyptus leptophleba and Corymbia
clarksoniana woodland on basalt, 3.8.3a, North of
Cooktown, CYP.
(EP Addicott)
Page 91 of 238
Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation
12 Dry eucalypt woodlands to open woodlands, mostly on
shallow soils in hilly terrain (mainly on sandstone and
weathered rocks, land zones 7 and 10)
12a
Dry woodlands to open woodlands dominated by ironbarks such as Eucalyptus
decorticans (gum-topped ironbark), E. fibrosa subsp. nubila (blue-leaved ironbark), or E.
crebra (narrow-leaved red ironbark) and/or bloodwoods such as Corymbia trachyphloia
(yellow bloodwood), C. leichhardtii (rustyjacket), C. watsoniana (Watson's yellow
bloodwood), C. lamprophylla, C. peltata (yellowjacket). Occasionally E. thozetiana
(mountain yapunyah), E. cloeziana (Gympie messmate) or E. mediocris are dominant.
Mostly on sub-coastal/inland hills with shallow soils
Pre-clearing area: 2,242,212 ha
Remnant 2013 area: 1,914,611 ha
(85.4% of pre-clearing)
Bioregions: BRB (82%), DEU (11%),
SEQ (4%), GUP (2%)
Land zones: 10 (66%), 7 (29%), 9 (3%),
12 and 11 (minor)
Mean annual rainfall range:
500-1000 mm
Typical landforms: Mainly on sandstone
scarps, tablelands and ranges, and
lateritic duricrusts
Typical soils: Shallow Rudosols and
Tenosols
Structural formation range:
Open forest to open woodland
Photo 123 Eucalyptus crebra and E.
fibrosa subsp. nubila woodland, 11.10.4.
On plateau near Fairview, BRB.
(VJ Neldner)
Page 92 of 238
Broad Vegetation Groups of Queensland
Floristic characteristics: The canopy is dominated the ironbarks Eucalyptus decorticans or
Eucalyptus fibrosa subsp. nubila or other ironbark species or E. cloeziana. Bloodwoods such
as Corymbia hendersonii, C. trachyphloia subsp. trachyphloia, C. watsoniana, Corymbia
citriodora or C. leichhardtii may be present as codominant or in some cases dominant species.
Lysicarpus angustifolius forms a mid-dense subcanopy in some situations. The very sparse
shrub layer frequently contains Cassinia quinquefaria, Acacia macradenia, A. crassa, A.
bancroftiorum, Dodonaea lanceolata var. subsessilifolia, D. peduncularis and Hovea
lanceolata. The ground layer is very sparse and frequently contains the graminoids Arundinella
nepalensis, Aristida contorta, A. personata, A. queenslandica var. queenslandica, Entolasia
stricta, Leptochloa decipiens, Scleria sphacelata, Panicum effusum var. effusum, Cleistochloa
subjuncea, Digitaria breviglumis, and Cymbopogon refractus. Frequent forbs include Goodenia
rotundifolia, Vittadinia pustulata, Achyranthes aspera, Brunoniella australis, Calotis dentex,
Cyanthillium cinereum, Dianella revoluta, Lomandra confertifolia subsp. pallida, L. multiflora
subsp. multiflora, Murdannia graminea, Nyssanthes erecta and Pomax umbellata.
Table 34 Five most extensive regional ecosystems included in Broad Vegetation Group 12a
RE
Description
Pre-clear
area (ha)
Remnant
2013 (ha)
%
remaining
Status
11.10.4
Eucalyptus decorticans, Lysicarpus angustifolius
± Eucalyptus spp., Corymbia spp., Acacia spp.
woodland on coarse-grained sedimentary rocks
442,519
425,094
96
NC
11.10.13a
Eucalyptus cloeziana ± E. melanoleuca ±
Corymbia bunites ± E. sphaerocarpa woodland
to open forest
327,274
321,729
98
NC
11.7.4
Eucalyptus decorticans and/or Eucalyptus spp.,
Corymbia spp., Acacia spp., Lysicarpus
angustifolius woodland on Cainozoic lateritic
duricrust
310,949
191,972
62
NC
11.10.7
Eucalyptus crebra woodland on coarse-grained
sedimentary rocks
244,371
170,127
70
NC
11.7.7
Eucalyptus fibrosa subsp. nubila ± Corymbia
spp. ± Eucalyptus spp. woodland on Cainozoic
lateritic duricrust
199,194
171,274
86
NC
Photo 124 Eucalyptus decorticans woodland with
Acacia shirleyi subcanopy on residual tops, 11.10.4,
North of Mt Moffat, Carnarvon NP, BRB.
(VJ Neldner)
Photo 125 Eucalyptus fibrosa, Corymbia citriodora,
E. crebra and E. apothalassica woodland on small
crest, 12.7.1. Woroon SF, SEQ.
(TS Ryan)
Page 93 of 238
Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation
12b
Woodlands and open woodlands dominated by Eucalyptus crebra (narrow-leaved
red ironbark) and/or Corymbia spp. such as C. clarksoniana (grey bloodwood), C.
stockeri, C. setosa (rough leaved bloodwood) or C. peltata (yellowjacket) on hilly terrain
Pre-clearing area: 197,091 ha
Remnant 2013 area: 196,431 ha
(99.7% of pre-clearing)
Bioregions: GUP (49%), EIU (48%),
DEU (2%), BRB (1%)
Land zones: 7 (43%), 10 (41%), 11
(15%)
Mean annual rainfall range:
800-1000 mm
Typical landforms: Lateritised
breakaways and deeply weathered plains
and metamorphic hills and mountains
Typical soils: Shallow Rudosols and
Tenosols
Structural formation range: Woodland
Photo 126 Eucalyptus whitei, Corymbia
serendipita and C. setosa low open woodland
with Triodia sp., 2.10.4x3. NE of Richmond,
GUP.
(CPF Kahler)
Floristic characteristics: Eucalyptus crebra or E. exilipes or E. shirleyi are frequent dominant
trees. Corymbia citriodora, C. trachyphloia, C. peltata and C. setosa are frequently present as
co-dominant trees. The very sparse low tree and shrub layer often includes Petalostigma
banksii, Persoonia falcata, Alphitonia excelsa, Coelospermum reticulatum and Grevillea
glauca. The mid-dense grass layer is dominated by Themeda triandra, Aristida spp.,
Heteropogon triticeus, H. contortus, Chrysopogon fallax, Eriachne mucronata, Schizachyrium
fragile, Mnesithea rottboellioides and Scleria sphacelata. Phyllanthus virgatus, Cyanthillium
cinereum, Desmodium rhytidophyllum, Hibiscus meraukensis and Tephrosia filipes are
frequent forbs.
Page 94 of 238
Broad Vegetation Groups of Queensland
Table 35 Five most extensive regional ecosystems included in Broad Vegetation Group 12b
RE
Description
Pre-clear
area (ha)
Remnant
2013 (ha)
%
remaining
Status
2.10.4x3
Eucalyptus crebra or E. whitei low open
woodland on slopes of sandstone ranges
63,736
63,732
100
NC
9.11.17
Corymbia peltata ± Eucalyptus crebra ± E.
shirleyi or E. melanophloia low open woodland
on metamorphic hills and mountains
30,366
30,314
100
NC
2.7.1x5
Corymbia gilbertensis, Acacia meiosperma,
Cochlospermum gregorii, Melaleuca viridiflora,
A. leptostachya in mixed woodlands to
shrublands on lateritised, Tertiary sandstone
hills.
25,528
25,505
100
OC
9.7.3a
Eucalyptus crebra ± Corymbia clarksoniana
woodland on lateritised breakaways
23,995
23,831
99
NC
9.7.5
Corymbia setosa and/or C. peltata low open
woodland on lateritised and deeply weathered
surfaces
12,989
12,748
98
NC
Photo 127 Eucalyptus shirleyi and Corymbia
peltata open woodland, 9.11.17, near Lyndhurst,
EIU.
(MR Newton)
Photo 128 Eucalyptus howittiana woodland with
dense ground cover of Scleria sp., 9.7.3a, Burdekin
River crossing, EIU.
(MR Newton)
Page 95 of 238
Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation
13 Dry to moist eucalypt woodlands and open forests,
mainly on undulating to hilly terrain of mainly metamorphic
and acid igneous rocks, Land zones 11 and 12)
13a
Woodlands and open woodlands dominated by ironbarks such as Eucalyptus
cullenii (Cullen's ironbark), E. staigeriana (lemon-scented ironbark) or E. melanophloia
(silver-leaved ironbark) and bloodwoods such as Corymbia stockeri subsp.
peninsularis, C. clarksoniana (grey bloodwood) or C. leichhardtii (rustyjacket)
Pre-clearing area: 3,071,508 ha
Remnant 2013 area: 3,042,542 ha
(99.1% of pre-clearing)
Bioregions: EIU (83%), CYP (16%),
GUP (1%)
Land zones: 11 (49%), 12 (47%), 7
(3%), 5 (1%)
Mean annual rainfall range:
800-2000 mm
Typical landforms: Flats, hills and
ranges of metamorphic or granitic
origin
Typical soils: Yellow or Brown
Dermosols, and Yellow or Brown
Kandosols
Structural formation range:
Woodland to low open woodland
Photo 129 Eucalyptus cullenii woodland with
sparse Denhamia cunninghamiana in the shrub
layer, and Themeda triandra and Heteropogon
contortus dominating the ground layer, 9.11.3a.
Bellevue Station, EIU.
(GW Wilson)
Floristic characteristics: Eucalyptus cullenii is the frequent ironbark species, but may be
replaced with E. crebra, E. melanophloia or rarely E. staigeriana. Corymbia clarksoniana,
Corymbia erythrophloia, C. stockeri subsp. peninsularis, C. confertiflora, C. dallachiana and
Erythrophleum chlorostachys are frequent co-dominant trees. Denhamia cunninghamii
Page 96 of 238
Broad Vegetation Groups of Queensland
Petalostigma banksii, P. pubescens, Persoonia falcata, Alphitonia pomaderroides,
Erythrophleum chlorostachys, Grevillea glauca, G. parallela, Grewia retusifolia, Xanthorrhoea
johnsonii and Dolichandrone heterophylla may be present as very sparse shrubs or low trees.
The mid-dense ground layer is dominated by Heteropogon contortus, H. triticeus, Themeda
triandra, Sarga plumosum, Schizachyrium fragile, and Aristida and Panicum species.
Evolvulus alsinoides, Cyanthillium cinereum, Indigofera pratensis, Rostellularia adscendens,
and Spermacoce and Cheilanthes species are most frequent forbs.
Table 36 Five most extensive regional ecosystems included in Broad Vegetation Group 13a
RE
Description
Pre-clear
area (ha)
Remnant
2013 (ha)
%
remaining
Status
9.11.3a
Eucalyptus cullenii ± Corymbia clarksoniana
woodland on flats, hills and ranges of
metamorphic ranges
640,262
635,314
99
NC
9.12.7a
Eucalyptus cullenii ± Corymbia erythrophloia
woodland on rhyolite hills
539,939
534,143
99
NC
9.12.27
Eucalyptus melanophloia and/or E. shirleyi ±
Corymbia erythrophloia low open woodland on
igneous rocks
409,121
407,296
100
NC
9.11.3b
Eucalyptus cullenii ± Corymbia hylandii low
open woodland on metamorphic hills and ranges
182,744
181,294
99
NC
3.11.7
Eucalyptus cullenii and Corymbia clarksoniana
woodland on low metamorphic hills and rises
141,776
141,545
100
NC
Photo 130 Eucalyptus shirleyi low open woodland with
scattered Erythroxylum ellipticum and Petalostigma banksii
in mid-layer, 9.12.27. NE of Gilberton, EIU.
(MR Newton)
Photo 131 Eucalyptus cullenii woodland on rolling
rises, 3.11.7. North of Pinnacle Creek, CYP.
(MR Newton)
Page 97 of 238
Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation
13b
Woodlands to open woodlands dominated by Eucalyptus microneura (Gilbert
River box) on shallow soils on rolling hills
Pre-clearing area: 796,290 ha
Remnant 2013 area: 791,801 ha
(99.4% of pre-clearing)
Bioregions: EIU (87%), GUP (13%)
Land zones: 12 (61%), 11 (37%), 9
(2%)
Mean annual rainfall range:
800-1000 mm
Typical landforms: Rolling hills on
igneous and metamorphic rocks
Typical soils: Yellow or Brown
Dermosols, and Yellow or Brown
Kandosols
Structural formation range:
Low open woodland to woodland
Photo 132 Eucalyptus microneura low
woodland with shrub layer of Gardenia
vilhelmii and grassy Aristida spp.,
9.11.23a. Near Dagworth Station, EIU.
(ID Fox)
Floristic characteristics: Eucalyptus microneura dominates the sparse low canopy. Corymbia
pocillum and Terminalia aridicola are the most frequent other canopy trees. Erythrophleum
chlorostachys, C. erythrophloia and T. platyptera also occur but less frequently. There is a very
sparse shrub layer with Gardenia vilhelmii, E. microneura, Denhamia cunninghamii,
Petalostigma banksii, Carissa lanceolata, Grewia retusifolia, Atalaya hemiglauca,
Dolichandrone heterophylla, Vachellia bidwillii, Dodonaea physocarpa and Melaleuca citrolens
the most frequent species. The mid-dense grassy ground layer is dominated by Heteropogon
contortus, Schizachyrium fragile, Capillipedium parviflorum, Sarga plumosum, Sporobolus
australasicus and Aristida, Enneapogon and Eriachne species. The forbs Evolvulus alsinoides,
Waltheria indica, Polycarpaea corymbosa and Indigofera and Sida species are frequent.
Page 98 of 238
Broad Vegetation Groups of Queensland
Table 37 Five most extensive regional ecosystems included in Broad Vegetation Group 13b
RE
Description
Pre-clear
area (ha)
Remnant
2013 (ha)
%
remaining
Status
9.12.33a
Eucalyptus microneura ± Corymbia pocillum ±
E. melanophloia low open woodland on rolling
hills on igneous rocks
207,534
207,134
100
NC
9.11.23a
Eucalyptus microneura ± Corymbia
erythrophloia or C. pocillum ± Terminalia spp. ±
Erythrophleum chlorostachys low open
woodland on rolling metamorphic hills
197,534
196,860
100
NC
9.12.6a
Eucalyptus microneura ± Terminalia spp. ±
Corymbia pocillum low open woodland on rolling
rhyolite or granitic hills
150,518
149,613
99
NC
9.12.6b
Eucalyptus microneura ± Corymbia clarksoniana
low open woodland on granitic or rhyolite hills
81,429
80,010
98
NC
9.11.24a
Eucalyptus microneura low open woodland ±
Terminalia platyptera ± Melaleuca citrolens on
slopes and hills
38,834
38,761
100
NC
Photo 133 Petalostigma banksii tall open shrubland
with emergent Corymbia setosa and Eucalyptus
microneura, 9.12.33a. Esmeralda Station, EIU.
(MR Newton)
Photo 134 Eucalyptus microneura woodland on
slope of low hill, 9.12.6b. Carpentaria Downs, EIU.
(MR Newton)
Photo 135 Eucalyptus microneura and
Melaleuca citrolens low open woodland on rocky
low hills, 9.11.24a. Blandcourt Station, EIU.
(ID Fox)
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Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation
13c
Woodlands of Eucalyptus crebra (narrow-leaved red ironbark), E. drepanophylla
(grey ironbark), E. fibrosa (dusky-leaved ironbark), E. shirleyi (Shirley's silver-leaved
ironbark) on granitic and metamorphic ranges
Pre-clearing area: 6,734,927 ha
Remnant 2013 area: 4,714,585 ha
(70.0% of pre-clearing)
Bioregions: BRB (49%), EIU (36%),
SEQ (8%), NET (4%), CQC (1%)
Land zones: 12 (51%), 11 (42%), 9
(6%), 5 (minor)
Mean annual rainfall range:
Majority 600-1200 mm
Typical landforms: Steep to rolling
hills and rise on deformed and
metamorphosed sediments and
interbedded volcanics or igneous
rocks
Typical soils: Yellow or Brown
Dermosols, and Yellow or Brown
Kandosols
Structural formation range:
Woodland to open woodland
Photo 136 Eucalyptus crebra, Corymbia
tessellaris and E. exserta woodland, 11.12.1.
Shoalwater Bay Training Area, BRB.
(AL Kelly)
Floristic characteristics: The dominant tree is generally an ironbark which is most frequently
Eucalyptus crebra, but E. drepanophylla, E. fibrosa or E. shirleyi may replace it in some areas.
Corymbia erythrophloia, C. dallachiana or C. clarksoniana are frequently codominant trees.
Generally only a sparse shrub layer of Grewia retusifolia is present. The tussock grasses
Heteropogon contortus, H. triticeus, Themeda triandra, Sarga plumosum and Chrysopogon
fallax dominate the dense ground layer, with frequent forbs including Evolvulus alsinoides,
Spermacoce brachystema, Cyanthillium cinereum, Indigofera pratensis and Phyllanthus
virgatus.
Page 100 of 238
Broad Vegetation Groups of Queensland
Table 38 Five most extensive regional ecosystems included in Broad Vegetation Group 13c
RE
Description
Pre-clear
area (ha)
11.12.1
Eucalyptus crebra woodland on igneous rocks
1,342,573
808,271
60
NC
11.11.15
Eucalyptus crebra woodland on deformed and
metamorphosed sediments and interbedded
volcanics
819,278
470,416
57
NC
9.12.1a
Eucalyptus crebra ± Corymbia spp. woodland on
igneous rocks
713,848
678,123
95
NC
9.11.2a
Eucalyptus crebra ± Corymbia dallachiana ± C.
erythrophloia woodland on metamorphic hills
317,878
310,834
98
NC
9.11.16
Eucalyptus crebra ± Corymbia erythrophloia or
C. pocillum woodland on steep to rolling hills
313,569
312,620
100
NC
Photo 137 Eucalyptus crebra woodland, with occasional
Corymbia dallachiana and C. erythrophloia, 9.11.2a.
Pandanus Station, EIU.
(RM Lovatt)
Photo 139 Eucalyptus crebra and Corymbia
erythrophloia woodland, 11.12.7. Near Collinsville, BRB.
(A Borsboom)
Remnant
2013 (ha)
%
remaining
Status
Photo 138 Eucalyptus crebra and Corymbia
erythrophloia woodland, 11.11.15c. Shoalwater Bay
Training Area, BRB.
(AL Kelly)
Photo 140 Eucalyptus shirleyi low open woodland
with Acacia umbellata dominated shrub layer,
11.11.8, Burdekin Falls Dam, BRB. (A Borsboom)
Page 101 of 238
Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation
13d
Woodlands dominated by Eucalyptus moluccana (gum-topped box) (or E.
microcarpa (inland grey box)) on a range of substrates
Pre-clearing area: 749,314 ha
Remnant 2013 area: 354,967 ha
(47.4% of pre-clearing)
Bioregions: BRB (61%), SEQ (32%), EIU
(6%), CQC (1%), WET, NET (minor)
Land zones: 5 (34%), 9 (22%), 3 (20%),
11 (13%), 12 (9%), 8 (1%)
Mean annual rainfall range:
800-1200 mm
Typical landforms: Cainozoic sand plains
to Tertiary plains and alluvial plains. Also
on fine grained sedimentary rocks and
metamorphic and igneous rocks
Typical soils: A wide variety of soils
depending on landscape position
Structural formation range:
Open forest to woodland
Photo 141 Eucalyptus moluccana
open forest, 11.3.26. Shoalwater Bay
Training Area, BRB.
(VJ Neldner)
Floristic characteristics: Eucalyptus moluccana usually dominates the canopy. It is
sometimes replaced by E. woollsiana or E. microcarpa in the west. Co-dominant trees are
uncommon, but are occasionally include E. crebra and E. tereticornis. Alphitonia excelsa,
Acacia disparrima subsp. disparrima and A. leiocalyx occur as infrequent shrubs and low trees.
The mid-dense ground layer is dominated by the graminoids Cymbopogon refractus,
Fimbristylis dichotoma, Cyperus gracilis, Eragrostis brownii, Paspalidium distans, Themeda
triandra, Heteropogon contortus, Eremochloa bimaculata, Panicum effusum, Gahnia aspera
and Arundinella nepalensis. Brunoniella australis, Cyanthillium cinereum, Eremophila debilis,
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Broad Vegetation Groups of Queensland
Phyllanthus virgatus, Eustrephus latifolius, Rostellularia adscendens, Cheilanthes sieberi,
Glycine tabacina and Murdannia graminea are frequent forbs.
Table 39 Five most extensive regional ecosystems included in Broad Vegetation Group 13d
RE
Description
Pre-clear
area (ha)
Remnant
2013 (ha)
%
remaining
Status
11.5.20
Eucalyptus moluccana and/or E. microcarpa/ E.
woollsiana ± E. crebra woodland on Cainozoic
sand plains
228,919
151,306
66
NC
11.3.26
Eucalyptus moluccana or E. microcarpa
woodland to open forest on margins of alluvial
plains
121,091
44,594
37
NC
12.9-10.3
Eucalyptus moluccana open forest on
sedimentary rocks
95,528
27,183
28
OC
11.9.13
Eucalyptus moluccana or E. microcarpa open
forest on fine grained sedimentary rocks
65,455
20,415
31
OC
12.11.18
Eucalyptus moluccana woodland on
metamorphics ± interbedded volcanics
58,395
24,368
42
NC
Photo 143 Eucalyptus molucanna woodland,
12.11.18. Wondai SF, SEQ. (TS Ryan)
Photo 142 Eucalyptus microcarpa woodland,
11.9.13, Near Mitchell, BRB. (VJ Neldner)
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Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation
14 Woodlands and tall woodlands dominated by
Eucalyptus tetrodonta (Darwin stringybark) (or E.
megasepala), and/or Corymbia nesophila (Melville Island
bloodwood) and/or E. phoenicea (scarlet gum)
14a
Woodlands and tall woodlands dominated by Eucalyptus tetrodonta (Darwin
stringybark) (or E. megasepala), with Corymbia nesophila (Melville Island bloodwood).
Occasionally E. chartaboma (or E. miniata (Darwin woollybutt)), on deeply weathered
plateaus and remnants
Pre-clearing area: 2,950,459 ha
Remnant 2013 area: 2,909,650 ha
(98.6% of pre-clearing)
Bioregions: CYP (81%), GUP (19%)
Land zones: 5 (97%), 7 (2%), 9
(1%), 10, 12 (minor)
Mean annual rainfall range:
Mainly 1000-1600 mm
Typical landforms: Deeply
weathered plateaus and remnants,
gently undulating rises, and lower
slopes of rises.
Typical soils: Yellow Kandosols and
Yellow Dermosols
Structural formation range:
Woodland to tall woodland
Photo 144 Eucalyptus tetrodonta, E. crebra and Corymbia Photo 145 Eucalyptus tetrodonta and Corymbia
nesophila tall woodland, 3.5.2. East of Weipa, CYP.
stockeri subsp. peninsularis tall woodland on a Tertiary
plateau, 3.5.1, Near Kimba, CYP.
(VJ Neldner)
(MR Newton)
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Broad Vegetation Groups of Queensland
Floristic characteristics: Eucalyptus tetrodonta or E. megasepala dominate the sparse
canopy. Corymbia nesophila and less frequently C. stockeri subsp. peninsularis or C.
clarksoniana are co-dominant in the canopy. Erythrophleum chlorostachys is often present
forming a subcanopy layer. Grevillea glauca, G. parallela, E. chlorostachys, Eucalyptus
tetrodonta, Parinari nonda and Acacia rothii are frequently present as low trees. In addition to
these species, Coelospermum reticulatum, Persoonia falcata, Xylomelum scottianum,
Planchonella pohlmaniana, Alphitonia pomaderroides, Croton arnhemicus, Morinda reticulata,
Petalostigma pubescens, Grewia retusifolia, Hibbertia candicans, Acacia crassicarpa, A.
calyculata, A. flavescens, Neofabricia myrtifolia, Indigofera pratensis and Pandanus species
are frequently present in the sparse shrub layer. The mid-dense ground layer is dominated by
the grasses Heteropogon triticeus, Sarga plumosum, Alloteropsis semialata, Eulalia mackinlayi
and Aristida, Thaumastochloa, Panicum, Eriachne and Eragrostis species. Frequent forbs are
Phyllanthus virgatus, Euphorbia mitchelliana var. mitchelliana, Schelhammera multiflora,
Crotalaria medicaginea, Flemingia parviflora, Spermacoce laevigata and Lomandra and
Helicteres species.
Table 40 Five most extensive regional ecosystems included in Broad Vegetation Group 14a
RE
Description
Pre-clear
area (ha)
Remnant
2013 (ha)
%
remaining
Status
3.5.2
Eucalyptus tetrodonta and Corymbia nesophila
tall woodland on deeply weathered plateaus and
remnants
824,849
793,353
96
NC
3.5.10
Eucalyptus tetrodonta and Corymbia nesophila
woodland on sandy gently undulating rises and
low hills
785,214
783,561
100
NC
2.5.5a
Eucalyptus tetrodonta, Corymbia polycarpa,
Erythrophleum chlorostachys and C. pocillum in
mixed woodlands on sandy rises and
abandoned levees on broad, Tertiary sand
sheets.
285,924
284,879
100
NC
3.5.12
Eucalyptus tetrodonta ± Corymbia nesophila ±
C. clarksoniana woodland on undulating rises
271,260
268,589
99
NC
3.5.10x1
Eucalyptus tetrodonta ± Corymbia nesophila
woodland on sand plains
222,604
222,114
100
NC
Photo 146 Eucalyptus tetrodonta and
Corymbia pocillum woodland on a Tertiary
sand sheet, 2.5.5a. Strathmore Station, GUP.
(CN Appelman)
Photo 147 Eucalyptus tetrodonta and Erythrophleum
chlorostachys woodland. 3.5.12. North of the
Kennedy River, CYP.
(MR Newton)
Page 105 of 238
Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation
14b
Woodlands dominated by Eucalyptus tetrodonta (Darwin stringybark) (or E.
megasepala) or E. chartaboma or E. miniata (Darwin woollybutt), with Corymbia
clarksoniana (grey bloodwood) on erosional surfaces, residual sands and occasionally
alluvial plains
Pre-clearing area: 3,154,960 ha
Remnant 2013 area: 3,145,786 ha
(99.7% of pre-clearing)
Bioregions: CYP (71%), GUP (26%), EIU
(1%), NWH (1%), DEU (minor)
Land zones: 5 (86%), 3 (5%), 7 (4%), 10
(4%), 2 (1%)
Mean annual rainfall range:
800-1600 mm
Typical landforms: On undulating
Tertiary sand plains and erosional plains,
through to sandy outwash deposits. Also
occurs on ironstone knolls, slopes and
plateaus and stabilized coastal dunes and
coastal plains.
Typical soils: Redoxic Hydrosols, Red
and Yellow Hydrosols
Structural formation range:
Woodland to open woodland
Photo 148 Eucalyptus tetrodonta and
Corymbia stockeri subsp. peninsularis
woodland on deep red soil, 3.5.9a. North
of Alice River crossing on Oriners station,
CYP.
(MJ Spry, DNRM)
Floristic characteristics: Eucalyptus tetrodonta or E. megasepala dominate the sparse
canopy. Corymbia stockeri subsp. peninsularis or C. clarksoniana are frequently co-dominant
in the canopy, with C. nesophila, C. pocillum, C. polycarpa and C. setosa occurring less often.
Erythrophleum chlorostachys is often present forming a subcanopy layer. Grevillea glauca, G.
parallela, E. chlorostachys, Eucalyptus tetrodonta, Melaleuca viridiflora, M. nervosa,
Petalostigma pubescens, P. banksii, Parinari nonda, Alphitonia pomaderroides and Acacia
rothii are frequently present as low trees. In addition to these species, Planchonia careya,
Coelospermum reticulatum, Persoonia falcata, Xylomelum scottianum, Planchonella
pohlmaniana, Croton arnhemicus, Grewia retusifolia, Acacia crassicarpa, Hibiscus
Page 106 of 238
Broad Vegetation Groups of Queensland
meraukensis, Xanthorrhoea johnsonii, Adenanthera abrosperma and Melaleuca stenostachya,
are frequently present in the very sparse shrub layer. The mid-dense ground layer is
dominated by the grasses Schizachyrium fragile, Heteropogon triticeus, H. contortus, Sarga
plumosum, Alloteropsis semialata, Setaria surgens, Mnesithea formosa, Ectrosia leporina,
Schoenus sparteus and Aristida, Thaumastochloa, Panicum, Eriachne, Digitaria, Scleria and
Eragrostis species. Frequent forbs are Phyllanthus virgatus, Crotalaria medicaginea, C.
montana, Flemingia parviflora, Drosera petiolaris and Spermacoce, Lomandra, Striga,
Polygala, Desmodium, Heliotropium, Tephrosia and Helicteres species.
Table 41 Five most extensive regional ecosystems included in Broad Vegetation Group 14b
RE
Description
Pre-clear
area (ha)
Remnant
2013 (ha)
%
remaining
Status
3.5.9a
Eucalyptus tetrodonta and Corymbia stockeri
subsp. peninsularis woodland. Widespread on
sand ridges
745,738
745,345
100
NC
2.5.6a
Eucalyptus tetrodonta, Corymbia pocillum,
Erythrophleum chlorostachys and C. polycarpa
in mixed woodlands on undulating Tertiary sand
plains
461,825
461,426
100
NC
3.5.7a
Eucalyptus tetrodonta +/- Corymbia
clarksoniana woodland on sand plains
369,524
368,559
100
NC
3.5.7x2a
Eucalyptus tetrodonta +/- Corymbia
clarksoniana +/- C. confertiflora woodland on
erosional plains
339,172
337,796
100
NC
3.5.8c
Corymbia stockeri and Eucalyptus tetrodonta
woodland on erosional surfaces
144,176
143,918
100
NC
Photo 150 Eucalyptus tetrodonta, Erythrophleum chlorostachys
and Corymbia polycarpa woodland on a residual Tertiary sand
sheet, 2.5.6a. North of Georgetown, GUP.
(CN Appelman)
Photo 149 Corymbia pocillum, C. polycarpa,
Eucalyptus tetrodonta and Erythrophleum
chlorostachys woodland on a sand plain,
2.5.6a. Near Gamboola Station, GUP.
(GW Wilson)
Page 107 of 238
Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation
14c
Open forests and woodlands dominated by Corymbia nesophila (Melville Island
bloodwood) usually with Eucalyptus tetrodonta (Darwin stringybark) or E. phoenicea
(scarlet gum)
Pre-clearing area: 223,664 ha
Remnant 2013 area: 221,882 ha
(99.2% of pre-clearing)
Bioregions: CYP (81%), WET (15%)
Land zones: 11 (45%), 10 (21%), 5
(20%), 3 (10%), 12 (2%), 2 (2%)
Mean annual rainfall range:
1600 - >3000 mm
Typical landforms: On metamorphic
ranges, hills and foothills; also on sandy
colluvia and plains
Typical soils: Yellow Kandosols, and
Yellow or Brown Dermosols
Structural formation range: Woodland
Photo 151 Corymbia nesophila woodland
on footslopes of metamorphic hill, 3.11.13.
Near Hopevale on road to Elim Sands, CYP.
(MR Newton)
Floristic characteristics: Corymbia nesophila dominates woodlands on the metamorphic
ranges, but also on some stabilised dunes and sandy colluvia. Eucalyptus phoenicea
dominates woodlands on sandstone ranges, sandy colluvia and some coastal dunes.
Erythrophleum chlorostachys, Eucalyptus brassiana, Eucalyptus tetrodonta and Corymbia
clarksoniana are sometimes present as co-dominant trees. Grevillea glauca, Acacia
flavescens, A. crassicarpa, Melaleuca nervosa and Parinari nonda are additional species that
are frequent in the very sparse low tree layer. Additional species that are frequent in the sparse
shrub layer are Persoonia falcata, Coelospermum reticulatum, Petalostigma pubescens,
Planchonia careya, Acacia calyculata, A. leptocarpa, Alphitonia pomaderroides and Alyxia
spicata. The sparse ground layer is dominated by the grasses Eriachne pallescens, Themeda
Page 108 of 238
Broad Vegetation Groups of Queensland
triandra, Heteropogon triticeus, Alloteropsis semialata, Eremochloa bimaculata, Mnesithea
rottboellioides, Sarga plumosum and species of Aristida, Schizachyrium, Panicum, Scleria,
Digitaria and Thaumastochloa.
Table 42 Five most extensive regional ecosystems included in Broad Vegetation Group 14c
RE
Description
Pre-clear
area (ha)
Remnant
2013 (ha)
%
remaining
Status
3.11.13
Corymbia nesophila ± E. brassiana woodland on
metamorphic hills and ranges
64,716
64,322
99
NC
3.5.6
Eucalyptus phoenicea ± E. tetrodonta woodland
on sandy colluvia
40,090
40,020
100
NC
3.10.21a
Corymbia nesophila ± E. crebra, E. brassiana or
E. tetrodonta woodland to open forest on tops of
sandstone plateaus
30,633
30,584
100
NC
7.11.20
Corymbia nesophila, Corymbia clarksoniana,
Eucalyptus platyphylla, open woodland to open
forest on gently sloping metamorphic lowlands
and foothills
28,269
28,181
100
NC
3.3.31x1
Eucalyptus phoenicea ± E. tetrodonta woodland
on sandy alluvia
12,236
12,230
100
NC
Photo 152 Eucalyptus phoenicea and E .tetrodonta
woodland on rises, 3.5.6. Near Old Laura Homestead
on Battlecamp Rd, CYP. (MR Newton)
Photo 153 Corymbia nesophila and C. tessellaris
open forest, 7.11.20. South of Shiptons Flat, WET.
(JR Clarkson)
Photo 154 Eucalyptus tetrodonta and Corymbia stockeri
subsp. stockeri woodland, 3.10.21a, Kalpowar, CYP.
Photo 155 Corymbia clarksoniana and C. nesophila
woodland with midlayer of Livistona muelleri, 3.3.27a.
(MR Newton)
North of Cooktown, CYP. (MR Newton)
Page 109 of 238
Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation
14d
Woodlands dominated by Corymbia stockeri (or C. hylandii) and Eucalyptus
megasepala (or E. tetrodonta (Darwin stringybark)) on sandstone, metamorphic and
ironstone ranges
Pre-clearing area: 1,246,119 ha
Remnant 2013 area: 1,242,252 ha
(99.7% of pre-clearing)
Bioregions: CYP (82%), GUP (11%),
EIU (6%), DEU (minor)
Land zones: 10 (39%), 11 (29%), 12
(27%), 7 (6%)
Mean annual rainfall range:
800-2000 mm
Typical landforms: Plateaus, ranges
and hills of sandstone, metamorphic or
granitic origin
Typical soils: Bleached-leptic
Tenosols and Yellow Kandosols
Structural formation range:
Woodland
Photo 156 Corymbia stockeri subsp. stockeri
and Eucalyptus tetrodonta woodland on
sandstone hills, 3.10.6a. West of the
Normanby River on Battlecamp Road, CYP.
(MR Newton)
Floristic characteristics: Corymbia stockeri subsp. stockeri and Eucalyptus tetrodonta or E.
megasepala dominate the sparse canopy. Corymbia stockeri subsp. peninsularis or E. cullenii
are frequently present in the canopy. Erythrophleum chlorostachys is often present forming a
subcanopy layer. Grevillea glauca, G. parallela, Melaleuca stenostachya, E. chlorostachys,
Melaleuca viridiflora, Petalostigma banksii, Cochlospermum gillivraei and Acacia rothii are
frequently present as low trees. In addition to these species, Indigofera pratensis, Persoonia
falcata, Acacia calyculata, A. humifusa, Alphitonia pomaderroides, Grevillea dryandri,
Planchonia careya, Xanthorrhoea johnsonii, Erythroxylum ellipticum and Gompholobium
pinnatum are frequently present in the very sparse shrub layer. The sparse ground layer may
be dominated by Triodia microstachya or the tussock grasses Schizachyrium fragile,
Page 110 of 238
Broad Vegetation Groups of Queensland
Heteropogon triticeus, Sarga plumosum, Alloteropsis semialata, and Aristida, Thaumastochloa,
Panicum, Eriachne and Eragrostis species. Frequent forbs are Phyllanthus virgatus, P.
carpentariae, Crotalaria medicaginea, C. montana, Haemodorum coccineum, Drosera
petiolaris and Spermacoce, Lomandra, Desmodium, Heliotropium, Tephrosia species.
Table 43 Five most extensive regional ecosystems included in Broad Vegetation Group 14d
RE
Description
Pre-clear
area (ha)
Remnant
2013 (ha)
%
remaining
Status
Corymbia stockeri subsp. stockeri ± Eucalyptus
tetrodonta ± E. cullenii woodland on sandstone
plateaus
247,005
246,821
100
NC
3.10.6a
3.11.11
Corymbia stockeri ± Eucalyptus tetrodonta
woodland on hills and erosional surfaces
170,548
170,250
100
NC
Eucalyptus megasepala ± Corymbia
clarksoniana woodland on metamorphic hills
84,433
84,190
100
NC
3.12.14c
Corymbia stockeri ± Eucalyptus megasepala ±
E. cullenii woodland on granite hills
76,023
75,827
100
NC
3.12.15x2a
Eucalyptus tetrodonta ± Corymbia clarksoniana
woodland on sandy soil on eroded granite
74,927
74,532
99
NC
3.11.11x1b
Photo 157 Corymbia stockeri subsp. peninsularis
and Eucalyptus cullenii woodland on low hill.
3.11.11. On road to Lockhart River, CYP.
(MR Newton)
Photo 158 Eucalyptus tetrodonta and Corymbia
clarksoniana open woodland, 3.12.14c. South of the
Palmer River, CYP.
(MR Newton)
Page 111 of 238
Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation
15
Temperate eucalypt woodlands
15a
Woodlands and open forests dominated by Eucalyptus youmanii (Youman's
stringybark), E. scoparia (Wallangarra white gum), E. caliginosa (broad-leaved
stringybark) or E. melliodora (yellow box) occurring on traprock
Pre-clearing area: 342,102 ha
Remnant 2013 area: 147,538 ha
(43.1% of pre-clearing)
Bioregions: NET (88%), BRB (12%)
Land zones: 11 (49%), 12 (41%), 9
(11%)
Mean annual rainfall range:
800-1000 mm
Typical landforms: On metamorphic
ranges and hills
Typical soils: Gravelly Rudosols and
Tenosols, through to Chromosols and
Sodosols on the flats
Structural formation range:
Woodland to open forest
Photo 159 Eucalyptus andrewsii, E. prava and
Acacia adunca woodland with heathy
understorey. E. scoparia in rock crevice,
13.12.3. View to Mt Norman from Mallee ridge,
Girraween NP, NET.
(MT Mathieson)
Floristic characteristics: These woodlands tend to be dominated by a variety of single
species including Eucalyptus youmanii, E. melliodora, E. scoparia, E. caleyi, E. dealbata, E.
moluccana, E crebra, E. fibrosa or E. sideroxylon. Callitris endlicheri, C. glaucophylla and
Allocasuarina luehmannii are frequently present in a very sparse low tree layer. Frequent
shrub species include Olearia elliptica, Cassinia laevis, Melichrus urceolatus, Psydrax odorata,
Acacia crassa, A. deanei, Acacia leiocalyx, A. semilunata, Melaleuca decora and Dodonaea
viscosa subsp. spatulata. The ground layer is dominated by the graminoids, Aristida vagans,
A. caput-medusae, A. gracilipes, A. ramosa, A. leichhardtiana, Cymbopogon refractus,
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Broad Vegetation Groups of Queensland
Panicum effusum var. effusum, Gahnia aspera, Cyperus gracilis, Entolasia stricta and
Enteropogon acicularis. Frequent forbs include Cheilanthes sieberi, C. distans, Lomandra
filiformis, L. longifolia, L. multiflora subsp. multiflora, Brunoniella australis, Dianella revoluta,
Pomax umbellata, Cyanthillium cinereum, Glycine tabacina.
Table 44 Five most extensive regional ecosystems included in Broad Vegetation Group 15a
RE
Description
Pre-clear
area (ha)
Remnant
2013 (ha)
%
remaining
Status
13.11.8
Eucalyptus melliodora and/or Eucalyptus
moluccana woodland on metamorphics
79,310
16,319
21
E
13.11.3b
Eucalyptus caleyi woodland
43,010
20,916
49
OC
11.9.9a
Eucalyptus albens ± E. crebra ± E. tereticornis ±
Callitris baileyi
36,185
20,329
56
NC
13.12.2
Eucalyptus andrewsii, E. youmanii woodland on
igneous rocks
32,250
22,363
69
NC
13.12.8
Eucalyptus melliodora and/or E. moluccana
and/or E. conica woodland on igneous rocks
24,861
4,326
17
E
The White Box-Yellow Box-Blakely's Red Gum Grassy Woodland and Derived Native
Grassland which is listed as critically endangered under the EPBC Act includes regional
ecosystems 11.9.9a, 13.11.3 and 13.11.8 from this BVG.
Photo 160 Eucalyptus mellidora with Angophora
floribunda open forest with sparse shrub layer and
grassy understorey. 13.12.8. Pike Creek Station, west of
Stanthorpe, NET. (AL Kelly)
Photo 162 Eucalyptus andrewsii, E. youmanii
woodland, 13.12.3, Mallee Ridge gully, Girraween NP,
NET. (MT Mathieson)
Photo 161 Eucalyptus andrewsii with Callitris endlicheri
woodland, 13.12.2. Near Castle Rock. Girraween NP,
NET. (MT Mathieson)
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15b
Woodlands dominated by Eucalyptus conica (fuzzy box) or E. nova-anglica (New
England peppermint) or E. blakelyi (Blakely's red gum) on alluvial plains
Pre-clearing area: 46,927 ha
Remnant 2013 area: 7,107 ha
(15.1% of pre-clearing)
Bioregions: NET (85%), BRB (15%)
Land zones: 3 (100%)
Mean annual rainfall range:
800-1000 mm
Typical landforms: Alluvial plains
Typical soils: Rudosols and Tenosols
Structural formation range: Woodland
Photo 163 Eucalyptus mellidora and E.
moluccana open forest with E. blakelyi and
E. conica and a sparse shrub layer and a
grassy understorey, 13.3.4. Reserve on the
corner of Mt Janet and Pikedale Roads,
Goldfields, NET.
(AL Kelly).
Floristic characteristics: Eucalyptus conica, E. nova-anglica or E. blakelyi dominate the
woodland at a site. E. moluccana, Angophora floribunda, Callitris glaucophylla, E. melliodora
and E. nobilis are sometimes present as scattered trees. Maireana microphylla and Geijera
parviflora occur as very scattered shrubs. The ground layer is dominated by Aristida ramosa,
A. vagans, Arundinella nepalensis, Austrostipa verticillata, Cymbopogon refractus, Cyperus
fulvus, C. gracilis, Enneapogon gracilis and Eragrostis species. The most frequent forbs are
Brunoniella australis, Cheilanthes distans, C. sieberi, Einadia nutans, Eremophila debilis,
Evolvulus alsinoides, Lomandra filiformis, Rostellularia adscendens and Wahlenbergia gracilis.
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Table 45 The four regional ecosystems making up Broad Vegetation Group 15b
RE
Description
Pre-clear
area (ha)
Remnant
2013 (ha)
%
remaining
Status
13.3.4
Eucalyptus conica, E. moluccana, E. melliodora
woodland on alluvial plains
38,102
3,774
10
E
13.3.1
Eucalyptus blakelyi woodland on alluvial plains
6,364
2,437
38
E
11.3.23
Eucalyptus conica, E. nobilis, E. tereticornis,
Angophora floribunda on alluvial plains. Basalt
derived soils
1,957
761
39
E
13.3.2
Eucalyptus nova-anglica open forest on alluvial
plains
504
135
27
E
The White Box-Yellow Box-Blakely's Red Gum Grassy Woodland and Derived Native
Grassland which is listed as critically endangered under the EPBC Act includes regional
ecosystems 13.3.1, 13.3.2 and 13.3.4 from this BVG.
Photo 164 Eucalyptus conica and E. melliodora open
forest with a mid-dense shrub layer and a grassy
understorey, 11.3.23. Boundary of Puntdaloo Nature
Refuge and Main Range NP, BRB.
(AL Kelly)
Photo 165 Eucalyptus bridgesiana open forest,13.3.1.
Paling Yard Creek road, east of Dr Roberts Waterhole,
Girraween NP, NET.
(MT Mathieson)
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16 Eucalyptus spp. dominated open forest and woodlands
drainage lines and alluvial plains
16a
Open forests and woodlands dominated by Eucalyptus camaldulensis (river red
gum) (or E. tereticornis (blue gum)) and/or E. coolabah (coolibah) (or E. microtheca
(coolabah)) fringing drainage lines. Associated species may include Melaleuca spp.,
Corymbia tessellaris (carbeen), Angophora spp., Casuarina cunninghamiana (river sheoak). Does not include alluvial areas dominated by herblands or grasslands or alluvial
plains that are not flooded
Pre-clearing area: 4,002,541 ha
Remnant 2013 area: 3,586,410 ha
(89.6% of pre-clearing)
Bioregions: MGD (28%), BRB (19%),
GUP (15%), CHC (14%), MUL (8%), DEU
(5%), NWH (4%), EIU (3%), SEQ (3%),
NET, WET (minor)
Land zones: 3 (100%)
Mean annual rainfall range:
200-1600 mm
Typical landforms: Fringing drainage
lines on alluvial plains
Typical soils: Rudosols and Tenosols
Structural formation range:
Open forest to woodland
Photo 166 Eucalyptus camaldulensis fringing woodland
on Mayne River, 5.3.1, West of Longreach, CHC.
(VJ Neldner)
Photo 167 Eucalyptus camaldulensis woodland with
Acacia aneura and A. cyperophylla fringing drainage
lines within low ranges, 5.3.4. Morney Plains Station,
CHC.
Floristic characteristics: Eucalyptus camaldulensis and/ or Eucalyptus coolabah dominate
these fringing woodlands to open forests in most bioregions, while E. microtheca dominates
Page 116 of 238
Broad Vegetation Groups of Queensland
fringing woodlands in the Gulf Plains. E. tereticornis dominates in SEQ and coastal Brigalow
Belt situations. A shrub layer is frequently absent. The dominant tussock grasses include
Heteropogon contortus, Themeda triandra, Chrysopogon fallax, Imperata cylindrica and Eulalia
aurea. Frequent forbs include Cyanthillium cinereum, Phyllanthus virgatus, Eustrephus
latifolius, Brunoniella australis, Crotalaria montana, Rostellularia adscendens, Evolvulus
alsinoides and Sida spp.
Table 46 Six most extensive regional ecosystems included in Broad Vegetation Group 16a
RE
Description
Pre-clear
area (ha)
Remnant
2013 (ha)
%
remaining
Status
4.3.3
Eucalyptus coolabah, E. camaldulensis ±
Lysiphyllum gilvum open woodland on drainage
lines
773,396
760,142
98
OC
11.3.25
Eucalyptus tereticornis or E. camaldulensis
woodland fringing drainage lines
686,106
431,660
63
OC
2.3.17
Eucalyptus microtheca woodland on channels in
fine textured alluvial plains
334,666
333,222
100
OC
5.3.8a
Eucalyptus coolabah low open woodland with
Duma florulenta on braided drainage lines
306,547
306,306
100
NC
4.3.4
Eucalyptus coolabah open woodland on
drainage lines/plains
160,887
158,641
99
NC
6.3.3
Eucalyptus camaldulensis ± E. coolabah ± E.
populnea, Acacia stenophylla woodland on
alluvium
152,331
140,322
92
OC
The Coolibah - Black Box Woodlands of the Darling Riverine Plains and the Brigalow Belt
South Bioregions ecological community which is listed as endangered under the EPBC Act
includes regional ecosystem 11.3.37 from this BVG.
Photo 168 Eucalyptus coolabah on braided channels,
5.3.8a, CHC. (BA Wilson)
Photo 169 Eucalyptus camaldulensis, E. tereticornis and
Corymbia tessellaris open forest, 11.3.25. St Ruth's
Reserve, south of Dalby, BRB. (AL Kelly)
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16b
Woodlands dominated by Eucalyptus leptophleba (Molloy red box), with
Corymbia tessellaris (carbeen) or C. clarksoniana (grey bloodwood) or C. dallachiana.
On sandy levees
Pre-clearing area: 1,744,395 ha
Remnant 2013 area: 1,719,676 ha
(98.6% of pre-clearing)
Bioregions: GUP (83%), EIU (8%),
CYP (7%)
Land zones: 3 (87%), 5 (13%)
Mean annual rainfall range:
600-1600 mm
Typical landforms: Alluvial terraces,
levees, ridges frontages on floodplains
Typical soils: Rudosols and Red
Kandosols
Structural formation range:
Woodland to open woodland
Photo 170 Corymbia polycarpa and
Erythrophleum chlorostachys woodland
with low tree layer of Melaleuca nervosa
on river levee. 2.3.21g. Dorunda Station,
NNE of Normanton, GUP.
(CN Appelman)
Floristic characteristics: The sparse canopy may be dominated by Eucalyptus leptophleba or
a variety of bloodwoods including Corymbia polycarpa, C. curtipes, C. confertiflora, C. bella, C.
dallachiana and C. tessellaris. Erythrophleum chlorostachys, Lysiphyllum cunninghamii and
Eucalyptus tetrodonta and E. melanophloia may also be present in the canopy. There is only a
very sparse shrub layer present with the most frequent species being Grewia retusifolia,
Atalaya hemiglauca, Planchonia careya, Denhamia cunninghamii, Antidesma ghaesembilla,
Carissa lanceolata, Ficus opposita and Flueggea leucopyrus. The sparse ground layer is
dominated by the graminoids Heteropogon contortus, Sarga plumosum, Panicum
mindanaense Sehima nervosum, Eulalia aurea, Chrysopogon fallax, Eragrostis stagnalis,
Page 118 of 238
Broad Vegetation Groups of Queensland
Aristida holathera, A. hygrometrica and Arundinella setosa. Frequent forbs are Evolvulus
alsinoides, Sauropus trachyspermus, Blumea saxatilis, Crotalaria montana, Hybanthus
enneaspermus, Indigofera linifolia, Uraria lagopodioides, Vigna radiata, Zornia muriculata,
Zornia prostrata and Galactia tenuiflora.
Table 47 Five most extensive regional ecosystems included in Broad Vegetation Group 16b
RE
Description
Pre-clear
area (ha)
Remnant
2013 (ha)
%
remaining
Status
2.5.14x3
Corymbia polycarpa ± C. grandifolia subsp.
grandifolia, C. confertiflora, Erythrophleum
chlorostachys, Eucalyptus leptophleba on
abandoned levees on broad, Tertiary sand
sheets.
188,112
187,629
100
NC
2.3.21g
Corymbia polycarpa, C. curtipes, Eucalyptus
leptophleba, C. confertiflora, Erythrophleum
chlorostachys in mixed woodlands on levees on
Quaternary alluvial plains (outer zones of river
deltas).
169,794
169,291
100
OC
2.3.21a
Corymbia polycarpa, C. bella, C. curtipes,
Eucalyptus leptophleba, C. confertiflora in mixed
woodlands on levees on Quaternary alluvial
plains (inner zones of river deltas).
152,703
152,474
100
OC
2.3.21x3a
Corymbia polycarpa, Eucalyptus tetrodonta,
Erythrophleum chlorostachys, C. dallachiana
and C. setosa in mixed woodlands on
abandoned levees on old alluvial plains (recent
Pleistocene surface).
144,480
143,981
100
OC
2.3.21b
Eucalyptus leptophleba, Corymbia polycarpa, C.
confertiflora and C. terminalis in mixed
woodlands on levees and narrow Quaternary
alluvial plains, associated with upper reaches of
major watercourses.
140,335
136,797
97
OC
Photo 171 Eucalyptus leptophleba, Corymbia confertiflora
and Brachychiton diversifolius woodland, 2.3.21b. Levee
of the Lynd River, Bulimba Station, GUP.
(GW Wilson)
Photo 172 Erythrophleum chlorostachys and Eucalyptus
tetrodonta woodland on levee, 2.3.21x3a. Dunbar
Station, NE of Normanton, GUP.
(CN Appelman)
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16c
Woodlands and open woodlands dominated by Eucalyptus coolabah (coolibah)
or E. microtheca (coolibah) or E. largiflorens (black box) or E. tereticornis (blue gum) or
E. chlorophylla on floodplains. Does not include alluvial areas dominated by herblands
or grasslands or alluvial plains that are not flooded
Pre-clearing area: 6,851,195 ha
Remnant 2013 area: 4,568,921 ha
(66.7% of pre-clearing)
Bioregions: GUP (33%), BRB (32%),
MUL (12%), SEQ (9%), CHC (4%), CYP
(3%), NWH (3%), EIU (2%), NET (minor)
Land zones: 3 (100%)
Mean annual rainfall range:
200-2000 mm
Typical landforms: Flat alluvial clay
plains
Typical soils: Grey and Black Vertosols
Structural formation range:
Woodland to open woodland
Photo 173 Eucalyptus coolabah open
woodland with open areas dominated by
Astrebla spp. and shaded areas
dominated by Sclerolaena spp., 11.3.3.
South of Dirranbandi, BRB.
(VJ Neldner)
Floristic characteristics: Eucalyptus coolabah is the dominant tree in the south, while E.
microtheca dominates the Gulf Plains and Cape York Peninsula. E. tereticornis dominates in
SEQ and coastal Brigalow Belt. A shrub layer is frequently absent. The dominant tussock
grasses including Heteropogon contortus, Themeda triandra, Chrysopogon fallax, Imperata
cylindrica and Eulalia aurea. Frequent forbs include Cyanthillium cinereum, Phyllanthus
virgatus, Eustrephus latifolius, Brunoniella australis, Crotalaria montana, Rostellularia
adscendens, Evolvulus alsinoides and Sida spp.
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Broad Vegetation Groups of Queensland
Table 48 Five most extensive regional ecosystems included in Broad Vegetation Group 16c
RE
Description
Pre-clear
area (ha)
Remnant
2013 (ha)
%
remaining
Status
11.3.3
Eucalyptus coolabah woodland on alluvial plains
894,662
259,395
29
OC
11.3.4
Eucalyptus tereticornis and/or Eucalyptus spp.
woodland on alluvial plains
686,936
183,202
27
OC
2.3.11
Eucalyptus microtheca, Excoecaria parvifolia
low open woodland and Dichanthium spp. on
grey clay plains
672,036
669,650
100
NC
11.3.28
Eucalyptus coolabah +/- Casuarina cristata
open woodland on alluvial plains
463,497
63,137
14
OC
12.3.3
Eucalyptus tereticornis woodland on Quaternary
alluvium
422,236
39,735
9
E
The Coolibah - Black Box Woodlands of the Darling Riverine Plains and the Brigalow Belt
South Bioregions ecological community which is listed as endangered under the EPBC Act
includes regional ecosystems 11.3.3, 11.3.15, 11.3.16, and 11.3.28 from this BVG.
Photo 174 Eucalyptus tereticornis open forest, 12.3.3.
Munna Creek, west of Maryborough, SEQ.
(TS Ryan)
Photo 175 Eucalyptus tereticornis open forest with
a grassy ground layer along a depression line,
11.3.4. Barakula SF, BRB.
(AL Kelly)
Photo 176 Eucalyptus microtheca and Grevillea
striata low woodland on alluvial plain, 2.3.11. Van
Rook Station, NE of Normanton, GUP.
(CN Appelman)
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16d
River beds, open water or sand, or rock, frequently not vegetated
Pre-clearing area: 186,014 ha
Remnant 2013 area: 178,290 ha
(95.8% of pre-clearing)
Bioregions: GUP (45%), EIU (31%),
BRB (8%), CYP (5%), WET (4%), SEQ
(3%), DEU (3%), CQC, MUL (minor)
Land zones: 3 (100%)
Mean annual rainfall range:
600-1200 mm
Typical landforms: Riverbeds of major
streams, mainly bare sand or rock
areas, but includes waterholes in the
riverbed.
Typical soils: Rock or Rudosols
Structural formation range:
Bare to sparse herbland, occasional
fringing shrubland
Photo 177 Sandy river bed sparsely
wooded with low trees of Melaleuca
argentea, 2.3.24x11. Staaten River NP, SW
of the Highbury Homestead, GUP.
(GW Wilson)
Floristic characteristics: Sandy river beds sometimes with patches of ephemeral grassland,
herbland or sedgeland and occasional shrubs of Melaleuca bracteata, M. viminalis, M.
trichostachya and M. linariifolia.
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Broad Vegetation Groups of Queensland
Table 49 Five most extensive regional ecosystems included in Broad Vegetation Group 16d
RE
Description
Pre-clear
area (ha)
Remnant
2013 (ha)
%
remaining
Status
2.3.24x11
Bare sand with scattered low shrubs and
patches of grasses, forbs and sedges in larger
river channels
57,075
56,949
100
OC
9.3.12a
Sandy river beds sometimes with patches of
ephemeral grassland, herbland or sedgeland
and occasional shrubs of Melaleuca spp.
56,531
55,509
98
OC
2.3.24x12
Waterholes in active stream channels,
commonly with a wooded fringe, including
Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Melaleuca spp., E.
microtheca and Barringtonia acutangula.
23,905
23,870
100
OC
11.3.25f
Sandy river beds
14,397
9,671
67
OC
3.3.66x1a
Rivers & water holes with permanent water
5,979
5,969
100
OC
Photo 178 Melaleuca lined rocky river bed,
9.3.12a. Copperfield River crossing east of
Kidston Mine, EIU.
(MR Newton)
Photo 179 Sandy river bed sparsely wooded with
low trees of Melaleuca argentea, 2.3.24x11.
Staaten River NP, SW of Highbury Homestead,
GUP. (GW Wilson)
Photo 180 Sandy river bed of the Mitchell
River, 3.3.66. Near Kowanyama, CYP.
(VJ Neldner)
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17 Eucalyptus populnea (poplar box) or E. melanophloia
(silver-leaved ironbark) (or E. whitei (White's ironbark)) dry
woodlands to open woodlands on sandplains or
depositional plains
17a
Woodlands dominated by Eucalyptus populnea (poplar box) (or E. brownii (Reid
River box)) on alluvium, sand plains and footslopes of hills and ranges
Pre-clearing area: 8,083,260 ha
Remnant 2013 area: 3,017,619 ha
(37.3% of pre-clearing)
Bioregions: BRB (70%), MUL (19%),
DEU (10%), EIU (1%)
Land zones: 3 (42%), 5 (38%), 10 (8%),
9 (6%), 4 (3%), 11 (2%), 12 (1%), 8
(minor)
Mean annual rainfall range:
500-800 mm
Typical landforms: Flat to gently
undulating plains
Typical soils: Red Sodosols and
Chromosols
Structural formation range:
Woodland to open woodland
Photo 181 Eucalyptus populnea
woodland on alluvial plain, 11.3.2,
Carnarvon Station, north of Mitchell,
BRB. (TJ Eyre)
Floristic characteristics: Eucalyptus populnea (poplar box) is the dominant tree, with E.
brownii (Reid River box) replacing it in the north. A sparse to open shrub layer is often present
with Eremophila mitchellii, Geijera parviflora and Carissa lanceolata frequent. Tussock grasses
Page 124 of 238
Broad Vegetation Groups of Queensland
dominate the open ground layer with Chrysopogon fallax, Eragrostis lacunaria, Fimbristylis
dichotoma, Themeda triandra, Enteropogon acicularis, Heteropogon contortus, Cymbopogon
refractus, Panicum effusum, and Aristida calycina frequently present. Evolvulus alsinoides,
Brunoniella australis, Euphorbia drummondii, Rhynchosia minima, Sida hackettiana,
Alternanthera micrantha, Eremophila debilis, Abutilon oxycarpum and Melhania oblongifolia
are frequent forbs.
Table 50 Five most extensive regional ecosystems included in Broad Vegetation Group 17a
RE
Description
Pre-clear
area (ha)
11.3.2
Eucalyptus populnea woodland on alluvial plains
1,936,290
517,486
27
OC
11.5.3
Eucalyptus populnea ± E. melanophloia ±
Corymbia clarksoniana on Cainozoic sand
plains/remnant surfaces
967,900
376,059
39
NC
6.5.3
Eucalyptus populnea, Acacia aneura ±
Eremophila mitchellii woodland within A. aneura
communities
632,132
198,443
31
OC
11.5.13
Eucalyptus populnea ± Acacia aneura ± E.
melanophloia woodland on Cainozoic sand
plains/remnant surfaces
572,107
98,057
17
OC
11.10.11
Eucalyptus populnea, E. melanophloia ± Callitris
glaucophylla woodland on coarse-grained
sedimentary rocks
540,589
325,472
60
NC
Photo 182 Eucalyptus brownii open woodland on
Cainozoic clay plain, 10.3.6ax2. Helenslee Station,
DEU.
(EJ Thompson)
Remnant
2013 (ha)
%
remaining
Status
Photo 183 Eucalyptus populnea woodland with
Allocasuarina luehmannii low tree layer, 11.5.1a.
Boondandilla State Forest, BRB.
(C Pennay)
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17b
Woodlands to open woodlands dominated by Eucalyptus melanophloia (silverleaved ironbark) (or E. shirleyi (Shirley's silver-leaved ironbark)) on sand plains and
footslopes of hills and ranges
Pre-clearing area: 4,221,240 ha
Remnant 2013 area: 2,570,530 ha
(60.9% of pre-clearing)
Bioregions: BRB (42%), DEU (41%),
EIU (7%), SEQ (5%), NET (3%), GUP
(2%), NWH (1%)
Land zones: 5 (42%), 12 (19%), 3
(14%), 11 (13%), 9 (9%), 7 (2%)
Mean annual rainfall range:
600-800 mm
Typical landforms: On sand plains
and undulating low rises, hills and
ranges.
Typical soils: Red Sodosols and
Chromosols
Structural formation range:
Woodland to open woodland
Photo 184 Eucalyptus melanophloia open
woodland on sand plain, 10.5.5a. Bimblebox
Nature Refuge, NW of Alpha, DEU.
(EJ Thompson)
Floristic characteristics: Eucalyptus melanophloia dominates these woodlands, apart from
when it is replaced by or co-dominates with E. shirleyi, Corymbia dallachiana, C. peltata, C.
clarksoniana, Eucalyptus crebra and E. populnea may sometimes also occur in the canopy.
The shrub layer is very sparse with Denhamia cunninghamii, Carissa lanceolata, Eremophila
mitchellii, Psydrax oleifolia, Breynia oblongifolia, Bursaria incana and Petalostigma pubescens
the most frequent species. The mid-dense ground layer is dominated by the grasses
Heteropogon contortus, Themeda triandra, Chrysopogon fallax, Panicum effusum var.
effusum, Bothriochloa ewartiana, Digitaria brownii, Cymbopogon refractus, Eriachne
mucronata, Triodia pungens, Enneapogon lindleyanus, Aristida calycina var. calycina and A.
holathera var. holathera. Frequent forbs are Evolvulus alsinoides, Brunoniella australis,
Rhynchosia minima, Rostellularia adscendens, Spermacoce brachystema, Cyanthillium
cinereum, Melhania oblongifolia, Phyllanthus virgatus and Zornia muriculata.
Page 126 of 238
Broad Vegetation Groups of Queensland
Table 51 Five most extensive regional ecosystems included in Broad Vegetation Group 17b
RE
Description
Pre-clear
area (ha)
10.5.5a
Eucalyptus melanophloia open woodland on
sand plains
1,240,079
947,709
76
NC
11.12.2
Eucalyptus melanophloia woodland on igneous
rocks
455,169
185,566
41
NC
11.9.2
Eucalyptus melanophloia ± E. orgadophila
woodland on fine-grained sedimentary rocks
374,074
145,601
39
NC
11.5.5
Eucalyptus melanophloia, Callitris glaucophylla
woodland on Cainozoic sand plains/remnant
surfaces. Deep red sands
332,924
115,454
35
NC
11.11.10
Eucalyptus melanophloia woodland on
deformed and metamorphosed sediments and
interbedded volcanics
317,938
102,341
32
OC
Photo 185 Eucalyptus melanophloia woodland with moderate
subcanopy of Petalostigma pubescens on broad plain, 9.5.4.
On Hillgrove Sation, EIU. (MR Newton)
Remnant
2013 (ha)
%
remaining
Status
Photo 186 Eucalyptus melanophloia and Callitris
glaucophylla woodland on Cainozoic sand plains, 11.5.5,
Yuleba SF, BRB.
(RE Niehus)
Photo 187 Eucalyptus melanophloia woodland on finegrained sedimentary rocks, 11.9.2. Near Mt Moffat, BRB.
(VJ Neldner)
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Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation
17c
Eucalyptus whitei (White's ironbark) or E. similis (Queensland yellowjacket)
woodlands to open woodlands on sand sheets
Pre-clearing area: 1,686,207 ha
Remnant 2013 area: 1,605,659 ha
(95.2% of pre-clearing)
Bioregions: DEU (96%), EIU (3%),
GUP (2%),
Land zones: 5 (74%), 7 (16%), 3 (9%),
10 (1%)
Mean annual rainfall range:
500-700 mm
Typical landforms: On sand plains,
sand plateaus, silcrete remnant
surfaces and some alluvial fans
Typical soils: Red and Yellow
Kandosols and Tenosols
Structural formation range:
Woodland to open woodland
Photo 188 Eucalyptus similis open woodland
on red sand sheet,10.5.1a. NE of Aramac,
DEU. (EJ Thompson)
Floristic characteristics: Eucalyptus similis or Eucalyptus whitei dominate the woodlands of
this BVG. Corymbia setosa may be dominant or codominant in some areas. Corymbia
brachycarpa, C. dallachiana and E. crebra are sometime present as co-dominant trees. Very
sparse Acacia coriacea, Bursaria incana, Grevillea glauca, G. parallela, C. brachycarpa and
Melaleuca nervosa low trees may be present. A range of species may be present in in the very
sparse shrub layer with Carissa lanceolata, Petalostigma banksii, P. pubescens, Denhamia
cunninghamii, Psydrax oleifolia, Bursaria incana, Persoonia falcata, Acacia cowleana,
Alphitonia excelsa and Grewia retusifolia the most frequent species. The sparse ground layer
may be dominated by Triodia pungens, or a range of tussock grasses including Themeda
triandra, Eriachne mucronata, Heteropogon contortus, Chrysopogon fallax, Enneapogon
polyphyllus, Aristida holathera var. holathera, A. calycina var. calycina, A. ingrata,
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Broad Vegetation Groups of Queensland
Cymbopogon bombycinus, Panicum effusum var. effusum, Digitaria brownii, Bothriochloa
ewartiana, Tripogon loliiformis, Schizachyrium fragile, Panicum effusum and Eragrostis
lacunaria. The most frequent forbs are Evolvulus alsinoides, Zornia muriculata, Glycine
tomentella, Bonamia media, Rhynchosia minima, Melhania oblongifolia, Rostellularia
adscendens, Tephrosia leptoclada, Alternanthera micrantha, Indigofera linifolia, Phyllanthus
virgatus, Spermacoce brachystema and Waltheria indica.
Table 52 Five most extensive regional ecosystems included in Broad Vegetation Group 17c
RE
Description
Pre-clear
area (ha)
Remnant
2013 (ha)
%
remaining
Status
10.5.1a
Eucalyptus similis open woodland on sand
plains
601,045
586,499
98
NC
10.5.11c
Eucalyptus whitei open woodland on red sand
plateau (north west)
366,123
337,115
92
NC
10.7.10a
Eucalyptus whitei open woodland on ferricrete
183,867
179,694
98
NC
10.3.9
Eucalyptus whitei open woodland on sandy
alluvial fans
154,112
131,130
85
NC
10.5.1c
Eucalyptus similis and Corymbia setosa low
open woodland on sand plains
86,782
85,327
98
NC
Photo 189 Eucalyptus whitei open woodland on sand
plain. 10.5.11c. SW of Torrens Creek, DEU.
(EJ Thompson)
Photo 190 Eucalyptus whitei low open woodland on
ferricrete, 10.7.10a. Moorrinya NP, DEU.
(EJ Thompson)
Photo 191 Eucalyptus whitei open woodland, on
flood plain, 10.3.9. On stock route south of Torrens
Creek, DEU.
(EJ Thompson)
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Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation
18 Dry eucalypt woodlands to open woodlands primarily
on sandplains or depositional plains
18a
Dry woodlands to open woodlands, dominated by bloodwoods (Corymbia
dallachiana, C. terminalis (long-fruited bloodwood), C. plena, or C. leichhardtii
(rustyjacket)) or ironbarks (Eucalyptus quadricostata (Pentland ironbark), E. crebra
(narrow-leaved red ironbark) or E. exilipes (fine-leaved ironbark)), often with E.
acmenoides (narrow-leaved white stringybark), Angophora leiocarpa (rusty gum) and
Callitris glaucophylla (white cypress pine) in the Brigalow Belt, on sandy plateaus and
plains
Pre-clearing area: 1,022,455 ha
Remnant 2013 area: 938,254 ha
(91.8% of pre-clearing)
Bioregions: GUP (40%), DEU (34%), BRB
(25%)
Land zones: 5 (76%), 3 (20%), 7 (4%)
Mean annual rainfall range:
600-1000 mm
Typical landforms: Sandplains and old
alluvial plains
Typical soils: Red and Yellow Kandosols
and Tenosols
Structural formation range: Woodland
Photo 192 Corymbia setosa low open
woodland with sparse shrub layer of
Petalostigma banksii and Acacia torulosa,
2.5.9x2a. Esmerelda Station, GUP.
(CN Appelman)
Floristic characteristics: Woodlands dominated by bloodwoods such as Corymbia
leichhardtii, C. dallachiana, C. plena, C. terminalis or C. brachycarpa, or ironbarks Eucalyptus
exilipes or E. quadricostata. Angophora leiocarpa and Callitris glaucophylla are sometimes
Page 130 of 238
Broad Vegetation Groups of Queensland
also present in the canopy in the south. There is generally only a very sparse shrub layer with
Alphitonia excelsa, Petalostigma pubescens, P. banksii, Persoonia falcata, Bursaria incana,
Psydrax oleifolia, Acacia julifera subsp. julifera, A. longispicata, Carissa lanceolata and
Santalum lanceolatum the most frequent species. The sparse ground layer maybe dominated
by Triodia pungens or T. bitextura in some areas, or the tussock grasses Eriachne mucronata,
Chrysopogon fallax, Panicum effusum var. effusum, Aristida holathera var. holathera, A.
ingrata, A. calycina, Themeda triandra, Digitaria ammophila, D. brownii, Schizachyrium fragile,
Heteropogon contortus, Enneapogon polyphyllus, Eragrostis lacunaria, Cymbopogon
bombycinus and C. refractus. The most frequent forbs are Evolvulus alsinoides, Goodenia
glabra, Rostellularia adscendens, Cyanthillium cinereum, Phyllanthus collinus, P. virgatus,
Bonamia media, Marsdenia viridiflora, Lomandra multiflora and Chrysocephalum apiculatum.
Table 53 Five most extensive regional ecosystems included in Broad Vegetation Group 18a
RE
Description
Pre-clear
area (ha)
Remnant
2013 (ha)
%
remaining
Status
2.5.9x2a
Corymbia setosa and/or Corymbia polycarpa ±
C. grandifolia, Terminalia spp., Erythrophleum
chlorostachys, Eucalyptus microneura low open
woodland on level to gently undulating Tertiary
sand sheets.
219,301
218,770
100
NC
10.5.2a
Corymbia dallachiana and C. plena open
woodland on sand plains (eastern)
149,719
127,183
85
NC
11.3.14
Eucalyptus spp., Angophora spp., Callitris spp.
woodland on alluvial plains
105,693
80,404
76
NC
11.5.21
Corymbia bloxsomei ± Callitris glaucophylla ±
Eucalyptus crebra ± Angophora leiocarpa
woodland on Cainozoic sand plains/remnant
surfaces
76,526
71,711
94
NC
2.5.9x2b
Corymbia setosa, Melaleuca nervosa and C.
polycarpa ± Erythrophleum chlorostachys
woodland on undulating, dissected, Tertiary
sand sheets.
58,022
57,978
100
NC
Photo 193 Eucalyptus crebra and Corymbia
intermedia woodland with Melaleuca spp. dominant
in understorey. 11.5.12a. Shoalwater Bay Training
Area, BRB. (AL Kelly)
Photo 194 Eucalyptus whitei open woodland on sand,
10.5.2ax1. Stock route, SW of Torrens Creek, DEU.
(EJ Thompson)
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Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation
18b
Woodlands dominated Eucalyptus crebra (narrow-leaved red ironbark) frequently
with Corymbia spp. or Callitris spp. on flat to undulating plains
Pre-clearing area: 2,402,810 ha
Remnant 2013 area: 1,767,987 ha
(73.6% of pre-clearing)
Bioregions: BRB (67%), DEU (12%),
EIU (12%), GUP (7%), CYP (1%)
Land zones: 5 (91%), 3 (9%)
Mean annual rainfall range: 600-1000
mm
Typical landforms: Cainozoic sand
plains/remnant surfaces and alluvial
plains
Typical soils: Tenosols and Rudosols
Structural formation range: Woodland
Photo 195 Eucalyptus crebra and Corymbia
clarksoniana woodland, 11.5.9. Near
Charters Towers, BRB.
(A Borsboom)
Floristic characteristics: The ironbark Eucalyptus crebra dominates these woodlands.
Corymbia clarksoniana, C. dallachiana, C. brachycarpa, Angophora leiocarpa and Eucalyptus
populnea may also be present in the sparse canopy. Callitris glaucophylla, Allocasuarina
luehmannii and Lysicarpus angustifolius sometimes form a conspicuous subcanopy layer. A
variety of shrubs can occur in a very sparse layer with Petalostigma pubescens, Alphitonia
excelsa, Denhamia cunninghamii, Acacia leiocalyx subsp. leiocalyx, A. conferta, A. leiocalyx,
Geijera parviflora and Grewia retusifolia the most frequent species. The mid-dense ground
layer is dominated by the graminoids Themeda triandra, Heteropogon contortus, H. triticeus
Aristida caput-medusae, A. calycina var. calycina, Cymbopogon refractus, Fimbristylis
dichotoma, Panicum effusum var. effusum, Chrysopogon fallax, Eragrostis sororia, E.
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Broad Vegetation Groups of Queensland
lacunaria, Gahnia aspera, Eriachne mucronata and Eremochloa bimaculata. Brunoniella
australis, Evolvulus alsinoides, Cyanthillium cinereum, Rostellularia adscendens, Cheilanthes
sieberi, Phyllanthus virgatus, Dianella revoluta, Chrysocephalum apiculatum, Sida hackettiana,
Grewia retusifolia and Laxmannia gracilis are most frequent forbs.
Table 54 Five most extensive regional ecosystems included in Broad Vegetation Group 18b
RE
Description
Pre-clear
area (ha)
Remnant
2013 (ha)
%
remaining
Status
11.5.1
Eucalyptus crebra and/or E. populnea, Callitris
glaucophylla, Angophora leiocarpa,
Allocasuarina luehmannii woodland on
Cainozoic sand plains/remnant surfaces
623,606
422,120
68
NC
11.5.2
Eucalyptus crebra, Corymbia spp., with E.
moluccana on lower slopes of Cainozoic sand
plains/remnant surfaces
304,452
173,587
57
NC
10.5.1b
Corymbia brachycarpa open woodland on sand
plains
186,889
177,432
95
NC
9.5.3
Eucalyptus crebra or E. drepanophylla and
Corymbia clarksoniana woodland on sand plains
185,184
180,298
97
NC
2.5.6x11a
Eucalyptus crebra, Corymbia brachycarpa +/Corymbia citriodora woodland on flat to gently
undulating sand plains on sandstone plateaus
182,895
177,138
97
NC
Photo 196 Callitris glaucophylla and Eucalyptus
crebra woodland, 11.5.1. Boondandilla State
Forest, BRB. (BA Wilson)
Photo 197 Eucalyptus crebra tall woodland with E.
brownii and Corymbia clarksoniana. The ground layer is
dominated by Heteropogon contortus, 9.5.3. NW of Shelly
Mount, Clarke Hills Station, EIU.
(CPF Kahler)
Photo 198 Corymbia brachycarpa open woodland,
10.5.1b. Near Jericho, DEU. (EJ Thompson)
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Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation
18c
Woodlands and open woodlands dominated by Eucalyptus chlorophylla (or E.
leptophleba (Molloy red box) on heavy soils) frequently with Corymbia spp.
Pre-clearing area: 864,558 ha
Remnant 2013 area: 832,885 ha
(96.3% of pre-clearing)
Bioregions: CYP (51%), GUP (27%),
EIU (18%), MGD (2%), NWH (1%)
Land zones: 9 (53%) 5 (33%), 3 (11%),
12 (2%), 4 (1%)
Mean annual rainfall range:
800-2000 mm
Typical landforms: Undulating to
rolling plains
Typical soils: Yellow Dermosols and
Redoxic Hydrosols
Structural formation range:
Woodland to open woodland
Photo 199 Eucalyptus leptophleba and E.
platyphylla woodland on plain, 3.9.4a.
Sudley Station, CYP.
(MR Newton)
Floristic characteristics: The sparse canopy is usually dominated either Eucalyptus
leptophleba or E. chlorophylla. E. platyphylla, Erythrophleum chlorostachys, Corymbia
clarksoniana, C. polycarpa and C. dallachiana may be present as codominant trees. Melaleuca
viridiflora, M. nervosa, M. stenostachya, Brachychiton diversifolius subsp. orientalis, and
Petalostigma pubescens may be present as very sparse low trees. The very sparse shrub
layer includes a variety of species with the most frequent being Grewia retusifolia,
Dolichandrone heterophylla, Carissa lanceolata, Denhamia cunninghamii, Petalostigma
pubescens, P. banksii, Melaleuca viridiflora, Planchonia careya, Flueggea virosa subsp.
melanthesoides, Grevillea parallela and Terminalia platyptera. The mid-dense to dense ground
layer is dominated by the grasses Heteropogon contortus, H. triticeus, Sarga plumosum,
Page 134 of 238
Broad Vegetation Groups of Queensland
Themeda triandra, T. arguens, Schizachyrium fragile, Capillipedium parviflorum, Chrysopogon
fallax, Mnesithea formosa, Setaria surgens and Alloteropsis semialata. Frequent forbs are
Crotalaria medicaginea, C. montana, Phyllanthus virgatus, Cayratia trifolia, Evolvulus
alsinoides, Ipomoea eriocarpa, Galactia tenuiflora, Flemingia parviflora, Hibiscus meraukensis,
Rostellularia adscendens, Commelina ensifolia and Waltheria indica.
Table 55 Five most extensive regional ecosystems included in Broad Vegetation Group 18c
RE
Description
Pre-clear
area (ha)
Remnant
2013 (ha)
%
remaining
Status
3.9.4a
Eucalyptus leptophleba ± Corymbia dallachiana
open woodland on rolling plains
249,001
247,937
100
NC
3.9.2a
Eucalyptus chlorophylla open woodland on
undulating clay plains
118,447
117,555
99
NC
Eucalyptus microtheca low woodland on Tertiary
clay plains
73,082
72,834
100
NC
2.9.7a
Eucalyptus chlorophylla ± Terminalia spp.
woodland on Cretaceous mudstone footslopes
and plains.
52,188
49,216
94
OC
9.5.6a
Eucalyptus leptophleba ± Corymbia
clarksoniana woodland on Tertiary remnants
48,401
44,169
91
NC
2.3.11x40a
Photo 200 Eucalyptus chlorophylla woodland on
undulating plain, 3.9.2a. Rokeby Station, CYP.
(MR Newton)
Photo 201 Eucalyptus leptophleba and E. platyphylla
woodland, 9.5.6a. South of Innot Hot Springs, EIU.
(MR Newton)
Photo 202 Eucalyptus chlorophylla low woodland
with shrub layer of Carissa lanceolata, 2.9.7a. Near
Gamboola, GUP.
(GW Wilson)
Page 135 of 238
Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation
18d
Woodlands to low open woodlands dominated by Eucalyptus microneura (Gilbert
River box/Georgetown box) sometimes with Corymbia spp.
Pre-clearing area: 612,110 ha
Remnant 2013 area: 608,016 ha
(99.3% of pre-clearing)
Bioregions: GUP (78%), EIU (22%)
Land zones: 5 (68%), 10 (23%), 3
(8%), 12 (1%)
Mean annual rainfall range:
600-1000 mm
Typical landforms: On undulating
plains, low rises, rocky ranges and
plateaus
Typical soils: Red Kandosols,
Chromosols and Rudosols
Structural formation range:
Woodland to open woodland
Photo 203 Eucalyptus microneura and
Corymbia pocillum low open woodland,
with Petalostigma banksii shrub layer on
sand plain, 2.5.9. Fog Creek Station, GUP.
(CN Appelman)
Floristic characteristics: Eucalyptus microneura dominates the sparse to very sparse
canopy. Erythrophleum chlorostachys, Terminalia platyptera, T. aridicola, Atalaya hemiglauca
and Erythroxylum ellipticum may also be present as sparse trees. There may be a very sparse
shrub layer with Carissa lanceolata, Gardenia vilhelmii, Petalostigma banksii, Denhamia
cunninghamii, Melaleuca citrolens, M. viridiflora, Acacia chisholmii and Dodonaea physocarpa
the most frequent species. The ground layer can be mid-dense and frequent graminoids
include Heteropogon contortus, Schizachyrium fragile, Triodia pungens, Aristida ingrata, A.
latifolia, Capillipedium parviflorum, Eriachne ciliata, E. obtusa and Themeda triandra. Frequent
forbs are Zornia muriculata, Brunoniella australis, Melhania oblongifolia, Desmodium varians,
Drosera lanata, Malvastrum americanum var. americanum, Polycarpaea corymbosa and
Tephrosia leptoclada.
Page 136 of 238
Broad Vegetation Groups of Queensland
Table 56 Five most extensive regional ecosystems included in Broad Vegetation Group 18d
RE
Description
Pre-clear
area (ha)
Remnant
2013 (ha)
%
remaining
Status
2.5.9
Eucalyptus microneura woodland on plains and
plateaus on earths, podsolics and skeletal soils
330,380
328,478
99
NC
2.10.1a
Eucalyptus microneura low woodland on plains
and low rises of Mesozoic sandstone
88,675
88,493
100
NC
9.5.10a
Eucalyptus microneura ± Corymbia pocillum or
C. erythrophloia ± Terminalia spp. low woodland
on undulating plains
58,047
57,132
98
NC
9.3.20
Eucalyptus microneura ± Corymbia spp. ± E.
leptophleba woodland on alluvial plains
40,431
39,638
98
NC
2.10.1b
Eucalyptus microneura ± Corymbia terminalis
low open woodland with Acacia chisholmii on
undulating to steep rocky sandstone terrain
33,893
33,883
100
NC
Photo 204 Eucalyptus microneura and Terminalia
aridicola subsp. chillagoensis shrubby low woodland on
gently undulating plain, 9.5.10a. South of Eveleigh
Homestead, EIU.
(ID Fox)
Photo 205 Eucalyptus microneura low open
woodland with sparse grass cover of Aristida sp. on
alluvial plain, 9.3.20. SW of Georgetown, EIU.
(MR Newton)
Photo 206 Eucalyptus microneura (Gilbert
River box/Georgetown box), GUP.
(CPF Kahler)
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Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation
19 Eucalyptus spp. (E. leucophloia (snappy gum), E.
leucophylla (Cloncurry box), E. persistens, E.
normantonensis (Normanton box)) low open woodlands
often with Triodia spp. dominated ground layer
19a
Low open woodlands dominated by Eucalyptus leucophloia (snappy gum) with
Triodia spp. dominated ground layer, mainly on hills and ranges
Pre-clearing area: 3,381,168 ha
Remnant 2013 area: 3,372,082 ha
(99.7 % of pre-clearing)
Bioregions: NWH (85%), GUP (9%),
MGD (5%)
Land zones: 11 (44%), 7 (36%), 5
(9%), 12 (6%), 10 (3%), 9 (2%)
Mean annual rainfall range:
400-800 mm
Typical landforms: Scarps, plateaus
and slopes of metamorphic, granitic and
sandstone ranges
Typical soils: Shallow Rudosols
Structural formation range:
Low open woodland to wooded
hummock grassland
Photo 207 Eucalyptus leucophloia open
woodland with Triodia spp. dominated
ground layer, 1.11.2a, near Mt Isa, NWH.
(VJ Neldner)
Floristic characteristics: Eucalyptus leucophloia subsp. euroa generally dominates the very
sparse low canopy. Eucalyptus leucophylla and Corymbia terminalis are sometimes present as
co-dominant trees. C. capricornia and C. aspera dominate in some situations. A sparse shrub
layer may be present, with Acacia chisholmii, A. monticola, A. retivenea, A. hilliana, Carissa
lanceolata, Terminalia canescens, Atalaya hemiglauca, Grevillea wickhamii, G. dryandri,
Eremophila longifolia, Gossypium australe, Petalostigma quadriloculare and Denhamia
cunninghamii frequently occurring species. The mid-dense ground layer is generally dominated
Page 138 of 238
Broad Vegetation Groups of Queensland
by the hummock grasses Triodia pungens, T. molesta, Triodia longiceps or T. bitextura.
Tussock grasses that are frequently present include Enneapogon lindleyanus, E. polyphyllus,
Eriachne mucronata, E. ciliata, Mnesithea formosa, Eulalia aurea, Schizachyrium fragile,
Aristida pruinosa, Heteropogon contortus, Themeda triandra, Cymbopogon bombycinus and
Digitaria brownii. Frequent forbs are Cleome viscosa, Bulbostylis barbata, Evolvulus
alsinoides, Indigofera linifolia, Heliotropium tenuifolium, H. ballii, Hibiscus sturtii, Crotalaria
medicaginea and Waltheria indica.
Table 57 Five most extensive regional ecosystems included in Broad Vegetation Group 19a
RE
Description
Pre-clear
area (ha)
Remnant
2013 (ha)
%
remaining
Status
1.11.2a
Eucalyptus leucophloia often with Corymbia
spp., Terminalia aridicola and E. leucophylla low
open woodland
793,213
789,059
99
NC
1.11.2
Eucalyptus leucophloia often with Corymbia
spp., Terminalia aridicola and E. leucophylla low
open woodland Eucalyptus leucophloia low
open woodland
297,111
296,497
100
NC
1.7.1
Eucalyptus leucophloia (snappy gum) low open
woodland on skeletal soils on lateritic scarps
and plateaus
289,491
289,132
100
NC
1.7.1x5
Mixed low open woodland dominated by
Corymbia capricornia on silcrete in the north of
the bioregion
223,372
223,257
100
NC
1.12.1
Eucalyptus leucophloia low open woodland on
granites
187,623
187,539
100
NC
Photo 208 Corymbia capricornia and Eucalyptus
miniata open woodland with shrub layer dominated by
Grevillea dryandrii and ground layer by Triodia
bitextura,1.7.1x5. Lawn Hill Station, NWH.
(DT Kelman)
Photo 209 Corymbia capricornia and Eucalyptus
leucophloia low open woodland with ground layer
dominated by Triodia pungens, 1.10.1x1. Near
Bowthorn Homestead, NWH.
(DT Kelman)
Page 139 of 238
Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation
19b
Low open woodlands dominated by Eucalyptus leucophylla (Cloncurry box) or
less extensively Corymbia terminalis (long-fruited bloodwood) low open woodlands and
related associations, mainly lower slopes and valleys
Pre-clearing area: 2,776,978 ha
Remnant 2013 area: 2,757,183 ha
(99.3% of pre-clearing)
Bioregions: NWH (69%), MGD
(17%), GUP (11%), CHC (3%)
Land zones: 11 (31%), 5 (28%), 9
(13%), 12 (11%), 7 (10%), 3 (7%)
Mean annual rainfall range:
350-1200 mm
Typical landforms: Low hills and
rises through to sand plains
Typical soils: Shallow Rudosols
Structural formation range:
Low open woodland to wooded
hummock grassland
Photo 210 Eucalyptus leucophylla and
Corymbia terminalis low woodland with a
ground layer of Triodia pungens and
tussock grasses,1.5.4. Riversleigh Station,
NWH.
(DT Kelman)
Floristic characteristics: Eucalyptus leucophylla and/or Corymbia terminalis dominate the
very sparse low canopy. E. pruinosa, Atalaya hemiglauca and Corymbia aparrerinja are
occasionally present. Acacia chisholmii is frequent in the shrub layer and may dominate in
some situations. Other frequent shrub species include Carissa lanceolata, Gossypium
australe, Eremophila longifolia, Senna artemisioides subsp. helmsii, S artemisioides subsp.
oligophylla and Acacia tenuissima. The ground layer is often dominated by the hummock
grasses Triodia longiceps, T. pungens or T. brizoides. Frequent tussock grasses include
Enneapogon polyphyllus, Aristida contorta, A. latifolia, A. inaequiglumis, A. pruinosa,
Dichanthium sericeum subsp. polystachyum, Heteropogon contortus, Sporobolus australasicus
Page 140 of 238
Broad Vegetation Groups of Queensland
and Themeda triandra. Frequent forbs include Salsola australis, Sida fibulifera, S. filiformis,
Solanum quadriloculatum, Indigofera linifolia, I. linnaei, Cleome viscosa, Melhania oblongifolia,
Heliotropium tenuifolium, Bulbostylis barbata, Evolvulus alsinoides var. villosicalyx,
Pterocaulon serrulatum, Ptilotus obovatus and Achyranthes aspera.
Table 58 Five most extensive regional ecosystems included in Broad Vegetation Group 19b
RE
Description
Pre-clear
area (ha)
Remnant
2013 (ha)
%
remaining
Status
1.11.3x1b
Eucalyptus leucophylla low open woodland often
with Corymbia terminalis, C. aparrerinja and E.
leucophloia
372,514
368,674
99
NC
1.5.4
Eucalyptus leucophylla low open woodland on
red earths in valleys
280,545
277,319
99
NC
1.11.3b
Corymbia terminalis and/or Eucalyptus
leucophylla low open woodland on hills, rises:
metamorphosed igneous rocks
239,682
239,240
100
NC
2.5.12a
Corymbia terminalis and/or Eucalyptus pruinosa
subsp. pruinosa ± Lysiphyllum cunninghamii and
Atalaya hemiglauca low open woodland on
sandy Tertiary alluvial deposits
219,597
216,706
99
NC
1.12.1x1
Eucalyptus leucophylla low open woodland on
granites
210,934
210,707
100
NC
Photo 211 Eucalyptus pruinosa woodland with a
shrubby understorey on a sand plain, 2.5.12a. Near
Nardoo, GUP.
(GW Wilson)
Photo 212 Eucalyptus leucophylla low open
woodland with a ground layer of Triodia
pungens, 1.9.5b. Near Musselbrook, NWH.
(DT Kelman)
Page 141 of 238
Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation
19c
Low open woodlands dominated by Eucalyptus pruinosa mainly on sandplains,
outwash areas and lateritised surfaces
Pre-clearing area: 1,238,360 ha
Remnant 2013 area: 1,235,001 ha
(99.7% of pre-clearing)
Bioregions: GUP (63%), NWH (37%)
Land zones: 5 (64%), 7 (33%), 9 (2%),
11 (1%)
Mean annual rainfall range:
400-1200 mm
Typical landforms: Sandy and
gravelly plains to low rises
Typical soils: Red Kandosols and
Tenosols
Structural formation range:
Low open woodland
Photo 213 Eucalyptus pruinosa,
Lysiphyllum cunninghamii and Terminalia
canescens low open woodland on level
sand sheet overlying ferricrete surface,
2.7.5x50a. Lawn Hill Station, GUP.
(HA Dillewaard)
Floristic characteristics: Eucalyptus pruinosa usually dominates these low open woodlands.
Corymbia terminalis and Eucalyptus leucophloia may sometimes be present as co-dominant
trees. A sparse shrub layer may be present with frequent species being Carissa lanceolata,
Acacia elachantha, Capparis lasiantha, Dolichandrone heterophylla, Alectryon oleifolius,
Denhamia cunninghamii, Eremophila longifolia, Gossypium australe, Melaleuca viridiflora and
Senna artemisioides subsp. oligophylla. Triodia pungens dominates the mid-dense ground
layer at many sites. Frequently present tussock grasses are Chrysopogon fallax, Aristida
pruinosa, A. ingrata, A. inaequiglumis, A. latifolia, Enneapogon polyphyllus, Eulalia aurea,
Sporobolus australasicus, Panicum laevinode, Eriachne ciliata, Cenchrus pennisetiformis and
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Broad Vegetation Groups of Queensland
Schizachyrium fragile. Frequent forbs are Bulbostylis barbata, Cleome viscosa, Abutilon
otocarpum, Indigofera linifolia, I. linnaei, Streptoglossa decurrens, Evolvulus alsinoides,
Hybanthus aurantiacus, Portulaca oleracea, Ptilotus fusiformis, Salsola australis and Sida
fibulifera.
Table 59 Five most extensive regional ecosystems included in Broad Vegetation Group 19c
RE
Description
Pre-clear
area (ha)
Remnant
2013 (ha)
%
remaining
Status
1.5.4x1a
Eucalyptus pruinosa low open woodland
261,876
261,365
100
OC
2.5.12x6
Eucalyptus pruinosa, Grevillea striata, Atalaya
hemiglauca and Lysiphyllum cunninghamii on
plains and low rises derived from deeply
weathered siltstones.
167,789
167,153
100
NC
2.7.5x50b
Eucalyptus pruinosa, Corymbia setosa,
Terminalia canescens, E. chlorophylla and
Lysiphyllum cunninghamii in mixed low open
woodlands on level sand sheets overlying
broad, Tertiary lateritic surfaces.
116,249
116,193
100
NC
2.7.5x50a
Eucalyptus pruinosa, Corymbia terminalis, E.
chlorophylla and Lysiphyllum cunninghamii in
mixed low open woodlands on level sand sheets
overlying broad, Tertiary lateritic surfaces.
84,176
84,033
100
NC
2.5.12x4
Eucalyptus pruinosa and Lysiphyllum
cunninghamii ± Melaleuca citrolens low open
woodland on sand sheets on Tertiary lateritic
plateau surfaces.
81,827
81,750
100
NC
Photo 214 Eucalyptus pruinosa low open woodland on
a Tertiary plateau. The ground layer is composed of
sedges, tussock grasses and Triodia pungens,
2.5.12x6. Wurung Station, GUP
(GW Wilson)
Photo 215 Eucalyptus pruinosa low open woodland
with a sparse shrub layer of Acacia hilliana and a
ground layer of Triodia pungens, 1.9.7. Lawn Hill NP,
NWH.
(DT Kelman)
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Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation
19d
Low open woodlands dominated by Eucalyptus persistens (or E. normantonensis
(Normanton box), E. tardecidens, E. provecta) with Triodia spp. dominated ground layer,
mainly on hills and ranges
Pre-clearing area: 1,856,195 ha
Remnant 2013 area: 1,803,349 ha
(97.2% of pre-clearing)
Bioregions: EIU (43%), CHC (22%),
MGD (15%), BRB (10%), GUP (5%),
DEU (4%)
Land zones: 7 (57%), 11 (35%), 12
(4%), 5 (3%) 4 (1%), 10 (minor)
Mean annual rainfall range:
300-1000 mm
Typical landforms: Steep to rolling
metamorphic hills and rises in the
Einasleigh Uplands, and slopes and
plateau margins of residuals elsewhere
Typical soils: Yellow Dermosols and
Brown Kandosols
Structural formation range: Woodland,
low woodland to tall open shrubland
Photo 216 Eucalyptus persistens
woodland on low ridge, 9.11.5.
South west of Greenvale, EIU.
(MR Newton)
Floristic characteristics: Eucalyptus persistens or E. tardecidens dominate the sparse
canopy in the eastern bioregions, while E. normantonensis dominates the canopy in the
western bioregions. Other trees such as E. crebra, E. exserta, Corymbia dallachiana, C.
clarksoniana, Acacia shirleyi and Melaleuca stenostachya may be present as scattered trees in
the canopy. A number of very sparsely scattered shrub species can occur, with Denhamia
cunninghamii, Carissa lanceolata, Atalaya hemiglauca, Petalostigma banksii, P. pubescens,
Eremophila mitchellii, Erythroxylum australe, Carissa ovata and Dolichandrone heterophylla
the most frequent. The sparse ground layer is generally dominated by Triodia bitextura or T.
longiceps in the inland areas, whereas the tussock grasses Themeda triandra, Chrysopogon
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Broad Vegetation Groups of Queensland
fallax, Heteropogon contortus, Paspalidium gracile, Enneapogon lindleyanus, Panicum
effusum var. effusum, Aristida queenslandica var. queenslandica, Eriachne mucronata and
Schizachyrium fragile dominate in eastern areas. Frequent forbs include Evolvulus alsinoides,
Brunoniella australis, B. acaulis, Cyanthillium cinereum, Phyllanthus virgatus, P. fuernrohrii,
Crotalaria medicaginea and Zornia muriculata subsp. angustata.
Table 60 Five most extensive regional ecosystems included in Broad Vegetation Group 19d
RE
Description
Pre-clear
area (ha)
Remnant
2013 (ha)
%
remaining
Status
5.7.3
Eucalyptus normantonensis tall shrubland with
Triodia spp. on slopes and plateau margins of
residuals
403,697
402,506
100
NC
9.11.5
Eucalyptus persistens ± E. crebra woodland on
low metamorphic hills
390,058
384,871
99
NC
4.7.2
Eucalyptus normantonensis tall open shrubland
with Triodia spp. on plateau margins
288,359
285,002
99
NC
9.11.25
Eucalyptus tardecidens or E. chlorophylla ±
Corymbia spp. ± E. cullenii low woodland on
steep to rolling metamorphic hills and rises
192,894
191,446
99
NC
11.7.3
Eucalyptus persistens, Triodia mitchellii open
woodland on stripped margins of Cainozoic
lateritic duricrust
105,243
91,582
87
NC
Photo 217 Eucalyptus normantonensis tall shrubland
with Triodia spp., 5.7.3. Near Flodden Hills CHC.
(D Richter)
Photo 218 Acacia brachystachya and Eucalyptus
normantonensis tall open shrubland with scattered
Triodia longiceps. 4.7.2. Swords Range, MGD.
(VJ Neldner)
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Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation
20 Callitris glaucophylla (white cypress pine) or C.
intratropica (northern cypress pine) woodlands to open
forests
20a
Woodlands to open forests dominated by Callitris glaucophylla (white cypress
pine) or C. intratropica (northern cypress pine)
Pre-clearing area: 1,264,785 ha
Remnant 2013 area: 877,431 ha
(69.4% of pre-clearing)
Bioregions: BRB (74%), MUL (20%),
EIU (6%)
Land zones: 10 (53%), 3 (35%), 12
(6%), 5 (6%)
Mean annual rainfall range:
500-1000 mm
Typical landforms: On Cainozoic
alluvial plains and sediments derived
from old alluvial levees and dunes
Typical soils: Red Sodosols and
Tenosols
Structural formation range:
Open forest to open woodland
Photo 219 Callitris glaucophylla open forest,
11.5.4a. Thallon, west of Goondiwindi, BRB.
(BA Wilson)
Floristic characteristics: Callitris glaucophylla dominates the canopy in the southern
bioregions, while C. intratropica dominates in the Einasleigh Uplands. Eucalyptus
melanophloia, E. populnea, E. chloroclada, E. crebra, E. shirleyi, Corymbia clarksoniana, C.
tessellaris or Angophora leiocarpa may be scattered in the canopy or as emergent trees.
Lysicarpus angustifolius, Geijera parviflora and Allocasuarina luehmannii may form a sparse
Page 146 of 238
Broad Vegetation Groups of Queensland
subcanopy tree layer. A variety of sparsely scattered shrubs may occur with Eremophila
longifolia, Acacia excelsa subsp. excelsa, Xanthorrhoea johnsonii, Melaleuca viridiflora,
Notelaea microcarpa, Persoonia falcata and Petalostigma pubescens the most frequent
species. The sparse ground layer includes the graminoids Thyridolepis mitchelliana,
Paspalidium constrictum, Themeda triandra,, Cymbopogon refractus, Eragrostis lacunaria,
Panicum effusum, Chrysopogon fallax, Aristida muricata, A. holathera, A. caput-medusae, A.
calycina var. calycina, Digitaria brownii, Cyperus gracilis, Heteropogon contortus,
Schizachyrium fragile, Ancistrachne uncinulata, Eremochloa bimaculata, Alloteropsis
semialata, Enneapogon pallidus, Enteropogon acicularis and Eragrostis sororia. Frequent forbs
include Chenopodium desertorum subsp. anidiophyllum, Sclerolaena birchii, Sida spp.,
Boerhavia dominii, Evolvulus alsinoides, Phyllanthus spp. and Einadia nutans subsp. nutans.
Table 61 Five most extensive regional ecosystems included in Broad Vegetation Group 20a
RE
Description
Pre-clear
area (ha)
Remnant
2013 (ha)
%
remaining
Status
11.10.9
Callitris glaucophylla woodland on coarsegrained sedimentary rocks
516,982
383,632
74
NC
11.3.19
Callitris glaucophylla, Corymbia spp. and/or
Eucalyptus melanophloia open forest to
woodland on Cainozoic alluvial plains
237,895
92,586
39
NC
11.10.6
Angophora leiocarpa, Callitris glaucophylla open
woodland on coarse-grained sedimentary rocks.
Broad valleys
148,049
143,836
97
NC
6.3.17
Callitris glaucophylla, Corymbia tessellaris,
Acacia excelsa ± C. clarksoniana open
woodland on old alluvial dunes and sand plains
105,142
46,037
44
OC
6.3.16
Callitris glaucophylla, Acacia excelsa, Geijera
parviflora ± Acacia aneura woodland on alluvial
dunes
97,343
84,949
87
OC
Photo 220 Angophora leiocarpa open woodland,
11.10.6. North of Mitchell, BRB.
(VJ Neldner)
Photo 221 Callitris glaucophylla, Acacia excelsa
and Alstonia constricta woodland, on top of sand
dunes, 6.3.16. Near Cunnamulla, MUL.
(VJ Neldner)
Page 147 of 238
Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation
21 Melaleuca spp. dry woodlands to open woodlands on
sandplains or depositional plains
21a
Low woodlands and low open woodlands dominated by Melaleuca viridiflora
(coarse-leaved paperbark) on depositional plains
Pre-clearing area: 4,454,326 ha
Remnant 2013 area: 4,329,622 ha
(97.2% of pre-clearing)
Bioregions: GUP (63%), CYP (30%),
BRB (2%), CQC (2%), EIU (1%), WET
(1%), SEQ (1%)
Land zones: 3 (69%), 5 (39%), 11 (1%),
10, 12 (minor)
Mean annual rainfall range:
600-2000 mm
Typical landforms: Alluvial plains, and
flat to gently undulating sandplains
Typical soils: Redoxic Hydrosols
Structural formation range: Woodland,
low woodland to low-open woodland
Photo 222 Meleuca viridiflora low open
woodland, 3.3.49b. Near Coen, CYP.
(JR Clarkson)
Floristic characteristics: Melaleuca viridiflora dominates the sparse to very sparse canopy.
Corymbia clarksoniana and less often C. dallachiana or C. polycarpa may be present as
emergent trees. The low tree/shrub layer is generally very sparse, and most frequently
composed of M. viridiflora, M. stenostachya, Grevillea glauca, G. parallela, Petalostigma
banksii, P. pubescens and Acacia leptocarpa. The mid-dense ground layer is frequented by
the graminoids Themeda triandra, Eremochloa bimaculata, Schizachyrium fragile, Alloteropsis
semialata, Eriachne spp., Aristida spp., Heteropogon triticeus, H. contortus, Ectrosia leporina,
Sarga plumosum, Fimbristylis dichotoma, F. cinnamometorum, Chrysopogon fallax,
Paspalidium distans, Eragrostis brownii and Paspalum scrobiculatum. The most frequent forbs
Page 148 of 238
Broad Vegetation Groups of Queensland
are Phyllanthus virgatus, Drosera petiolaris, Spermacoce spp., Rhynchosia spp., Desmodium
spp., Xyris spp., Velleia spathulata, Xanthorrhoea johnsonii, Crotalaria montana, Brunoniella
acaulis, Goodenia pilosa and Lomandra longifolia.
Table 62 Five most extensive regional ecosystems included in Broad Vegetation Group 21a
RE
Description
Pre-clear
area (ha)
Remnant
2013 (ha)
%
remaining
Status
3.3.49b
Melaleuca viridiflora low open woodland on low
plains
845,061
841,188
100
NC
2.5.14a
Melaleuca viridiflora ± Melaleuca citrolens,
Melaleuca stenostachya, Acacia leptostachya,
Erythrophleum chlorostachys low woodland on
broad, gently undulating Tertiary sand sheets.
694,047
692,837
100
NC
2.5.15a
Melaleuca viridiflora var. viridiflora ± M.
citrolens, Asteromyrtus symphyocarpa woodland
on level to gently undulating Tertiary sand
sheets.
656,420
655,144
100
NC
2.3.28b
Melaleuca viridiflora ± Melaleuca citrolens, M.
stenostachya low woodland with emergent
eucalypts on old alluvial plains (recent
Pleistocene surface).
410,360
409,156
100
NC
2.3.28a
Melaleuca viridiflora ± Melaleuca citrolens, M.
stenostachya low woodland with emergent
eucalypts on Quaternary alluvial plains and
drainage depressions.
367,676
366,105
100
NC
The broad leaf tea-tree (Melaleuca viridiflora) woodlands in high rainfall coastal north
Queensland which is listed as endangered under the EPBC Act includes regional ecosystems
7.3.8a, 7.3.8b, 7.3.8c, 7.3.8d, 7.5.4g, 8.3.2, 8.5.2a, 8.5.2c and 8.5.6 from this BVG.
Photo 223 Melaleuca viridiflora low woodland with
emergent Cochlospermum gregorii on sand plain,
2.5.15a. Kutchera Station, GUP.
(CN Appelman)
Photo 224 Grass fire in Melaleuca viridiflora
low woodland on alluvial plain, 3.3.49b. North of
Hann River, CYP. (MR Newton)
Page 149 of 238
Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation
21b
Low open woodlands and tall shrublands of Melaleuca citrolens or M.
stenostachya or other Melaleuca spp.
Pre-clearing area: 2,319,811 ha
Remnant 2013 area: 2,292,039 ha
(98.8% pre-clearing)
Bioregions: GUP (78%), CYP (11%),
EIU (9%), DEU (2%), BRB (1%), SEQ
(minor)
Land zones: 5 (63%), 3 (19%), 7 (9%),
10 (4%), 11 (3%), 12 (1%), 8 (minor)
Mean annual rainfall range:
600-1200 mm
Typical landforms: Flat to gently
undulating plains, sandplains and
drainage areas. Also lateritic erosional
slopes and breakaways.
Typical soils: Redoxic Hydrosols,
Yellow Kandosols
Structural formation range: Woodland,
low open woodland, to tall shrubland
Photo 225 Melaleuca citrolens and
Eucalyptus pruinosa low open woodland on
sandy alluvial deposits, 2.5.13x1c. Escott
Station, GUP.
(HA Dillewaard)
Floristic characteristics: Melaleuca citrolens dominates large areas of low woodland,
sometimes with M. viridiflora or M. foliolosa. Other low woodlands maybe dominated by M.
stenostachya, or Melaleuca acacioides or M. tamariscina or M. monantha. Sparse Terminalia
platyptera, Corymbia spp. and Eucalyptus spp. may also be present in the low canopy or as
emergent trees. M. bracteata, M. saligna and M. irbyana can dominate in seasonally inundated
areas. Petalostigma banksii, Asteromyrtus symphyocarpa, Grevillea parallela and G. striata
may be present as low trees. Carissa lanceolata, Gardenia vilhelmii, Dolichandrone
heterophylla, Hakea pedunculata and Denhamia cunninghamii are frequent in the very sparse
shrub layer. The sparse ground layer is dominated by the graminoids Schizachyrium fragile,
Heteropogon contortus, Chrysopogon fallax, Sarga plumosum, Themeda triandra, Chloris
lobata and species of Digitaria, Aristida, Fimbristylis, Eragrostis, Eriachne, Panicum and
Rhynchospora. The most frequent forbs are Evolvulus alsinoides, Polycarpaea corymbosa
Oldenlandia mitrasacmoides, Buchnera linearis, Cheilanthes spp., Spermacoce spp. and
Phyllanthus spp.
Page 150 of 238
Broad Vegetation Groups of Queensland
Table 63 Five most extensive regional ecosystems included in Broad Vegetation Group 21b
RE
Description
Pre-clear
area (ha)
Remnant
2013 (ha)
%
remaining
Status
2.5.15x3
Melaleuca citrolens, M. stenostachya,
Terminalia platyptera, Lysiphyllum
cunninghamii, T. subacroptera in mixed low
woodlands on broad, level Tertiary sand sheets.
431,517
428,702
99
NC
2.5.13x1c
Melaleuca citrolens and/or Eucalyptus pruinosa
and/or M. viridiflora ± E. tectifica, M.
stenostachya low open woodland on level, old
alluvial plains (early Pleistocene surface).
399,000
398,628
100
NC
2.5.14b
Melaleuca citrolens ± M. viridiflora, Eucalyptus
microneura, Terminalia platyptera low woodland
on broad, gently undulating Tertiary sand
sheets.
288,568
288,160
100
NC
2.5.15x1a
Melaleuca stenostachya and/or M. citrolens ±
Eucalyptus microneura, E. provecta, Acacia
leptostachya low woodland on erosional Tertiary
sand sheets.
148,364
147,161
99
NC
2.5.13x1a
Melaleuca citrolens ± M. viridiflora, Asteromyrtus
symphyocarpa, Terminalia canescens, Hakea
arborescens on level sand sheets on broad
Tertiary lateritic plains.
134,923
134,863
100
NC
The Swamp Tea-tree (Melaleuca irbyana) Forest of Southeast Queensland which is listed as
critically endangered under the EPBC Act includes regional ecosystems 12.3.3c and
12.9-10.11 from this BVG.
Photo 226 Melaleuca citrolens and Grevillea
pteridifolia low woodland on an alluvial flat, 3.3.52a.
South of Laura, CYP. (MR Newton)
Photo 227 Melaleuca citrolens low open woodland with
a sparse ground of Aristida spp., Eriachne spp. and
Schizachyrium spp. on sandy soils, 9.12.40. North of
Walsh River crossing, EIU. (GW Wilson)
Photo 228 Melaleuca citrolens, M. stenostachya and
Lysiphyllum cunninghamii low woodands with emergent
Corymbia confertiflora, 2.5.15x3. Oak Park Station,
GUP. (HA Dillewaard)
Page 151 of 238
Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation
22 Melaleuca spp. open forests and woodlands on
seasonally inundated lowland coastal swamps and fringing
lines (Palustrine wetlands)
22a
Open forests and woodlands dominated by Melaleuca quinquenervia (swamp
paperbark) in seasonally inundated lowland coastal areas and swamps
Pre-clearing area: 176,280 ha
Remnant 2013 area: 82,523 ha
(46.8 % of pre-clearing)
Bioregions: SEQ (80%), WET (17%),
CQC (2%), CYP (1%), BRB (minor)
Land zones: 3 (77%), 2 (22%), 1 (1%),
11 (minor)
Mean annual rainfall range:
1200-8000 mm
Typical landforms: Coastal alluvial
plains and sand plains, and dune
swales
Typical soils: Redoxic Hydrosols and
Aquic Podosols
Structural formation range:
Open forest to woodland
Photo 230 Melaleuca quinqinervia open forest,
12.3.4, Brown Lake, North Stradbroke Island,
SEQ.
(KM Stephens)
Photo 229 Melaleuca quinqinervia open
forest, 12.3.5, Winfield, SEQ.
(C. Pennay)
Page 152 of 238
Broad Vegetation Groups of Queensland
Floristic characteristics: Melaleuca quinquenervia dominates the mid-dense canopy.
Occasionally Lophostemon suaveolens, Eucalyptus tereticornis, Casuarina glauca or
Corymbia intermedia may be present in the canopy. Sparse shrubs are sometimes present and
may include Acacia leiocalyx, A. disparrima subsp. disparrima, Alphitonia excelsa, Glochidion
sumatranum, Banksia robur, Melastoma malabathricum subsp. malabathricum or Cupaniopsis
anacardioides. The mid-dense ground layer is usually dominated by the graminoids Imperata
cylindrica, Themeda triandra, Paspalum scrobiculatum, Lepironia articulata, Leersia hexandra,
Entolasia marginata, Baumea rubiginosa, Cyperus polystachyos, Schoenus brevifolius,
Lomandra longifolia, Baloskion pallens, Phragmites australis and Dianella caerulea. Frequent
forbs include Blechnum indicum, Parsonsia straminea, Pteridium esculentum, Lygodium
microphyllum and Centella asiatica.
Table 64 Five most extensive regional ecosystems included in Broad Vegetation Group 22a
RE
Description
Pre-clear
area (ha)
Remnant
2013 (ha)
%
remaining
Status
12.3.5
Melaleuca quinquenervia open forest on coastal
alluvium
44,948
19,894
44
OC
12.3.6
Melaleuca quinquenervia, Eucalyptus
tereticornis, Lophostemon suaveolens open
forest on coastal alluvial plains
32,553
12,258
38
NC
12.2.7
Melaleuca quinquenervia or rarely M. dealbata
open forest on sand plains
30,352
17,900
59
OC
7.3.5a
Melaleuca quinquenervia open forest, woodland
and shrubland, on poorly drained alluvial plains
23,611
10,811
46
E
12.3.4
Melaleuca quinquenervia, Eucalyptus robusta
woodland on coastal alluvium
17,257
8,048
47
OC
Photo 232 Melaleuca quinqinervia open forest, 12.3.6.
West of Maryborough, SEQ.
(TS Ryan)
Photo 231 Melaleuca quinqinervia open forest
wetland, 8.3.13a. Werribee State Forest, CQC.
(C Pennay)
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Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation
22b
Open forests and low open forests dominated by Melaleuca spp. (M. saligna, M.
leucadendra (broad-leaved tea-tree), M. clarksonii or M. arcana (winti)) in seasonally
inundated swamps
Pre-clearing area: 220,180 ha
Remnant 2013 area: 203,488 ha
(92.4% of pre-clearing)
Bioregions: CYP (78%), GUP (8%),
CQC (5%), WET (4%), BRB (3%), DEU
(1%)
Land zones: 3 (85%), 2 (14%), 1 (1%)
Mean annual rainfall range:
600-2000 mm
Typical landforms:
Drainage depressions and swamps on
alluvial plains or dunes
Typical soils: Redoxic Hydrosols
Structural formation range:
Open forest to woodland
Photo 233 Melaleuca clarksonii
woodland in depression, 3.3.41.
Alice River, CYP.
(VJ Neldner)
Floristic characteristics: Melaleuca leucadendra or M. quinquenervia or M. saligna dominate
open forests in coastal situations, M. viridiflora or M. clarksonii dominate in inland situations.
M. dealbata is dominant in dune swales, while M. arcana dominates in dune swamps on
southern CYP. Lophostemon suaveolens may dominate some coastal swamps, and
Eucalyptus robusta, Corymbia tessellaris and C. clarksoniana are sometimes present in the
canopy. Asteromyrtus symphyocarpa and Livistona decora are sometimes present as
subcanopy trees. Baeckea frutescens, Banksia robur, B. dentata, Calycopeplus casuarinoides,
Leptospermum polygalifolium and Thryptomene oligandra are sometimes present as very
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Broad Vegetation Groups of Queensland
sparse shrubs. Frequent graminoids in the mid-dense ground layer include Imperata cylindrica,
Leersia hexandra, Schoenus sparteus, Cyperus haspan subsp. juncoides, Paspalum
scrobiculatum, Sporobolus virginicus, Gahnia sieberiana, Pseudoraphis spinescens,
Paspalidium distans and species of Scleria, Eragrostis and Fimbristylis. Frequent forbs include
Blechnum indicum, Gymnanthera oblonga, Centella asiatica, Ludwigia octovalvis and
Acrostichum speciosum.
Table 65 Five most extensive regional ecosystems included in Broad Vegetation Group 22b
RE
Description
Pre-clear
area (ha)
Remnant
2013 (ha)
%
remaining
Status
3.3.32
Melaleuca viridiflora ± M. saligna woodland in
sinkholes and drainage depressions
55,433
55,421
100
NC
3.3.9
Lophostemon suaveolens open forest on
streamlines, swamps and alluvial terraces
48,763
48,711
100
NC
3.3.14a
Melaleuca saligna ± M. viridiflora, Lophostemon
suaveolens woodland on drainage swamps
28,339
28,247
100
NC
3.3.41
Melaleuca clarksonii low open forest in swamps
16,732
16,718
100
NC
2.3.28x15
Melaleuca viridiflora and/or Melaleuca clarksonii
± Asteromyrtus symphyocarpa low woodland in
seasonal swamps (wooded closed depressions)
on gently undulating Tertiary sand sheets.
14,282
14,275
100
NC
Photo 234 Melaleuca saligna open woodland on
shallow depression, 3.3.14a, Oriners Station, CYP.
(MJ Spry, DNRM)
Photo 235 Melaleuca viridiflora low woodland on a
lagoon, 2.3.28x15. Staaten River NP, GUP.
(GW Wilson)
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Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation
22c
Open forests dominated by Melaleuca spp. (M. argentea (silver tea-tree), M.
leucadendra (broad-leaved tea-tree), M. dealbata (swamp tea-tree) or M. fluviatilis),
fringing major streams with Melaleuca saligna or M. bracteata (black tea-tree) in minor
streams
Pre-clearing area: 589,143 ha
Remnant 2013 area: 550,271 ha
(93.4% of pre-clearing)
Bioregions: CYP (28%), GUP (26%),
EIU (20%), BRB (15%), CQC (4%), DEU
(2%), NWH (2%), WET (2%), SEQ
(minor)
Land zones: 3 (100%)
Mean annual rainfall range:
800-3000 mm
Typical landforms: Major streams and
channels in the northern bioregions
Typical soils: Rudosols and Leptic
Tenosols
Structural formation range:
Fringing open forest to woodland
Photo 236 Melaleuca fluviatilis lined
sandy river bed, 9.3.13. Copperfield
River crossing east of Kidston Mine,
EIU.
(MR Newton)
Floristic characteristics: Melaleuca leucadendra and/or M. fluviatilis dominate the mid-dense
canopy. Lophostemon suaveolens, L. grandiflorus, Nauclea orientalis, Casuarina
cunninghamiana and Acacia auriculiformis are frequently present in the canopy. Very sparse
Corymbia tessellaris and Eucalyptus camaldulensis or E. tereticornis may be part of the
canopy or emergent trees. A very sparse shrub/ low tree layer of Ficus opposita, Acacia
holosericea, Alphitonia excelsa, Planchonia careya, Atalaya hemiglauca, Barringtonia
acutangula and Scolopia braunii is sometime present. The ground layer is mid-dense and
dominated by Heteropogon contortus, Cyperus aquatilis, Eragrostis spp., Paspalidium distans,
Arundinella nepalensis, Panicum trichoides, Bothriochloa bladhii, Oplismenus aemulus, Sarga
Page 156 of 238
Broad Vegetation Groups of Queensland
plumosum, Imperata cylindrica and Paspalum scrobiculatum. Frequent forbs include Nelsonia
campestris, Achyranthes aspera, Lomandra longifolia, Cyanthillium cinereum, Eustrephus
latifolius, Phyllanthus virgatus, Dianella caerulea and Ludwigia octovalvis.
Table 66 Five most extensive regional ecosystems included in Broad Vegetation Group 22c
RE
Description
Pre-clear
area (ha)
Remnant
2013 (ha)
%
remaining
Status
3.3.10a
Melaleuca argentea and/or M. fluviatilis ± M.
leucadendra open forest fringing streams and
creeks
164,191
163,671
100
NC
2.3.24a
Melaleuca fluviatilis and/or M. leucadendra
and/or M. argentea, Eucalyptus camaldulensis ±
Nauclea orientalis woodland on fringes and in
channels of major watercourses.
109,421
109,326
100
OC
9.3.13
Melaleuca spp., Eucalyptus camaldulensis and
Casuarina cunninghamiana fringing open forest
on streams and channels
100,263
98,123
98
OC
11.3.25b
Melaleuca leucadendra and/or M. fluviatilis,
Nauclea orientalis, Pandanus tectorius,
Eucalyptus tereticornis, Casuarina
cunninghamiana, Lophostemon suaveolens and
rainforest species
77,088
62,106
81
OC
2.3.26x1b
Melaleuca leucadendra, Melaleuca fluviatilis,
Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Lophostemon
grandiflorus in mixed woodlands fringing major,
spring-fed watercourses.
29,953
29,939
100
OC
Photo 237 Melaleuca argentea and M. leucadendra
open forest, 3.3.10a. King River, King Junction
station, CYP.
(MR Newton)
Photo 238 Melaleuca leucadendra and Lophostemon
suaveolens open forest with riparian rainforest
understorey, 8.3.3a. Shoalwater Bay Training Area, CQC.
(JM Brushe)
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23 Acacia aneura (mulga) woodlands to tall open
shrublands on red earth plains, sandplains or residuals
23a
Woodlands to low woodlands dominated by Acacia aneura on red earth plains or
sandplains (soft mulga)
Pre-clearing area: 7,759,565 ha
Remnant 2013 area: 5,635,348 ha
(72.6% of pre-clearing)
Bioregions: MUL (78%), CHC (14%),
MGD (4%), NWH (2%)
Land zones: 5 (81%), 6 (16%), 3 (3%)
Mean annual rainfall range:
200-600 mm
Typical landforms: Flat sand plains,
run-on areas and sand dunes
Typical soils: Red Kandosols
Structural formation range:
Open forest in the east, ranging through
to tall open shrubland in the west. The
structural form and height reduces, as
annual rainfall decreases.
Photo 239 Acacia aneura tall
shrubland on red earth, 6.5.7. Near
Bollon, MUL.
(VJ Neldner)
Floristic characteristics: The dominant layer is mostly dominated by Acacia aneura in either
a tree or shrub lifeform. Eucalyptus populnea, E. melanophloia or E. intertexta or Corymbia
terminalis or C. aparrerinja may be present in the canopy or occur as scattered emergent
trees. In some cases A. aneura is co-dominant with Atalaya hemiglauca (whitewood),
Archidendropsis basaltica (eastern dead-finish) or other tree species. A sparse to open shrub
layer is often present with Eremophila, Acacia and Senna species frequently recorded. The
ground layer is generally dominated by the tussock grasses Thyridolepis mitchelliana,
Paraneurachne muelleri, Digitaria brownii, and species of Aristida, Enneapogon and
Eragrostis. Triodia pungens may dominate in some areas. Frequent forbs are Sida platycalyx,
Page 158 of 238
Broad Vegetation Groups of Queensland
Solanum quadriloculatum, Abutilon otocarpum, Evolvulus alsinoides, Heliotropium tenuifolium,
Sclerolaena cornishiana, Sida filiformis, Bonamia media and Cheilanthes sieberi.
Table 67 Five most extensive regional ecosystems included in Broad Vegetation Group 23a.
RE
Description
Pre-clear
area (ha)
Remnant
2013 (ha)
5.6.4
Atalaya hemiglauca ± Acacia aneura ± Acacia
spp. ± Corymbia terminalis tall open shrubland
on sand dunes
1,063,963
1,063,752
100
NC
6.5.7
Acacia aneura, Eucalyptus populnea ± E.
intertexta low woodland on run-on areas
837,476
496,151
59
NC
6.5.1
Acacia aneura, Eucalyptus populnea, E.
melanophloia open forest on undulating
lowlands
734,743
268,811
37
OC
6.5.15a
Acacia aneura and Eucalyptus populnea tall
open shrubland on sand plains
620,115
541,296
87
NC
6.5.2
Eucalyptus populnea, Acacia aneura and/or E.
melanophloia woodland on Quaternary
sediments
597,785
200,407
34
NC
Photo 240 Acacia aneura open forest with Eucalyptus
melanophloia and E. populnea emergents, 6.5.1. NE of
St George, MUL. (VJ Neldner)
%
remaining
Status
Photo 241 Acacia aneura and Eucalyptus
melanophloia open forest on red earth, 6.5.2. South
of Mitchell, MUL. (VJ Neldner)
Photo 242
Reticulated dune
fields of Atalaya
hemiglauca and
Acacia aneura tall
open shrubland,
5.6.4. Near Lake
Cuddapan, CHC.
(N Cuff)
Photo 243 Acacia aneura with Corymbia
aparrerinja tall shrubland on sandplain, 5.5.1.
Near Windorah, CHC. (VJ Neldner)
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Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation
23b
Tall shrublands to low open woodlands dominated by Acacia aneura on shallow
red earth plains (hard mulga)
Pre-clearing area: 5,094,787 ha
Remnant 2013 area: 4,764,130ha
(93.5% of pre-clearing)
Bioregions: MUL (65%), CHC (34%),
MGD (1%), DEU (minor)
Land zones: 7 (65%), 5 (35%)
Mean annual rainfall range:
300-600 mm
Typical landforms: Residual plateaus
and shallow sand sheets
Typical soils: Red Kandosols and
Rudosols
Structural formation range:
Predominantly tall shrublands through to
tall open shrublands. Some low open
woodlands and open tussock grasslands
in some areas
Photo 244 Acacia aneura tall open shrubland
with Triodia burkensis understorey, 4.5.3.
De Little Range, MGD.
(VJ Neldner)
Floristic characteristics: The dominant layer is mostly dominated by Acacia aneura tall
shrubs. Acacia sibirica or A. clivicola (bastard mulga) are frequently present in the canopy
together with Eremophila latrobei. Eucalyptus populnea (poplar box), E. melanophloia
(silverleaf ironbark) or Corymbia terminalis (western bloodwood) may be present as scattered
emergent trees. A sparse to open shrub layer is often present with Eremophila, Acacia and
Senna species frequently being present. The ground layer is generally dominated by sparse
tussock grasses of Aristida, Digitaria, Eragrostis, Enneapogon, Eriachne and Panicum species,
Dactyloctenium radulans, Tripogon loliiformis and in places, Triodia pungens. Frequent forbs
include Sida filiformis, Evolvulus alsinoides, Hibiscus burtonii, Calotis xanthosioidea, C.
cuneifolia, Euphorbia drummondii, Phyllanthus virgatus, Portulaca australis, Streptoglossa
odora, Abutilon otocarpum and Cheilanthes sieberi.
Page 160 of 238
Broad Vegetation Groups of Queensland
Table 68 Five most extensive regional ecosystems included in Broad Vegetation Group 23b
RE
Description
Pre-clear
area (ha)
Remnant
2013 (ha)
%
remaining
Status
6.7.12
Acacia aneura ± Eucalyptus populnea ± E.
melanophloia ± Eremophila gilesii tall shrubland
on residuals
1,457,984
1,220,540
84
NC
6.7.9
Acacia aneura ± A. clivicola ± Eremophila
latrobei tall open shrubland on residuals
1,391,590
1,353,459
97
NC
5.5.2
Acacia aneura ± Acacia sibirica ± Eremophila
latrobei tall shrubland on Quaternary deposits
928,595
927,480
100
NC
5.5.1
Acacia aneura low woodland on Quaternary
deposits
714,679
709,538
99
OC
6.7.17
Eriachne mucronata open grassland wooded
with Acacia aneura and/or Corymbia terminalis
on plains or flat tops of residuals
288,830
277,863
96
NC
Photo 245 Acacia aneura low woodland on
gently undulating terrain, 10.7.6x2. Towerhill
Station, south of Prairie, DEU.
(EJ Thompson)
Photo 246 Eriachne mucronata open tussock
grassland withscattered Corymbia terminalis
trees, 6.7.17a. West of Charleville , MUL.
(VJ Neldner)
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Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation
24 Acacia spp. low woodlands to tall shrublands on
residuals. Species include A. clivicola/ A. sibirica (bastard
mulga), A. shirleyi (lancewood), A. microsperma (bowyakka),
A. catenulata (bendee), Acacia rhodoxylon (rosewood)
24a
Low woodlands to tall shrublands dominated by Acacia spp. on residuals.
Species include A. shirleyi (lancewood), A. catenulata (bendee), A. microsperma
(bowyakka), A. clivicola, A. sibirica (bastard mulga), A. rhodoxylon (rosewood) and A.
leptostachya (Townsville wattle)
Pre-clearing area: 6,913,670 ha
Remnant 2013 area: 6,444,796 ha
(93.2% of pre-clearing)
Bioregions: MUL (31%), CHC (26%),
BRB (16%), GUP (12%), EIU (5%),
MGD (5%), DEU (3%), NWH (2%),
CYP (minor)
Land zones: 7 (68%), 10 (16%), 5
(11%), 12 (3%), 11 (3%), 9, 3 (minor)
Mean annual rainfall range:
300-1200 mm
Typical landforms: Crests and scarps
of residual ranges.
Typical soils: Shallow, rocky Rudosols
Structural formation range:
Low woodland to tall shrubland
Photo 247 Acacia shirleyi low open
woodland with Triodia sp. on scarp slopes,
5.7.2. Lark Quarry near Winton, CHC.
(D Richter)
Floristic characteristics: The canopy tends to be dominated by one or two species at a
location. Dominant species include Acacia shirleyi, A. catenulata, A. microsperma, A. clivicola,
A. sibirica, A. petraea, A. ensifolia, A. rhodoxylon and A. leptostachya. Frequently occasional
emergent Eucalyptus thozetiana or E. exserta may be present. A sparse to open shrub layer is
often present, with a very sparse ground layer, sometimes consisting of Triodia species.
Page 162 of 238
Broad Vegetation Groups of Queensland
Table 69 Five most extensive regional ecosystems included in Broad Vegetation Group 24a
RE
Description
Pre-clear
area (ha)
Remnant
2013 (ha)
%
remaining
Status
6.7.14
Acacia clivicola ± Eucalyptus spp. open
shrubland on crests and tops of residuals
977,898
955,097
98
NC
5.7.5
Acacia sibirica open shrubland with Triodia spp.
± Acacia aneura ± Acacia shirleyi open
shrubland on crests and tops of ranges
683,895
683,334
100
NC
11.7.2
Acacia spp. woodland on Cainozoic lateritic
duricrust. Scarp retreat zone
567,156
370,581
65
NC
6.7.7
Acacia catenulata ± Eucalyptus thozetiana
and/or A. ensifolia low open woodland with
Triodia spp. and/or A. petraea ± A. aneura on
scarps and plateaus
439,820
413,061
94
NC
5.5.4
Acacia sibirica +/- Acacia aneura +/- Eucalyptus
spp. open shrubland on Quaternary sediments
428,017
427,716
100
NC
Photo 248 Acacia clivicola with emergent Acacia aneura
open shrubland on residual, 6.7.14. NE of Jundah, MUL.
(VJ Neldner)
Photo 250 Acacia sibirica open shrubland with emergent
Corymbia aparrerinja and A. aneura, 5.7.5. Near Flodden
Hills, CHC.
Photo 249 Acacia petraea with Triodia longiceps low
open woodland, 6.7.7a. West of Jundah, MUL.
(VJ Neldner)
Photo 251 Acacia catenulata, Eucalyptus bakeri and E.
exserta woodland, 11.7.2. Thomby Range, east of Surat,
BRB. (VJ Neldner)
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Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation
24b
Open shrublands dominated by Senna spp. on calcareous residuals
Pre-clearing area: 417,893 ha
Remnant 2013 area: 416,944 ha
(99.8% of pre-clearing)
Bioregions: MGD (69%), CHC (26%),
NWH (5%)
Land zones: 9 (100%)
Mean annual rainfall range:
Predominantly 300-500 mm
Typical landforms: Flat to gently
undulating tabletops, residuals and foot
slopes of limestone deposits
Typical soils: Calcarosols and Rudosols
Structural formation range:
Shrubland to open shrubland
Photo 252 Senna spp. open shrubland
on limestone ranges, 5.9.1. Hunters
Gorge, Diamantina NP, CHC.
(VJ Neldner)
Floristic characteristics: Senna artemisioides subsp. helmsii, and/or S. artemisioides subsp.
oligophylla, and/or Senna artemisioides subsp. sturtii dominate the sparse shrub canopy.
Gossypium australe, Acacia tetragonophylla, A. bivenosa, Carissa lanceolata, and Eremophila
latrobei subsp. glabra are frequently present in the shrub layer. Occasional low trees of
Corymbia terminalis, Ventilago viminalis, Acacia georginae and Atalaya hemiglauca may be
present as emergents. The ground layer is either dominated by Triodia longiceps, or sparse
tussock grasses of Enneapogon polyphyllus, Panicum decompositum var. decompositum,
Aristida latifolia, A. longicollis, A. contorta and A. holathera. The most frequent forbs are
Heliotropium tenuifolium, Melhania oblongifolia, Salsola australis, Scaevola ovalifolia, Sida
filiformis, Solanum quadriloculatum, Evolvulus alsinoides, Trichodesma zeylanicum var.
zeylanicum, Abutilon leucopetalum, Hybanthus aurantiacus and Indigofera linifolia.
Page 164 of 238
Broad Vegetation Groups of Queensland
Table 70 Five most extensive regional ecosystems included in Broad Vegetation Group 24b
RE
Description
Pre-clear
area (ha)
Remnant
2013 (ha)
%
remaining
Status
4.9.13
Senna artemisioides subsp. helmsii ± S.
artemisioides subsp. oligophylla ± Acacia
georginae ± Acacia spp. open shrubland on tops
and footslopes of Cambrian limestone residuals
244,072
243,369
100
NC
5.9.1
Senna spp., Eremophila spp. ± Acacia
tetragonophylla open shrubland on limestone
84,935
84,923
100
NC
4.9.13b
Senna artemisioides subsp. helmsii, S.
artemisioides subsp. oligophylla, Eremophila
spp., Acacia bivenosa, A. sibirica shrublands on
Cambrian limestone and dolomite landscapes
44,394
44,242
100
NC
5.9.2
Senna artemisioides subsp. helmsii ± S.
artemisioides subsp. oligophylla ± Acacia
georginae open shrubland on limestone
22,134
22,134
100
NC
4.9.13a
Senna artemisioides subsp. helmsii, S.
artemisioides subsp. oligophylla, Acacia
chisholmii, A. bivenosa, Eremophila spp.
shrublands on Cambrian limestone low hills
12,910
12,828
99
NC
Photo 253 Senna helmsii, S. oligophylla, Eremophila
freelingii and Acacia stowardii open shrubland on
residual slopes, 4.9.13. Near Glenormiston Homestead,
MGD. (VJ Neldner)
Photo 254 Senna artemisioides subsp. oligophylla,
Carryana Station, CHC.
(D Richter)
Photo 255 Senna spp. shrubland on residual
limestone, 1.9.1x4. West of Dajarra, NWH.
(VJ Neldner)
Page 165 of 238
Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation
25 Acacia harpophylla (brigalow) sometimes with
Casuarina cristata (belah) open forests to woodlands on
heavy clay soils
25a
Open forests to woodlands dominated by Acacia harpophylla (brigalow)
sometimes with Casuarina cristata (belah) on heavy clay soils. Includes areas codominated with A. cambagei (gidgee) and/or emergent eucalypts
Pre-clearing area: 10,183,351 ha
Remnant 2013 area: 1,275,146 ha
(12.5% of pre-clearing)
Bioregions: BRB (87%), MUL (8%),
MGD (2%), DEU (2%), SEQ (1%).
Formerly covered 24% of the BRB
bioregion.
Land zones: 4 (41%), 9 (39%), 3
(12%), 11 (4%), 7 (3%), 12 (1%), 5, 8
(minor)
Mean annual rainfall range:
Predominantly 500-1000 mm
Typical landforms: Predominantly
gently undulating to rolling plains
Typical soils: Grey and Black Vertosols
Structural formation range:
Open forest in the east, ranging through
to woodland in the west.
Photo 256 Acacia harpophylla and Casuarina
cristata open forest with Eremophila mitchelli
and Geijera parviflora shrub layer, 11.9.5.
Arcadia Valley, BRB.
(VJ Neldner)
Floristic characteristics: Acacia harpophylla is generally the dominant tree, with Casuarina
cristata often co-dominant. Eucalyptus cambageana is sometimes present as an emergent
tree. Eremophila mitchellii, Geijera parviflora, Alectryon oleifolius, A. diversifolius, Ehretia
membranifolia and Carissa ovata are frequent shrubs. The most frequent graminoids in the
sparse ground layer are Paspalidium caespitosum, P. distans, Sporobolus caroli, S. scabridus
Enteropogon acicularis, Ancistrachne uncinulata, Cyperus gracilis, Cymbopogon refractus,
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Broad Vegetation Groups of Queensland
Eragrostis lacunaria, Aristida personata, and Eriochloa pseudoacrotricha. Enchylaena
tomentosa, Abutilon oxycarpum, Brunoniella australis, Capparis lasiantha, Nyssanthes erecta,
Clematicissus opaca, Einadia nutans, Commelina diffusa and Evolvulus alsinoides are
frequent forbs.
Table 71 Five most extensive regional ecosystems included in Broad Vegetation Group 25a
RE
Description
Pre-clear
area (ha)
11.9.5
Acacia harpophylla and/or Casuarina cristata
open forest on fine-grained sedimentary rocks
1,922,432
11.4.3
Acacia harpophylla and/or Casuarina cristata
shrubby open forest on Cainozoic clay plains
11.3.1
Remnant
2013 (ha)
%
remaining
Status
141,774
7
E
1,548,281
74,781
5
E
Acacia harpophylla and/or Casuarina cristata
open forest on alluvial plains
780,691
81,014
10
E
11.4.9
Acacia harpophylla shrubby woodland with
Terminalia oblongata on Cainozoic clay plains
757,834
82,440
11
E
11.4.8
Eucalyptus cambageana woodland to open
forest with Acacia harpophylla or A.
argyrodendron on Cainozoic clay plains
722,844
70,184
10
E
The Brigalow (Acacia harpophylla dominant and co-dominant) ecological community which is
listed as endangered under the EPBC Act includes regional ecosystems 6.4.2, 11.3.1, 11.4.3,
11.4.7, 11.4.8, 11.4.9, 11.4.10, 11.5.16, 11.9.1, 11.9.5, 11.9.6, 11.11.14, 11.12.21, 12.8.23,
12.9-19.6 and 12.12.26 from this BVG.
Photo 257 Acacia harpophylla woodland with a tall
shrub layer dominated by Eremophila mitchellii and
Geijera parviflora,11.4.3. Yuleba SF, BRB.
(RE Niehus)
Photo 258 Acacia harpophylla open forest,11.9.5. West
of Injune, BRB.
(VJ Neldner)
Photo 259 Acacia harpophylla woodland,
11.9.5. Castlevale station, north of
Mitchell, BRB.
(WJF McDonald)
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Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation
26 Acacia cambagei (gidgee) / A. georginae (Georgina
gidgee) / A. argyrodendron (blackwood) open forests to tall
shrublands
26a
Open forests to tall shrublands dominated by Acacia cambagei (gidgee) or A.
georginae (Georgina gidgee) or A. argyrodendron (blackwood)
Pre-clearing area: 8,772,049 ha
Remnant 2013 area: 6,720,777 ha
(76.6 % of pre-clearing)
Bioregions: MGD (35%), MUL (18%),
CHC (21%), BRB (7%), DEU (8%), GUP
(5%), NWH (6%), EIU (1%).
Land zones: 9 (45%), 3 (27%), 4 (9%), 6
(8%), 5 (7%), 7 (4%), 8 (1%)
Mean annual rainfall range:
200-800 mm
Typical landforms: Predominantly gently
undulating to rolling plains
Typical soils: Grey and Black Vertosols,
and Sodosols
Structural formation range: Woodland in
the east, ranging through to low woodland
and tall shrubland in the west.
Photo 260 Acacia cambagei tall open
shrubland, 4.9.16. East of Stonehenge,
MGD.
(VJ Neldner)
Floristic characteristics: Acacia cambagei is the dominant tree, with A. georginae sometimes
dominating in the west, and A. argyrodendron in the northeast. Scattered emergent Eucalyptus
trees are sometimes present. A sparse to open shrub layer is often present with Enchylaena
tomentosa, Eremophila and Senna species. Frequent grasses include Chloris pectinata,
Dactyloctenium radulans, Enneapogon, Eragrostis, Paspalidium, Sporobolus spp., and
Tripogon loliiformis. Frequent forb species include Abutilon leucopetalum, Boerhavia,
Euphorbia, Heliotropium spp. Evolvulus alsinoides and Salsola australis.
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Broad Vegetation Groups of Queensland
Table 72 Six most extensive regional ecosystems included in Broad Vegetation Group 26a
RE
Description
Pre-clear
area (ha)
Remnant
2013 (ha)
%
remaining
Status
4.9.16
Acacia cambagei ± scattered shrub species
including Santalum lanceolatum and Eremophila
mitchellii tall open shrubland
910,254
621,084
68
NC
4.9.11
Acacia cambagei low woodland with scattered
shrubs such as Eremophila mitchellii and
Geijera parviflora on fresh Cretaceous
sediments
778,383
234,100
30
OC
5.6.2
Acacia georginae / Acacia cambagei,
Eremophila obovata ± Eremophila macdonnellii
tall shrubland on clay plains between sand
dunes
614,414
613,937
100
NC
5.9.2x1
Acacia cambagei tall shrubland with Eragrostis
xerophila, Sporobolus actinocladus on
sediments on undulating plains
575,947
561,043
97
NC
6.3.6
Acacia cambagei low woodland on braided
channels or alluvial plains
498,993
464,920
93
NC
6.3.4
Acacia cambagei ± Eucalyptus ochrophloia
woodland on alluvium
408,942
355,291
87
NC
Photo 261 Acacia cambagei tall shrubland with
Eremophila mitchellii understorey on sandplain, 4.9.11.
South of Tarcombe Homestead, MGD.
(VJ Neldner)
Photo 262 Acacia cambagei low woodland on
alluvium, 2.3.7b. Near Talawanta Homestead, GUP.
(GW Wilson)
Photo 263 Acacia georginae tall open shrubland with
Eremophila obovata low shrubs on sandplain, 5.6.2.
West of Glenormiston, CHC.
(VJ Neldner)
Photo 264 Acacia cambagei and Eucalyptus
ochrophloia woodland, 6.3.4. NW of Cunnamulla.
(VJ Neldner)
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Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation
27 Mixed species woodlands to open woodlands (Atalaya
hemiglauca (whitewood), Lysiphyllum spp., Acacia tephrina
(boree), wooded downs
27a
Low open woodlands dominated by a variety of species including Acacia
tephrina (boree), Atalaya hemiglauca (whitewood), Ventilago viminalis (supplejack) and
Lysiphyllum spp.
Pre-clearing area: 3,010,143 ha
Remnant 2013 area: 2,799,042 ha
(93.0% of pre-clearing)
Bioregions: MGD (95%), GUP (1%),
BRB(1%), NWH (1%), DEU (1%), CYP,
EIU (minor)
Land zones: 9 (93%), 3 (6%), 5 (1%)
Mean annual rainfall range:
Predominantly 400-800 mm
Typical landforms: Gently undulating
to level plains on Cretaceous sediments
and alluvia
Typical soils: Brown Vertosols
Structural formation range:
Low open woodland to wooded open
tussock grassland
Photo 265 Acacia crombei low open woodland on
sandy rise in background. Eulalia aurea tussock
grassland in depression in foreground. 4.9.8. South
of Beryl Homestead, MGD.
(VJ Neldner)
Floristic characteristics: Low open woodlands dominated by a variety of species including
Acacia tephrina, Atalaya hemiglauca, Ventilago viminalis Archidendropsis basaltica, Terminalia
spp., Acacia spp., Lysiphyllum carronii or L. gilvum. Corymbia terminalis is frequently present
as well. Shrubs are very sparse with Carissa lanceolata, Capparis lasiantha and Eremophila
mitchellii the most frequent species. The sparse ground layer is dominate by the grasses
Aristida latifolia, Sporobolus australasicus, S. actinocladus, Brachyachne convergens,
Enneapogon polyphyllus, Eulalia aurea, Chrysopogon fallax, Iseilema vaginiflorum,
Bothriochloa ewartiana, Astrebla lappacea, A. squarrosa, A. pectinata Dactyloctenium
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Broad Vegetation Groups of Queensland
radulans, Enneapogon avenaceus and Heteropogon contortus. The most frequent forbs are
Rhynchosia minima, Sida fibulifera, S. trichopoda, Salsola australis, Portulaca oleracea,
Boerhavia spp., Achyranthes aspera, Evolvulus alsinoides, Neptunia gracilis, Phyllanthus
maderaspatensis, Sclerolaena bicornis and Solanum esuriale.
Table 73 Five most extensive regional ecosystems included in Broad Vegetation Group 27a
RE
Description
Pre-clear
area (ha)
Remnant
2013 (ha)
4.9.8
Astrebla spp. grassland wooded with Atalaya
hemiglauca ± Alectryon oleifolius ± Flindersia
maculosa on Cretaceous sediments
1,318,977
1,293,036
98
NC
4.9.7
Astrebla spp. grassland wooded with Acacia
tephrina ± A. cambagei and Atalaya hemiglauca
on Cretaceous sediments
707,628
644,329
91
NC
4.9.7a
Acacia tephrina low woodland
572,187
486,894
85
NC
4.9.18
Archidendropsis basaltica and mixed species
including Ventilago viminalis and Lysiphyllum
carronii on Cretaceous sediments
151,902
140,108
92
NC
4.3.10
Corymbia terminalis ± Lysiphyllum gilvum and
Acacia victoriae low open woodland on alluvium
74,616
74,610
100
NC
Photo 266 Acacia tephrina low open woodland with
Astrebla lappacea dominated ground layer, 4.9.7a.
NW of Yaraka, MGD.
(VJ Neldner)
%
remaining
Status
Photo 267 Astrebla spp.tusock grassland wooded
with Atalaya hemiglauca and Acacia cambagei,
4.9.7a. Near Longreach, MGD.
(VJ Neldner)
Photo 268 Corymbia terminalis, C. aparreninja with
Grevillea striata open woodland, 4.3.10. Moonah
Creek, SW of Mt Isa, MGD. (VJ Neldner)
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Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation
27b
Low woodlands of a variety of species including Lysiphyllum cunninghamii,
Grevillea striata (beefwood), Atalaya hemiglauca (whitewood) occurring on sandplains.
(Bylong land system)
Pre-clearing area: 1,061,556 ha
Remnant 2013 area: 1,045,579 ha
(98.5% of pre-clearing)
Bioregions: GUP (65%), NWH
(26%), MGD (9%)
Land zones: 5 (94%), 9 (5%), 3
(1%)
Mean annual rainfall range:
600-800 mm
Typical landforms: Flat to gently
undulating sand plains
Typical soils: Red and Brown
Kandosols
Structural formation range:
Low woodland to low open
woodland
Photo 269 Mixed low woodland
dominated by Lysiphyllum sp. with
Atalaya hemiglauca, Archidendropsis
basaltica and Terminalia aridicola on
Tertiary sand sheets. ("Bylong forest"),
2.5.1a. NW of Richmond, GUP.
(CN Appelman)
Floristic characteristics: The very sparse low tree canopy is frequently a mixture of
Lysiphyllum cunninghamii, Atalaya hemiglauca, Grevillea striata, Ventilago viminalis and
Corymbia terminalis. Erythrophleum chlorostachys, Eucalyptus spp., Melaleuca spp. and
Terminalia spp. may also be present in the canopy. The very sparse shrub layer frequently has
Carissa lanceolata, Capparis lasiantha, Acacia cambagei, A. holosericea, Flueggea virosa
subsp. melanthesoides, Senna artemisioides subsp. oligophylla, Gossypium australe,
Melaleuca nervosa and M. viridiflora frequently occurring. The sparse ground layer is
dominated by the grasses Chrysopogon fallax, Heteropogon contortus, Eulalia aurea,
Enneapogon polyphyllus, Aristida ingrata, A. latifolia, A. contorta, A. inaequiglumis, A.
hygrometrica, Sporobolus australasicus, Bothriochloa ewartiana, Perotis rara and
Page 172 of 238
Broad Vegetation Groups of Queensland
Dactyloctenium radulans. Frequent forbs include Cleome viscosa, Indigofera linifolia,
Achyranthes aspera, Evolvulus alsinoides, Indigofera linnaei, Salsola australis, Waltheria
indica and Boerhavia spp.
Table 74 Five most extensive regional ecosystems included in Broad Vegetation Group 27b
RE
Description
Pre-clear
area (ha)
Remnant
2013 (ha)
%
remaining
Status
2.5.1a
Lysiphyllum cunninghamii, Atalaya hemiglauca,
Eucalyptus microneura, Grevillea striata and
Erythrophleum chlorostachys in mixed
woodlands on undulating Tertiary sand sheets
341,611
329,654
96
NC
1.5.6
Atalaya hemiglauca, Ventilago viminalis,
Grevillea striata low open woodland on red earth
plains
284,931
284,458
100
OC
2.5.1b
Lysiphyllum cunninghamii, Terminalia spp.,
Erythrophleum chlorostachys, Melaleuca
nervosa and Corymbia confertiflora in mixed low
woodlands on Quaternary residual sand sheets,
commonly overlying Tertiary clay plains.
279,434
278,981
100
NC
2.5.1e
Lysiphyllum cunninghamii and/or Lysiphyllum
carronii ± Atalaya hemiglauca, Grevillea striata,
Eucalyptus microneura on Quaternary residual
sand sheets.
51,428
48,676
95
NC
4.9.14x41
Atalaya hemiglauca, Ventilago viminalis,
Grevillea striata, Acacia cambagei, Vachellia
sutherlandii in mixed low open woodlands on
Tertiary clay plains
50,681
50,668
100
NC
Photo 271 Atalaya hemiglauca, Ventilago viminalis and
Grevillea striata low open woodland on red earth plains, 1.5.6.
East of Duchess, NWH. (VJ Neldner)
Photo 270 Lysiphyllum cunninghamii and
Melaleuca nervosa woodland with occasional
Terminalia platyptera on late Tertiary sand
deposit (Bylong forest), 2.5.1b. Claraville
Station, GUP. (HA Dillewaard)
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Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation
27c
Low open woodlands dominated by a variety of species including Grevillea
striata (beefwood), Acacia spp., Terminalia spp. or Cochlospermum spp.
Pre-clearing area: 470,639 ha
Remnant 2013 area: 454,306 ha
(96.5% of pre-clearing)
Bioregions: NWH (46%), EIU (29%),
DEU (12%), GUP (11%), BRB (2%)
Land zones: 9 (48%), 12 (30%), 3
(15%), 5 (4%), 11 (3%)
Mean annual rainfall range:
400-1000 mm
Typical landforms: Rocky limestone
hills, relict sand plains, alluvial plains
Typical soils: Calcarosols and
Rudosols
Structural formation range:
Low open woodland to tall open
shrubland
Photo 272 Terminalia oblongata low
woodland on cracking clay soil on an
undulating plain, 2.9.3a. Near Wrotham
Park Homestead, GUP. (GW Wilson)
Floristic characteristics: The very sparse canopy is a mixture of these frequently occurring
low trees Terminalia aridicola, Eremophila mitchellii, Atalaya hemiglauca, Lysiphyllum carronii,
L. cunninghamii, Corymbia terminalis, Grevillea striata, Cochlospermum gillivraei, C. gregorii,
Erythrophleum chlorostachys, Flindersia maculosa and Acacia excelsa. The very sparse shrub
layer frequently includes Carissa lanceolata, Petalostigma banksii, P. pubescens, Psydrax
oleifolia, Denhamia cunninghamii, Santalum lanceolatum, Capparis lasiantha, Clerodendrum
floribundum, Gardenia vilhelmii and Grevillea mimosoides. Graminoids such as Fimbristylis
dichotoma, Schizachyrium fragile, Sporobolus actinocladus, S. australasicus, Enneapogon
polyphyllus, Tripogon loliiformis, Dactyloctenium radulans, Chrysopogon fallax, Oxychloris
Page 174 of 238
Broad Vegetation Groups of Queensland
scariosa, Bothriochloa ewartiana and Aristida latifolia frequently dominate the ground layer.
Frequent forbs include Evolvulus alsinoides, Sida fibulifera, Portulaca oleracea, P. australis,
Trianthema triquetra, Salsola australis, Abutilon otocarpum, Alternanthera micrantha and
Solanum esuriale.
Table 75 Five most extensive regional ecosystems included in Broad Vegetation Group 27c
RE
Description
Pre-clear
area (ha)
Remnant
2013 (ha)
%
remaining
Status
1.9.4
Mixed shrubby woodland on rocky limestone
hills
201,231
200,593
100
NC
9.12.36a
Cochlospermum gregorii or C. gillivraei ±
Terminalia spp. ± Erythrophleum chlorostachys
low open woodland on rocky outcrops
136,558
136,130
100
NC
2.9.3a
Terminalia platyphylla, Lysiphyllum
cunninghamii, Corymbia confertiflora and
Terminalia platyptera deciduous low open
woodland on undulating mudstone/siltstone
plains
22,137
22,050
100
OC
2.3.29x2b
Excoecaria parvifolia, Melaleuca acacioides,
Eucalyptus microtheca, Casuarina
cunninghamiana and Atalaya hemiglauca in
mixed tall open shrublands on coastal alluvial
surfaces.
16,660
16,647
100
OC
1.11.1x1
Corymbia terminalis and Lysiphyllum
cunninghamii low open woodland on folded
limestones
15,568
15,568
100
NC
Photo 273 Cochlospermum gregorii, Corymbia peltata
and Pleiogynium timorense open woodland on rocky
granite hills, 9.12.36a. Near Kidston Mine Dam, EIU.
(CPF Kahler)
Photo 274 Corymbia terminalis and Lysiphyllum
cunninghamii low open woodland with a mixed shrub
layer and a ground layer of Enneapogon spp.,
1.11.1x1. Gregory Downs Station, NWH.
(DT Kelman)
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Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation
28 Open forests to open woodlands in coastal locations.
Dominant species such as Casuarina spp., Corymbia spp.,
Allocasuarina spp. (she-oak), Acacia spp., Lophostemon
suaveolens (swamp box), Asteromyrtus spp., Neofabricia
myrtifolia
28a
Complex of open shrublands to closed shrublands, grasslands, low woodlands
and open forests, on strand and foredunes. Includes pure stands of Casuarina
equisetifolia (coastal she-oak)
Pre-clearing area: 120,341 ha
Remnant 2013 area: 115,728 ha
(96.2% of pre-clearing)
Bioregions: GUP (71%), SEQ (23%),
BRB (2%), CYP (2%), WET (1%), CQC
(1%)
Land zones: 2 (95%), 1 (5%)
Mean annual rainfall range: >1000 mm
Typical landforms: Foredunes and
beach ridges
Typical soils: Arenic Rudosols
Structural formation range:
(1) Bare area, open hummock grassland
to open herbland;
(2) & (3) Woodland to low woodland
Photo 275 Corymbia bella low woodland
on Quaternary coastal dunes, 2.2.2a. Near
Inkerman Station, GUP.
(VJ Neldner)
Floristic characteristics: (1) The sparse herbland frequently contains Spinifex sericeus,
Thuarea involuta, Sporobolus virginicus, Lepturus repens, Euphorbia tannensis subsp.
tannensis, Tribulus cistoides, Canavalia rosea, Salsola australis and Sesuvium portulacastrum.
Page 176 of 238
Broad Vegetation Groups of Queensland
(2) Casuarina equisetifolia subsp. incana generally dominates the sparse canopy. C. glauca
may dominate in some areas of SEQ bioregion. Shrubs are generally very sparse and may
include Argusia argentea, Wollastonia biflora, Scaevola taccada, Abutilon albescens and Ficus
opposita. The ground layer is sparse to mid-dense and is dominated by grasses such as
Thuarea involuta, Eragrostis interrupta, Lepturus repens, Spinifex sericeus, Cenchrus
echinatus and Sporobolus virginicus, and forbs such as Euphorbia tannensis subsp. tannensis,
Achyranthes aspera, Tribulus cistoides, Ipomoea pes-caprae subsp. brasiliensis and
Carpobrotus glaucescens.
(3) Corymbia bella or Grevillea striata or Hakea arborescens or Melaleuca viridiflora may occur
in a sparse low woodland in GUP bioregion. Acacia holosericea, M. leucadendra and
Petalostigma pubescens may also be present in the canopy. Flueggea virosa, F. leucopyrus,
Diospyros geminata, Grewia retusifolia and Alphitonia excelsa are sometimes present in the
very sparse shrub layer. Frequently occurring graminoids in the sparse ground layer are
Heteropogon contortus, Chrysopogon elongatus, C. fallax, Perotis rara, Aristida holathera,
Fimbristylis dichotoma, Schizachyrium fragile, Alloteropsis semialata, Ectrosia schultzii,
Eragrostis cumingii and Eriachne mucronata. Frequent forbs are Waltheria indica, Breynia
oblongifolia, Evolvulus alsinoides, Hybanthus enneaspermus, Crotalaria brevis, Desmodium
filiforme, Galactia tenuiflora, Jasminum molle, Phyllanthus virgatus, Nelsonia campestris, Sida
acuta and S. cordifolia.
Table 76 Five most extensive regional ecosystems included in Broad Vegetation Group 28a
RE
Description
Pre-clear
area (ha)
Remnant
2013 (ha)
%
remaining
Status
2.2.2a
Corymbia bella ± C. polycarpa, C. confertiflora,
Grevillea striata and Pandanus sp. woodland on
Quaternary coastal beach ridges and dunes.
63,696
63,540
100
NC
12.2.14
Foredune complex
21,852
21,036
96
NC
2.2.2x3
Chrysopogon elongatus, Eriachne spp., Aristida
spp., Oryza and Ophiuros spp. in mixed tussock
grasslands on coastal beach ridges and dunes
9,606
9,604
100
NC
2.2.1
Beaches and foredunes
6,615
6,128
93
OC
2.2.2
Secondary dunes and swales
5,883
5,816
99
NC
Photo 276 Spinifex sericeus and Ipomoea pes-capre
closed tussock grassland, 8.2.1. Shoalwater Bay
Training Area, Five Rocks Beach, CQC.
(VJ Neldner)
Photo 277 Casuarina equisetifolia subsp. incana
woodland, 12.2.14b. Heron Island, Capricornia Cays
NP, SEQ.
(DA Halford)
Page 177 of 238
Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation
28b
Open forests to woodlands dominated by Acacia crassicarpa (brown salwood) or
other Acacia spp. with Syzygium spp., Corymbia spp. and/or Parinari nonda (parinari)
Pre-clearing area: 98,561 ha
Remnant 2013 area: 90,903 ha
(92.2% of pre-clearing)
Bioregions: CYP (70%), BRB
(21%), CQC (7%), WET (2%)
Land zones: 2 (96%), 3 (4%)
Mean annual rainfall range:
More than 1600 mm
Typical landforms: Beach ridges
and coastal dunes
Typical soils: Bleached Orthic
Tenosols
Structural formation range:
Woodland to open forest
Photo 278 Acacia torulosa and Syzygium
suborbiculare low open forest in swale
between old dunes, 3.2.10b. Near Ninian
Bay, Cape Melville NP, CYP.
(VJ Neldner)
Floristic characteristics: Acacia crassicarpa is a consistent and usually dominant component
of the sparse and discontinuous canopy (6-20m tall). Syzygium suborbiculare, Parinari nonda,
Cupaniopsis anacardioides, Pleiogynium timorense, Terminalia muelleri, Allocasuarina
littoralis, Acacia platycarpa and A. torulosa are frequent trees in the canopy. Corymbia
tessellaris may be present as scattered emergents or form part of the canopy. A sparse to middense shrub layer may include heath species such as Lithomyrtus obtusa, Leptospermum
neglectum, Ricinocarpos pinifolius, Leucopogon leptospermoides or Acacia oraria, Planchonia
careya, Alphitonia excelsa, Exocarpos latifolius, Senna surattensis and Dodonaea viscosa.
The sparse ground layer may include Caustis recurvata, Trachystylis stradbrokensis,
Page 178 of 238
Broad Vegetation Groups of Queensland
Schoenus ornithopodioides, S. calostachyus, Eriachne insularis, E. pallescens, Bulbostylis
barbata, Setaria surgens, Perotis rara, Aristida holathera, Cymbopogon refractus and Panicum
spp. Frequent forbs include Cassytha filiformis, Hibiscus meraukensis, Indigofera hirsuta,
Phyllanthus virgatus, Xenostegia tridentata, Achyranthes aspera, Anisomeles malabarica,
Blumea saxatilis and Bonamia media.
Table 77 Five most extensive regional ecosystems included in Broad Vegetation Group 28b
RE
Description
Pre-clear
area (ha)
Remnant
2013 (ha)
%
remaining
Status
3.2.5a
Acacia crassicarpa +/- Syzygium suborbiculare
+/- Parinari nonda woodland on beach ridges
62,084
61,833
100
NC
11.2.5
Corymbia-Melaleuca woodland complex of
beach ridges and swales
19,763
12,973
66
NC
8.2.3a
Allocasuarina littoralis and/or Leptospermum
polygalifolium and/or Leptospermum neglectum
shrubland on parabolic and whaleback dunes
5,498
5,483
100
OC
3.3.34
Corypha utan open woodland on alluvial plains
and old beach ridges in Lakefield National Park
4,231
4,231
100
OC
3.2.16
Melaleuca viridiflora ± Terminalia muelleri low
woodland on old beach ridges
2,183
2,183
100
OC
Photo 279 Corypha utan open woodland on
old beach dune, 3.3.34. Lakefield NP, CYP.
(VJ Neldner)
Photo 280 Acacia crassicarpa dominated
woodland on beach dunes, 3.2.5a. Ninian
Bay, CYP.
(MR Newton)
Page 179 of 238
Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation
28c
Low open forests dominated by Asteromyrtus brassii, Neofabricia myrtifolia,
Allocasuarina littoralis (woolly oak), Melaleuca viridiflora (coarse-leaved paperbark) on
sandplains and plateaus; or Acacia brassii low open forests or Melaleuca viridiflora low
woodlands on ranges; or Thryptomene oligandra ± Neofabricia mjoebergii ± Melaleuca
viridiflora woodlands on drainage depressions
Pre-clearing area: 332,860 ha
Remnant 2013 area: 332,099 ha
(99.8% of pre-clearing)
Bioregions: CYP (100%)
Land zones: 3 (54%), 5 (28%), 12
(14%), 2 (2%), 11 (1%), 10 (minor)
Mean annual rainfall range:
(1) 1000-1600 mm;
(2 & 3) >1600 mm in northern CYP
Typical landforms: (1) Foot slopes of
drainage depressions; (2) sand sheets
and sandplains; (3) granitic and
metamorphic ranges
Typical soils: (1) Yellow Kandosols (2)
Humic Aquic or Semiaquic Podosols,
with some occurrences on Orthic
Tenosols and Yellow Kandosols, (3)
Orthic Tenosols and Bleached-leptic
Tenosols
Structural formation range:
Woodland to low woodland
Photo 281 Thryptomene oligandra and
Banksia dentata woodland, 3.3.33.
North Kennedy River crossing, CYP.
(MR Newton)
Floristic characteristics (Drainage depressions): Thryptomene oligandra dominates the
sparse to mid-dense canopy (5-14 m tall) often with Melaleuca viridiflora, Neofabricia
mjoebergii and Grevillea pteridifolia Corymbia clarksoniana and Eucalyptus tetrodonta are
Page 180 of 238
Broad Vegetation Groups of Queensland
sometimes emergents (8-15 m tall). Acacia torulosa and Syzygium eucalyptoides subsp.
eucalyptoides may occur as emergents but more frequently are in the canopy. A sparse shrub
layer frequently includes Leucopogon ruscifolius, Alyxia spicata and Pandanus sp. The diverse
ground layer is sparse, with Schizachyrium spp., Thaumastochloa spp., Eriocaulon spp. and
Ectrosia spp. often dominating.
Floristic characteristics (northern sandplains): Asteromyrtus brassii, Neofabricia myrtifolia
and Allocasuarina littoralis usually dominate the mid-dense canopy (6-10 m tall).
Welchiodendron longivalve, Acacia crassicarpa, Allocasuarina littoralis and Lophostemon
suaveolens trees are also frequently conspicuous in the canopy. A sparse subcanopy layer (26 m tall) is frequently dominated by Dodonaea polyandra and A. littoralis, or Leucopogon
yorkensis. A sparse to mid-dense shrub layer (0.5-1.5 m tall) dominated by Alyxia spicata, D.
polyandra, Choriceras tricorne or Exocarpos latifolius species is usually present. The ground
layer is very sparse with Schoenus sparteus, Cleistochloa spp., Lomandra spp., Alloteropsis
semialata, Eulalia mackinlayi and Gahnia aspera being the most frequent species.
Floristic characteristics (sandplains and ranges): Melaleuca viridiflora, together with
Neofabricia myrtifolia, Allocasuarina littoralis, Asteromyrtus brassii and sometimes Acacia
brassii dominate the sparse canopy (4-12 m tall). Corymbia nesophila and less frequently
Eucalyptus tetrodonta are present as emergent trees (9-16 m tall). The same species
dominate the sparse low tree layer (2-5 m tall). A sparse shrub layer (0.5-3 m tall) is present,
with Acacia calyculata, Persoonia falcata, Hibbertia banksii forma banksii, Melaleuca viridiflora,
Asteromyrtus lysicephala and Choriceras tricorne occurring at the highest densities. The
ground layer is sparse, and frequently dominated by Xanthorrhoea johnsonii. Commonly
encountered graminoids include Eriachne spp., Schoenus sparteus and Cleistochloa spp.
Table 78 Five most extensive regional ecosystems included in Broad Vegetation Group 28c
RE
Description
Pre-clear
area (ha)
Remnant
2013 (ha)
%
remaining
Status
3.3.33
Thryptomene oligandra and Melaleuca viridiflora
woodland on sides of depressions
180,613
180,176
100
NC
3.5.19x2
Asteromyrtus lysicephala and Neofabricia
myrtifolia open heath on undulating plains
79,278
79,218
100
NC
3.12.26a
Melaleuca viridiflora low +/- Neofabricia
myrtifolia woodland on granitic ranges
14,737
14,728
100
NC
3.5.19x3
Asteromyrtus brassii and Neofabricia myrtifolia
low open forest on sand plains
14,398
14,396
100
NC
3.12.16a
Melaleuca viridiflora, Asteromyrtus brassii
woodland on granitic hills
11,119
11,092
100
NC
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Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation
Photo 283 Neofabricia myrtifolia and Asteromyrtus
brassii low open forest on margins of incised creek,
3.5.19x3. Fruitbat Falls, CYP.
(MR Newton)
Photo 282 Melaleuca viridiflora low woodland
on plain, 3.12.26b. Near Lockhardt River, CYP.
(MR Newton)
Photo 285 Leptospermum purpurascens tall
shrubland, 3.12.28. Near Lockhart River CYP
(VJ Neldner)
Photo 284 Asteromyrtus brass and
Neofabricia myrtifolia low woodland on
sandplain, 3.5.19x3. NE of Heathlands,
CYP.
(MR Newton)
Page 182 of 238
Broad Vegetation Groups of Queensland
28d
Sand blows to closed herblands of Lepturus repens (stalky grass) and herbs on
sand cays and shingle cays
Pre-clearing area: 34,170 ha
Remnant 2013 area: 33,182 ha
(97.1% of pre-clearing)
Bioregions: CYP (80%), SEQ (18%),
CQC (1%)
Land zones: 2 (100%)
Mean annual rainfall range:
>1600 mm
Typical landforms: (1) sand blows; (2)
foredunes and sand/ coral islands
Typical soils: Arenic Rudosols,
occasionally developing Aeric Podosols
Structural formation range:
(1) bare;
(2) sparse herbland
Photo 286 Sparse herbland, mostly devoid
of vegetation, 3.2.26. 6 km SW of Messum
Hill, CYP.
(VJ Neldner)
Floristic characteristics: (1) Bare sand, devoid of vascular plants, except in sheltered
clumps.
(2) A variety of forbs and graminoids form a very sparse ground layer (20-50 cm tall). Perotis
rara and Bulbostylis barbata frequently have the highest cover, with Sarga plumosum (plume
sorghum) dominating less frequently. Lepturus repens, Sporobolus virginicus, and Thuarea
involuta dominate the cays. Spinifex longifolius or S. sericeus, Eragrostis interrupta and
Cyperus pedunculosus dominate frontal dunes. Frequent forbs include Achyranthes aspera,
Tribulus cistoides, Canavalia rosea, Sesuvium portulacastrum, Ipomoea brassii, I. pes-caprae
subsp. brasiliensis, Abutilon albescens, Euphorbia atoto and Boerhavia spp. Very sparse
emergent shrubs (0.5-1.5 m tall) and low trees (3-6 m tall) may occasionally occur.
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Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation
Table 79 Five most extensive regional ecosystems included in Broad Vegetation Group 28d
RE
Description
Pre-clear
area (ha)
Remnant
2013 (ha)
%
remaining
Status
3.2.26
Sparse herbland/shrubland and bare sand areas
predominantly on sand blows
13,783
13,638
99
NC
3.2.25
Sparse herbland of mixed herbaceous species
on foredunes and beach ridges
10,016
10,012
100
OC
12.2.16
Sand blows largely devoid of vegetation
6,162
5,398
88
OC
3.2.24
Open herbland of mixed graminoids and forbs
on exposed foredunes
3,418
3,355
98
OC
8.2.10
Sand blows with bare sand and areas of sparse
herbland or shrubland
479
479
100
OC
Photo 287 Sand blow, 12.2.16. Near Lake Wabby,
Fraser Island, SEQ.
(VJ Neldner)
Photo 288 Lithomyrtus obtusa dwarf open
shrubland wih emergent Alphitonia excelsa on
sand blow, 8.2.10. Shoalwater Bay Training Area,
CQC.
(RM Lovatt)
Page 184 of 238
Photo 289 Sarga plumosum tussock grassland with
emergent Grevillea parallela, 3.2.25. South of Vrilya
Point, CYP.
(VJ Neldner)
Broad Vegetation Groups of Queensland
28e
Low open forests to woodlands dominated by Lophostemon suaveolens (swamp
box) (or L. confertus (brush box)) or Syncarpia glomulifera (turpentine) frequently with
Allocasuarina spp. on rocky hill slopes
Pre-clearing area: 114,066 ha
Remnant 2013 area: 101,314 ha
(88.8% of pre-clearing)
Bioregions: CQC (47%), WET (33%),
SEQ (14%), BRB (4%), CYP (1%)
Land zones: 12 (74%), 3 (12%), 9
(8%), 11 (5%), 10, 8 (minor)
Mean annual rainfall range:
>1200 mm
Typical landforms: Steep ridges,
slopes and crests on rolling hills to
mountains
Typical soils: Orthic Tenosols.
Structural formation range:
Open forest to low open forest, to tall
shrubland
Photo 290 Lophostemon confertus and
Acacia leiocalyx open scrub, 8.11.10. SE
of Considine Bay, North Keppel Island
NP, CQC.
(JE Kemp)
Floristic characteristics: Lophostemon confertus and/or L. suaveolens often dominate the
mid-dense canopy. Eucalyptus portuensis, Syncarpia glomulifera, Allocasuarina torulosa
and/or A. littoralis dominate in some areas. Other associated trees include Corymbia
trachyphloia, Acacia spirorbis subsp. solandri, A. falcata and E. drepanophylla. Shrub layers,
when present, are very sparse to sparse and may be dominated by Xanthorrhoea latifolia
subsp. latifolia, Acacia fimbriata, Bursaria tenuifolia, Acacia falcata, Breynia oblongifolia,
Cassinia quinquefaria and Melichrus adpressus. The ground layer ranges from very sparse to
mid-dense and may be dominated by species such as Xanthorrhoea latifolia subsp. latifolia,
Gahnia aspera, Imperata cylindrica, Lomandra longifolia, Sorghum nitidum forma aristatum,
Themeda triandra, Mnesithea rottboellioides and Eremochloa bimaculata. Frequent forbs
Page 185 of 238
Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation
include Dianella caerulea, Eustrephus latifolius, Phyllanthus virgatus, Cassytha filiformis and
Clematicissus opaca.
Table 80 Five most extensive regional ecosystems included in Broad Vegetation Group 28e
RE
Description
Pre-clear
area (ha)
Remnant
2013 (ha)
%
remaining
Status
8.12.5a
Lophostemon confertus and/or Eucalyptus
portuensis (or E. exserta) low open forest on
steep upper slopes and spurs on Mesozoic to
Proterozoic igneous rocks
29,951
29,166
97
NC
7.12.26a
Syncarpia glomulifera, Allocasuarina torulosa
and/or A. littoralis open forest and woodland,
on steep uplands and highlands on granite
and rhyolite
14,753
14,744
100
NC
12.9-10.17a
Lophostemon confertus dominated open forest
on sedimentary rocks
9,651
4,354
45
NC
8.12.14b
Acacia spirorbis low open forest on hill slopes
of islands and headlands on Mesozoic to
Proterozoic igneous rocks, and Tertiary acid to
intermediate volcanics
9,361
9,313
99
NC
7.3.46
Lophostemon suaveolens open forest to
woodland, on alluvial plains
7,423
1,728
23
E
Photo 291 Eucalyptus portuensis and
Corymbia trachyphloia open forest, 8.12.5a.
Sydney Heads, Britton Range, NE of
Homevale Homestead, CQC.
(JE Kemp)
Page 186 of 238
Photo 292 Lophostemon confertus dominated
open forest, 12.9-10.17a. Near Binna Burra, SEQ.
(VJ Neldner)
Broad Vegetation Groups of Queensland
29 Heathlands and associated scrubs and shrublands on
coastal dunefields and inland montane locations
29a
Open heaths and dwarf open heaths on coastal dunefields, sandplains and
headlands
Pre-clearing area: 577,094 ha
Remnant 2013 area: 538,579 ha
(93.3% of pre-clearing)
Bioregions: CYP (72%), SEQ (28%),
WET (minor)
Land zones: 5 (42%), 2 (35%), 3 (18%),
7 (2%), 10 (2%), 12 (1%), 11 (minor)
Mean annual rainfall range:
>1600 mm throughout
Typical landforms: Undulating sand
plains and dunes; rocky headlands; low
open woodlands
Typical soils: Yellow Kandosols and
Aeric Podosols
Structural formation range:
Open to closed heath to dwarf open
heath
Photo 293 Open heath of Banksia
aemula, Allocasuarina littoralis,
Xanthorrhoea johnsonii, Leptospermum
semibaccatum, Phebalium woombye,
Dillwynia retorta and Caustis recurvata,
12.2.13. Noosa Headland, Noosa NP,
SEQ.
(VJ Neldner)
Floristic characteristics: In the north, the sparse to mid-dense shrub layer is dominated by
Neofabricia myrtifolia, Asteromyrtus lysicephala, Jacksonia thesioides, Hibbertia banksii,
Allocasuarina littoralis, Grevillea pteridifolia, Neoroepera banksii, Baeckea frutescens,
Choriceras tricorne, Boronia alulata, Melaleuca viridiflora, Acacia calyculata and Leucopogon
ruscifolius, in varying levels of dominance. Schoenus sparteus, S. calostachyus, Caustis
recurvata, Themeda triandra, Cassytha filiformis, C. pubescens, Lomandra banksii and Gahnia
sieberiana are frequent in the ground layer.
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In the south, Banksia aemula forms low open woodlands with Leptospermum trinervium,
Allocasuarina littoralis, Acacia flavescens and A. penninervis. Eucalyptus planchoniana, E.
latisinensis, E. racemosa subsp. racemosa or Corymbia gummifera may be present in the
canopy as emergents. Acacia suaveolens, Leptospermum polygalifolium, Xanthorrhoea
johnsonii, Aotus ericoides, Gompholobium virgatum, Leucopogon leptospermoides, Persoonia
virgata, Melaleuca nodosa and Ricinocarpos pinifolius are frequent in the sparse shrub layer.
Caustis recurvata, Entolasia stricta, Gahnia sieberiana, Lepidosperma laterale, Trachystylis
stradbrokensis, Triodia marginata, Entolasia whiteana and Eriachne pallescens are frequent
graminoids.
Table 81 Five most extensive regional ecosystems included in Broad Vegetation Group 29a
RE
Description
Pre-clear
area (ha)
Remnant
2013 (ha)
%
remaining
Status
3.5.19x1
Asteromyrtus lysicephala ± Jacksonia thesioides
open heath on undulating plains
174,153
172,235
99
NC
12.2.9
Banksia aemula low open woodland on dunes
and sand plains. Usually deeply leached soils
65,665
63,877
97
NC
3.2.21
Neofabricia myrtifolia +/- Jacksonia thesioides
open to closed heath on dunefields
51,503
51,209
99
NC
3.3.53a
Asteromyrtus lysicephala ± Baeckea frutescens
open heath on Jardine River sand plains
40,218
40,141
100
NC
3.2.18a
Asteromyrtus lysicephala ± Neofabricia
myrtifolia open heath on flat sand plains
34,028
34,020
100
NC
Photo 294 Banksia aemula, Eucalyptus latisinensis
low woodland, 12.5.10. Bingera NP, SEQ. (TS Ryan)
Photo 295 Wind sheared open heath, 3.2.22. On
Shelburne dunefields, CYP. (VJ Neldner)
Photo 296 Neofabricia myrtifolia with Jacksonia
thesioides closed heath on dunefield, 3.2.21. Near
Cape Bedford, CYP.
(VJ Neldner)
Page 188 of 238
Broad Vegetation Groups of Queensland
29b
Open shrublands to open heaths in montane frequently rocky locations
Pre-clearing area: 204,365 ha
Remnant 2013 area: 189,624 ha
(92.8% of pre-clearing)
Bioregions: BRB (41%), NWH (20%),
CYP (10%), WET (8%), EIU (8%), GUP
(4%), SEQ (3%), DEU (3%), NET (2%)
Land zones: 12 (39%), 7 (36%), 11
(12%), 10 (6%), 5 (3%), 8 (3%),
Mean annual rainfall range: >600 mm
Typical landforms: Predominantly bare
areas; natural scalds, remnant surfaces,
and ranges. Not coastal headlands.
Typical soils: Shallow Rudosols
Structural formation range: Bare rock;
frequently with patches of heath,
shrubland and woodland
Photo 297 Acacia spp., Corymbia
spp. and Eucalyptus spp. on rock
pavements, 2.10.2x1. Gilberton
Range south of Forsayth, GUP.
(CN Appelman)
Floristic characteristics: Highly variable vegetation and structure depending on the
bioregion, substrate and the depth of soil in the local situation. Usually includes a number of
species in the following families: Casuarinaceae (Allocasuarina spp.), Cyperaceae (e.g.
Fimbristylis and Scleria), Ericaceae (especially Leucopogon and Monotoca), Fabaceae
(especially Acacia spp.), Laxmanniaceae (Lomandra spp.), Myrtaceae (especially stunted and
mallee habit Corymbia and Eucalyptus, Asteromyrtus spp., Calytrix spp., Leptospermum spp.,
Melaleuca spp. and Micromyrtus spp.), Poaceae (both perennial tussocks and annual
species), Proteaceae (especially Banksia¸ Grevillea, Hakea and Persoonia spp.), Rutaceae
(especially Boronia and Zieria spp.) and Xanthorrhoeaceae (Xanthorrhoea spp.).
Page 189 of 238
Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation
Table 82 Five most extensive regional ecosystems included in Broad Vegetation Group 29b
RE
Description
Pre-clear
area (ha)
Remnant
2013 (ha)
%
remaining
Status
11.7.5
Shrubland on natural scalds on deeply
weathered coarse-grained sedimentary rocks
73,747
63,199
86
NC
1.11.2x4
Scrub trees on rock outcrops
24,107
24,060
100
NC
1.12.2x1
Terminalia aridicola and Brachychiton collinus
low open woodland on torfields
17,499
17,489
100
3.12.26x1
Asteromyrtus lysicephala and Choriceras
tricorne open heath on granite hills
11,199
11,196
100
NC
2.10.2x1
Rock pavements and outcrops with patches of
Acacia spp., Corymbia spp. and Eucalyptus spp.
in dissected Mesozoic sandstone ranges.
7,164
7,164
100
NC
Photo 298 Extensive granite pavements with clumped
grasses and woody vegetation, 9.12.43a. Northern crest
of granite massive, Bonny Glen Station, EIU.
(GW Wilson)
Photo 300 Granite boulders, 3.12.34a. Melville Range,
CYP.
(VJ Neldner)
Page 190 of 238
Photo 299 Allocasuarina thalassoscopica, Banksia
integrifolia, Hakea gibbosa, Leptospermum flavescens,
and Lomandra confertifolia montane heath. 12.8.19.
Near summit of Mt Coolum, SEQ.
(VJ Neldner)
Photo 301 Borya sepententrionalis forbland,
7.12.37i. Lambs Head, WET.
(VJ Neldner)
Broad Vegetation Groups of Queensland
Photo 302 Leptospernum spp. and
Gahnia sp. heathland (foreground),
13.12.6. South Bald Rock,
Girraween NP, NET.
(MT Mathieson)
Photo 303 Eucalyptus codonocarpa
shrubland, 13.12.6. Mallee Ridge,
Girraween NP, NET.
(MT Mathieson)
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30 Astrebla spp. (Mitchell grass), Dichanthium spp.
(bluegrass) tussock grasslands
30a
Tussock grasslands dominated by Astrebla spp. (Mitchell grass) or Dichanthium
spp. (bluegrass) often with Eulalia aurea (silky browntop) on alluvia
Pre-clearing area: 4,380,596 ha
Remnant 2013 area: 3,922,732 ha
(89.5% of pre-clearing)
Bioregions: MGD (52%), GUP (26%), BRB
(11%), MUL (10%), DEU (minor)
Land zones: 3 (95%), 4 (5%)
Mean annual rainfall range:
300 – 1200 mm
Typical landforms: Flat alluvial plains
Typical soils: Grey to Brown Vertosols
Structural formation range:
Tussock grassland in the east,
to sparse tussock grassland in the west.
Photo 304 Iseilema sp., Astrebla spp.
closed tussock grassland on clay
alluvial plain, 2.3.3. Near Normanton,
GUP.
(ID Fox)
Floristic characteristics: The dominant grasses are Astrebla pectinata, A. lappacea, A.
elymoides and Iseilema spp. Eulalia aurea, Astrebla squarrosa, Aristida latifolia, and Panicum
decompositum are other frequent grasses. Frequently present forbs include Neptunia
dimorphantha, N. gracilis, Ipomoea lonchophylla, Sida fibulifera, S. filiformis, S. trichopoda,
Solanum esuriale, Salsola australis, Portulaca oleracea, Aeschynomene indica, Cleome
viscosa, Cullen cinereum and Rhynchosia minima.
Page 192 of 238
Broad Vegetation Groups of Queensland
Table 83 Five most extensive regional ecosystems included in Broad Vegetation Group 30a
RE
Description
Pre-clear
area (ha)
Remnant
2013 (ha)
%
remaining
Status
4.3.14
Astrebla lappacea, Astrebla spp. ± Eulalia aurea
grassland on alluvium
1,357,750
1,339,221
99
NC
2.3.3
Astrebla spp. grassland on plains of cracking
clays
781,745
777,657
99
NC
11.3.21
Dichanthium sericeum and/or Astrebla spp.
grassland on alluvial plains. Cracking clay soils
447,687
52,389
12
E
4.3.17
Astrebla pectinata ± Astrebla spp. ± Aristida
latifolia grassland on alluvium
365,985
365,929
100
NC
6.3.15
Astrebla lappacea, Astrebla pectinata ± A.
elymoides grassland on alluvium
327,666
322,093
98
NC
Natural grasslands on basalt and fine-textured alluvial plains of northern New South Wales and
southern Queensland ecological community which is listed as critically endangered under the
EPBC Act includes regional ecosystems 11.3.21 and 11.3.24 from this BVG.
Photo 306 Dichanthium sericeum tussock grassland
on alluvial plain, 11.3.21. Near Springsure, BRB.
(DW Butler)
Photo 305 Astrebla squarrosa tussock
grassland, 4.3.14. In drainage line near
Eversham Homestead, MGD.
(VJ Neldner)
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Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation
30b
Tussock grasslands dominated by Astrebla spp. (Mitchell grass) or Dichanthium
spp. (bluegrass) often with Iseilema spp. on undulating downs or clay plains
Pre-clearing area: 18,996,452 ha
Remnant 2013 area: 18,227,377 ha
(96.0% of pre-clearing)
Bioregions: MGD (58%), CHC (19%), GUP
(13%), BRB (6%), EIU (2%), DEU (1%),
NWH (minor); Dominates the MGD by
covering 40% of the bioregion.
Land zones: 9 (74%), 3 (12%), 4 (9%), 8
(5%), 5 (minor)
Mean annual rainfall range:
<200 - >1000 mm
Typical landforms: Gently undulating to
rolling plains
Typical soils: Grey to Brown Vertosols
Structural formation range:
Tussock grasslands in the east,
to sparse tussock grasslands in the west.
Photo 307 Astrebla pectinata tussock
grassland, 4.4.1. Barkly Downs Station,
west of Mt Isa, MGD.
(DT Kelman)
Floristic characteristics: The dominant grasses are Astrebla pectinata (particularly in the
western areas), and A. lappacea, A. squarrosa, and A. elymoides in other areas. Dichanthium
sericeum dominates the basalt derived soils of the Brigalow Belt. Aristida latifolia, Iseilema
spp., and Panicum decompositum are other frequent grasses. Frequently present forbs include
Atriplex lindleyi, A. muelleri, A. spongiosa, Boerhavia dominii, Crotalaria dissitiflora, C.
medicaginea, Ipomoea lonchophylla, Polymeria longifolia, Sclerolaena calcarata, S. bicornis,
S. lanicuspis, Sida fibulifera, S. filiformis, S. trichopoda, Solanum esuriale, Salsola australis
and Rhynchosia minima.
Page 194 of 238
Broad Vegetation Groups of Queensland
Table 84 Five most extensive regional ecosystems included in Broad Vegetation Group 30b
RE
Description
Pre-clear
area (ha)
Remnant
2013 (ha)
%
remaining
Status
4.9.1
Astrebla lappacea ± Aristida latifolia ± Panicum
decompositum grassland on Cretaceous
sediments
5,813,328
5,774,938
99
NC
5.9.3
Astrebla spp. herbland ± short grasses ± forbs
on Cretaceous sediments
3,314,450
3,309,548
100
NC
4.9.20
Astrebla lappacea ± Aristida latifolia ± Panicum
decompositum grassland on Cretaceous
sediments with ashy soils
1,377,244
1,364,354
99
NC
2.3.3x40
Astrebla spp., Iseilema spp. ± Aristida latifolia,
Sarga spp. and Dichanthium spp. tussock
grassland on broad, Tertiary clay plains.
1,010,129
1,004,970
99
NC
4.9.5
Seasonally variable mosaic of Astrebla lappacea
± Enneapogon spp. open tussock grassland
and sparse to open forbland on Cretaceous
sediments
903,047
902,112
100
NC
The Natural Grasslands of the Queensland Central Highlands and the northern Fitzroy Basin
ecological community which is listed as endangered under the EPBC Act includes regional
ecosystems 11.4.4, 11.4.11, 11.8.11, 11.9.3 and 11.9.12 from this BVG.
Photo 309 Astrebla spp. tussock grassland on old alluvial
clay plain, 2.3.3x40. NW of McKinlay, GUP.
(HA Dillewaard)
Photo 308 Dichanthium sericeum tussock grassland
on basalt plain. 11.8.11. Albinia Downs, BRB.
(DW Butler)
Photo 310 Astrebla lappacea and A.
elymoides tussock grassland, 4.9.1.
SW of Hughenden, MGD.
(VJ Neldner)
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Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation
31 Mixed open forblands to open tussock grasslands in
inland locations
31a
Open forblands to open tussock grasslands which may be composed of Atriplex
spp. (saltbush), Sclerolaena spp. (burr), Asteraceae spp. and/or short grasses on
alluvial plains
Pre-clearing area: 5,527,945 ha
Remnant 2013 area: 5,468,595 ha
(98.9% of pre-clearing)
Bioregions: CHC (59%), MGD (20%),
MUL (16%), GUP (3%), BRB (1%), DEU
(1%), NWH (minor)
Land zones: 3 (99%), 5 (1%)
Mean annual rainfall range:
150 mm -600 mm
Typical landforms: Flat alluvial plains
and braided channel systems
Typical soils: Vertosols
Structural formation range:
Open herbland to sparse herbland
Photo 311 Eragrostis setifolia grassland
on alluvial plain, 5.3.19. Near Bedourie,
CHC.
(C Pennay)
Floristic characteristics: The dominant floristics can vary depending on seasonal conditions
and local variations in habitat. During summer rainfall or flooding, grasses tend to dominate,
while forbs dominate after winter events. Frequent graminoids are Dactyloctenium radulans,
Sporobolus actinocladus, S. australasicus, S. caroli, S. mitchellii, Aristida latifolia, Astrebla
pectinata, A. elymoides, A. squarrosa, Tripogon loliiformis, Enneapogon polyphyllus,
Fimbristylis dichotoma, Oxychloris scariosa, Brachyachne convergens, Chloris pectinata and
Iseilema spp. Frequent forbs include Atriplex lindleyi, A. spongiosa, Alternanthera nodiflora,
Page 196 of 238
Broad Vegetation Groups of Queensland
Trianthema triquetra, Salsola australis, Euphorbia drummondii, Sclerolaena glabra, S.
calcarata, S. tricuspis, Sida fibulifera, S. trichopoda, S. filiformis, Maireana villosa,
Streptoglossa adscendens, Evolvulus alsinoides, Neptunia dimorphantha and Solanum
esuriale.
Table 85 Five most extensive regional ecosystems included in Broad Vegetation Group 31a
RE
Description
Pre-clear
area (ha)
Remnant
2013 (ha)
5.3.18b
Seasonally variable sparse to open herbland on
frequently flooded interchannel areas within
braided channel systems on alluvial plains,
common dominants include Sporobolus
mitchellii and/or Eragrostis setifolia and/or a
range of ephemeral herbs
1,271,027
1,270,516
100
NC
4.3.20
Atriplex spp. and Sclerolaena spp. ± Astrebla
spp. ± short grasses ± forbs, open herbland on
braided or flat alluvial plains
1,029,898
1,019,798
99
NC
5.3.21
Seasonally variable sparse to open herbland on
infrequently flooded alluvia of major rivers their
distributaries and larger creek lines, Atriplex
spp., Sclerolaena spp., Astrebla spp., species of
Asteraceae and/or short grasses
1,020,279
1,019,777
100
NC
5.3.19
Seasonally variable sparse to open herbland on
frequently flooded but not distinctly channelled
areas on alluvial plains, common dominants
include Sporobolus mitchellii and/or Eragrostis
setifolia and/or a range of ephemeral herbs
929,990
929,896
100
NC
6.3.13
Atriplex spp., Sclerolaena spp., species of
Asteraceae and/or short grasses open herbland
on alluvial plains
888,970
870,984
98
OC
Photo 312 Braided floodplain which is a mosiac,
5.3.18a and 5.3.18b. Cooper Creek, SW of
Windorah, CHC.
(BA Wilson)
%
remaining
Status
Photo 313 Forbland on alluvial plain, 5.3.18b.
Eyre Creek, CHC.
(C Pennay)
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Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation
31b
Short grass / forb herblands to sparse tussock grasslands on stony downs
Pre-clearing area: 1,872,763 ha
Remnant 2013 area: 1,863,880 ha
(99.5% of pre-clearing)
Bioregions: CHC (91%), DEU (5%),
NWH (2%), MGD (1%), GUP (1%)
Land zones: 9 (89%), 7 (8%), 5 (3%)
Mean annual rainfall range: Mostly
< 400 mm, although up to 600 mm
Typical landforms: Gently undulating
plains with silcrete cover
Typical soils: Red Sodosols
Structural formation range: Sparse
herblands to sparse tussock grasslands
Photo 314 Fluctuating climax of Atriplex
spp., Sclerolaena sp. ± short grasses open
herbland on mantled pediments, 5.9.5x1.
NE of Bedourie, CHC.
(D Richter)
Floristic characteristics: The dominant floristics can vary depending on seasonal conditions
and local variations in habitat. Frequently these stony plains appear virtually devoid of
vegetation. During summer rainfall, grasses tend to dominate, while forbs dominate after winter
events. Aristida contorta is often the dominate grass, with A. latifolia, A. ingrata, A.
inaequiglumis, Oxychloris scariosa, Enneapogon avenaceus, Sporobolus actinocladus and S.
australasicus often codominant. Other frequent graminoids are Dactyloctenium radulans,
Tripogon loliiformis, Fimbristylis dichotoma, Brachyachne convergens, Chloris pectinata and
Triodia pungens. Frequent forbs include Alternanthera nodiflora, Trianthema triquetra, Salsola
australis, Euphorbia drummondii, Sclerolaena glabra, S. calcarata, S. lanicuspis, S. tricuspis,
Sida fibulifera, Evolvulus alsinoides, Neptunia dimorphantha and Dysphania rhadinostachya.
Page 198 of 238
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Table 86 Five most extensive regional ecosystems included in Broad Vegetation Group 31b
RE
Description
Pre-clear
area (ha)
Remnant
2013 (ha)
%
remaining
Status
5.9.4
Aristida contorta ± short grasses ± forbs on
Cretaceous sediments with dense gravel cover
722,918
722,568
100
NC
5.9.5x1
Fluctuating climax of Atriplex spp., Sclerolaena
spp. ± short grasses open herbland on mantled
pediments with dense silcrete cover
474,843
474,632
100
NC
5.9.5
Atriplex spp., Sclerolaena spp., Salsola australis
open herbland on Cretaceous sediments
177,284
176,726
100
NC
5.9.4x1
Aristida contorta open to sparse tussock
grassland on Cainozoic colluvial and residual
deposits.
131,387
131,251
100
NC
5.7.10x1
Aristida contorta ± short grasses ± forbs on
deeply weathered Tertiary and Cretaceous
sediments.
79,737
79,691
100
NC
Photo 315 Aristida contorta very sparse tussock
grassland on plain, 5.9.4. East of the Diamantina
Development Road, NE of Betoota, CHC.
(D Richter)
Photo 316 Sclerolaena spp., Salsola australis open
herbland on Cretaceous sediments, 5.9.5. SE of
Betoota, CHC.
(D Richter)
Photo 317 Stony downs with Acacia cambagei
in drainage line, 5.9.4. SE of Boulia, CHC.
(VJ Neldner)
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32
Closed tussock grasslands in coastal locations
32a
Closed tussock grasslands dominated by Eriachne spp., Fimbristylis spp.,
Aristida spp. or Panicum spp.; or Themeda arguens, Dichanthium sericeum
(Queensland bluegrass) or Imperata cylindrica (blady grass) on marine and alluvial
plains
Pre-clearing area: 1,375,186 ha
Remnant 2013 area: 1,326,108 ha
(96.4% of pre-clearing)
Bioregions: GUP (65%), CYP (29%),
BRB (3%), EIU (1%), WET (1%), CQC
(1%)
Land zones: 3 (100%), 2, 5 (minor)
Mean annual rainfall range:
800 mm - >1600 mm
Typical landforms: Coastal marine and
alluvial plains; minor areas of coastal
dunes
Typical soils: Aquic or Grey Vertosols,
Oxyaquic Hydrosols
Structural formation range:
Closed tussock grassland to tussock
grassland
Photo 318 Eriachne burkittii, Cyperus sp., and Ophiuros
exaltatus tussock grassland on semi-saline alluvial plain,
2.3.1a. Inkerman Station, GUP.
(CN Appelman)
Photo 319 Eriachne spp., Fimbristylis spp. and
Aristida spp. tussock grassland, 3.3.56. North of
Laura, CYP.
(VJ Neldner)
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Broad Vegetation Groups of Queensland
Floristic characteristics: These grasslands may be dominated by Eriachne, Fimbristylis,
Aristida, Panicum, Scleria and Cyperus species which are frequently sterile and difficult to
identify to species level. Themeda arguens, Paspalum scrobiculatum, Brachyachne
convergens, Chrysopogon spp., Dichanthium spp. and sometimes Oryza australiensis are
frequently codominant. Imperata cylindrica or Sporobolus virginicus may dominate in some
areas. Frequent forbs include Crotalaria montana, Ipomoea coptica, Aeschynomene indica,
Chamaecrista mimosoides, Melochia corchorifolia, Evolvulus alsinoides and Neptunia gracilis.
Table 87 Five most extensive regional ecosystems included in Broad Vegetation Group 32a
RE
Description
Pre-clear
area (ha)
Remnant
2013 (ha)
%
remaining
Status
2.3.1a
Eriachne burkittii, Oryza australiensis, Xerochloa
imberbis, Ophiuros exaltatus, Eulalia aurea in
mixed tussock grasslands on coastal alluvial
plains, commonly adjacent to the tidal zone.
326,531
326,101
100
NC
2.3.9x2b
Aristida latifolia, Eriachne burkittii, Themeda
arguens and Chrysopogon spp. tussock
grassland on Quaternary alluvial plains (outer
zones of river deltas)
259,217
258,163
100
OC
3.3.56
Eriachne spp. ± Aristida spp. closed tussock
grassland alluvial plains
153,829
153,630
100
NC
2.3.9x2a
Eriachne spp., Oryza australiensis, Dichanthium
spp. ± Chloris lobata, Themeda arguens tussock
grassland on Quaternary alluvial plains (inner
zones of river deltas)
111,303
111,022
100
OC
3.3.61a
Panicum spp., Fimbristylis spp. tussock
grassland on coastal alluvial clay plains
79,171
79,151
100
NC
Photo 320 Dichanthium spp., Oryza australiensis
and Eriachne glauca tussock grassland on alluvial
clay plain, 2.3.9x2b. Van Rook Station, NE of
Normanton, GUP.
(CN Appelman)
Photo 321 Eriachne sp., Fimbristylis sp. and
Dichanthium sp. tussock grassland, 3.3.61a.
Lakefield NP, north of the Morehead River, CYP.
(VJ Neldner)
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Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation
32b
Closed tussock grasslands and associated open woodlands on undulating clay
plains, upland areas and headlands. Dominant species include Heteropogon triticeus
(giant speargrass) or Themeda arguens or Sarga plumosum or Imperata cylindrica
(blady grass) or Mnesithea rottboellioides (cane grass) / Arundinella setosa. With areas
of open woodland dominated by tree species such as Corymbia papuana (ghost gum) /
Terminalia spp. / Acacia ditricha / Piliostigma malabaricum
Pre-clearing area: 92,435 ha
Remnant 2013 area: 90,508 ha
(97.9% of pre-clearing)
Bioregions: CYP (84%), EIU (7%),
CQC (6%), WET (1%), SEQ (1%), BRB
(1%)
Land zones: 9 (56%), 3 (26%), 12
(12%), 8 (3%), 5 (1%), 11 (1%)
Mean annual rainfall range:
600 mm - >1200 mm
Typical landforms: Gently rolling
plains; sand or clay plains; ranges,
continental islands and headlands
Typical soils: Brown or Yellow
Dermosols or Rudosols
Structural formation range:
Closed tussock grassland to tussock
grassland; open shrubland to open
woodland.
Photo 322 Tussock grassland with scattered
emergent Corymbia confertiflora and
Eucalyptus chlorophylla, 3.5.29. 60 km north of
Laura in Lakefield NP, CYP.
(VJ Neldner)
Floristic characteristics: These grasslands are frequently dominated by Themeda triandra,
Heteropogon triticeus, H. contortus, Sarga plumosum, Imperata cylindrica or Mnesithea
rottboellioides, or a combination of these species. Alloteropsis semialata, Paspalum
scrobiculatum, and Capillipedium parviflorum are also frequently present. Frequent forbs
include Phyllanthus virgatus, Evolvulus alsinoides, Crotalaria montana, Cassytha filiformis,
Cyanthillium cinereum, Pycnospora lutescens, Flemingia parviflora, Rhynchosia minima,
Glycine tomentella and Brunoniella australis. Areas of open woodland dominated by tree
Page 202 of 238
Broad Vegetation Groups of Queensland
species such as Corymbia papuana (ghost gum) or Terminalia spp. or Acacia ditricha or
Piliostigma malabaricum are also included in this BVG.
Table 88 Five most extensive regional ecosystems included in Broad Vegetation Group 32b
RE
Description
Pre-clear
area (ha)
Remnant
2013 (ha)
%
remaining
Status
3.9.5
Corymbia papuana ± Eucalyptus leptophleba
open woodland on rolling plains
31,883
31,787
100
OC
3.9.7
Piliostigma malabaricum tall open shrubland on
central clay plains
14,726
14,622
99
NC
3.3.60x1
Sarga plumosum ± Themeda arguens closed
tussock grassland on erosional plains
14,031
13,986
100
NC
9.3.26a
Grasslands on non-basalt derived alluvial
deposits
5,238
5,224
100
OC
8.12.13a
Themeda triandra and/or Imperata cylindrica
and/or Chionachne cyathopoda tussock
grassland, or Xanthorrhoea latifolia shrubland,
on slopes of islands and headlands on Mesozoic
to Proterozoic igneous rocks, and Tertiary acid
to intermediate volcanics
4,486
4,069
91
OC
Photo 323 Corymbia papuana open woodland on rolling
plains, 3.9.5. North of Coen, CYP.
(VJ Neldner)
Photo 324 Pilidiostigma malabaricum tall open
shrubland on plain, 3.9.7. 62 km N of Archer River on
the PDR, CYP.
(MR Newton)
Photo 325 Themeda triandra tussock grassland
with Xanthorrhoea latifolia subsp. latifolia, 8.12.13a.
St Bees Island, CQC.
(JE Kemp)
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Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation
33 Hummock grasslands dominated by Triodia spp.
(spinifex) or Zygochloa paradoxa (sandhill canegrass)
associations on dunefields or sandplains
33a
Hummock grasslands dominated by Triodia basedowii (hard spinifex) or
Zygochloa paradoxa (sandhill canegrass) associations on dunefields or sandplains
Pre-clearing area: 3,822,494 ha
Remnant 2013 area: 3,817,620 ha
(99.9% of pre-clearing)
Bioregions: CHC (100%)
Land zones: 6 (100%)
Mean annual rainfall range:
<200 mm - 300 mm
Typical landforms: Inland Aeolian
dunes and sand plains
Typical soils: Arenic Rudosols
Structural formation range:
Hummock grassland to open hummock
grassland, open forbland
Photo 326 Triodia basedowii hummock
grassland with Corymbia terminalis and
Grevillea striata emergents, 5.6.6. South of
Jundah, CHC.
(VJ Neldner)
Floristic characteristics: Triodia basedowii dominates these extensive hummock grasslands.
Zygochloa paradoxa or Crotalaria eremaea may dominate on some of dune crests. In some
areas, the grasslands are very sparsely wooded with Acacia spp., Senna spp., Grevillea spp.
and/ or Eucalyptus species. Tussock grasses and forbs occur scattered between the T.
basedowii hummocks, and include Aristida holathera, Triraphis mollis, Boerhavia pubescens,
Calotis erinacea, Euphorbia myrtoides, Chenopodium desertorum subsp. anidiophyllum,
Chrysocephalum eremaeum, Crotalaria cunninghamii, Cullen pallidum, Enchylaena
tomentosa, Polymeria ambigua, Scaevola depauperata and Sida platycalyx.
Page 204 of 238
Broad Vegetation Groups of Queensland
Table 89 Five most extensive regional ecosystems included in Broad Vegetation Group 33a
RE
Description
Pre-clear
area (ha)
Remnant
2013 (ha)
5.6.5
Triodia basedowii hummock grassland on sides
of, or between dunes
2,133,395
2,132,349
100
NC
5.6.8
Zygochloa paradoxa or Crotalaria eremaea +/Triodia basedowii open grassland on sand
dunes
545,512
545,461
100
NC
5.6.6
Triodia basedowii hummock grassland wooded
with Acacia spp., Senna spp., Grevillea spp. ±
Eucalyptus spp. on sand plains and dune fields
327,240
324,050
99
NC
5.6.8a
Zygochloa paradoxa ± Triodia basedowii open
grassland on sand dunes
320,653
320,147
100
NC
5.6.1
Crotalaria eremaea ± Eragrostis eriopoda open
forbland on isolated and/or deflated sand dunes
on alluvium.
202,354
202,329
100
NC
Photo 327 Triodia basedowii hummock grassland with
Eucalyptus pachyphylla mallee shrubs on sandplain,
5.6.7. West of Glenormiston, CHC.
(VJ Neldner)
%
remaining
Status
Photo 328 Crotalaria eremea open forbland,
5.6.8. On mobile dune crest, CHC.
(BA Wilson)
Photo 330 Triodia
basedowii hummock
grassland, 5.6.5.
Ethabuka, CHC.
(VJ Neldner)
Photo 329 Crotalaria eremaea and Acacia murrayana
shrubs on crests with Triodia basedowii hummock
grassland on dune, 5.6.5. Plains dominated by Triodia
spp. hummock grassland, 5.6.6. CHC. (D. Richter)
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Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation
33b
Hummock grasslands dominated by Triodia pungens or T. longiceps (giant grey
spinifex) or T. mitchellii (buck spinifex) sandplains
Pre-clearing area: 355,497 ha
Remnant 2013 area: 337,598 ha
(95.0% of pre-clearing)
Bioregions: MUL (33%), MGD (26%),
GUP (16%), DEU (15%), BRB (2%)
Land zones: 7 (42%), 6 (33%), 5 (23%),
3 (1%), 9 (1%)
Mean annual rainfall range:
200-500 mm
Typical landforms: Deflated dunes and
sand plains
Typical soils: Arenic Rudosols and Red
Orthic Tenosols
Structural formation range:
Hummock grassland; sparsely wooded in
some areas.
Photo 331 Triodia mitchellii hummock grassland
with emergent Eucalyptus melanophloia, 6.6.2.
Near Bollon, MUL.
(TJ Eyre)
Floristic characteristics: These hummock grasslands are dominated by Triodia pungens or
T. longiceps or T. mitchellii. They are generally sparsely wooded with emergent Eucalyptus
melanophloia, Eucalyptus spp., Corymbia spp. and Acacia spp. Fimbristylis dichotoma,
Eriachne ciliata, E. mucronata, Schizachyrium fragile, Tripogon loliiformis, Aristida holathera,
A. contorta, Bulbostylis barbata, Panicum effusum var. effusum, Paspalidium rarum and
Sporobolus australasicus are frequent graminoids that may be present. Frequent forbs include
Evolvulus alsinoides, Zornia muriculata, Cheilanthes sieberi, Sphaeromorphaea littoralis,
Indigofera linifolia, Oldenlandia mitrasacmoides, Buchnera linearis, Calandrinia pleiopetala and
Chrysocephalum apiculatum and Stackhousia viminea.
Page 206 of 238
Broad Vegetation Groups of Queensland
Table 90 Five most extensive regional ecosystems included in Broad Vegetation Group 33b
RE
Description
Pre-clear
area (ha)
Remnant
2013 (ha)
%
remaining
Status
6.6.2
Triodia mitchellii ± T. marginata hummock
grassland wooded with Eucalyptus
melanophloia ± Eucalyptus spp. and Acacia spp.
on low dunes
118,760
102,552
86
NC
4.5.8
Triodia pungens hummock grassland wooded
with Acacia spp. ± Eucalyptus spp. on
Quaternary sand sheets
73,722
73,717
100
NC
2.7.1x6
Triodia spp. hummock grassland ± emergent
Eucalyptus melanophloia, Melaleuca citrolens,
Corymbia pocillum, M. stenostachya on slopes
and crests of lateritised, Tertiary sandstone hills.
51,124
51,114
100
OC
10.7.2b
Triodia pungens open hummock grassland on
ferricrete above scarps
42,976
42,342
99
NC
4.7.2x1b
Triodia spp. hummock grassland ± emergent
Eucalyptus leucophloia, Acacia cambagei on
Tertiary lateritic residuals derived from deeply
weathered Cambrian shales
35,950
35,930
100
NC
Photo 332 Triodia longiceps hummock grassland,
1.5.4b. Mt Tracey Station, east of Cloncurry, NWH.
(AL Kelly)
Photo 333 Triodia bitextura grassland on
dissected Tertiary sandstone, 2.7.1x6. Abingdon
Downs Station, NNW of Georgetown, GUP.
(CN Appelman)
Photo 334 Triodia pungens grassland on
silcrete,1.7.2. Barkly Downs Station, west of
Mount Isa, NWH. (DT Kelman)
Page 207 of 238
Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation
34 Wetlands associated with permanent lakes and
swamps, as well as ephemeral lakes, claypans and swamps.
Includes fringing woodlands and shrublands
34a
Lacustrine wetlands. Lakes, ephemeral to permanent, fresh to brackish; water
bodies with ground water connectivity. Includes fringing woodlands and sedgelands
Pre-clearing area: 285,227 ha
Remnant 2013 area: 281,165 ha
(98.6% of pre-clearing)
Bioregions: CHC (70%), DEU (15%),
MUL (7%), CYP (3%), BRB (2%), SEQ
(1%), CQC (1%), WET (minor)
Land zones: 3 (98%), 2 (2%)
Mean annual rainfall range:
<200 - >2600 mm
Typical landforms: Sparsely vegetated
to bare, large saline lakes; terminal lakes
on drainage lines and floodplains;
permanent and semi-permanent lakes in
coastal dunefields and volcanic craters
Typical soils: Hydrosols
Structural formation range:
Open water to bare saline lakes,
sometimes with fringing woodland
Photo 335 Herbland and open water,
5.3.22b. Lake Machattie, CHC.
(N Cuff)
Floristic characteristics: The ephemeral saline lakes vary from open water to bare soil to a
variety of species forming ephemeral herblands, depending on the flooding cycle. Permanent
lakes often have aquatic plants in the shallow water at the edge, with open water elsewhere.
Page 208 of 238
Broad Vegetation Groups of Queensland
Table 91 Five most extensive regional ecosystems included in Broad Vegetation Group 34a
RE
Description
Pre-clear
area (ha)
Remnant
2013 (ha)
%
remaining
Status
5.3.22b
Sparse herbland, open water or bare area on
lakes
133,163
133,145
100
NC
5.3.22c
Lakes usually fed by drainage lines
60,226
60,226
100
NC
10.3.24
Ephemeral lake bed (Lake Buchanan)
16,706
16,706
100
NC
6.3.10a
Water/bare areas of saline lakes
9,299
9,299
100
OC
10.3.23a
Tecticornia spp. open succulent shrubland
(Lake Galilee)
8,504
8,437
99
NC
Photo 336 Tecticornia spp. open succulent
shrubland, 10.3.23a. Lake Galilee, DEU.
(EJ Thompson)
Photo 337 Eleocharis sp. and Nymphaea sp. on
perennial lagoon, 3.3.66b. Horseshoe Lagoon,
Lakefield NP, CYP. (MR Newton)
Photo 339 Lepironia articulata open sedgeland around
the margins of perennial lake, 3.2.27a. Sach
Waterhole, near Bamaga, CYP.
(VJ Neldner)
Photo 338 Lepironia articulata open
sedgeland, 12.2.15f. Lake Benaroon,
Fraser Island, SEQ. (VJ Neldner)
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Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation
34b
Palustrine wetlands. Generally intermittent swamps/claypans (non floodplains) in
inland areas dominated by chenopods e.g. Chenopodium auricomum (Queensland blue
bush) or Tecticornia spp. (samphire) or herbs
Pre-clearing area: 1,249,240 ha
Remnant 2013 area: 1,228,693 ha
(98.4% of pre-clearing)
Bioregions: CHC (69%), MUL (16%),
MGD (11%), DEU (4%), BRB (minor)
Land zones: 3 (100%), 5 (minor)
Mean annual rainfall range:
<200-600 mm
Typical landforms: Saline, nonfloodplain claypans and intermittent
swamps
Typical soils: Salic Hydrosols
Structural formation range:
Bare saline claypans, occasionally
flooded.
Photo 340 Eragrostis australasica open
tussock grassland with Marsilea sp.
ephemeral swamp, 5.3.16a. Between
Diamantina River and Farrars Creek
catchments, CHC.
(R Jaensch)
Floristic characteristics: The claypans vary from bare soil to a variety of species forming
ephemeral herblands, depending on the flooding cycle. Eragrostis australasica open
grasslands are frequent on many of the claypans; in others, Chenopodium auricomum with or
without Duma florulenta form open shrublands. Tecticornia spp. open succulent shrublands are
sometimes present, and in many claypans only a sparse herbland occurs after flooding.
Page 210 of 238
Broad Vegetation Groups of Queensland
Table 92 Five most extensive regional ecosystems included in Broad Vegetation Group 34b
RE
Description
Pre-clear
area (ha)
Remnant
2013 (ha)
%
remaining
Status
5.3.16a
Eragrostis australasica open grassland on clay
pans between dunes and on plains
458,024
457,857
100
NC
5.3.22a
Sparse herbland on clay pans
278,744
278,674
100
NC
4.3.24
Chenopodium auricomum ± Duma florulenta
open shrubland on depressions on floodplains
102,868
102,545
100
NC
6.3.11b
Bare or water in claypans
87,511
82,183
94
OC
6.3.11
Eleocharis pallens ± short grasses ± Eragrostis
australasica open herbland on clays, associated
with ephemeral lakes, billabongs and permanent
waterholes
46,507
44,512
96
OC
Photo 341 Sesbania sp. fringing floodplain
water hole, 5.3.22a. Lake Constance,
Diamanina NP, CHC. (BA Wilson)
Photo 343 Eragrostis australasica open tussock
grassland on claypans, 6.3.11b, MUL.
(R Jaensch)
Photo 342 Eragrostis australasica sparse tussock
grassland on claypans, 5.3.16a, CHC.
(N Cuff)
Photo 344 Eragrostis setifolia clay pan between
dunes, 5.3.22a. South of Carranya Station
Homestead, CHC.
(D Richter)
Page 211 of 238
Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation
34c
Palustrine wetlands. Freshwater swamps on coastal floodplains dominated by
sedges and grasses such as Oryza spp., Eleocharis spp. (spikerush) or Baloskion spp.
(cord rush) / Leptocarpus tenax / Gahnia sieberiana (sword grass) / Lepironia spp.
Includes small areas of estuarine wetlands
Pre-clearing area: 230,919 ha
Remnant 2013 area: 217,299 ha
(94.1% of pre-clearing)
Bioregions: CYP (37%), GUP (33%),
BRB (12%) SEQ (10%), WET (7%), CQC
(1%)
Land zones: 3 (86%), 2 (12%), 1 (2%)
Mean annual rainfall range:
600 - >1600 mm
Typical landforms: Seasonally inundated
marine plains; coastal freshwater swamps
Typical soils: Aquic or Grey Vertosols,
Semiaquic Podosols, Aeric Podosols
Structural formation range:
Closed sedgeland to closed tussockgrassland
Photo 345 Aerial view of Baloskion
tetraphyllum subsp. meiostachyum open
sedgeland in drainage swamps in dunefields,
3.3.64. South of Jardine River, CYP.
(VJ Neldner)
Floristic characteristics: The seasonally inundated marine plains are frequently dominated
by Eleocharis, Oryza and Ischaemum species. Other frequent graminoids are Schoenoplectus
litoralis, Fimbristylis schoenoides, Sporobolus virginicus and Xerochloa imberbis. Baloskion
tetraphyllum subsp. meiostachyum open sedgelands or Gahnia sieberiana, Empodisma minus,
Gleichenia spp. closed sedgeland occur in the coastal drainage swamps. Tricostularia
undulata, Eriocaulon spp., Schoenus sparteus, S. calostachyus, Rhynchospora rubra,
Utricularia spp. and Drosera spp. are frequent herbs in these coastal swamps.
Page 212 of 238
Broad Vegetation Groups of Queensland
Table 93 Five most extensive regional ecosystems included in Broad Vegetation Group 34c
RE
Description
Pre-clear
area (ha)
Remnant
2013 (ha)
%
remaining
Status
3.3.64
Baloskion tetraphyllum subsp. meiostachyum
open sedgeland in drainage swamps in dune
fields
59,971
59,837
100
NC
2.3.2a
Seasonal swamps in closed depressions on low
elevated coastal alluvial plains adjacent to the
tidal zone.
40,185
39,931
99
NC
2.3.28x11
Seasonal swamps with a fringe of Melaleuca
clarksonii and/or M. viridiflora in closed
depressions on Quaternary deposits in the
Mitchell-Gilbert Fans subregion.
33,323
33,180
100
NC
11.3.27x1b
Sedgelands to grasslands on broad drainage
dispersions
18,579
9,219
50
OC
Eleocharis dulcis dominated closed sedgeland
on seasonally flooded marine plains
16,601
16,416
99
NC
3.3.63
Photo 346 Seasonal swamp with aquatic species including Nymphaea spp. and Nymphoides spp. and a fringing
band of Asteromyrtus symphiocarpa and Melaleuca viridiflora, 2.3.28x11. Staaten River NP, GUP.
(GW Wilson)
Photo 347 Eleocharis spp. closed sedgeland fringing
freshwater inlet on flooded marine plain, 3.3.63. North of
Starcke NP., CYP.
(MR Newton)
Photo 348 Sedgeland dominated by Eleocharis spp.,
Juncus spp. and Pseudoraphis spinescens. Fringed by
Eucalyptus camaldulensis open woodland, 12.3.8.
Rosewood, SEQ.
(AL Kelly)
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34d
Palustrine wetlands. Freshwater swamps or billabongs on floodplains ranging
from permanent and semi-permanent to ephemeral
Pre-clearing area: 373,428 ha
Remnant 2013 area: 355,543 ha
(95.2% of pre-clearing)
Bioregions: GUP (65%), EIU (12%),
BRB (7%), CHC (7%), CYP (6%), MGD
(2%)
Land zones: 3 (100%)
Mean annual rainfall range:
300-1600 mm
Typical landforms: Permanent or
seasonal wetlands, including waterholes
and billabongs on drainage lines
Typical soils: Grey Vertosols
Structural formation range:
Open water to floating herbland,
frequently fringed by woodland
Photo 349 Waterhole in an
abandoned river channel,
2.3.16x1. Broadwater Station,
south of Normanton, GUP.
(CN Appelman)
Floristic characteristics: The waterholes and billabongs on drainage lines and circular
waterholes on floodplains, often have fringing woodlands of Eucalyptus camaldulensis or E.
coolabah or E. microtheca. Frequent graminoids include Pseudoraphis spinescens, Eleocharis
sphacelata, Cynodon dactylon. Frequent forbs are Ludwigia peploides subsp. montevidensis,
Alternanthera denticulata, Azolla pinnata, Aeschynomene indica, Marsilea mutica, M. hirsuta,
Ammannia multiflora, Najas tenuifolia and Glinus lotoides.
Page 214 of 238
Broad Vegetation Groups of Queensland
Table 94 Five most extensive regional ecosystems included in Broad Vegetation Group 34d
RE
Description
Pre-clear
area (ha)
Remnant
2013 (ha)
%
remaining
Status
2.3.16a
Billabongs (abandoned channels) in Quaternary
alluvial plains, fringed with Eucalyptus
camaldulensis and/or E. microtheca.
32,196
32,060
100
OC
2.3.33a
Eucalyptus microtheca and/or Acacia cambagei
± E. camaldulensis, Melaleuca spp. in seasonal
swamps on Quaternary residual sand sheets.
27,107
27,074
100
OC
2.3.34b
Seasonal swamps with a variable fringe of
Eucalyptus camaldulensis, E. microtheca and
Melaleuca spp. on broad, Tertiary sand sheets
around the Claraville Plains subregion.
23,544
23,338
99
NC
2.3.11x2c
Seasonal swamps on Quaternary alluvial plains
(outer zones of river deltas).
23,295
23,232
100
NC
3.3.65
Ephemeral lakes and lagoons on alluvial plains
and depressions
22,446
22,319
99
NC
Photo 351 Permanent lagoon with fringing woodland,
2.3.16. Lochnager Outstation Lagoon, Rutland Plains,
GUP.
(MR Newton)
Photo 350 Corymbia polycarpa, Eucalyptus
microtheca and Melaleuca viridiflora woodland
around a permanent lagoon, 2.3.16. Long Reach
Lagoon, adjacent to the Burke Development Road,
NNW of Bulimba, NWH.
(GW Wilson)
Page 215 of 238
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34e
Palustrine wetlands. Springs with water dependent herbs
Pre-clearing area: 4,995 ha*
Remnant 2013 area: 4,980 ha*
(99.7% of pre-clearing)
Bioregions: GUP (69%), NWH (23%),
MGD(3%), MUL(3%), CYP (2%), EIU,
DEU, SEQ, BRB
Land zones: 3 (55%), 10 (38%), 7 (7%)
Mean annual rainfall range:
200-2000 mm
Typical landforms: Discharge springs
often occurring on flat alluvial plains.
Recharge springs are frequently
located in fine-grained sedimentary
rocks, basalt and metamorphic rocks.
Typical soils: Hydrosols
Structural formation range:
Sedgelands, forblands or grasslands.
Photo 352 Discharge spring, 6.3.23.
Granite Springs, near Eulo, MUL.
(J Silcock)
Floristic characteristics: The spring’s vegetation varies greatly with the spring flow, water
salinity, disturbance by stock, and sediment disposition. A variety of sedges, forbs and grasses
can occur in the springs. Some support highly restricted plant species such as Arthraxon
hispidus, Eriocaulon carsonii, Eryngium fontanum, Myriophyllum artesium, Sporobolus
pamelae and Thelypteris confluens. The fish species Chlamydogobius micropterus, C.
squamigera and Scaturiginichthys vermeilipinnis are restricted to springs and listed as
endangered or vulnerable in the EPBC Act.
* Restricted habitats of high conservation significance. The extent figures are inflated by the inclusion of
small areas of surrounding habitats.
Page 216 of 238
Broad Vegetation Groups of Queensland
Table 95 Five most extensive regional ecosystems included in Broad Vegetation Group 34e
RE
Description
Pre-clear
area (ha)*
Remnant
2013 (ha)*
%
remaining
Status
2.3.39
Springs on recent alluvium
2,447
2,445
100
E
1.10.6
Springs mostly associated with quartzose
sandstone and fine-grained sedimentary rocks
(limestone)
1,260
1,260
100
E
2.10.8
Springs associated with quartzose sandstone or
lateritised sandstone gullies and gorges
527
526
100
E
2.7.3x6
Springs on margins of Tertiary lateritic plateaux
and deeply weathered siltstone formations.
343
343
100
NC
4.3.22
Springs on recent alluvia and fine-grained
sedimentary rock
142
142
100
E
The REs from this BVG 2.3.39, 4.3.22, 5.3.23, 6.3.23, 10.3.31 and 11.3.22 form the EPBC Act
endangered listed community of native species dependent on natural discharge of
groundwater from the Great Artesian Basin.
Photo 353 Discharge spring, 4.3.22. Elizabeth
Springs Conservation Park, SE of Boulia, MGD.
(VJ Neldner)
Photo 354 Sporobolus pamelae tussock grassland
associated with springs fed from the Great Artesian
Basin, 10.3.31a. Edgbaston Station, NE of Aramac, DEU.
(EJ Thompson)
Photo 355 Discharge mound spring, 11.3.22.
Boggomoss Nature Reserve, BRB.
(C Pennay)
Photo 356 Discharge spring with peat mound dominated by
Melaleuca leucadendra, 2.3.39. NNW of Richmond, GUP.
(RJ Fensham)
Page 217 of 238
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34f
Palustrine wetlands. Sedgelands/grasslands on seeps and soaks on wet peaks,
and other coastal non-floodplain features
Pre-clearing area: 6,497 ha*
Remnant 2013 area*: 3,858 ha*
(59.4% of pre-clearing)
Bioregions: WET (63%), SEQ (32%),
NET (5%)
Land zones: 3 (60%), 9 (32%), 12 (6%),
11 (1%)
Mean annual rainfall range:
>1200-2000 mm
Typical landforms: Coastal lowlands and
depression on mountain ranges
Typical soils: Semiaquic Podosols, Aeric
Podosols
Structural formation range:
Sedgeland, grassland, through to low
woodland
Photo 357 Graminoid swamp, 7.3.2.
Mt Quincan, WET.
(AJ Ford, CSIRO).
Floristic characteristics: A complex of sedgelands, grasslands, fernlands and forblands
occurs in the semi-permanent swamps of the coastal lowlands. Frequent species are Cyperus
lucidus, Actinoscirpus grossus, Lepironia articulata, Scleria poiformis, Gahnia sieberiana,
Isachne globosa, and Blechnum indicum. Allocasuarina littoralis, Melaleuca quinquenervia,
Rhodomyrtus sericea, Melastoma malabathricum shrubland to low woodland may occur on the
uplands.
* Restricted habitats of high conservation significance. The extent figures are inflated by the inclusion of
small areas of surrounding habitats.
Page 218 of 238
Broad Vegetation Groups of Queensland
Table 96 Five most extensive regional ecosystems included in Broad Vegetation Group 34f
RE
Description
Pre-clear
area (ha)*
Remnant
2013 (ha)*
%
remaining
12.9-10.22
Closed sedgeland/shrubland on sedimentary
rocks. Coastal parts
2,086
1,366
65
OC
7.3.29a
Complex of sedgelands, grasslands, fernlands
and forblands of semi-permanent swamps of
coastal lowlands. Includes Cyperus lucidus,
Actinoscirpus grossus, Lepironia articulata,
Scleria poiformis, Gahnia sieberiana, Isachne
globosa, and Blechnum indicum
2,041
836
41
E
7.3.31
Lepironia articulata sedgeland to open
sedgeland of permanently to semi-permanently
inundated peat swamps of alluvial plains
622
532
85
E
7.3.39c
Ephemeral freshwater swamp of upland
drainage depressions
570
194
34
E
13.3.6
Sedgeland and/or open heathland, with small
areas of eucalypt woodland on alluvial deposits
in igneous landscapes
307
281
91
E
Photo 358 Swamp of open water fringed by zoned
herbland of Persicaria spp., Eleocharis sp. and swamp
grasses, 7.3.39c. Hasties Swamp, Atherton Tablelands.
WET. (JE Kemp)
Photo 360 Sedgeland, 13.3.6. Girraween NP, NET.
(MT Mathieson).
Status
Photo 359 Sesuvium portulacastrum herbland,
12.2.17c. In depression, Fairfax East Island,
Capricornia Cays NP, SEQ. (DA Halford)
Photo 361 Graminoid swamp, 7.3.2. Lynch’s Crater,
WET.
(AJ Ford, CSIRO).
Page 219 of 238
Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation
34g
Palustrine wetlands. Generally intermittent swamps/claypans on floodplains in
inland areas dominated by chenopods e.g. Chenopodium auricomum (Queensland blue
bush) or Tecticornia spp. (samphire) or herbs
Pre-clearing area: 1,809,507 ha
Remnant 2013 area: 1,809,313 ha
(100% of pre-clearing)
Bioregions: CHC (100%), DEU(minor)
Land zones: 3 (100%)
Mean annual rainfall range: 200-400
mm
Typical landforms: Broad drainage
channels and floodplains
Typical soils: Grey Vertosols, and
Rudosols
Structural formation range: Open
tussock grassland through to open
shrubland.
Photo 362 Chenopodium auricomum, Duma
florulenta open shrubland, 5.3.12a. Cooper
Creek, CHC.
(R Jaensch)
Floristic characteristics: Chenopodium auricomum with or without Duma florulenta form
open shrublands. Tecticornia spp. open succulent shrublands are sometimes present.
Eragrostis australasica open grassland also occurs on the flood plains. The shrubs Acacia
salicina and Atriplex nummularia are occasionally present. Frequently present graminoids are
Eragrostis sororia, E. speciosa, E. lacunaria, Fimbristylis dichotoma, Perotis rara, Aristida
holathera var. holathera, Astrebla pectinata, Dactyloctenium radulans, Digitaria ammophila and
Enteropogon acicularis. Marsilea drummondii, Waltheria indica, Alternanthera nodiflora,
Atriplex semibaccata, A. spongiosa, Euphorbia drummondii, Dissocarpus biflorus and
Sphaeromorphaea littoralis are frequent forbs.
Page 220 of 238
Broad Vegetation Groups of Queensland
Table 97 Six most extensive regional ecosystems included in Broad Vegetation Group 34g
RE
Description
Pre-clear
area (ha)
Remnant
2013 (ha)
%
remaining
Status
5.3.18a
Chenopodium auricomum open shrubland on
braided channels on flooded alluvial plains
877,422
877,355
100
NC
5.3.12a
Chenopodium auricomum ± Duma florulenta
open shrubland in depressions on floodplains
391,238
391,208
100
NC
5.3.13a
Duma florulenta open shrubland in depressions
on floodplains
382,648
382,641
100
NC
5.3.16b
Eragrostis australasica open grassland in
depressions on flood plains
147,555
147,474
100
NC
5.3.15b
Maireana spp. open shrubland on floodplains
3,696
3,695
100
NC
10.3.22b
Eragrostis speciosa and Fimbristylis dichotoma
open tussock grassland
2,674
2,674
100
E
Photo 363 Chenopodium auricomum open shrubland,
5.3.18a. Diamantina River, CHC. (R Jaensch)
Photo 365 Duma florulenta open shrubland in
depressions and channels on floodplains, 5.3.13a.
Near the Benditoota Waterhole, Diamantina River,
CHC. (D Richter)
Photo 364 Braided channels, 5.3.18a/5.3.18b.
Cooper Creek near Windorah, CHC.
(BA Wilson)
Photo 366 Chenopodium auricomum open shrubland,
5.3.18a. Cooper Creek, CHC.
(VJ Neldner)
Page 221 of 238
Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation
35
Mangroves and saltmarshes
35a
Closed forests and low closed forests dominated by mangroves
Pre-clearing area: 483,766 ha
Remnant 2013 area: 475,685 ha
(98.3% of pre-clearing)
Bioregions: CYP (32%), GUP (21%),
BRB (18%), SEQ (11%), WET (10%),
CQC (8%)
Land zones: 1 (100%)
Mean annual rainfall range: >1000 mm
Typical landforms: Tidal channels and
unconsolidated tidal flats
Typical soils: Intratidal Hydrosols
Structural formation range:
Closed forest, closed scrub to low open
shrubland.
Photo 367 Rhizophora spp. closed forest
3.1.1 and Ceriops spp. low closed forest,
3.1.3. South of Weipa, CYP.
(VJ Neldner)
Floristic characteristics: The mangrove communities have a higher diversity of species and
complexity of structure as one proceeds north. Rhizophora species and Bruguiera gymnorhiza
dominate the most seaward locations. Avicennia marina and Ceriops tagal are generally
dominant in more landward locations, and species such as Excoecaria agallocha and
Aegiceras corniculatum dominate in the upper tidal reaches of rivers. Shrubs and herbs are
rare in the mangroves, although very sparse Tecticornia spp. and Sporobolus virginicus may
occur in the ground layer.
Page 222 of 238
Broad Vegetation Groups of Queensland
Table 98 Five most extensive regional ecosystems included in Broad Vegetation Group 35a
RE
Description
Pre-clear
area (ha)
Remnant
2013 (ha)
%
remaining
Status
2.1.3
Tidal channels and associated levees, usually
with mangroves
89,732
89,130
99
NC
3.1.1a
Rhizophora stylosa ± Bruguiera gymnorhiza
closed forest on unconsolidated tidal muds
87,850
87,749
100
NC
12.1.3
Mangrove shrubland to low closed forest on
marine clay plains and estuaries
54,601
51,633
95
NC
3.1.3
Ceriops tagal ± Avicennia marina low closed
forest on intertidal areas
51,595
51,574
100
NC
7.1.1
Mangrove closed scrub to open forest of areas
subject to regular tidal inundation
47,250
44,980
95
NC
Photo 368 Rhizophora stylosa closed forest,
3.1.1a. Mouth of the Bizant River, CYP.
(VJ Neldner)
Photo 370 Ceriops tagal low closed forest with emergent
Avicennia marina subsp. australasica on marine plain,
8.1.1. North of Camilia, CQC.
(JE Kemp)
Photo 369 Aerial view of Rhizophora / Avicennia zones,
3.1.1. Annie River, Lakefield NP, CYP.
(VJ Neldner)
Photo 371 Rhizophora spp. closed forest, 7.1.1.
Hinchinbrook Island, WET.
(VJ Neldner)
Page 223 of 238
Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation
35b
Bare saltpans ± areas of Tecticornia spp. (samphire) sparse forblands and/or
Xerochloa imberbis or Sporobolus virginicus (sand couch) tussock grasslands
Pre-clearing area: 738,691 ha
Remnant 2013 area: 703,029 ha
(95.2% of pre-clearing)
Bioregions: GUP (58%), BRB (20%),
CYP (15%), SEQ (4%), CQC (2%), WET
(1%)
Land zones: 1 (100%), 3 (minor)
Mean annual rainfall range: >1000 mm
Typical landforms: Regularly to
infrequently inundated salt plains and
saline flats
Typical soils: Supratidal Hydrosols,
Intertidal Hydrosols, Aquic Vertosols
Structural formation range:
Predominantly bare, with areas of dwarf
succulent shrubland to herbland
Photo 372 Tecticornia sp. succulent
shrubland on margin of marine clay
plain, 2.1.4. Inkerman Station, GUP.
(CN Appelman)
Floristic characteristics: The majority of the area is devoid of vascular plants. Patches
maybe dominated by Sporobolus virginicus, with Fimbristylis ferruginea, F. polytrichoides,
Schoenoplectus litoralis, Cyperus scariosus, Leptochloa fusca and Xerochloa imberbis
frequent graminoids. Suaeda australis, Sarcocornia quinqueflora subsp. quinqueflora,
Tecticornia indica, T. pergranulata subsp. queenslandica and Sesuvium portulacastrum are
forbs that can dominate some areas.
Page 224 of 238
Broad Vegetation Groups of Queensland
Table 99 Five most extensive regional ecosystems included in Broad Vegetation Group 35b
RE
Description
Pre-clear
area (ha)
Remnant
2013 (ha)
%
remaining
Status
2.1.4
Infrequently inundated clay plains and low
samphire rises
427,600
426,542
100
NC
3.1.6
Sparse herbland or bare saltpans on salt plains
and saline flats
93,702
93,555
100
NC
11.1.2a
Bare mud flats on marine clay plains
81,063
76,166
94
NC
11.1.1
Sporobolus virginicus grassland on marine clay
plains
34,962
17,539
50
NC
12.1.2
Saltpan vegetation including grassland,
herbland and sedgeland on marine clay plains
31,794
27,352
86
NC
Regional Ecosystem 12.1.2 (South of 23.5oS) from this BVG form part of the EPBC Act
vulnerable listed Subtropical and Temperate Coastal Saltmarsh ecological community.
Photo 374 Sedgeland, 8.1.3, CQC.
(RM Lovatt)
Photo 373 Fimbristylis sp. sedgeland
3.1.6. South of Bathurst Heads along
edge of narrow salt pan, CYP.
(MR Newton)
Photo 375 Samphire forbland on marine plain. 11.1.2.
Huttonvale Sector, Shoalwater Bay Training Area, BRB.
(AL Kelly)
Page 225 of 238
Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation
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Peninsula. Cape York Peninsula Land Use Strategy, Office of the Co-ordinator General and
Queensland Department of Environment of Heritage, Brisbane.
Neldner, V.J., Wilson, B.A., Thompson, E.J. and Dillewaard H.A. (2012). Methodology for
Survey and Mapping of Regional Ecosystems and Vegetation Communities in Queensland.
Version 3.2. Updated August 2012. Queensland Herbarium, Queensland Department of
Science, Information Technology, Innovation and the Arts, Brisbane.
http://www.qld.gov.au/environment/plants-animals/plants/herbarium/publications/
Queensland Herbarium (2013). Regional ecosystem framework training: prerequisites,
competencies and assessment. (November 2013) (DSITIA: Brisbane).
http://www.qld.gov.au/environment/plants-animals/plants/herbarium/mapping-ecosystems/
Queensland Herbarium (2015a). Regional Ecosystem Description Database (REDD). Version
9.0 (May 2015) (DSITI: Brisbane). http://www.qld.gov.au/environment/plantsanimals/plants/herbarium/mapping-ecosystems/
Queensland Herbarium (2015b). Regional Ecosystem Fire Guidelines (May 2015)
(Queensland Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation: Brisbane).
http://www.qld.gov.au/environment/plants-animals/plants/herbarium/mapping-ecosystems/
Raunkiaer, C. (1934). The Life Forms of Plants and Statistical Plant Geography. Clarendon
Press, Oxford.
Ryan, T.S. (ed.) (2014). Technical Descriptions of Regional Ecosystems of Southeast
Queensland, (January, 2014) (Queensland Herbarium, Department of Science, Information
Technology, Innovation and the Arts: Brisbane).
Sattler, P.S. (1999). Introduction. In: Sattler P.S. and Williams R.D. (eds), The Conservation
Status of Queensland Bioregional Ecosystems. Environmental Protection Agency, Brisbane.
Sattler P.S. and Williams R.D. (eds) (1999). The Conservation Status of Queensland
Bioregional Ecosystems. Environmental Protection Agency, Brisbane.
Specht, R.L. (1970). Vegetation. In G.W. Leeper (ed.), The Australian Environment (4th
edition). CSIRO and Melbourne University Press, pp. 44-67.
Speight, J.G. (2009). Landform. In National Committee on Soil and Terrain, Australian Soil and
Land Survey Field Handbook (3rd edition) CSIRO Publishing, Melbourne, pp. 15-72.
Tracey, J.G. (1982). The Vegetation of the Humid Tropical Region of North Queensland.
CSIRO, Melbourne.
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Walker, J. and Hopkins, M.S. (1990). Vegetation. In R.C. McDonald, R.F. Isbell, J.G. Speight,
J. Walker and M.S. Hopkins (eds), Australian Soil and Land Survey Field Handbook. Second
edition. Inkata Press, Melbourne, pp. 58-86.
Webb, L.J. (1978). A general classification of Australian rainforests. Australian Plants 9:349363.
Webb, L.J., Tracey, J.G., Williams, W.T. and Lance, G.N. (1970). Studies in the numerical
analysis of complex rainforest communities. V. A comparison of the properties of floristic and
physiognomic - structural data. Journal of Ecology 58:203-232.
Wilson, P.R. and Taylor, P.M. (2012). Land Zones of Queensland. Queensland Herbarium,
Queensland Department of Science, Information Technology, Innovation and the Arts,
Brisbane. 79 pp. http://www.qld.gov.au/environment/plants-animals/plants/herbarium/mappingecosystems/
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Broad Vegetation Groups of Queensland
APPENDICES
Appendix 1
Key to Broad Vegetation Groups
First level of key to Broad Vegetation Groups
1. Vegetation with a closed canopy dominated by rainforest# trees (>2m tall) ..…...………….. Table A
2. Vegetation dominated by eucalypts (Eucalyptus spp., Corymbia spp. or Angophora spp.) trees
……........…………………………………………………………………………….…...………….. Table B
3. Vegetation dominated by trees or tall shrubs (>2m tall), that are not eucalypts (Eucalyptus spp.,
Corymbia spp. or Angophora spp.) or rainforest species ………………...……………………. Table C
4. Vegetation not dominated by trees or tall shrubs (>2m tall) ……………………………………..Table D
A.
Vegetation with a closed canopy dominated by rainforest# trees (>2m tall)
Canopy leaf size
Structure/ landscape situation
BVG
Acacia spp. frequent in
the closed canopy
Frequently in disturbed situations (T7, T12a-d)
5d
Eucalypts frequent in the
closed canopy
Mixed forests with rainforest understories and Eucalyptus spp. or Corymbia
torelliana emergents (T13a-f)
8a, 9d
Mesophyll & notophyll
leaves most frequent
Complex evergreen mesophyll vine forests usually in fertile and very wet
locations (T1a)
1a
Complex evergreen mesophyll to notophyll vine forest on basalt uplands
(T1b)
1b
Semi-deciduous mesophyll vine forest on metamorphics LZ11 (T4 granites
and basalts)
2d
Simple to complex, semi-deciduous mesophyll to notophyll vine forests,
usually on infertile substrates (granites) (T2a)
2b
Evergreen mesophyll to notophyll vine forest, frequently with conspicuous
palms, in alluvial and moist situations (T3c,3b)
4a
Evergreen to semi-deciduous mesophyll to notophyll vine forest along
streamlines (T1c)
4b
Complex evergreen notophyll vine forest on ranges of fertile and infertile
substrates, conspicuous Argyrodendron species CQC
5b
Complex sometimes simple, evergreen notophyll vine forest frequently with
Araucaria spp. (T5a,5b)
2a
Simple to complex evergreen notophyll vine forest frequently with Agathis
robusta emergents (T6)
5c
Simple evergreen notophyll vine forest on beach ridges and coastal dunes
(T2b)
3a
Simple evergreen notophyll vine forest generally with Welchiodendron
longivalve on LZ 5 & 10 northern CYP
2c
Evergreen notophyll to microphyll vine forest frequently with Araucaria and
low abundance of Argyrodendron spp. SEQ
5a
Simple evergreen notophyll to microphyll vine forest usually at high altitudes
(T8)
6a, 6b
Evergreen microphyll vine –fern forest/ thicket (T9,10)
6a, 6b
Notophyll & microphyll
leaves most frequent
Microphyll & nanophyll
leaves most frequent
Semi-evergreen to deciduous microphyll vine thickets (T11)
7a, 7b
Equivalent Tracey (1982) Wet Tropics rainforest types are listed in the appropriate rainforest BVG, e.g. T9, 10.
# Rainforest plants, see Glossary (Appendix 3) for definition.
Coastal bioregions = All of CQC, CYP, SEQ, WET; and subregions 1, 2, 12 and 14 of BRB; and subregions 1 and
10 of the GUP. Inland bioregions = Most of BRB and GUP; All of CHC, DEU, EIU, MGD, MUL, NET and NWH.
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B.
Vegetation dominated by eucalypt (Eucalyptus spp., Corymbia spp. or Angophora spp.) trees
Structure
Tall open forest
Open forests
and woodlands
Mesic
situation
Moist
Landscape situation
Predominant geology
Lowland & ranges
Alluvia & mixed
Dominant/ diagnostic
species (BVG)
E. grandis (8a)
Sandstone & Basalt
E. pilularis (8b)
Moist
Coastal lowland &
ranges
Metamorphics
C. citriodora (9a)
Various
E. platyphylla (9b)
Various
C. clarksoniana (9c)
Coastal ranges
E. portuensis (9d)
Coastal sandplains
C. clarksoniana (9e)
Coastal dunes
C. tessellaris (9f)
Tertiary surfaces
E. tindaliae (9g)
Undulating to hilly
E. acmenoides (9h)
Various
C. citriodora (10a)
Dry
C. citriodora (10b)
Moist
Uplands
Dry
Hills & ranges
Undulating
Ranges
Drainage lines & plains
Basalt
E. orgadophila (11a)
Basalt
E. tereticornis (11b)
Basalt
E. leptophleba (11c)
Sandstones
E. decorticans (12a)
Basalt
E. crebra (12b)
Metamorphic / granite
E. cullenii (13a)
Metamorphic / granite
E. microneura (13b)
Metamorphic / granite
E. crebra (13c)
Mixed
E. moluccana (13d)
Low plateaus & remnants
E. tetrodonta (14a)
Erosional surfaces
E. tetrodonta (14b)
Various
C. nesophila (14c)
Various geology
C. stockeri (14d)
Traprock NET
E. youmanii (15a)
Alluvial plains NET
E. conica (15b)
Drainage lines
E. camaldulensis (16a)
Levees
E. leptophleba (16b)
Floodplains
E. coolabah (16c)
E. populnea (17a)
Alluvia & alluvial
sandplains
Duplex soils
E. melanophloia (17b)
Sand sheets
E. whitei / E. similis (17c)
Duplex soils
Corymbia spp. (18a)
Flat to undulating
E. crebra (18b)
Flat to undulating
E. chlorophylla (18c)
E. microneura (18d)
Low open
woodlands
Dry
Hills & ranges
Various
E. leucophloia (19a)
Valleys & footslopes
Various
E. leucophylla (19b)
Sandplains
E. pruinosa (19c)
E. persistens (19d)
Hills & ranges
Various
Coastal bioregions = All of CQC, CYP, SEQ, WET; and subregions 1, 2, 12 and 14 of BRB; and subregions 1 and
10 of the GUP.
Inland bioregions = Most of BRB and GUP; All of CHC, DEU, EIU, MGD, MUL, NET and NWH.
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Broad Vegetation Groups of Queensland
C.
Vegetation dominated by trees or tall shrubs (>2m tall), that are not eucalypts (Eucalyptus spp.,
Corymbia spp. or Angophora spp.) or rainforest# species
Dominant structure/genera
Dominant Species
Land zone/ species/
bioregion
Mangroves
(adaptations for tidal zone)
35a
Fringing trees around lakes /
swamps/ billabongs
usually Melaleuca spp. or eucalypts
34d^
Callitris spp. woodlands / open
forests
Acacia spp. woodlands / open
forests
BVG
20
SOFT MULGA Acacia aneura
Deep kandosols and tenosols
on plains and sandplains
23a
HARD MULGA Acacia aneura
Shallow kandosols and
rudosols
23b
BRIGALOW Acacia harpophylla
25a
GIDGEE Acacia cambagei or A.
georginae or A. argyrodendron
26a
Acacia species on coastal dunes
and beach ridges
Northern coastal bioregions
28b
Other Acacia species in inland
regions
Inland bioregions
24a
Melaleuca viridiflora
Primarily depositional plains
21a
M. stenostachya, M. citrolens
Primarily depositional plains
21b
Mainly Melaleuca species other
than those above
Seasonal coastal swamps &
drainage lines
22a-c^
Lophostemon spp. or Syncarpia
glomulifera
Lophostemon spp. or Syncarpia
glomulifera
Coastal bioregions on rocky
ranges
28e
Neofabricia or Acacia spp./
Asteromyrtus brassii/
Neofabricia or Acacia spp./
Asteromyrtus brassii/ Allocasuarina
littoralis/ and/or Thryptomene
oligandra.
Low open forests in coastal
CYP bioregion
28a,b,c
Lysiphyllum spp./ Atalaya
hemiglauca/ Grevillea striata
Lysiphyllum spp./ Atalaya
hemiglauca/ Grevillea striata and
Acacia or Terminalia spp. or
Ventilago viminalis
Low open woodlands in inland
bioregions
27a,b,c
Melaleuca spp. woodlands / low
open woodlands
^ Classified as wetlands, see Appendix 2
# Rainforest plants, see Glossary (Appendix 3) for definition.
Acacia spp. dominated groups may include communities dominated by ecologically allied taxa e.g. wooded downs
dominated by Ventilago viminalis, etc. in the MGD bioregion.
Melaleuca spp. dominated groups may include communities dominated by ecologically allied taxa e.g. Lysiphyllum
spp., Atalaya hemiglauca in the GUP bioregion.
Coastal bioregions = All of CQC, CYP, SEQ, WET; and subregions 1, 2, 12 and 14 of BRB; and subregions 1 and
10 of the GUP.
Inland bioregions = Most of BRB and GUP; All of CHC, DEU, EIU, MGD, MUL, NET and NWH.
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D.
Vegetation not dominated by trees or tall shrubs (>2m tall)
Life forms of ecologically
dominant layer
Devoid of terrestrial vegetation
Vegetation dominated by
graminoids and/ or forbs
Dominated by shrubs
(predominantly <2m tall)
Structure /genera
BVG
Open water, lakes, billabongs
34a,d^
Rock pavements on ranges
29b
Saltpans and tidal flats
35b
River beds
16d
Sand blows
28d
Tussock grasslands dominated by Astrebla or Dichanthium spp.
30a,b
Open forblands to open tussock grassland of inland bioregions, not
dominated by Astrebla
species
31a,b
Closed tussock grasslands of coastal and sub coastal areas
32a,b
Hummock grasslands dominated by Triodia basedowii or Zygochloa
paradoxa
33a
Hummock grasslands dominated by Triodia pungens, T. longiceps or
T. mitchellii
33b
Herblands on sand or coral cays and sand blows
28d
Sparse tidal saltpans
35b
Dominated by hydrophytes, e.g. sedges. Freshwater wetlands,
springs and soaks
34c,e,f^
Dominated by hydrophytes, e.g. Duma florulenta. Freshwater
swamps, inland claypans
34b
Dominated by Acacia spp. (24a)
24a
Dominated by Senna spp. (24b)
24b
Dominated by myrtaceous shrubs - coastal heathlands
29a
Dominated by myrtaceous shrubs - montane heathlands and
shrublands
29b
^ Classified as wetlands, see Appendix 2
# Rainforest plants, see Glossary (Appendix 3) for definition.
Coastal bioregions = All of CQC, CYP, SEQ, WET; and subregions 1, 2,12 and 14 of BRB; and subregions 1 and
10 of the GUP
Inland bioregions = Most of BRB and GUP; All of CHC, DEU, EIU, MGD, MUL, NET and NWH.
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Broad Vegetation Groups of Queensland
Appendix 2
1.
Key to Wetland Broad Vegetation Groups
Attributes used in classifying wetlands (BVG 34, 16d, 22a and 22b)
BVG
Class
Water salinity
Landscape situation
16d
Palustrine
Fresh
Waterholes in broad sandy streams
Dominant/ diagnostic
species
Open water
22a
Palustrine
Fresh to
brackish
Coastal seasonally inundated swamps
Melaleuca quinquenervia
22b
Palustrine
Fresh to
brackish
Seasonally inundated swamps
A variety of Melaleuca
spp.
34a
Lacustrine
Fresh to saline
Freshwater lakes or large terminal saline lakes
in arid areas
Open water or ephemeral
herbs
34b
Palustrine
Saline
Non-floodplain swamps and claypans
Chenopods or herbs
34c
Palustrine
Fresh
Coastal floodplains
Sedges and rushes
34d
Palustrine
Fresh
Permanent or semi-permanent billabongs and
swamps on floodplains
Open water, aquatics or
ephemeral herbs
34e
Palustrine
Fresh to saline
Discharge or recharge springs on plains or hilly
intake areas
Herbs
34f
Palustrine
Fresh
Seeps and soaks on peaks and non-floodplains
Herbs &/or shrubs
34g
Palustrine
Fresh to
brackish
Floodplain swamps and claypans
Chenopodium
auricomum, Duma
florulenta
For details on the Queensland wetland mapping and classification refer to Environmental Protection Agency (2005)
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Appendix 3
Glossary
biodiversity status is based on an assessment of the condition of remnant vegetation in addition
to the criteria used to determine the class under the Vegetation Management Act 1999
bioregion (biogeographical region) “an area of land that comprises broad landscape
patterns that reflect major structural geologies and climate, as well as major floristic and faunal
assemblages (from Sattler and Williams 1999)”
canopy is the stratum (or layer) formed collectively by the crowns of adjacent trees or shrubs.
It may be continuous or discontinuous. The canopy refers to the predominant stratum. This
definition is more specific that that used by Beadle and Costin (1952) who include the cover for
the community as a whole (i.e. across all tree layers) as well as one of its component layers
canopy cover is the cover, measured as crown cover or projective foliage cover, of the
canopy. Dense >80%; mid-dense 80-50%; sparse 50-20%; very sparse <20% canopy cover.
coastal bioregions All of CQC, CYP, SEQ, WET; and subregions 1, 2,12 and 14 of BRB; and
subregions 1 and 10 of the GUP
codominant species where two or more species contribute more or less equally to form the
dominant above-ground biomass of a particular stratum
crown cover (%) sensu Walker and Hopkins (1990) is the percentage of the ground surface
covered by the vertical projection of the periphery of plant crowns. Crowns are treated as
opaque meaning that small gaps within the crown are ignored. Crown cover (%) of a stratum is
measured for the stratum as a whole i.e. ignoring crown overlaps within a stratum.
dry refers to most areas of Queensland where the median annual rainfall is less than 1200
mm. Moist is primarily used in the broad vegetation group classification as a qualifier for
Eucalypt dominated communities. See also moist.
dominant species (= predominant species) a species that contributes most to the overall
above-ground biomass of a particular stratum
dominant layer or species is the layer or species making the greatest contribution to the
overall biomass of the site and the vegetation community. Equivalent to the predominant layer
or species
ecologically dominant layer (EDL) or stratum is the dominant canopy contributing most to
the above-ground biomass
emergent layer/stratum the tallest layer/stratum is regarded as the emergent layer if it does
not form the most above-ground biomass, regardless of its canopy cover, e.g. Eucalyptus
populnea trees above a low woodland of mulga
foliage projective cover (FPC) is recorded as the percentage crown cover, or crown
separation ratio or crown cover (i.e. the spacing; the density of vegetation)
grass any plant of the family Gramineae or Poaceae, characterised by jointed stems,
sheathing leaves, flower spikelets, and fruit consisting of a seed-like grain or caryopsis (true
grasses)
inland bioregions Most of BRB and GUP; All of CHC, DEU, EIU, MGD, MUL, NET and NWH.
land zone land zones represent major differences in geology and in the associated landforms,
soils, and physical processes that give rise to distinctive landforms or continue to shape them.
The twelve land zones in Queensland are defined in Wilson and Taylor (2012) and listed on
the Queensland Government web site.
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Broad Vegetation Groups of Queensland
layer in a vegetation community produced by the occurrence at approximately the same level
(height) of an aggregation of plants of the same habit (Beadle and Costin 1952)
lifeform – refer to the table below
Lifeform
Description
Tree
Woody plant more than 2 m tall with a single stem or branches well above the base
Tree mallee*
Woody perennial plant usually of the genus Eucalyptus. Multi-stemmed with fewer than five
trunks, of which at least three exceed 100 mm in diameter at breast height. Usually 8 m or
more tall
Shrub
Woody plant, less than 8 m tall and multi-stemmed at the base (or within 200 mm from ground
level), or if single-stemmed less than 2 m tall.
Mallee scrub*
Commonly less than 8 m tall, usually with five or more trunks, of which at least three of the
largest do not exceed 100mm in diameter at breast height
Heath scrub
Shrub usually less than 2 m tall, commonly with ericoid leaves (nanophyll or smaller).
Chenopod scrub
Xenomorphic single or multi-stemmed halophyte exhibiting drought and salt tolerance
Succulent shrub
Shrubs from the Chenopodiaceae family with succulent leaves e.g. Tecticornia spp.
Tussock grass
(bunched grass)
Forms discrete but open tussocks usually with distinct individual shoots, or if not forms a
hummock. These are the common agricultural grasses. Differentiated from sedges by split leaf
sheath, presence of ligule, leaf always flat, stem cross section circular, and evenly spaced
internodes below inflorescence.
Hummock grass
Coarse xenomorphic grass with a mound-like form often dead in the middle belong to the
genus Triodia.
Sod grass*
Grass of short to medium height forming compact tussocks in close at their base and uniting as
a densely interfacing leaf canopy
Sedge
Herbaceous, usually perennial, erect plant generally with a tufted habit and of the families
Cyperaceae and Restionaceae. Differentiated from grasses by non-split leaf sheath, usually no
ligule, leaf not always flat, stem cross section circular, triangular of polygonal and extended
internode below inflorescence.
Rush*
Herbaceous, usually perennial, erect plant. Rushes are grouped in the families: Juncaceae,
Typhaceae, Restionaceae (lacking tufted habit) and the genus Lomandra.
Forb
Herbaceous or slightly woody, annual or sometimes perennial plant; not a grass.
Fern
Pteridophytes: Characterised by large and usually branched leaves (fronds), herbaceous to
arborescent and terrestrial to aquatic: spores in sporangia on the leaves.
Moss
Small plant usually with a slender leaf bearing stem with no true vascular tissue.
Vine
Climbing, twining, winding or sprawling plant usually with a woody stem.
Herb
Herbaceous or slightly woody, annual or sometimes perennial plant (dicotyledon or
monocotyledon). The term “herb” includes grasses, sedges, rushes and forbs.
*These lifeforms are rarely dominant and therefore do not have corresponding structural formations.
Source: after Walker and Hopkins (1990). Herb definition follows Hnatiuk et al. (2009)
lowland refers to non-mountainous/ non-range areas in the coastal bioregions.
low open woodland is a structural formation defined by the Specht (1970) where the tree
canopy has a height range of 2 to 10 metres with a foliage projective cover (FPC) less than
10%.
mesophyll or microphyll refers to the leaf area and length, see table below
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Leaf size category
Leaf area (mm²)
Approx. length of
lanceolate leaf (mm)
Approx. length of
cordate or peltate leaf
(mm)
Macrophyll
>18,225
>250
>160
Mesophyll
4500–18,255
125–250
80–160
Notophyll
2025–4500
75–125
60–80
Microphyll
225–2025
25–75
20–60
Nanophyll
25–225
<25
<20
Source: Walker and Hopkins (1990, Table 20).
moist refers to areas in Queensland that generally do not experience long-term water deficits.
These areas are predominantly near the eastern coast and nearby ranges and generally
receive at less 1200mm of median annual rainfall. Moist is primarily used as a qualifier for
Eucalypt dominated communities. See also dry.
notophyll refers to the leaf area and length, see table above
open forest is a structural formation defined by the Specht (1970) where the tree canopy has
a height range of 10 to 30 metres with a projective foliage cover (PFC) of between 30 and
70%.
open woodland is a structural formation defined by the Specht (1970) where the tree canopy
has a height range of 10 to 30 metres with a projective foliage cover (PFC) less than 10%.
pre-clearing extent of vegetation (or regional ecosystems) present before clearing
predominant species is a species that contributes most to the overall above-ground biomass
of a particular stratum
predominant stratum (or layer) the stratum (or layer) that contains the greatest amount of
above-ground vegetation biomass. This is also referred to as the ecologically dominant layer or
stratum or the predominant canopy in woody ecosystems
rainforest follows the definition by Webb (1978) for rainforest in Australia. Rainforests typically
occur as scattered patches of varying sizes and interspersed with sclerophyllous elements.
The opacity, texture and colour of the closed canopy readily sets it apart from most other
vegetation. Rainforest trees are closely spaced with the crowns arranged in one or more
continuous storeys or strata, the uppermost of which forms the closed canopy, which may be
even, uneven or very broken and in places descends to ground level. Rainforest is
distinguished from other closed canopy forests by the prominence of characteristic life forms
such as epiphytes, lianes, root and stem structures and by the absence of annual herbs on the
forest floor. See Webb (1978) for definitions of terms used in this classification.
rainforest plant(s) refers to species are adapted to regenerating in the low-light conditions
experienced under the closed canopy or in localised gaps caused by recurring disturbances
which are part of the natural rainforest ecosystem (includes windthrow, landslip, flooding,
lightning strike and endemic forest diseases), and are not dependent on fire for successful
regeneration (Lynch and Neldner 2000).
REDD is the Regional Ecosystem Description Database (Queensland Herbarium 2014) which
contains the latest descriptions of regional ecosystems.
regional ecosystem (RE) One or more vegetation communities in a bioregion that are
consistently associated with a particular combination of geology, landform and soil. Regional
ecosystems of Queensland were originally described in Sattler and Williams (1999). The
Regional Ecosystem Description Database (Queensland Herbarium 2013) is maintained by
Queensland Herbarium and contains the current descriptions of regional ecosystems
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Broad Vegetation Groups of Queensland
remnant vegetation is vegetation, part of which forms the predominant canopy of the
vegetation—
(a) covering more than 50% of the undisturbed predominant canopy; and
(b) averaging more than 70% of the vegetation’s undisturbed height; and
(c) composed of species characteristic of the vegetation’s undisturbed predominant canopy.
remnant vegetation cover the digital map (or hard-copy map) that shows the distribution of
vegetation that is defined as remnant vegetation. A map showing remnant vegetation cover is
the same as a ‘remnant map’ defined under the Vegetation Management Act 1999
semi-evergreen few or none of the species are truly deciduous and most of those that shed
their leaves do so incompletely depending on the severity of the dry season
structural formation The structural class combined with the dominant life form of a vegetation
community, e.g. open forest
structure The spatial arrangement of plants within a vegetation community (Beadle and Costin
1952)
subcanopy refers to the layer immediately below the ecological dominant layer.
subdominant species A species is considered to be subdominant when it contributes less
biomass than the dominant species, but occurs as more than an isolated individual. As a
general rule, the species must individually contribute more than an associated species i.e.
more than 10% of the total biomass of the stratum in which it occurs.
tall open forest is a structural formation defined by the Specht (1970) where the tree canopy
has a height > 30 metres with a projective foliage cover (PFC) of between 30 and 70%.
understorey any stratum below (i.e. lower height than) the predominant stratum. Used in the
rainforest classification of Webb (1978).
vegetation The entirety of the plant cover at a point on the Earth's surface at a particular time.
It is the spatial and temporal expression of the flora of an area, as expressed in plant
assemblages (communities) which consist of individual species with varied lifeforms
(Raunkiaer 1934). The present vegetation is a reflection not only of the site potential as
determined by climatic, physiographic, edaphic and biotic factors (Webb et al. 1970; Gunn et
al. 1988), but also the history of land use and disturbance. Irregular catastrophic events, e.g.
intense fires, prolonged droughts and clearing, whether natural or human-induced, can be
important factors determining the floristic composition and structure of present day vegetation
(Mueller-Dombois and Ellenberg 1974; Neldner 1984)
vegetation community (equivalent to land type in Sattler and Williams 1999) is an area of
vegetation which is relatively uniform with respect to structure and floristics. The basic unit in
the vegetation community classification within the regional ecosystem classification is the plant
association or sub-association. A number of vegetation communities may form a single
regional ecosystem, and are usually distinguished by differences in dominant species
composition, frequently in the shrub or ground layers and denoted by a letter following the
regional ecosystem code (e.g. a, b, c)
Vegetation Management Act 1999 an Act about vegetation management, and for other
purposes
vegetation map a map whose primary purpose is to show the geographical distribution of the
various vegetation communities of a given area
woodland is a structural formation defined by the Specht (1970) where the tree canopy has a
height range of 10 to 30 metres with a foliage projective cover (FPC) of between 10 and 30%.
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Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation
Appendix 4
Broad Vegetation Groups making up Major Vegetation Groups
MVG^
Description
Component Broad Vegetation Groups
1
Rainforests and vine thickets
1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b,5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b
2
Eucalypt tall open forests
8a, 8b
3
Eucalypt Open Forests
9a, 9c, 9d, 10b, 11a, 11b
4*
Eucalypt Low Open Forests
Do not occur in Queensland
5
Eucalypt Woodlands
9b, 9e, 9f, 9g, 9h, 10a, 11c, 12a, 12b, 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d, 14a,
14b, 14c, 14d, 15a, 15b, 16a#
6
Acacia Forests and Woodlands
23a#, 24a#, 25a
7
Callitris Forests and Woodlands
20a
8
Casuarina Forests and Woodlands
25a#
9
Melaleuca Forests and Woodlands
21a, 21b, 22a, 22b, 22c
10
Other Forests and Woodlands
27a, 27b, 27c
11
Eucalypt Open Woodlands
16a#, 16b, 16c, 17a, 17b, 17c, 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d, 19a, 19b, 19c,
19d
12
Tropical Eucalypt
Woodlands/Grasslands
This should include 14a,14b,14c,and 14d but these have been
assigned to MVG5 in DEWR (2007)
13
Acacia Open Woodlands
23b#, 24a#, 26a
14
Mallee Woodlands and Shrublands
Minor components of 18a and 19b
15*
Low Closed Forests and Tall Closed
Shrublands
Do not occur in Queensland
16
Acacia Shrublands
23b#,26a#
17
Other Shrublands
24b, 29a#
18
Heathlands
28d, 29a#, 29b
19
Tussock Grasslands
30a, 30b, 31a, 31b, 32a, 32b
20
Hummock Grasslands
33a, 33b
21
Other Grasslands, Herblands,
Sedgelands and Rushlands
34a, 34c, 34d, 34e, 34f
22
Chenopod Shrublands, Samphire
Shrublands and Forblands
34b, 34g, 35b
23
Mangroves
35a
^ Major Vegetation Groups are described in Department of Environment and Water Resources (2007).
* MVGs 4 and 15 do not occur in Queensland
# part of this BVG is included
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