Appendix 2 - Vegetation Communities and Regional Ecosystems

canopy species in most locations, accompanied by a mixed range of Corymbia spp. including
Corymbia dallachyana, C. tessellaris, C. novoguinensis and C. nesophila. Welchiodendron is
locally abundant, although it is more commonly a sub-canopy tree, and Melaleuca dealbata
reaches the canopy in some locations. Dense groves of Cycas badensis form a prominent shrub
layer in some locations, particularly on colluvial slopes and ground cover is typically grassy with
Heteropogon triticeus and Themeda triandra the dominant species.
Vegetation Community 5s: Vegetation Community 5s on granitic footslopes presents a more
typical expression of RE3.12.8 than VC5b. The community forms woodland to open forest with
canopy heights ranging from 23 to 27m. Corymbia clarksoniana dominates the canopy with
Corymbia tessellaris forming a sub-dominant canopy component. Sub-canopy and shrub layers
are typically sparse and ground cover is grassy with dominant Themeda triandra. Similar to its
occurrence on alluvial soils, VC5s is associated with more fertile edaphic conditions, and
occupies diorite footslopes where it occurs on Hammond Island.
Photograph 128. A typical
expression of VC5b on granitic
footslopes of Moa Island.
Photograph 129. Woodland
community 5s on diorite footslope.
Hammond Island Site HA18.
3d Environmental – Torres Strait Regional Ecosystem Mapping Project – August 2008
131