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CHaPTeR 2 Vegetation of the study area
area this rainforest tends to be less structurally diverse than more tropical rainforests,
although epiphytes and lianes as well as palms may still be common. This forest is
typically dominated by species such as Acmena smithii (Lilly Pilly), Ceratopetalum apetalum
(Coachwood) and Doryphora sassafras (Sassafras).
➜ Cool temperate rainforests: Restricted to the montane areas of the Barrington Tops and
eastern escarpment above around 900 m where orographic effects ensure relatively high
moisture levels. This rainforest is generally of low structural and floristic diversity and is
commonly dominated by Nothofagus moorei (Antarctic Beech) and Elaeocarpus holopetalus
(Black Olive Berry). The understorey may be dominated by tree ferns (Dicksonia antarctica)
and may have a scattering of shrubs and small trees including Tasmannia spp., Trochocarpa
montana and Coprosma quadrifida.
➜ dry rainforests: This rainforest occurs sporadically across the study area where soil
fertility is moderately high but annual rainfall is between around 600 mm and 1100 mm.
Dominant canopy species within the study area include Alectryon subcinereus, Backhousia
myrtifolia, B. sciadophora, Streblus brunonianus and Ficus rubiginosa.
➜ littoral rainforests: Restricted to remnant patches on sand dunes and headlands along
the coast, this rainforest includes a range of species including Cupaniopsis anacardioides,
Ficus spp., Banksia integrifolia subsp. integrifolia and Acmena smithii.
2.1.2 Wet sclerophyll forests
The sclerophyll forests are dominated by trees of the Myrtaceae family, particularly of the
genera Eucalyptus, Angophora, Corymbia, Syncarpia and Lophostemon, and dominate much of the
landscape of the study area. The dominant tree species tend to have smaller, hard leaves and
be adapted to varying extents to the occurrence of wild fires (Keith 2004). The wet sclerophyll
forests are restricted to areas of higher rainfall and moderate fertility and often include a dense
understorey of soft-leaved rainforest shrubs and small trees in moister situations (shrubby subformation).
In drier situations these forests may have an open, grassy understorey (grassy subformation)
with a sparse, sclerophyllous shrub layer. Seven classes of wet sclerophyll forest are
recognised as occurring in this region (Keith 2002):
➜ northern tablelands wet sclerophyll forests (grassy subformation): Restricted to
the tablelands above around 800 m in the north-east of the area, these open forests are
dominated by species such as Eucalyptus cameronii, E. campanulata and E. obliqua.
➜ Southern tablelands wet sclerophyll forests (grassy subformation): Within the study
area these forests are restricted to isolated patches in the central tablelands of the southwest.
This class is typically dominated by Eucalyptus bridgesiana, E. bicostata and E.
viminalis.
➜ northern hinterland wet sclerophyll forests (grassy subformation): Relatively
common over much of the north-east and parts of the Central Coast in the south-east
on low ranges and foothills on the coastal hinterland of the study area. This canopy
is dominated by a range of species including Eucalyptus microcorys, E. pilularis and
Syncarpia glomulifera.
➜ Southern lowland wet sclerophyll forests (grassy subformation): Restricted to a small
area on the Central Coast in the far south-east of the study on coastal sands and sandstone.
This forest is dominated by species including Corymbia maculata, E. botryoides and Syncarpia
glomulifera, and often includes an understorey dominated by Macrozamia communis.