Appendix 2 - Vegetation Communities and Regional Ecosystems

Vegetation Community 13d: Vegetation Community 13d, represented as a newly erected subtype
RE3.5.15a, forms a somewhat better developed community with canopy heights to 8m and
canopy cover typically ranging from 40% to 60%. Melaleuca saligna is the characterising upper
stratum species, which is typically co-dominant with Melaleuca viridiflora and Asteromyrtus
symphyocarpa. Banksia dentata forms an occasional shrub layer, in association with species
otherwise typical of the canopy. An emergent layer dominated by Corymbia spp. (typically
Corymbia stockeri subsp. peninsularis or Corymbia nesophila) is commonly formed. The type
occupies sandy plain areas, with soils better drained than VC13c. Numerous granite corestones
area apparent scattered across the surface where the community was sampled at MO21.
Illustration of VC13d is provided in Photograph 105.
Vegetation Community 13c: The dominant community on Moa Island is VC13c, which forms a
low sparse shrubland, with shrub cover with a general range from 10% to 20%, and heights of the
upper stratum ranging from 3m to 6m. Melaleuca viridiflora and Asteromyrtus symphyocarpa
form the dominant shrub species, with associated and occasionally co-dominant shrubs including
Asteromyrtus brassii and Banksia dentata. Melaleuca saligna and Leucopogon ruscifolius are
occasional shrub species. Ground cover is typically sparse and dominated by Dapsilanthus
spathaceus. In comparison to VC13a on alluvium, where this community occurs on remnant
surfaces, the Melaleuca viridiflora variety is typically a longer (pendulous) leaf variety. A
representative photograph is provided in Photograph 106. The community is described under
RE sub-type 3.3.15b
Vegetation Community 13f/13a: Vegetation Community 13f is recognised where Melaleuca
viridiflora forms a canopy with sub-dominant to co-dominant Corymbia spp. This community
forms a mosaic with Melaleuca viridiflora dominant woodland (VC13a) on remnant alluvial
plains on Moa Island. Vegetation Community 13f is typically a tall shrubland to low woodland,
with an upper stratum height ranging from 7 to 10m. Canopy cover varies although cover of >
40% is typical. The suite of Corymbia spp. that may be present include Corymbia stockeri subsp.
peninsularis, Corymbia nesophila and Corymbia clarksoniana. Parinari nonda is locally
abundant as a canopy and sub-canopy species and Banksia dentata and Asteromyrtus
symphyocarpa often form a prominent sub-canopy layer. Ground cover is variable although as a
general rule, with Themeda triandra dominant in areas of better soil drainage, giving way to
sedges as drainage becomes increasingly impeded. The community often merges with VC5c
which occupies a similar landscape position, although Melaleuca viridiflora represents a subcanopy
species in VC5c, only occasionally reaching canopy height (refer to Photograph 107).
Photograph 105. Vegetation
Community 13d on residual plain with
outcropping granite corestone.
3d Environmental – Torres Strait Regional Ecosystem Mapping Project – August 2008
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