Regional ecosystem details for 4.5.5
| Regional ecosystem | 4.5.5 |
|---|---|
| Vegetation Management Act class | Least concern |
| Wetlands | Not a Wetland |
| Biodiversity status | No concern at present |
| Subregion | 1, 2, 1.1, 7, 3, 5, (1.3), (5.3), (4) |
| Estimated extent1 | Pre-clearing 159000 ha; Remnant 2021 157000 ha |
| Short description | Corymbia terminalis and/or C. aparrerinja, Triodia pungens +/- Acacia spp., Senna spp., Eucalyptus spp. Low open woodland on sand sheets |
| Structure code | Low Open Woodland |
| Description | Corymbia terminalis and/or C. aparrerinja low open woodland. A shrub layer commonly occurs, dominated by Grevillea wickhamii, Acacia acradenia, A. adsurgens, Senna notabilis, C. pruinosa, Gossypium australe and Seringia nephrosperma. The ground layer is typically dominated by Triodia pungens. A variety of herbs occur in the ground stratum between spinifex hummocks. The perennial grass Aristida holathera var. holathera, Cymbopogon obtectus, Eriachne mucronata and Paraneurachne muelleri occur frequently, while Amphipogon caricinus may be locally common. The perennial forbs Hibiscus sturtii and Sida sp. (Musselbrook M.B.Thomas+ MRS437) are also frequently present. Forbs such as Tephrosia brachycarpa, and shrubs such as Senna notabilis, are usually abundant in recently burnt areas. Occurs most extensively on sand sheets on tops of dissected tablelands and plateaus. Soils deep sandy red earths on sandplains, and shallower, loamy red earths to lithosols. Not a Wetland. (BVG1M: 19b). Vegetation communities in this regional ecosystem include: 4.5.5a: Corymbia terminalis, C. aparrerinja low open woodland, commonly with Grevillea striata, Acacia aneura and A. cambagei. Scattered shrubs may occur. The ground layer is commonly dominated by Triodia pungens. Occurs on broad, residual Tertiary sand sheets. Deep red sands. Not a Wetland. (BVG1M: 19b). 4.5.5b: Corymbia aparrerinja, C. terminalis low open woodland. A shrub layer may occur, including Acacia chisholmii and Hakea lorea. The ground layer is dominated by Triodia pungens. Occurs on sandy, Tertiary residual deposits overlying Cambrian limestones. Red sands. Not a Wetland. (BVG1M: 19b). 4.5.5c: Mixed open woodlands, including combinations of the species Corymbia terminalis, C. aparrerinja, Atalaya hemiglauca, Acacia cambagei, Grevillea striata and Hakea chordophylla. The ground layer is tussock grasses. Occurs on Tertiary sand deposits, commonly overlying broad clay plains. Red sands and sandy loams. Not a Wetland. (BVG1M: 19b). 4.5.5x1: Mixed low open woodland, including combinations of the species Corymbia terminalis, C. aparrerinja, Acacia cambagei, Atalaya hemiglauca, Grevillea striata and Ventilago viminalis. Acacia georginae, Lysiphyllum gilvum and Hakea chordophylla may occur in the canopy. A sparse shrub layer may occur. The ground layer is tussock grasses. Occurs on level to undulating, early Quaternary sand deposits and abandoned levees, above active flood levels. Red sands and loams, commonly gravelly. Not a Wetland. (BVG1M: 19b). 4.5.5x2: Ventilago viminalis low open woodland, occasionally with Atalaya hemiglauca, Eucalyptus pruinosa, Erythrina vespertilio. The ground layer is sparse tussock grasses. Occurs on sandy outwash deposits around the western edges of the Northwest Highlands bioregion. Not a Wetland. (BVG1M: 19b). 4.5.5x60: Mixed low open woodland, including combinations of the species Corymbia aparerrinja, C. terminalis, Grevillea striata and Atalaya hemiglauca. Acacia cambagei and Ventilago viminalis may occur in the canopy. A shrub layer commonly occurs, including Acacia spp., Senna spp. and Eremophila spp. The ground layer is tussock grasses, commonly Aristida holathera var. holathera and Eragrostis spp. Occurs on inland sand dunes. Deep red sands. Not a Wetland. (BVG1M: 19b). |
| Supplementary description | Neldner (1991), 19a (42); Wilson and Purdie (1990a), M1 (15 - eastern), R1 (23), |
| Fire management guidelines | SEASON: During the wet season to early dry season while soil retains moisture. INTENSITY: Low to moderate. Spinifex communities may naturally burn with a higher severity in some areas. INTERVAL: Broad fire interval range 10-15 years. INTERVAL_MIN: 10. INTERVAL_MAX: 15. STRATEGY: Apply mosaic across the landscape at a range of frequencies to create varying stages of post-fire response. Ensure some areas are left long unburnt (>15 years) but not so they promote wildfire. Mosaic 20-60% burn. ISSUES: Wet season burning can be undertaken as a series of small burns throughout the wet season. |
| Comments | 4.5.5: Forbs increase for short time after fire (Neldner, 1991). Occurs in the west of the bioregion on the edges of the Barkly Tableland. Density of shrub species and Triodia pungens cover dependent on fire frequency. 4.5.5a: 4.5.8b has been amalgamated into this vegetation community. 4.5.5x1: 4.5.8b has been amalgamated into this RE. 4.5.5x2: Forbs increase for short time after fire (Neldner, 1991). Occurs in the west of the bioregion on the edges of the Barkly Tableland. Density of shrub species and Triodia pungens cover dependent on fire frequency. 4.5.5x60: Occurs sporadically in the west of bioregion. |
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.
