Appendix 2 - Vegetation Communities and Regional Ecosystems

Vegetation Community 5u: Similar to VC5t, community 5u was subject to limited structural
sampling, with community description ascertained largely from quaternary observation. The
structural characteristics were however relatively distinctive, forming localised areas of open to
sparse woodland, mostly restricted to acid volcanic coastal headlands on Muralug Island. Canopy
heights are estimated at 18m to 25m with canopy cover generally less than 25%. The dominant
canopy species is Eucalyptus platyphylla with scattered Corymbia tessellaris and associated but
uncommon Eucalytpus cullenii. The shrub layer is sparse, generally comprising Cochlospermum
gillivraei and Acacia spp. with ground cover formed by Themeda triandra interspersed with rock
pavement and talus. A broad area of this community was identified on the south-western portion
of Badu Island (see Garnett and Jackes 1983). Due to the paucity of the field survey effort on
Badu Island, coupled with the broad scale of the aerial photography used for the interpretation,
the location and extent of this community could not be verified.
Photograph 179. Vegetation
Community 5u on acid volcanic
headland. Muralug Site PW038.
5.2.77 Regional Ecosystem 3.12.38 (New RE)
Description: Corymbia clarksoniana + Corymbia stockerii + Corymbia nesophila low mixed
woodland of Torres Strait Islands.
Status: Not of Concern
Vegetation Communities: 5d, 14p, 13a
Reference Sites: 5 Quaternary
Regional Ecosystem 3.12.38 is new RE classification restricted entirely to Moa Island where it
occupies skeletal soils formed on hard white acid volcanic rock. The constituent VC’s comprise
shrubland and low woodland expressions as described below in VC’s 5d and 14p. Small areas of
Melaleuca viridiflora woodland separate from this community and are also included under this
classification.
Vegation Community 5d: This community represents low woodland comprising a mix of
species from a range of genera. The canopy forms with a height range between 6m and 10m with
cover typically 25% to 40%. Constituent species include Corymbia clarksoniana, Corymbia
nesophila, Corymbia stockeri subsp. peninsularis, Asteromyrtus brassii, Melaleuca viridiflora,
Melaleuca stenostachya, Petalostigma pubescens, Acacia leptocarpa and Welchiodendron
longivalve. The relative contribution that these species make to total canopy cover varies
although Corymbia spp. is always a canopy component. Secondary shrub layers are variable
although Melaleuca viridiflora, Melaleuca stenostachya and Petalostigma pubescens are
generally abundant. Grasses form a sparse cover over a typically skeletal substrate. Where
3d Environmental – Torres Strait Regional Ecosystem Mapping Project – August 2008
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