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CHaPTeR 4 Results
This community occurs within the study area on poorly drained sites on lowlands of
the Central Coast, mainly on sands and sandstones. MU 186 is of particular regional
conservation significance as it relates to the Endangered Ecological Community ‘Swamp
sclerophyll forest on coastal floodplains of the NSW North Coast; Sydney Basin and South
East Corner bioregions’ (DECC 2009).
MU 187 — Broad-leaved Paperbark / Saw Sedge swamp forest of coastal lowlands
Open swamp forests characterised by a canopy strongly dominated by Melaleuca
quinquenervia and commonly including Casuarina glauca and Eucalyptus robusta. An open
shrub layer may be present and typically includes Glochidion ferdinandi and Acacia longifolia,
along with the climber Parsonsia straminea. The ground layer is typically wet and dominated
by sedges and other graminoids, including Gahnia clarkei and Baumea juncea. Ground
ferns, in particular Blechnum indicum, are also common in the ground layer. Lantana camara
(Lantana, 33%) was the only commonly recorded naturalised species in this community.
Within the study area, this community occurs on alluvial sands and muds on floodplains
and barrier sands of the Lower North Coast and Central Coast. This community is of
particular regional conservation significance as it relates to the Endangered Ecological
Community ‘Swamp sclerophyll forest on coastal floodplains of the NSW North Coast;
Sydney Basin and South East Corner bioregions’ (DECC 2009).
MU 188 — Swamp Mahogany / Swamp Water Fern / Plume Rush swamp forest
Open swamp forests characterised by Eucalyptus robusta, typically in association with
Melaleuca quinquenervia. The only shrub species commonly recorded in this community is
Leucopogon lanceolatus and the climber Kennedia rubicunda is also common in the understorey.
The ground layer is wet and characterised by the ferns Blechnum indicum and Pteridium
esculentum, however, sedges and other graminoids may often dominate, including Baloskion
tetraphyllum, Gahnia clarkei and Dianella caerulea. Semi-aquatic and aquatic forbs, such as
Villarsia exaltata, may also be common. No naturalised species were recorded at more than
25% of sites in this community.
Within the study area, this community is distributed on alluvial sands and muds on poorly
drained sites of the Lower North Coast and Central Coast. MU 188 is of particular regional
conservation significance as it relates to the Endangered Ecological Community ‘Swamp
sclerophyll forest on coastal floodplains of the NSW North Coast; Sydney Basin and South
East Corner bioregions’ (DECC 2009).
MU 189 — Melaleuca linariifolia / Carex appressa shrubland of the Hunter Valley
Shrublands with an overstorey typically dominated by Melaleuca linariifolia. The understorey
is commonly dominated by graminoids, including Carex appressa and Juncus usitatus. A
range of forbs common to damp sites are also typically present, including Alternanthera
denticulata and Ranunculus plebeius, along with the grass Entolasia marginata. Naturalised
species commonly recorded at sites in this community include Setaria gracilis (Slender
Pigeon Grass, 29%), Paspalum dilatatum (Paspalum, 29%), Plantago lanceolata (Lamb’s
Tongues, 29%), Senecio madagascariensis (Fireweed, 29%), Rumex conglomeratus (Clustered
Dock, 29%), Hypochaeris radicata (Catsear, 29%) and Hydrocotyle bonariensis (29%).