Appendix 2 - Vegetation Communities and Regional Ecosystems

5.2.2 Regional Ecosystem 3.1.2
Description: Avicennia marina ± Ceriops tagal low open forest landward side of mangroves
Status: Of Concern
Vegetation Communities: 24c, 23c, 24a
Reference Sites: 14 Quaternary
Vegetation Community 24c: This regional ecosystem is extensive on the landward fringe of
mangrove forest complexes, typically on the forest boundary between halophytic forbland
(RE3.1.6) and Sporobolus grasslands (RE3.1.5). The major occurrences are on the northern
islands of Saibai and Boigu where they are mapped as a component of mangrove complex type
VC24a, although smaller areas are present on the majority of islands sampled and have been
individually differentiated. The dominant canopy tree is Avicennia marina subsp. eucalyptifolia
with the canopy varying markedly in both height and structure. The majority of communities
sampled were woodlands, although tall open forests with canopy heights exceeding 30m were
common on Boigu Island. This RE has been mapped separately wherever convenient, although it
has been included in a broader complex with RE3.1.1 in the majority of areas.
Photograph 10. A specimen of
Avicennia marina subsp.
eucalyptifolia exceeding 35m. Tall
open forest (RE3.1.2) on Boigu
Island.
3d Environmental – Torres Strait Regional Ecosystem Mapping Project – August 2008
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