Regional ecosystem details for 11.3.12
| Regional ecosystem | 11.3.12 |
|---|---|
| Vegetation Management Act class | Least concern |
| Wetlands | Contains Palustrine |
| Biodiversity status | No concern at present |
| Subregion | 1, (2), (9.4), (6), (7.1), (12), (14), (3) |
| Estimated extent1 | Pre-clearing 46000 ha; Remnant 2021 28000 ha |
| Short description | Melaleuca viridiflora, M. argentea +/- M. dealbata woodland on alluvial plains |
| Structure code | Woodland |
| Description | Melaleuca viridiflora woodland to open woodland, occasionally with M. argentea and M. dealbata. Occasional midstratum of Grevillea pteridifolia and Acacia leptocarpa. Ground layer of perennial grasses such as Themeda triandra, Elionurus citreus, Ectrosia leporina, Eriachne rara, Eremochloa bimaculata, Thaumastochloa pubescens, Eragrostis brownii and Ischaemum australe. Occurs on alluvial plains on strongly duplex clay soils with restricted drainage. Contains Palustrine. (BVG1M: 21a). Vegetation communities in this regional ecosystem include: 11.3.12a: Melaleuca leucadendra and Livistona decora open forest, with occasional Corymbia tessellaris and Nauclea orientalis. The secondary tree or shrub layer is dense, including Atractocarpus fitzalanii, Chionanthus ramiflorus, Carallia brachiata, Macaranga tanarius, Ficus copiosa and Hibiscus tiliaceus. The ground layer is sparse to moderately dense. Scleria polycarpa forms pure stands in swampy parts. Other common species are Ludwigia octovalvis, Crinum pedunculatum, Eclipta prostrata and Basilicum polystachyon. Several vine species are present, such as Entada phaseoloides, and Luffa aegyptiaca. Occurs in depressions on coastal floodplains. Palustrine. (BVG1M: 22c). |
| Supplementary description | Christian et al. (1953), Manton; Cumming (2000) |
| Protected areas | Pinnacles NP, Bowling Green Bay NP, Wongaloo CP, Horseshoe Bay Lagoon CP, Cape Upstart NP, Magnetic Island NP, Magnetic Island CP 2, Bowling Green Bay CP, Magnetic Island CP 1 |
| Fire management guidelines | SEASON: Mid-dry season. INTENSITY: Low to moderate. INTERVAL: Occasional fires, typically every 5 - 10 years. INTERVAL_MIN: 5. INTERVAL_MAX: 10. STRATEGY: Use occasional burning to promote herbs and shrubs and reduce excessive fuel build up that can cause high intensity fires. ISSUES: The coastal north Queensland populations of Grevillea pteridifolia are fire-killed obligate seeders with fire promoted germination. Many herbs are promoted by fire, such as ground orchids. Conversely, terrestrial orchids can be killed by fires that are intense enough to scorch them in the canopy and therefore they provide a useful indicator of past fire intensities. Ensure maintenance of a diverse ground and shrub layer. Where Grevillea pteridifolia or other fire-killed shrubs are present, wait until subsequent post-fire seedlings have matured before burning again. |
| Comments | 11.3.12: Extensively cleared for cropping and pasture. 11.3.12a: Naturalised species associated with this regional ecosystem include *Asclepias curassavica, *Argyreia nervosa and *Passiflora suberosa, *Crotalaria pallida. |
1 Estimated extent is from version 13 pre-clearing and 2021 remnant regional ecosystem mapping. Figures are rounded for simplicity. For more precise estimates, including breakdowns by tenure and other themes see remnant vegetation in Queensland.
