Byron Flora and Fauna Study 1999 - Byron Shire Council
Byron Flora and Fauna Study 1999 - Byron Shire Council
Byron Flora and Fauna Study 1999 - Byron Shire Council
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A GREENPRINT FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE<br />
Such areas tend to be regarded as being of low conservation significance but often provide habitat for<br />
Threatened species. The Endangered Davidson’s Plum was recorded in several areas which fell into this<br />
category. This association was mapped mainly on basaltic soils but was also recorded on rhyolite,<br />
metasediments, sediments, alluvium <strong>and</strong> aeolian s<strong>and</strong>s.<br />
Rainforest regrowth typically included (in addition to Camphor Laurel), pioneer <strong>and</strong> midstage species such<br />
as Umbrella Cheese Tree Glochidion sumatranum, Cheese Tree Glochidion ferdin<strong>and</strong>i, Guioa, Red Ash, Blackwood,<br />
Brown Kurrajong Commersonia bartramia, Red Cedar, Crow’s Ash <strong>and</strong> Cudgerie. The mid <strong>and</strong> lower strata<br />
included a high diversity of rainforest species in addition to weed species, e.g. Lantana). The ground stratum<br />
included species such as Blue Flax Lily, Native Ginger <strong>and</strong> Common Ground Fern Calochlaena dubia.<br />
Most areas of rainforest regrowth included a significant proportion of exotic plants (e.g. Small-leaved Privet<br />
Ligustrum sinense, Large-leaved Privet L. lucidum (Photo 31), Crofton Weed Ageratina adenophora, Mistweed,<br />
Mickey Mouse Plant <strong>and</strong> White Passionflower Passiflora subpeltata).<br />
4.7.3 Camphor Laurel +/- naturalised exotic tree species<br />
Camphor Laurel forest <strong>and</strong> woodl<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> other naturalised exotic tree species<br />
Camphor Laurel was recorded mainly on basalt-derived soils <strong>and</strong> to a lesser extent on metamorphic soils.<br />
Small areas were mapped on alluvium, rhyolitic-basaltic soils, rhyolite, sediments <strong>and</strong> aeolian substrates.<br />
Although Camphor Laurel dominated the canopy, the mid <strong>and</strong> lower strata varied considerably. At some<br />
sites the mid <strong>and</strong> lower strata were sparse with few species present, in other areas the Camphor Laurel<br />
forest contained a structurally <strong>and</strong> floristically diverse rainforest understorey.<br />
Camphor Laurel 51-80% (cL1)<br />
Camphor Laurel (51-80%) +/- subtropical rainforest spp. +/- Eucalyptus spp. +/-<br />
Brush Box +/- Acacia spp.<br />
(Sites PS11, H26)<br />
On Pleistocene s<strong>and</strong>s (Site PS11) Camphor Laurel was recorded as the dominant species in the upper<br />
stratum with Brush Box, Paperbark <strong>and</strong> Flooded Gum Eucalyptus gr<strong>and</strong>is subdominant. The mid <strong>and</strong> lower<br />
strata were dominated by Callicoma Callicoma serratifolia, Umbrella Cheese Tree, Bangalow Palm <strong>and</strong> Paperbark<br />
<strong>and</strong> Tall Saw Sedge, Eared Swamp Fern Blechnum camfieldii <strong>and</strong> Spreading Shield Fern Sticherus lobatus.<br />
At Wilsons Creek Road on basalt soils (Site H26, Photo 8) Camphor Laurel dominated forest included<br />
Flooded Gum <strong>and</strong> Tallowwood Eucalyptus microcorys in the upper stratum. The midstratum was dominated by<br />
Camphor Laurel with rainforest species present including Crow’s Ash, Guioa <strong>and</strong> Sweet Pittosporum<br />
Pittosporum undulatum. The lower strata included Lantana <strong>and</strong> Bracken Fern <strong>and</strong> the ground stratum was<br />
dominated by Mistweed.<br />
Camphor Laurel 81-100% (cL2)<br />
Camphor Laurel (81-100%) +/- subtropical rainforest spp.<br />
(Sites PS3, BB23)<br />
Site P3 at McGettigan’s Lane was located in Camphor Laurel forest on basaltic soils. Camphor Laurel was<br />
the only species present in the upper stratum. The midstratum was sparse but dominated by Camphor<br />
Laurel. The introduced Loquat Eriobotrya japonica was also common in the midstratum <strong>and</strong> White Bolly<br />
Gum Neolitsea dealbata was present but not common. The ground stratum was dominated by Camphor<br />
Laurel. Guioa seedlings were present in the ground stratum but were uncommon.<br />
On metasediments at Broken Head (BB23), Camphor Laurel was the only species present in the upper<br />
stratum. The mid <strong>and</strong> lower strata were dominated by Camphor Laurel with Sweet Pittosporum, Guioa <strong>and</strong><br />
Lantana also present. The ground stratum comprised rainforest seedlings, Harsh Ground Fern Hypolepis<br />
muelleri <strong>and</strong> Camphor Laurel seedlings.<br />
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