Vegetation of Yarra Bend Park - parkweb.vic.gov.au · Web viewdescribe the vegetation communities...
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1 VEGETATION OF YARRA BEND PARK CONTENTS 1 INTRODUCTION 2 PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT 2.1 Physiography 2.2 Landforms 2.3 Climate METHODS 3.1 Field survey and vegetation mapping RESULTS 4 VEGETATION OF YARRA BEND PARK 4.1 Yarra Bend Park vegetation community classification 4.2 Vegetation community definitions 4.3 Vegetation community descriptions 5 ANALYSIS OF SITES OF BOTANICAL SIGNIFICANCE 6 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 7 REFERENCES APPENDICES Appendix 1 Native vascular flora of Yarra Bend Park including brief annotation of the distribution and abundance of species across the vegetation sub-communities MAP Vegetation sub-communities of Yarra Bend Park
Transcript of Vegetation of Yarra Bend Park - parkweb.vic.gov.au · Web viewdescribe the vegetation communities...
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VEGETATION OF YARRA BEND PARK
CONTENTS
1 INTRODUCTION
2 PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT2.1 Physiography2.2 Landforms2.3 Climate
METHODS
3.1 Field survey and vegetation mapping
RESULTS
4 VEGETATION OF YARRA BEND PARK4.1 Yarra Bend Park vegetation community classification4.2 Vegetation community definitions4.3 Vegetation community descriptions
5 ANALYSIS OF SITES OF BOTANICAL SIGNIFICANCE
6 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
7 REFERENCES
APPENDICESAppendix 1 Native vascular flora of Yarra Bend Park including brief annotation of the distribution and abundance of species across the vegetation sub-communities
MAP Vegetation sub-communities of Yarra Bend Park
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1 INTRODUCTIONThe author was commissioned by Parks Victoria to prepare a vegetation community map and accompanying report. Yarra Bend Park is centred 5 km east of Melbourne and comprises 260 ha. A preliminary vegetation survey was conducted to assist in the preparation of a vegetation community classification and validate significant species records. This and existing data sets were reviewed to prepare an inventory of plant species for Yarra Bend Park. The information will assist in the identification of significant species and stands of vegetation and the formulation of appropriate management procedures and revegetation and population recovery programs by Parks Victoria.
Scope of the Study:
1) describe the vegetation communities and sub-communities that occur or have occurred at Yarra Bend Park. Define their landforms, status, distribution, character species and structure, provide ecological descriptions and identify significant stands.
2) prepare a vegetation sub-community map of Yarra Bend Park.
3) prepare a descriptive report to accompany the vegetation map.
4) review the effectiveness of ecological burning and ground flora regeneration programs conducted at Yarra Bend Park.
5) prepare a contemporary indigenous flora list for Yarra Bend Park.
In addition to these, an analysis of the sites of botanical significance has been prepared following the methodology undertaken for Warrandyte State Park (Beardsell (2002). A flora list has been prepared (Appendix 1). All flora species are briefly annotated particularly with regard their current status in the park. A number of species have been placed on a provisional list as they are considered either historical and now locally extinct, a district record of no known occurrence in the park, introduced through enrichment planting from a source external to the park (mostly wetland/grassland species) or an unsubstantiated record or mis-identification or a former identity (pseudonym or aggregate) superceded by recent taxonomic revision.
This will provide a foundation to a conservation management program for the preservation and enhancement of indigenous vegetation and conservation values. Central to this is the protection of streamways and improvement of habitat links to adjacent stands by restoration and revegetation programs.
Compatible studies have been conducted by the author for other areas in the Yarra District including the City of Banyule, Yarra Valley Parklands, Plenty Gorge Parklands and Warrandyte State Park. These along with this report provide a companion flora and vegetation community study to the Sites of Faunal and Habitat Significance of North East Melbourne (Beardsell 1997). Known as the NEROC study, the latter examines the zoological significance of sites in Yarra Bend Park (NEROC sites 29 and 30).
Overview to past managementThe Victorian Volcanic Plain and Gippsland Plain are the most alienated and heavily cleared Bioregions in Port Phillip Region (NRE 2000). Prior to rehabilitation over the last two decades, most of Yarra Bend Park had become degraded and weed infested due to long-term pressures from farming, recreation and habitat fragmentation due to industrial development, roading and residential subdivision.
Summary including key conservation values and management objectivesYarra Bend Park supports a high diversity of indigenous plants (294 species, subspecies and recognised varieties and hybrids). Most were confirmed during field surveys conducted in May/June 2002. Another 27 species have been successfully introduced. However, 129 (over 40%) of the indigenous species occur in the park only at four or fewer locations and in small numbers (i.e. listed in Appendix 1 as disjunct, highly localised or localised and rare or very rare). There are a number of additional species listed as scattered or uncommon if there is inadequate occurring. Species considered at risk in Yarra Bend Park may not survive in the long-term unless subjected to population recovery management. Eight indigenous species are listed by NRE (2001) as rare or threatened in Victoria (VROT). e = endangered; v = vulnerable; k = poorly known; r = rare in Victoria.
These are Acacia retinodes var. uncifolia (r), Agrostis punicea var. punicea (r; formerly A. aemula var. setifolia), Bolboschoenus fluviatilis (k), Dianella aff. longifolia (k; Benambra), Eucalyptus leucoxylon ssp. connata (v), Eucalyptus X studleyensis (e), Geranium pallidiflorum (r) and Poa labillardierei (k; blue/prickly). In addition, two species are considered provisional VROTs in Victoria. These are Glycine tabacina which is depleted and Nicotiana aff. suaveolens which is potentially threatened. Agrostis avenacea var. perennis (k) colonised a seepage area below Yarra Bend Golf Course carpark in the mid- 1990s while Callitriche brachycarpa (v) was observed at Fairlea wetland in the early 1990s. Both occurred
3as transient populations which are now apparently deceased. Several of the above species are in need of conservation management to survive in the long-term (see Appendix 1).
Seven VROT species have also been planted. These are Carex iynx (r), Cullen parvum (e; non-viable population), Dianella aff. longifolia (e; Buckley Falls), Geranium carolinii (e), Helichrysum aff. rutidolepis (v), Microseris sp. 1 (v; now apparently extinct) and Podolepis sp. 1 (e).
In addition to the above, 30 species are considered regionally threatened in Greater Melbourne and an additional 50 species are considered significant at the regional level in Greater Melbourne. Many of these are in need of conservation management to survive in the long-term.
All stands of indigenous vegetation of partially intact quality or better at Yarra Bend Park are considered at least of low regional botanical significance. The park supports a number of sites of high regional and several sites of state botanical significance. Key sites in descending order of significance include:
Yarra Bend Park (1' grid 30a including Yarra Bend and adjoining section of Yarra River, Westfield/Merri Creek, Fairlea, western Wurundjeri Spur, western Hairpin Bend, Galatea Point and Studley Point)State Botanical Significance:Richness and Diversity: high diversity of regionally threatened and regionally significant flora species.
Galatea PointState Botanical Significance:Population Integrity and Viability: intact stand of regionally endangered sub-community floodplain riparian woodland (FRWrr)Regional Botanical Significance:Rarity: relatively intact and extensive stand of regionally endangered sub-community floodplain riparian woodland (FRWrr)Scientific and Educational Value: effective rehabilitation program for floodplain riparian woodland(FRWrr) which is now the most intact stand in Yarra District.
Hairpin BendState Botanical Significance:Population Integrity and Viability: extensive population of the potentially threatened (in Victoria)Nicotiana aff. suaveolens (Austral Tobacco). Yarra Bend Park supports the only known population in Greater Melbourne.Regional Botanical Significance:Population Integrity and Viability: relatively intact stands of regionally vulnerable sub-community box - ironbark forest (BIFsy) and regionally disjunct sub-community riverine escarpment scrub (RESes);extensive population of the regionally threatened Maireana enchylaenoides (Wingless Bluebush)Rarity: Eucalyptus leucoxylon ssp. connata (Yellow Gum; v) in regionally vulnerable sub-community box - ironbark forest (BIFsy) and Nicotiana aff. suaveolens (Austral Tobacco; pthr) in riverine escarpment scrub (RESes)Scientific and Educational Value: effective rehabilitation programs for box - ironbark forest (BIFsy) andriverine escarpment scrub (RESes).
Wurundjeri Spur/Talbot cliffs State Botanical Significance:Population Integrity and Viability: large population Eucalyptus leucoxylon ssp. connata (Yellow Gum; v)Regional Botanical Significance:Population Integrity and Viability: relatively intact stands of regionally vulnerable sub-communities box - ironbark forest (BIFsy) and riverine escarpment woodland (REWsr) and regionally disjunct sub-community riverine escarpment scrub (RESss), the latter being one of few in Yarra District; large populations of theregionally threatened Austrostipa elegantissima (Feather Spear-grass - over 100 plants at Talbot cliffs),Bracteantha viscosa (Shiny Everlasting) and Olearia ramulosa var. ramulosa (Twiggy Daisy-bush)Rarity: Bolboschoenus fluviatilis (Tall Club-sedge; k) in regionally endangered sub-community floodplain riparian woodland (FRWrr), Dianella aff. longifolia (Arching Flax-lily; k) in relatively intact and extensive stand of regionally vulnerable sub-community box - ironbark forest (BIFsy) and Geranium pallidiflorum (Pale-flower Crane's-bill; r) in riverine escarpment scrub (RESss)Scientific and Educational Value: effective rehabilitation program for box - ironbark forest (BIFsy).
Studley ParkState Botanical Significance:Population Integrity and Viability: large population of Eucalyptus leucoxylon ssp. connata (Yellow Gum; v)Regional Botanical Significance:
4Population Integrity and Viability: relatively intact stand of regionally endangered sub-community plains grassy woodland (PGWOtv); large populations of the regionally threatened Bracteantha viscosa (Shiny Everlasting) and Olearia ramulosa var. ramulosa (Twiggy Daisy-bush)Rarity: Bolboschoenus fluviatilis (Tall Club-sedge; k) in regionally endangered sub-community floodplain riparian woodland (FRWrr), Dianella aff. longifolia (Arching Flax-lily; k) in relatively intact stand of regionally endangered sub-community plains grassy woodland (PGWOtv) and Eucalyptus leucoxylon ssp. connata (Yellow Gum; v) in regionally vulnerable sub-community box - ironbark forest (BIFsy)Scientific and Educational Value: effective rehabilitation programs for box - ironbark forest (BIFsy) and plains grassy woodland (PGWOtv).
Norris ReserveState Botanical Significance:Rarity: Eucalyptus X studleyensis (Studley Park Gum; e) in regionally endangered sub-community grassy woodland (GWsy).
VINC wetlandRegional Botanical Significance:Scientific and Educational Value: artificially established stand of plains grassy wetland (PGWEfm). This and fringing plains grassy woodland (PGWOvs) supports several planted VROT species including Cullenparvum (Small Scurf-pea; e), Geranium carolinii (Large-flower Crane-bill; e), Podolepis sp. 1 (Basalt Podolepis; e) and Helichrysum aff. rutidolepis (Pale Swamp Everlasting; v)Rarity: partially intact stand of regionally endangered sub-community plains grassy wetland (PGWEfm).
Westfield/Merri CreekRegional Botanical Significance:Scientific and Educational Value: artificially established stand of plains grassy woodland (PGWOvs) at "St Albans" supporting a planted population of Dianella aff. longifolia (Basalt Flax-lily; e)Rarity: Agrostis punicea var. punicea (Gilgai Blown-grass; r) and Poa labillardierei (Basalt Tussock-grass;k) in regionally endangered sub-community plains grassy woodland (PGWOvs) and Glycine tabacina(Variable Glycine; depleted) in regionally vulnerable sub-community riverine escarpment scrub (RESvc).
Studley AnnexRegional Botanical Significance:Population Integrity and Viability: one of the largest populations (over 40 plants) in Yarra District ofDianella aff. longifolia (Arching Flax-lily; k)Rarity: Dianella aff. longifolia (Arching Flax-lily; k) and Eucalyptus leucoxylon ssp. connata (Yellow Gum;v) in regionally vulnerable sub-community box - ironbark forest (BIFsy).
Studley PointRegional Botanical Significance:Population Integrity and Viability: one of only two known populations in region of Calandrinia eremaea(Small Purslane)Rarity: Eucalyptus leucoxylon ssp. connata (Yellow Gum; v) in riverine escarpment scrub (RESes) andNicotiana aff. suaveolens (Austral Tobacco; pthr) in riverine escarpment scrub (RESes).
Second Fairway Escarpment Regional Botanical Significance:Population Integrity and Viability: relatively intact stand of regionally vulnerable sub-community riverine escarpment scrub (RESvc)Rarity: Dianella aff. longifolia (Arching Flax-lily; k) and Glycine tabacina (Variable Glycine; depleted) in regionally vulnerable sub-community riverine escarpment scrub (RESvc)Scientific and Educational Value: effective rehabilitation program for riverine escarpment scrub (RESvc).
Dickinson ReserveRegional Botanical Significance:Population Integrity and Viability: relatively intact stand of regionally vulnerable sub-community riverine escarpment woodland (REWsr)Rarity: Dianella aff. longifolia (Arching Flax-lily; k) in riverine escarpment scrub (RESss).
Par 3 Golf Course/Arthur Rylah Oval Regional Botanical Significance:Rarity: Acacia retinodes var. uncifolia (Coast Wirilda; r), Dianella aff. longifolia (Arching Flax-lily; k) and Eucalyptus leucoxylon ssp. connata (Yellow Gum; v) and one of only two known populations in Port Phillip Region of Eucalyptus globulus ssp. bicostata (Eurabbie) in regionally endangered sub-community grassywoodland (GWsy).
Studley Loop
5Regional Botanical Significance:Rarity: Eucalyptus leucoxylon ssp. connata (Yellow Gum; v) and one of only two known populations in the region of Calandrinia eremaea (Small Purslane) in regionally vulnerable sub-community box - ironbarkforest (BIFsy).
Sixth Fairway Escarpment Regional Botanical Significance:Rarity: Dianella aff. longifolia (Arching Flax-lily; k), Geranium pallidiflorum (Pale-flower Crane's-bill; r) andGlycine tabacina (Variable Glycine; depleted) in regionally vulnerable sub-community riverine escarpment scrub (RESvc).
South of Studley PointRegional Botanical Significance:Rarity: Geranium pallidiflorum (Pale-flower Crane's-bill; r) in riverine escarpment scrub (RESss).
Fairlea escarpmentRegional Botanical Significance:Rarity: Glycine tabacina (Variable Glycine; depleted) in regionally vulnerable sub-community riverine escarpment scrub (RESvc).
Yarra Bend Park now contains around 50% of its original native vegetation cover. Half of this is still degraded to varying degrees and only a small proportion is considered relatively intact. All surviving stands of native vegetation are significant in this context.
Eleven of the fourteen sub-communities recorded for Yarra Bend Park are regionally threatened. Accordingly, Yarra Bend Park supports (or supported) a high proportion of regionally threatened plant species.
Sub-communities best preserved occur in close proximity to the Yarra River. These include box - ironbark forest, floodplain riparian woodland, plains grassy woodland (terrace/valley) and riverine escarpment scrub (exposed sedimentary cliff). High quality stands of these occur at Wurundjeri Spur, Hairpin Bend, Studley Park and Galatea Point which are all on the Kew side of the river. These areas have received extensive and in most cases intensive rehabilitation works over the last two decades to achieve this ranking.
As a result, Yarra Bend Park supports the most intact stand in Yarra District of one sub-community (floodplain riparian woodland) and fine stands of several other sub-communities (e.g. box – ironbark forest and riverine escarpment scrub). It also supports the most extensive populations in the region of three regionally threatened plant species, the only known population in the region of one potentially threatened (Victoria) species (Austral Tobacco) and one of only two known populations in the region of one critically endangered (region) species (Small Purslane).
Communities least preserved or present only as partially intact or degraded remnants include plains grassy woodland (volcanic silt plain) at Westfield and riparian shrubland along Merri Creek. The stands of grassy woodland at Studley Annex, Par 3 Golf Course and Talbot trig point, while somewhat degraded, are some of few remaining in Yarra District. The park also supports small artificial stands of four wetland communities.
Focus for future managementPlains grassy woodland (volcanic silt plain), riparian shrubland and grassy woodland which are the most degraded sub-communities at Yarra Bend Park should be high priority for rehabilitation. Of equal importance is continued conservation programs including weed control and species enrichment of the most intact stands of box - ironbark forest at Wurundjeri Spur and Hairpin Bend fence, floodplain riparian woodland at Galatea Point, plains grassy woodland (terrace/valley) at eastern Studley Park, riverine escarpment scrub (exposed sedimentary cliff) at Hairpin Bend and riverine escarpment scrub (sheltered sedimentary cliff) at Wurundjeri Spur.
The primary focus of rehabilitation programs should remain control of woody and herbaceous weed populations and selective enrichment planting of rare species. Specific survey and mapping of the location of rare plants needs to be undertaken. Population recovery programs of several Victorian rare or threatened species and a number of regionally threatened species is also required (refer Appendix 1).
The ecological burning programs have been only moderately successful from the viewpoint of rare species population recovery and weed control. Most of the burns have been exploited by a small number of common species adapted to colonising disturbance (e.g. Senecio hispidulus). A fuller understanding of ecological objectives, more effective preparation and post operation weed control and more extensive scientific monitoring of post-fire succession is required at future burn sites. Improvement of habitat links upstream along the Yarra is recommended.
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2 PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT2.1 PhysiographyFive major geological formations occur at Yarra Bend Park. In descending age these are:
1 Silurian sandstone/shale. Sandstone is the youngest (upper) strata of the Silurian formation (430-416 million years old). It is related to the presence of synclines (downfolds in the earths crust) which bury the upper Silurian strata, preserving them from erosion. Much of the sandstone strata has been eroded away in the uplifted hills to the north and east of Yarra Bend Park. This has exposed the deeper mudstone/siltstone strata. Distribution: mostly east of the Yarra with small extensions on the west side at Yarra Bend.
2 Tertiary marine sand-plain. This consists of course grained sand and quartz gravel known as the Brighton Group. It was formed in the late Tertiary Period (Pliocene Epoch of 5-1.8 million years ago) from marine deposits during a phase when the land subsided and was flooded by a shallow sea. The sand-plain was subsequently uplifted and remains on hill-crests between Yarra Bend and Canterbury, Wattle Park and Ashburton and at Mount Waverley. Sections in valleys have been covered by Quaternary alluvium. Distribution: Talbot, Studley Annex, Norris Reserve and Par 3 Golf Course.
3 Quaternary volcanics. These formed from lava flows in the early Quaternary Period (1.8 million to 800 000 years ago during the Pleistocene Epoch). The flows buried the older land surfaces (e.g. Silurian sandstone). At Yarra Bend Park, the lava flow has been subsequently covered by a silt plain derived from eroding higher land surfaces. Distribution: Merri Valley and west of the Yarra.
4 Older Quaternary high level alluvium. Pleistocene Epoch (1.8 million to 10 000 years ago) escarpments, outwash plain-slopes and upper terraces of the Yarra River. Distribution: Yarra Valley.
5 Newer Quaternary alluvium (sand/silt). Recent Epoch (last 10 000 years) lower terrace and floodplain deposits of Yarra River. The strongly dissected river valley is still being actively entrenched. This is developing floodplains of depositional silts from eroding higher land surfaces. Distribution: Yarra floodplain.
2.2 LandformsYarra Bend Park occurs at the convergence of the Victorian Volcanic Plain and Gippsland Plain Bioregions. The former occurs west of the Yarra and the latter occurs east of the Yarra. Landform groups have been correlated to vegetation communities. On topographic relationship and floristic composition, landform groups categorise broadly into alluvial plain, volcanic plain and wetland. Landforms occur from approximately 1 m elevation above sea level on the bank of the Yarra at Walmer Street bridge to 55 m at Talbot trig point. Vegetation sub-communities and their most intact stand or main occurrence are listed under each landform group.
ALLUVIAL PLAIN
Stream terraces, valleys and lower plain-slopes: the landform has gradients of 5-20° and soils are primarily yellow duplex with grey loam topsoil to medium depth. Soils of lower plain-slopes and valleys are largely colluvial while soils of stream terraces are largely alluvial in origin. In valleys and on terraces, soils sit on an impermeable claypan horizon causing sub-surface waterlogging during winter. The main occurrence is at Studley Park.Vegetation:Plains Grassy WoodlandPGWOtv River Red Gum (terrace/valley); Studley Park, Galatea Point
Sand-plain: the landform is an uplifted plain lying 45-55 m elevation above the course of the Yarra with gradients not exceeding 10°. Soils are red and yellow duplex formed of iron-stained sand, clay, gravel and quartzite. The main occurrence is at Studley Annex and Par 3 Golf Course.Vegetation:Grassy WoodlandGWsy Yellow Box (sand-plain); Studley Annex, Par 3 Golf Course, Talbot trig point
Riverbanks and flats and swales of the floodplain: the landforms have gradients not exceeding 5° and support young depositional soils of the Yarra floodplain. These are variable and often poorly differentiated in profile. They range from well-drained yellow gradational or uniform organic/sandy loam derived from Quaternary alluvium on banks to poorly drained grey/black cracking uniform clay in terrace depressions which become water-logged in winter. Banks are around 1 m high and in most sections are actively eroding. Only small areas of rock outcrop are present. A section of rocky rapids occurs below Dights Falls. To upstream the river is deep and slow flowing.
7Vegetation:Floodplain Riparian WoodlandFRWrr River Red Gum (riverbank); Yarra River
Escarpments and gullies, cliffs and spurs: these are sedimentary landforms which occur within 300 m of Yarra River. Escarpment gradients are 15° to 30° while cliff gradients exceed 30°. Spurs are narrow with flat surface topography lying 20-45 m elevation above the course of the Yarra River. Steep cliffs occur where the Yarra develops a meander (bend) as it intersects a spur. Ingrown meanders contain undercut cliff-faces below an abrupt T-spur on the outer (convex) side. Gentler escarpments (bluffs) grading via a slipoff slope onto broader alluvial terraces near the river occupy the inner (concave) side. Escarpment gullies occur along the east side of the Yarra. Soils of sheltered escarpments and spurs consist of high level alluvium of yellow duplex with grey sandy-loam topsoil. Soils of cliffs are derived from old alluvium and more recent erosion. They vary from skeletal on exposed sandstone reefs amongst rock-faces to friable brown gradational on earth ledges.Vegetation:Box - Ironbark ForestBIFsy Yellow Gum (river spur); Wurundjeri SpurRiverine Escarpment ScrubRESes Golden Wattle - Wedge-leaf Hop-bush (exposed sedimentary cliff); Hairpin Bend RESss Lightwood - Sweet Bursaria (sheltered sedimentary cliff); Wurundjeri Spur Riverine Escarpment WoodlandREWsr River Red Gum - Manna Gum (sheltered); Wurundjeri Spur; Dickinson Reserve
VOLCANIC PLAIN
Quaternary volcanic silt plain: this landform occupies the leading edge of the Western Volcanic Plain north of Merri Creek. It is low-lying with gradients generally less than 5° and is poorly drained with topsoils becoming waterlogged in wet years. The silt plain apparently lacked stony crests and gilgais occurring on stony/gilgai plains of Merri Creek at Craigieburn Grassland. Soils are generally grey-black duplex containing surface loams derived from nearby volcanic and sedimentary sources. Soils in swales are comprised of black cracking uniform clay.Vegetation:Plains Grassy WoodlandPGWOvs River Red Gum (volcanic silt plain); Westfield/Yarra Bend Road
Creek: the Merri Creek is slow flowing as it approaches the Yarra and has a winding valley. It contains narrow floodplain terraces and small gorges with instream basalt reefs and columnar basalt cliffs (supporting RESvc). Soils of the banks and terraces are black cracking uniform clay.Vegetation:Riparian ShrublandRSvc Woolly Tea-tree (volcanic creek); Merri Creek
Escarpments and cliffs: these are volcanic landforms which occur within 50 m of Merri Creek and Yarra River. Soils are red gradational on earth ledges while cliffs support columnar basalt outcrops.Vegetation:Riverine Escarpment ScrubRESvc Lightwood - Tree Violet (volcanic cliff); Yarra and Merri Creek
WETLAND
Freshwater meadows: floodplain swales and surface excavations supporting semi-aquatic vegetation. Soils on the floodplain are a mixture of sand, gravel and organic alluviums while those at wetlands are grey-black clay alluviums. Freshwater meadows are defined as wetlands inundated less than 6 months of the year and containing an average depth of less than 0.3 m when full.Vegetation:Plains Grassy Wetland (semi-aquatic)PGWEfm Hollow Sedge - Common Tussock-grass (freshwater meadow); VINC wetland
Freshwater marshes: shallow freshwater marshes include semi-permanent wetlands inundated 6 to 9 months of the year or permanent wetlands containing an average depth of less than 1 m when full. Yarra Bend Park supports only artificial formations. Soils are predominantly uniform (grey-black) organic clays. Vegetation:Floodplain Wetland (semi-aquatic and aquatic)FWbm Creeping Knotweed - Lesser Joyweed (billabong mudflat); third tee wetland FWbs Fen Sedge - Tall Spike-sedge (backswamp); Fairlea wetlandWetland Formation (semi-aquatic and aquatic)WFeh Common Reed - Cumbungi (emergent herbfield); Triple & Bellbird wetland
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2.3 ClimateThe climate is mild with warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. Rainfall is distributed relatively uniformly through autumn, winter and spring while summer normally experiences lower rainfall. January being the driest month (mean 40-50 mm) and October being the wettest month (mean 75-85 mm). Mean annual rainfall is approximately 655 mm (Parks Victoria 2000).
3 METHODS3.1 Field survey and vegetation mapping
Field surveys were conducted in May/June 2002 to map the vegetation sub-communities and compile a contemporary list of indigenous flora. A brief survey was conducted in October/November 2002 to document additional species, notably annuals. The vegetation was correlated to landforms and overlaid onto a 1:2500 topographic map. Mapping boundaries are shown as precise lines with habitats appearing to fit together neatly. In nature, edges between adjacent communities consistently overlap. Narrow strips or pockets of differing communities frequently infiltrate micro-habitats within other communities. These are difficult to pick up in the field and not always possible to map at the above scale. The vegetation codes presented on the map follow the alphabetical community classification of section 4.1.
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4 VEGETATION OF YARRA BEND PARK4.1. Yarra Bend Park Vegetation Community Classification
Box - Ironbark ForestBIFsy Yellow Gum (river spur) Status: Regionally Vulnerable
Floodplain Riparian WoodlandFRWrr River Red Gum (riverbank) Status: Regionally Endangered
Floodplain WetlandFWbm Creeping Knotweed - Lesser Joyweed (billabong mudflat) Status: Regionally Endangered FWbs Fen Sedge - Tall Spike-sedge (backswamp) Status: Regionally Vulnerable
Grassy WoodlandGWsy Yellow Box (sand-plain) Status: Regionally Endangered
Plains Grassy WetlandPGWEfm Hollow Sedge - Common Tussock-grass (freshwater meadow) Status: Regionally Endangered
Plains Grassy WoodlandPGWOtv River Red Gum (terrace/valley) Status: Regionally Endangered PGWOvs River Red Gum (volcanic silt plain) Status: Regionally Endangered
Riverine Escarpment ScrubRESes Golden Wattle - Wedge-leaf Hop-bush (exposed sedimentary cliff) Status: Regionally Disjunct RESss Lightwood - Sweet Bursaria (sheltered sedimentary cliff) Status: Regionally DisjunctRESvc Lightwood - Tree Violet (volcanic cliff) Status: Regionally Vulnerable
Riverine Escarpment WoodlandREWsr River Red Gum - Manna Gum (sheltered) Status: Regionally Vulnerable
Riparian ShrublandRSvc Woolly Tea-tree (volcanic creek) Status: Regionally Vulnerable
Wetland FormationWFeh Common Reed - Cumbungi (artificial) Status: Regionally Secure
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4.2 Vegetation Community DefinitionsThe vegetation classification was derived from field survey and analysis and a review of relevant literature. Vegetation communities and sub-communities for regional studies of the Melbourne area have been described by several authors (e.g. LCC 1991, Robinson 1992, SGAP 1993 and Cheal et al. 1989). Communities have also been described by other authors in local flora studies and management plans for areas including Plenty Gorge Parklands (Carr et al. 1991) and Merri Creek (Frood 1992). Over the last decade, vegetation classification terminology has undergone major revision. The NRE Flora Survey Branch has determined Ecological Vegetation Classes (EVCs) for central Victoria (NRE 2000). The levels are broader than communities and are designed for broad-scale vegetation mapping exercises.
In most cases, community nomenclature follows the EVC system. Several modifications and additional localised communities were recognised during field surveys of Yarra Bend Park. The status of sub- community in this study has been refined to correlate with landform distribution. Fourteen sub-communities within ten vegetation communities are recognised as occurring in Yarra Bend Park (see 4.1). Several are new for the park and some are of minor natural occurrence or have been reduced to refugial stands by land settlement. A description of each sub-community is provided in section 4.3.
The classification was determined by hand-sorting field data into natural groupings. Floristic and structural information was important for determination of communities while landform and biogeographic (plant and animal) indicator species were important for determination of sub-communities. Plant scientific and common name nomenclature and Victorian/Australian conservation status follows NRE (2001) and Walsh& Entwisle (1994-1999). The regional conservation status in Greater Melbourne and Port Phillip Catchment (GM) of plant species and vegetation sub-communities has been determined by this author.
Sub-communities are designated intact if they contain more than 90% indigenous species composition in floristics and percentage cover. Sub-communities are designated relatively intact if they contain 75-90% indigenous species composition. Sub-communities are designated partially intact if they support 50-75% indigenous species composition.
Remnant/degraded areas (< 50% indigenous species composition) and artificial (particularly wetland) habitats are included in the sites of significance analysis if they exceed 0.5 ha or support regionally significant plants or rare plant alliances. The only artificial sub-community that currently meets this criteria in Yarra Bend Park is at the VINC wetland. Parkland with incomplete tree cover and alien-dominated understoreys do not meet the sub-community designation. The habitats these formerly represented are listed as "others failing sub-criterion" in the analysis of sites of significance (section 5). These are largely habitats that have been degraded or eliminated by human activities.
The following is a brief discussion of the derivation of plant communities for Yarra Bend Park. These are known under the Ecological Vegetation Class (EVC) of the same name unless otherwise stated.
BIF Box - Ironbark Forest: this is comprised of alliances dominated by Red Ironbark and/or Yellow Gum and occupies stony hill-crests and river spurs. Box - ironbark forest contains Yellow Gum and occurs in a woodland formation in areas where annual rainfall is less than 700 mm. Yarra Bend Park supports one sub-community (BIFsy) which occurs on the river spurs and escarpments on the east side of the Yarra. This is restricted elsewhere in Yarra District to southern Plenty Gorge Parklands which supports intact stands. BIFsy has strong floristic affinity with vegetation of the Brisbane Ranges and north-central Victorian goldfields. The prominence of chenopod shrubs also has floristic affinity with riverine escarpment scrub (RES) which occurs on cliffs in Yarra Bend Park, Plenty Gorge and Warrandyte Gorge. Understorey vegetation is often heavily grazed by rabbits and the skeletal soils are prone to invasion by grassy weeds.
FRW Floodplain Riparian Woodland: stream vegetation of the alluvial plains dominated by River Red Gum along Yarra River and Manna Gum along Plenty River. The community is replaced by riparian forest in higher rainfall sections of the foothills at Warrandyte State Park and riparian shrubland (RS) on the volcanic plains. Yarra Bend Park supports one sub-community of floodplain riparian woodland (FRWrr). This occupies the banks and flood-prone sections of terraces of the Yarra upstream to Westerfolds Park in Yarra Valley Parklands.
FW Floodplain Wetland: this is comprised of semi-aquatic (usually zonal) herbfields included under the EVC - floodplain wetland complex. Each of the sub-communities identified by studies in the Yarra Valley probably have sufficient environmental, floristic and structural differences to be tentatively identified as different communities of floodplain wetland. As well as on character species composition, sub- communities are categorised on landform type and depth/inundation regime (e.g. shallow freshwater marsh or freshwater meadow). Floodplain wetland occurs in a dynamic state with lagoon wetland (LWah) in deeper and more permanent water, determined by depth and period of inundation at any given time. Most natural terrace swamps are late succession billabongs or abandoned river channels which are at
11least partially infilled with organic material and fine-grained sands from overbank deposits during flood events.
Yarra Bend Park supports two artificial floodplain wetland sub-communities. FWbs occurs at Fairlea wetland and FWbm occurs at Third tee wetland by Yarra Bend Golf Course. Natural occurrences of both occur upstream of Chandler Highway. FWbs occupies freshwater marshes which develop in floodplain backswamps. FWbm occupies shallow sections of billabongs. Many floodplain wetland plants occur in association with emergent herbfield fringing streams. These are included under floodplain riparian woodland (FRWrr).
Lowland river floodplain wetlands are at least partially degraded throughout Victoria. Most natural occurrences of FWbs and FWbm have been eliminated by clearing and draining and surviving stands are dominated by weeds. FWbs provides habitat of particular importance to frogs and shorebirds.
GW Grassy Woodland: this is applied to gum-barked woodland communities occupying Tertiary alluvial landforms. The main occurrence in GM is the eastern suburbs of Melbourne (where virtually eliminated), Yan Yean Reservoir and the Brisbane Ranges. The structure and floristics of grassy woodland has closest affinity with plains grassy woodland. The prominence of tall shrubs provides structural affinity to damp sands herb-rich woodland (characterised by Coast Manna Gum) which occupies the lower-lying marine sand-plain on the east side of Port Phillip Bay and southern Mornington Peninsula. The communities probably graded into each other in the south-eastern suburbs of Melbourne. Grassy woodland at Yarra Bend Park likely supported a number of additional coastal species (e.g. Allocasuarina littoralis, Allocasuarina verticillata) which have been eliminated since settlement. Coastal species that have survived include Acacia retinodes var. uncifolia.
There is one sub-community of grassy woodland occurring at Yarra Bend Park (GWsy). This occupies the Tertiary marine sand-plain at Studley Annex, Par 3 Golf Course, Norris Reserve and Talbot trig point. GWsy survives elsewhere in the eastern suburbs only at Westerfolds Park and Wattle Park. A related sub- community occurs on Tertiary river alluvium at Janefield in Plenty Gorge Parklands. Stands of GWsy support a diverse and rare assemblage of eucalypts including River Red Gum, Yellow Gum, Yellow Box, Swamp Gum, Studley Park Gum, Rough-barked Manna-gum and Manna Gum.
PGWE Plains Grassy Wetland: this community occupies seasonally flooded depressions on the alluvial and volcanic plains and is comprised of semi-aquatic (usually zonal) herbfields. As well as on character species composition, sub-communities are categorised on landform type and inundation regime (e.g. shallow freshwater marsh, freshwater meadow etc.). Yarra Bend Park supports one sub-community (PGWEfm). The sub-community has been artificially established at the wetland near the VINC nursery.
Most natural marshland occurrences of PGWEfm have been eliminated by clearing and draining. The only intact natural stand surviving in the Lower Yarra is at Banyule Swamp. Stands have been artificially created in Plenty Gorge Parklands. Plains grassy wetland is fringed by plains grassy woodland and many of the water plants also occur in association with emergent herbfield fringing streams. These are included under floodplain riparian woodland (FRW) and riparian shrubland (RS).
PGWO Plains Grassy Woodland: this is applied to gum-barked woodland communities occupying Quaternary alluvial landforms. It has a woodland canopy (trees of less than 100/ha), shrub copses of Black Wattle and Lightwood a grassy understorey containing Kangaroo Grass and a suite of other flora and fauna (e.g. parrot) species in common with the plains. There are two sub-communities of plains grassy woodland at Yarra Bend Park. Both are characterised by River Red Gum. PGWOtv occupies the river terrace, valleys and lower plain-slopes and occasionally escarpments (e.g. downstream of Bellbird picnic area) of the alluvial plain on the east side of the Yarra. PGWOvs occurs on the volcanic silt plain west of the Yarra and north of Merri Creek.
The silt plain at Yarra Bend apparently lacked lava outcrops and its stony knoll flora which occurs upstream along Merri Creek. In this area (where River Red Gums are absent), PGWOvs is replaced by plains grassland dominated by Common Tussock-grass. Plains grassy woodland is replaced by valley grassy forest (VGF) and box - stringybark woodland (BSW) in the foothills to the north-east. The transition from PGWO to BSW or VGF is determined by increasing rainfall (approximately 700 mm).
RES Riverine Escarpment Scrub: previously included within neighbouring vegetation classes due to its localised occurrence. Included under rocky chenopod woodland by authors in the Melton - Bacchus Marsh area west of Melbourne. Yarra Bend Park supports two sub-communities restricted to sedimentary cliffs in lowland river gorges (RESes and RESss on exposed and sheltered aspects respectively) and another on basalt stream cliffs of the volcanic plains (RESvc). The latter grades into plains grassland (PG) in lower rainfall (virtually treeless) areas of the volcanic plains to the north and west. Hairpin Bend supports one of the most intact stands of RESes in Yarra District. The most intact stands of RESss and RESvc in Yarra District occur at Plenty Gorge Parklands.
12RESes and RESss are restricted elsewhere in Yarra District largely to the Plenty Gorge. RESss has localised occurrence in Yarra Bend Park and remaining stands are mostly degraded. There are a number of species present in the Plenty Gorge which have been apparently eliminated from the sub-community at Yarra Bend Park. These include Brunonia australis, Desmodium gunnii, Doodia australis, Hydrocotyle foveolata, Lagenophora stipitata, Polystichum proliferum, Ranunculus lappaceus, Ranunculus sessiliflorus, Rapanea howittiana, Scutellaria humilis and Stylidium variabilis. Riverine escarpment scrub contains a higher proportion of scrambling herbs and ferns than adjoining habitats. Many of these species are of narrow or disjunct distribution. Disturbed stands are vulnerable to weed invasion.
REW Riverine Escarpment Woodland: due to the presence of a continuous tree canopy this community has been segregated within the EVC - riverine escarpment scrub. It has heterogenous floristic and structural composition due to proximity of other vegetation types on a topographic gradient shaped by the physical attributes of stream escarpments. These include soils, slope and moisture regimes due to shade and humus development. The community has a narrow occurrence along lowland rivers and supports characteristic flora and fauna species of the river environment.
Yarra Bend Park supports one sub-community (REWsr) which occurs on sheltered river escarpments and in associated gullies. While normally supporting River Red Gum, a pure stand of Manna Gum occurs just downstream of Wurundjeri Spur. REWsr has floristic affinities with plains grassy woodland (PGWO), but moderately dense stands of tall shrubs reduce the prominence of open grassland species (notably Kangaroo Grass). While weed invaded, stands at Yarra Bend Park are the most intact in Yarra District.
Note that NRE Biomap 7922 (Ringwood mapsheet) currently maps much of REWsr in Yarra Bend Park as valley grassy forest. While floristics show a number of species in common between REWsr and VGF, the lack of important character species including Thatch Saw-sedge, Narrow-leaf Peppermint and Candlebark is at clear variance with VGF. The community at Yarra Bend Park supports many escarpment species including Einadia spp., Austrostipa spp., Myoporum sp. 1, Olearia ramulosa, Dodonaea (etc.) which do not occur in valley grassy forest in the Yarra District.
RS Riparian Shrubland: the community consists of thickets of shrubs (virtually eliminated at Yarra Bend Park) and dense stands of reeds, rushes and sedges. It is more diverse than floodplain riparian woodland (FRW), supporting additional grassy wetland and brackish flora elements of the volcanic plains. One sub-community occurs in Yarra Bend Park (RSvc). This is characterised by Woolly Tea-tree and occurs along streams on the volcanic plains. The most intact stand in Yarra District occurs along the Merri Creek at Craigieburn Grassland. Another sub-community (RSsr) which occurs upstream at sedimentary rapids in Warrandyte Gorge is characterised by Muttonwood.
WF Wetland Formation (artificial): included under the EVC - Wetland Formation. WFeh occurs at artificial waterbodies (dams and reservoirs) across Melbourne. It occurs in Yarra Bend Park at a few small, artificial ponds. It is related to communities occurring in natural waterbodies such as lagoon wetland (LW) and floodplain wetland (FW) at billabongs and backswamps upstream along the Yarra and plains grassy wetland (PGWE) at swamps on the plains. Many of these have been drained or destroyed but in situations where dams and reservoirs have been constructed, the original communities have developed into WFeh. The community is composed of semi-aquatic and aquatic species from nearby creeks (RSvc) and rivers (FRWrr). It also contains opportunistic elements dispersed by birds and other vectors from floodplain wetland (FWbs) and lagoon wetland (LWah) at nearby natural waterbodies along the Yarra floodplain. Common Reed and Cumbungi which are the usual dominants of WFeh in Yarra District are not represented in the sub-community at Yarra Bend Park.
A listing of sub-communities of Yarra Bend Park and their status in Greater Melbourne and Port Phillip Catchment (GM) is provided in section 4.1. Non-natural stands of vegetation (e.g. herbfield/meadows at artificial waterbodies) are designated relatively intact if they exceed 0.5 ha and contain more than 75% indigenous species composition in both floristics and percentage cover. They are designated partially intact if they exceed 0.5 ha in area and contain 50-75% native species composition including re-established species or if they consistently support flora or fauna assemblages of regional significance or higher.
Sub-communities are placed into five conservation status categories based on an estimate of the percentage of their original extent now remaining intact or relatively intact in GM. In order of highest to lowest risk these are:
1. Endangered: sub-communities that have been eliminated or substantially degraded over most of their entire natural range in GM (<5% remains intact or relatively intact). Three or fewer intact or relatively intact stands are represented in the biological reserve system of North East Melbourne (NEM). Most remaining stands are largely degraded remnants and are primarily confined to the lowlands, predominantly in plains grassland/grassy woodland and some riverine and wetland communities.
13They occupy soils of higher nutrient status or moisture content and have been selectively cleared for settlement and agriculture.
2. Vulnerable: sub-communities that have been eliminated or at least partially degraded in over 75% of their natural range in GM (5-25% remains intact or relatively intact). Four to seven intact or relatively intact stands are represented in the biological reserve system of NEM. Stands are mostly confined to foothill forest, plains woodland, creek, wetland and coastal communities.
3. Disjunct or naturally rare: sub-communities naturally separated from their nearest known extensive and intact occurrence by a distance considered to exceed that required for genetic contact, apart from through chance events. Stands are small (usually less than 10 ha) and often as small as 1 ha. They often support remnant populations which convey important biogeographic information. Most sub- communities that are disjunct are also rare, but not threatened. Often the physiographic feature making them rare has preserved them (e.g. cliff-faces in river gorges). Stands are mostly confined to riverine gorge communities.
4. Depleted: sub-communities that have been eliminated or at least partially degraded in 50% to 75% of their natural range in GM (25-50% remains intact or relatively intact). Eight or more intact or relatively intact stands are represented in the biological reserve system of NEM. Stands are mostly confined to foothill and mountain forest communities.
5. Secure: sub-communities still occurring in over 75% of their natural range in GM that remain in intact or relatively intact condition in over 50% of this range. Most belong to mountain forest communities and are adequately represented in the biological reserve system of NEM. Includes some wetland habitats which have stands restored or created at artificial waterbodies.
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4.3 Vegetation Community DescriptionsYarra Bend Park supports ten vegetation communities. These are further subdivided into fourteen sub- communities. Some on the volcanic plains have been virtually eliminated since land settlement. Sub- communities are described according to vegetation attributes (character species and structure of life strata) and environmental parameters (topography). Further information on vegetation communities can be obtained from section 4.2 while additional species can be determined from Appendix 1. More detailed descriptions of physical and environmental parameters (e.g. landform, soil type) appear in sections 2.1/2.2.
The boxes under each sub-community contain a list of character species. These are species usually present in relatively intact stands at Yarra Bend Park. Where only partially intact or remnant stands remain, species have been reconstructed from the nearest intact stands outside Yarra Bend Park. These areas include Merri Creek at Craigieburn Grassland, Banyule Flats, Westerfolds Park in Yarra Valley Parklands and Plenty Gorge Parklands. Species are listed under their respective life forms in alphabetical order. The nominate species for a sub-community is usually in the canopy strata. This is entered in bold/italic type.
An average percentage cover for the stratum is listed at the head of each life form. Height of the tree or canopy stratum is also listed. Height of the understorey strata occupy standardised ranges. These are tall shrubs and climbers (1.5-8 m); low shrubs (ground to 1.5 m); ferns (with exception of tree-ferns, <1.5 m); monocots including sedges, lilies and grasses (<1.5 m); herbaceous dicots including daisies (<1 m). The latter includes "shrubby" species that go through an annual growth and dieback cycle (e.g. fireweeds, etc.). Note that tall shrubs include small trees (with a single trunk) such as Blackwood which normally grow under 8 m tall.
The final entry for each sub-community is a vegetation quality assessment of the most intact stand/s remaining in Yarra Bend Park followed by an estimate of whether it is extensive or small compared with others of its type in the Yarra District. There are five categories of vegetation quality: (a) reference stand (none present in Yarra Bend Park); (b) intact stand; (c) relatively intact stand; (d) partially intact stand; (e) remnant, degraded or establishing stand. A full methodology of survey and assessment of intactness and other criteria of botanical significance is presented in Beardsell (2002).
The relevant criterion for vegetation quality under botanical significance is population integrity and viability.(a) is equivalent to state or national significance, (b) is of regional or state significance and (c) is of regional significance. When the vegetation sub-community is listed endangered in Greater Melbourne and Port Phillip Catchment (Beardsell unpublished data) or it belongs to an EVC which is listed endangered in the Bioregion (NRE 2000), (b) is of state significance.
The more intact the level or the more threatened the sub-community, the more important it is to conservation. Note that even degraded stands can have at least regional significance when supporting a species that is rare or threatened in Victoria. The above assessments are preliminary and based only on brief visits to stands in Yarra Bend Park. A complete assessment along with several of the other criteria of botanical significance is dependent on systematic and intensive, quadrat based surveys.
15Box - Ironbark WoodlandSub-community: BIFsy Yellow Gum (river spur)Data: Wurundjeri Spur; Hairpin Bend; Studley Point. Other Ref: Beardsell (1996; 1997a)
TREES (10-15 m tall; 15-20% cover)Eucalyptus leucoxylon Yellow GumEucalyptus melliodora Yellow BoxTALL SHRUBS & CLIMBERS (10-15% cover)Acacia implexa; Acacia mearnsii Lightwood; Black Wattle Acacia paradoxa; Acacia pycnantha Hedge Wattle; Golden Wattle Bursaria spinosa Sweet BursariaCassinia longifolia DogwoodCassytha melantha Coarse Dodder-laurelClematis microphylla Small-leaved ClematisExocarpos cupressiformis Cherry BallartHardenbergia violacea Purple Coral-peaKunzea ericoides BurganLOW SHRUBS (5-10% cover)Acacia acinacea Gold-dust WattleAtriplex semibaccata Berry SaltbushMyoporum sp. 1 Sticky BoobiallaOlearia ramulosa var. ramulosa Twiggy Daisy-bushSEDGES, LILIES, RUSHES & GRASSES (20-30% cover)Arthropodium strictum Chocolate LilyAustrodanthonia spp. Wallaby GrassAustrostipa spp. Spear GrassDianella admixta Black-anther Flax-lilyLomandra filiformis Wattle Mat-rushHERBS including DAISIES (20-30% cover)Asperula conferta Common WoodruffBracteantha viscosa Sticky EverlastingConvolvulus erubescens Pink BindweedCrassula sieberiana Austral StonecropDisphyma crassifolium Rounded Noon-flowerEinadia hastata SaloopEinadia nutans Nodding SaltbushGonocarpus tetragynus Common RaspwortKennedia prostrata Running PostmanLepidium pseudotasmanicum Shade Pepper-cressPimelea curviflora Curved Rice-flowerSenecio hispidulus var. hispidulus Rough FireweedVittadinia cervicularis Annual New Holland DaisyWahlenbergia communis Tufted BluebellSUBSTRATE (30-40% cover): bare ground; leaf litter, logs, rocks
Conservation status in Greater Melbourne: regionally vulnerableDistribution: widespread on eastern spurs of the YarraLandform: alluvial plain (riverine); sandstone river spurs and escarpmentsVegetation: BIFsy has an open canopy, a medium cover of climbers and tall and low shrubs (particularly wattles) and an open field layer with ample bare ground and leaf litter. Several species (Yellow Gum, Golden Wattle, Gold-dust Wattle) have biogeographic links with the central goldfields. The river spurssupport an alliance of spear-grass and chenopod shrubs (see RESes). BIFsy occurs elsewhere in YarraDistrict at the Plenty Gorge and has floristic affinity (e.g. wattles and orchids) with box - stringybark woodland (BSW) of the Diamond/Plenty Valley.VROT: Dianella aff. longifolia (Benambra), Eucalyptus leucoxylon ssp. connata. Reg Thr: Acacia montana, Austrostipa scabra spp. scabra, Bracteantha viscosa, Calandrinia eremaea, Goodenia pinnatifida, Hypoxisglabella, Lepidosperma curtisiae, Maireana enchylaenoides, Olearia ramulosa, Sclerolaena muricataMost intact stand(s): relatively intact/extensive at Wurundjeri Spur and relatively intact/small at Hairpin Bend fence.
16Floodplain Riparian WoodlandSub-community: FRWrr River Red Gum (riverbank)Data: Galatea Point and Hairpin Bend. Other Ref: Beardsell (1996, 1996a, 2000)
TREES (15 m tall; 10-20% cover)Eucalyptus camaldulensis River Red Gum TALL SHRUBS & CLIMBERS (20-30% cover)Acacia dealbata Silver WattleCallistemon sieberi River BottlebrushCalystegia sepium Large BindweedClematis microphylla Small-leaved ClematisGynatrix pulchella Hemp BushHymenanthera dentata Tree VioletLeptospermum aff. lanigerum Foothill Tea-treeLeptospermum obovatum River Tea-treeMelaleuca ericifolia Swamp PaperbarkOzothamnus ferrugineus Tree EverlastingPomaderris aspera Hazel PomaderrisLOW SHRUBS (5-10% cover)Coprosma quadrifida Prickly Currant-bushGoodenia ovata Hop GoodeniaMentha australis River MintRubus parvifolius Small-leaf BrambleSolanum aviculare Kangaroo AppleUrtica incisa Scrub NettleSEDGES, LILIES, RUSHES & GRASSES (30-40% cover)Agrostis avenacea Common Blown-grassCarex appressa Tall SedgeJuncus spp. rushesLomandra longifolia Spiny-headed Mat-rushMicrolaena stipoides Weeping GrassPhragmites australis Common ReedPoa ensiformis Sword Tussock-grassHERBS including DAISIES (20-30% cover)Acaena novae-zelandiae Bidgee-widgeeAlternanthera denticulata Lesser JoyweedCentipeda cunninghamii Common SneezeweedCrassula helmsii Swamp CrassulaEinadia nutans Nodding SaltbushGeranium inundatum Naked Crane’s-billLycopus australis Australian GipsywortLythrum hyssopifolia Small LoosestrifePersicaria spp. knotweedsRumex bidens Mud DockSenecio minimus Shrubby FireweedSUBSTRATE (5-10% cover): bare ground/riverbank
Conservation status in Greater Melbourne: regionally endangeredDistribution: widespread along Yarra RiverLandform: alluvial plain (riverine); riverbank, floodplain and terrace swalesVegetation: FRWrr forms a narrow strip along the river and consists of an open canopy of River Red Gums and dense tall shrub and field layers. Dominant shrubs include Silver Wattle, River Bottlebrush, River Tea-tree and Tree Violet. The field layer grades from semi-aquatic plants (sedges, rushes and knotweeds) on the lower bank to a combination of grasses (Sword Tussock-grass and Weeping Grass) and herbs (Bidgee-widgee) of moist, sheltered environments on the upper bank and in terrace swales. FRWrr borders PGWOtv on the upper terrace and occurs upstream along the Yarra to Westerfolds Park. Reg Thr: Eucalyptus viminalis ssp. cygnetensis, Hydrocotyle verticillata, Juncus usitatus, Leptospermum obovatum, Senecio biserratusMost intact stand: intact at Galatea Point. Aided by rehabilitation works, this is the most intact stand in Yarra District.
17Floodplain WetlandSub-community: FWbm Creeping Knotweed - Lesser Joyweed (billabong mudflat)Data: 3rd tee wetland. Other Ref: Beardsell (1996, 1996a, 2000, 2002)# = enrichment flora recorded in sub-community from district
SEDGES, LILIES, RUSHES & GRASSES (30% cover)Agrostis avenacea Common Blown-grass#Alisma plantago-aquatica Water Plantain#Amphibromus fluitans River Swamp Wallaby-grassCarex appressa Tall Sedge#Carex fascicularis Tassel Sedge#Carex gaudichaudiana Fen Sedge#Eleocharis acuta Common Spike-sedge#Fimbristylis velata Veiled Fringe-sedgeIsolepis inundata Swamp Club-sedgeJuncus spp. rushes#Phragmites australis Common ReedPoa labillardierei Common Tussock-grass#Triglochin procerum Upright Water-ribbonsHERBS including DAISIES (40% cover)Acaena novae-zelandiae Bidgee-widgee#Alternanthera denticulata Lesser Joyweed#Callitriche sonderi Matted Water-starwort#Centipeda minima Spreading Sneezeweed#Chenopodium pumilio Clammy Goosefoot#Elatine gratioloides WaterwortEpilobium hirtigerum Hairy Willow-herb#Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides Shining PennywortLythrum hyssopifolia Small Loosestrife#Myriophyllum crispatum Upright Water-milfoil#Neopaxia australasica White Purslane#Persicaria prostrata Creeping Knotweed#Polygonum plebium Small Knotweed#Pseudognaphalium luteoalbum Jersey Cudweed#Senecio minimus Shrubby FireweedUrtica incisa Scrub NettleSUBSTRATE (20-30% cover): bare ground/receding mudflats
Conservation status in Greater Melbourne: regionally endangered (natural stands) Distribution: localised at 3rd tee wetland (artificial) by Yarra Bend Golf Course Landform: wetland (riverine); billabong mudflats of the Yarra floodplainVegetation: the following description is of intact natural formations upstream at Horseshoe Billabong and Bolin Billabong. FWbm occupies moist mud and shallow water and is most extensively developed at billabongs with gently-pitched ends or shallow bays. When billabongs dry, mudflat herbfield covers much of the floor. FWbm occurs in dynamic equilibrium with Lagoon Wetland (LWah) determined by depth and inundation. It has distinct zonation. The waters' edge consists of low carpets of Matted Water-starwort and Waterwort and stranded aquatics from LWah including Common Reed and Upright Water-ribbons. Landward lies amphibious herbfield of River Swamp Wallaby-grass, Lesser Joyweed and Spreading Sneezeweed. This is fringed on the bank by a band of knotweeds, sedges and grasses.Matted Water-starwort and Small Knotweed are pioneer annuals of ephemeral inland wetlands (i.e. adapted to colonising bare, drying mud between flood and drought cycles). They germinate from soil seed in the drawdown of receding water and advance over bare mudflats by adventitious roots in cracking mud. They are intolerant of permanent inundation (replaced by LWah) and yield when dry for extended periods to shading from terrestrial plants of FRWrr. Vegetation succession goes into reverse cycle by waterlogging as billabongs commence filling.VROT: nil. Reg Thr: nilMost intact stand: establishing at 3rd tee wetland.
18Floodplain WetlandSub-community: FWbs Fen Sedge - Tall Spike-sedge (backswamp)Data: Fairlea wetland. Other Ref: Beardsell (2000, 2002)# = enrichment flora recorded in sub-community from district. ## = planted at Fairlea
SEDGES, LILIES, RUSHES & GRASSES (50-60% cover)Agrostis avenacea Common Blown-grassAlisma plantago-aquatica Water PlantainCarex appressa Tall Sedge#Carex fascicularis Tassel Sedge##Carex gaudichaudiana Fen Sedge#Cyperus lucidus Leafy Flat-sedgeEleocharis acuta Common Spike-sedge##Eleocharis sphacelata Tall Spike-sedgeGlyceria australis Australian Sweet-grassJuncus spp. rushesPoa ensiformis Sword Tussock-grass#Poa tenera Slender Tussock-grass#Schoenus maschalinus Leafy Bog-sedge#Typha orientalis CumbungiHERBS including DAISIES (20-30% cover)Acaena novae-zelandiae Bidgee-widgee#Callitriche muelleri Round Water-starwort#Centella cordifolia CentellaEpilobium billardierianum ssp. bill/m Smooth Willow-herb#Gratiola peruviana Austral Brooklime#Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides Shining Pennywort#Hypericum japonicum Matted St John's Wort#Lilaeopsis polyantha Australian Lilaeopsis#Lobelia anceps Angled Lobelia#Myriophyllum crispatum Upright Water-milfoil#Neopaxia australasica White PurslanePersicaria spp. knotweeds#Ranunculus amphitrichus Small River Buttercup#Rumex bidens Mud Dock#Senecio minimus Shrubby Fireweed#Stellaria flaccida Forest StarwortSUBSTRATE (10-20% cover): logs, litter, mud and water
Conservation status in Greater Melbourne: regionally vulnerable (natural stands)Distribution: localised at Fairlea wetland (artificial)Landform: wetland (riverine); backswamps of the Yarra floodplainVegetation: the following description is of a natural formation on the Yarra floodplain at Reedy Swamp, Wilson Reserve. FWbs consists of two amphibious herbfield strata. An emergent tussock stratum occurs at the wetland fringe. This is dominated by Tassel Sedge, Fen Sedge, Leafy Flat-sedge and rushes. Amatting stratum occupies waterlogged mud of the water's edge and shallows. This is dominated by bogspecies including Leafy Bog-sedge, Shining Pennywort, Round Water-starwort, Mud Dock, Small River Buttercup and Spotted Knotweed.The central, permanently inundated section at Fairlea wetland supports Tall Spike-sedge. The canopy (River Red Gum), shrubs (Swamp Paperbark) and ferns (Ruddy Ground-fern Hypolepis rugulosa) on the banks are included in flanking stands of floodplain riparian woodland (FRWrr). Determining factors suchas waterlogging which delineate occurrences of FWbs from other sub-communities of floodplain wetlandand swamp scrub (SSf) at billabongs and floodplain swamps are complex. Lagoon wetland (LWah) occupies open water of natural formations.VROT: nil. Reg Thr: nilMost intact stand: establishing at Fairlea wetland.
19Grassy WoodlandSub-community: GWsy Yellow Box (sand-plain)Data: Studley Annex, Norris Reserve, Par 3 Golf Course and Talbot trig point# = enrichment flora recorded in sub-community from district
TREES (12-15 m tall; 15-25% cover)Eucalyptus camaldulensis River Red GumEucalyptus leucoxylon ssp. connata Yellow GumEucalyptus melliodora Yellow BoxEucalyptus viminalis (both subspecies) Rough-barked Manna-gum; Manna GumTALL SHRUBS & CLIMBERS (10% cover)Acacia implexa; Acacia mearnsii Lightwood; Black Wattle Acacia paradoxa; Acacia pycnantha Hedge Wattle; Golden Wattle Bursaria spinosa Sweet Bursaria#Cassinia longifolia DogwoodClematis microphylla Small-leaved ClematisHardenbergia violacea Purple Coral-peaHymenanthera dentata Tree VioletLOW SHRUBS (5-10% cover)Acacia acinacea Gold-dust WattleGoodenia ovata Hop GoodeniaRubus parvifolius Small-leaf BrambleFERNS (<5% cover)Pteridium esculentum Austral BrackenSEDGES, LILIES, RUSHES & GRASSES (40-60% cover)Arthropodium strictum Chocolate LilyAustrodanthonia spp. Wallaby GrassAustrostipa spp. Spear GrassDianella admixta Black-anther Flax-lilyElymus scaber Common Wheat-grassLepidosperma laterale Variable Sword-sedgeLomandra filiformis Wattle Mat-rushMicrolaena stipoides Weeping GrassPoa sieberiana var. sieberiana Grey Tussock-grassThemeda triandra Kangaroo GrassTricoryne elatior Yellow Rush-lilyHERBS including DAISIES (10-20% cover)Bossiaea prostrata Creeping BossiaeaConvolvulus erubescens Pink BindweedDichondra repens Kidney-weedDrosera peltata ssp. peltata Pale SundewGonocarpus tetragynus Common RaspwortSolenogyne dominii Smooth SolenogynePimelea humilis Common Rice-flowerVeronica gracilis Slender SpeedwellWahlenbergia gracilis Sprawling BluebellSUBSTRATE (10% cover): leaf litter/moss
Conservation status in Greater Melbourne: regionally endangered Distribution: restricted at Norris Reserve, Par 3, Studley Annex & Talbot Landform: alluvial plain; Tertiary marine sand-plainVegetation: GWsy contains an open canopy and tall shrub stratum (wattles) and a dense field layer of Austral Bracken (formerly), grasses, lilies and ground peas but now dominated by alien grasses. It isreplaced by plains grassy woodland (PGWOep) on exposed plain-slopes beyond the sand-plain to the eastof Yarra Bend Park. Stands floristically grade into bordering box - ironbark forest (BIFsy).VROT: Acacia retinodes var. uncifolia, Dianella aff. longifolia (Benambra), Eucalyptus leucoxylon ssp. connata, Eucalyptus X studleyensis. Reg Thr: Austrostipa rudis ssp. nervosa, Bracteantha viscosa, Eucalyptus globulus ssp. bicostata, Eucalyptus viminalis ssp. cygnetensis, Olearia ramulosa, Vittadinia cervicularisMost intact stand: partially intact/small at Studley Annex, Par 3 Golf Course and Talbot trig point.
20Plains Grassy WetlandSub-community: PGWEfm Hollow Sedge - Common Tussock-grass (freshwater meadow)Data: VINC wetland. Other Ref: Beardsell (1996, 1996a, 1997, 2000)# = enrichment flora recorded in sub-community from district. ## = planted at VINC
SEDGES, LILIES, RUSHES & GRASSES (70% cover)Agrostis avenacea Common Blown-grass##Alisma plantago-aquatica Water Plantain#Amphibromus nervosus Veined Swamp Wallaby-grassAustrodanthonia duttoniana Brown-back Wallaby-grass##Bolboschoenus medianus Marsh Club-sedge##Carex iynx Tussock Sedge##Carex tereticaulis Hollow SedgeEleocharis acuta Common Spike-sedge##Eleocharis sphacelata Tall Spike-sedgeGlyceria australis Australian Sweet-grass#Isolepis fluitans Floating Club-sedgeIsolepis inundata Swamp Club-sedgeJuncus pallidus; Juncus usitatus Pale Rush; Billabong RushPoa labillardierei Common Tussock-grass##Triglochin procerum Upright Water-ribbonsTypha orientalis CumbungiHERBS including DAISIES (20% cover)Acaena novae-zelandiae Bidgee-widgeeAlternanthera denticulata Lesser Joyweed#Centella cordifolia Centella#Centipeda cunninghamii Common SneezeweedCrassula helmsii Swamp CrassulaEpilobium billardierianum ssp. bill/m Smooth Willow-herbEpilobium hirtigerum Hairy Willow-herb#Eryngium vesiculosum PrickfootEuchiton involucratus Star Cudweed#Haloragis heterophylla Varied Raspwort#Isotoma fluviatilis ssp. australis Swamp Isotome#Lilaeopsis polyantha Australian Lilaeopsis##Mentha australis River Mint#Myriophyllum crispatum Upright Water-milfoil##Neopaxia australasica White PurslanePersicaria decipiens Slender Knotweed##Ranunculus inundatus River Buttercup#Rumex bidens Mud DockVeronica gracilis Slender SpeedwellSUBSTRATE (10% cover): bare ground/mudflats; grass litter
Conservation status in Greater Melbourne: regionally endangered (natural stands)Distribution: localised at VINC nurseryLandform: wetland; swamps on the volcanic plainsVegetation: PGWEfm consists of an outer grassy zone of Hollow Sedge, Rushes and Common Tussock- grass and an inner emergent herbfield zone (affinity WFeh) of Common Nardoo (Marsilea drummondii), Common Spike-sedge, Upright Water-ribbons, Upright Water-milfoil and White Purslane. The fringing vegetation is plains grassy woodland (PGWOvs) which would have originally occurred in the area now supporting PGWEfm. The wetland is now supplemented by drainage from the VINC nursery. Waterlogged heavy clay soils prevent establishment of woody plants. Most of the species apart from rushes and grasses have been planted.VROT: Carex iynx (planted), Cullen parvum (planted), Geranium carolinii (planted), Helichrysum aff. rutidolepis (Lowland Swamps; planted), Microseris sp. 1 (planted & now extinct), Podolepis sp. 1 (planted). Reg Thr: Juncus usitatus, Lythrum salicaria (planted), Marsilea drummondii (planted)Most intact stand: partially intact/small (artificial) at VINC wetland.
21Plains Grassy WoodlandSub-community: PGWOtv River Red Gum (terrace/valley)Data: Bellbird, Studley Park and Galatea Point. Other Ref: Beardsell (2000)
TREES (15 m tall; 20% cover)Eucalyptus camaldulensis River Red GumEucalyptus melliodora Yellow BoxTALL SHRUBS & CLIMBERS (10-20% cover)Acacia implexa; A. mearnsii Lightwood; Black WattleAcacia melanoxylon; A. pycnantha Blackwood; Golden WattleBursaria spinosa Sweet BursariaClematis microphylla Small-leaved ClematisExocarpos cupressiformis Cherry BallartHymenanthera dentata Tree VioletLOW SHRUBS & CLIMBERS (5% cover)Chrysocephalum semipapposum Clustered EverlastingGoodenia ovata Hop GoodeniaRubus parvifolius Small-leaf BrambleSEDGES, LILIES, RUSHES & GRASSES (60-70% cover)Arthropodium strictum Chocolate LilyAustrodanthonia spp. Wallaby GrassAustrostipa spp. Spear GrassDeyeuxia quadriseta Reed Bent-grassDianella admixta Black-anther Flax-lilyElymus scaber Common Wheat-grassEragrostis brownii Common Love-grassHemarthria uncinata Mat GrassLomandra filiformis Wattle Mat-rushLomandra longifolia Spiny-headed Mat-rushMicrolaena stipoides Weeping GrassPoa sieberiana var. sieberiana Grey Tussock-grassThemeda triandra Kangaroo GrassTricoryne elatior Yellow Rush-lilyHERBS including DAISIES (10-20% cover)Acaena echinata Sheep's BurrAsperula conferta Common WoodruffBossiaea prostrata Creeping BossiaeaCynoglossum suaveolens Sweet Hound's-tongueDichondra repens Kidney-weedDrosera peltata ssp. peltata Pale SundewEinadia trigonos ssp. trigonos Lax GoosefootOxalis perennans Grassland Wood-sorrelPimelea curviflora Curved Rice-flowerPoranthera microphylla Small PorantheraVeronica gracilis Slender SpeedwellSUBSTRATE (5-10% cover): leaf litter
Conservation status in Greater Melbourne: regionally endangered Distribution: restricted along east side of Yarra River and localised on west side Landform: alluvial plain; valleys and high level stream terraces and escarpmentsVegetation: PGWOtv has an open canopy, copses of tall shrubs and a dense field layer dominated by Weeping Grass. Valleys support species adapted to moist, fertile soils (sedges, Common Love-grass, Mat Grass, Common Tussock-grass). PGWOtv borders FRWrr along the Yarra and BIFsy upslope on river spurs. Grazing has depleted native ground flora and promoted alien pasture grasses.VROT: Dianella aff. longifolia (Benambra), Eucalyptus leucoxylon ssp. connata, Geranium pallidiflorum. Reg Thr: Austrostipa blackii, Bracteantha viscosa, Eucalyptus viminalis ssp. cygnetensis, Oxalis radicosa, Panicum effusum, Vittadinia cervicularisMost intact stand: relatively intact/small at east Studley Park and south Bellbird.
22Plains Grassy WoodlandSub-community: PGWOvs River Red Gum (volcanic silt plain)Data: Yarra Bend Road Westfield. Other Ref: Beardsell (1997a, 2000)# = enrichment flora recorded in sub-community from district. ## = planted at St Albans site
TREES (12-15 m tall; 10-20% cover)Eucalyptus camaldulensis River Red Gum TALL SHRUBS & CLIMBERS (5-10% cover)Acacia implexa; Acacia mearnsii Lightwood; Black WattleAcacia melanoxylon; Acacia paradoxa Blackwood; Hedge WattleBursaria spinosa Sweet BursariaHymenanthera dentata Tree VioletSEDGES, LILIES, RUSHES & GRASSES (50-60% cover)Agrostis avenacea Common Blown-grassAustrodanthonia duttoniana Brown-back Wallaby-grassAustrodanthonia spp. Wallaby GrassAustrostipa scabra ssp. falcata Slender Spear-grass#Caesia calliantha Blue Grass-lilyCarex breviculmis; Carex inversa Short-stem Sedge; Common SedgeDianella admixta Black-anther Flax-lilyDichelachne crinita Long-hair Plume-grassElymus scaber Common Wheat-grassEragrostis brownii Common Love-grassHemarthria uncinata Mat GrassJuncus subsecundus Finger RushLomandra filiformis Wattle Mat-rushMicrolaena stipoides Weeping Grass#Pentapogon quadrifidus Five-awned Spear-grassPoa labillardierei Common Tussock-grassThemeda triandra Kangaroo GrassTricoryne elatior Yellow Rush-lilyHERBS including DAISIES (20-30% cover)Asperula conferta Common Woodruff##Calocephalus lacteus Milky Beauty-headsConvolvulus remotus Grassy Bindweed#Drosera peltata ssp. peltata Pale SundewGeranium ciliocarpum Variable Crane's-bill#Haloragis heterophylla Varied Raspwort#Leptorhynchos squamatus Scaly ButtonsOxalis perennans Grassland Wood-sorrelSenecio quadridentatus Cotton FireweedVeronica gracilis Slender SpeedwellWahlenbergia communis Tufted BluebellSUBSTRATE (5-10% cover): leaf litter
Conservation status in Greater Melbourne: regionally endangered Distribution: formerly widespread west of the Yarra and north of Merri Creek Landform: volcanic plain; silt plain, swales and disrupted drainage linesVegetation: PGWOvs contains an open stratum of River Red Gums and copses of tall wattles and bursaria over plains grassland dominated by Brown-back Wallaby-grass and Common Tussock-grass. Apart from a few unmown remnants along Yarra Bend Road and reconstructed grassland in the areaknown as St Albans, the sub-community is largely eliminated from Yarra Bend Park. The field layerformerly supported a diverse assemblage of lilies, orchids and daisies. Plains grassy wetland elements including Varied Raspwort and Milky Beauty-heads would have formerly occurred at Yarra Bend Park. VROT: Agrostis punicea var. punicea, Dianella aff. longifolia (Buckley Falls; planted), Poa labillardierei (blue/prickly). Reg Thr: Grevillea rosmarinifolia ssp. rosmarinifolia Lara Form (planted), Hypoxis glabella, Panicum effusumMost intact stand: partially intact remnants along Yarra Bend Road.
23Riverine Escarpment ScrubSub-community: RESes Golden Wattle - Wedge-leaf Hop-bush (exposed sedimentary cliff)Data: Studley Point, Studley Park, Hairpin Bend, Talbot. Other Ref: Beardsell (1997a, 2000)
CANOPY & CLIMBERS (1.5-8 m tall; 20-30% cover)Acacia implexa; Acacia mearnsii Lightwood; Black WattleAcacia pycnantha Golden WattleCassinia longifolia DogwoodClematis microphylla Small-leaved ClematisDodonaea viscosa ssp. cuneata Wedge-leaf Hop-bushEucalyptus leucoxylon ssp. connata Yellow GumExocarpos cupressiformis Cherry BallartLOW SHRUBS (10-20% cover)Acacia acinacea Gold-dust WattleAtriplex semibaccata Berry SaltbushCarpobrotus modestus Inland PigfaceCorrea glabra Rock CorreaDisphyma crassifolium Rounded Noon-flowerEnchylaena tomentosa Ruby SaltbushLissanthe strigosa Peach HeathMaireana enchylaenoides Wingless BluebushMyoporum sp. 1 Sticky BoobiallaNicotiana aff. suaveolens Austral TobaccoOlearia ramulosa var. ramulosa Twiggy Daisy-bushRhagodia candolleana Seaberry SaltbushTeucrium corymbosum Forest GermanderSEDGES, LILIES, RUSHES & GRASSES (10-20% cover)Austrodanthonia spp. Wallaby GrassAustrostipa densiflora Dense Spear-grassAustrostipa elegantissima Feather Spear-grassDianella admixta Black-anther Flax-lilyDichelachne crinita Long-hair Plume-grassLepidosperma laterale Variable Sword-sedgeLomandra filiformis Wattle Mat-rushMicrolaena stipoides Weeping GrassHERBS including DAISIES (10-20% cover)Bracteantha viscosa Sticky EverlastingCrassula sieberiana Austral StonecropEinadia hastata SaloopEinadia nutans Nodding SaltbushGalium gaudichaudii Rough BedstrawGonocarpus tetragynus Common RaspwortSenecio spp. fireweeds/groundselsWahlenbergia luteola Yellowish BluebellSUBSTRATE (30-40% cover): bare ground/rocks
Conservation status in Greater Melbourne: regionally disjunctDistribution: restricted above east side of Yarra RiverLandform: alluvial plain (riverine); exposed sedimentary cliffs of lowland riverVegetation: varying from bare rock faces on exposed vertical cliffs, to shrubland with sparse cover of herbs on dry rock ledges, to scrub or open woodland on escarpments. Yellow Gum (affinity BIFsy) is present in RESes but the main canopy stratum is provided by wattles and Wedge-leaf Hop-bush. The diagnostic floristic component is a spear-grass/chenopod alliance which is disjunct from "mallee" areas west of Melbourne.VROT: Eucalyptus leucoxylon ssp. connata, Nicotiana aff. suaveolens (provisional VROT). Reg Thr: Austrostipa elegantissima, Bracteantha viscosa, Calandrinia eremaea, Lissanthe strigosa, Maireana enchylaenoides, Olearia ramulosa, Oxalis radicosa, Senecio hispidulus var. dissectus, Vittadinia cervicularis, Vittadinia cuneataMost intact stand(s): relatively intact/extensive at Hairpin Bend & Studley Point.
24Riverine Escarpment ScrubSub-community: RESss Lightwood - Sweet Bursaria (sheltered sedimentary cliff)Data: Wurundjeri Spur, Dickinson Reserve. Other Ref: Beardsell (1997a, 2000)# = enrichment flora recorded in sub-community from district
CANOPY & CLIMBERS (1.5-8 m; 20-30% cover)Acacia implexa LightwoodAcacia melanoxylon BlackwoodAllocasuarina verticillata Drooping SheokeBursaria spinosa Sweet BursariaCassinia longifolia DogwoodClematis microphylla Small-leaved ClematisExocarpos cupressiformis Cherry BallartHardenbergia violacea Purple Coral-peaHymenanthera dentata Tree Violet#Ozothamnus ferrugineus Tree EverlastingLOW SHRUBS (5-10% cover)Chrysocephalum semipapposum Clustered EverlastingDaviesia leptophylla Narrow-leaf Bitter-peaGoodenia ovata Hop GoodeniaOlearia ramulosa var. ramulosa Twiggy Daisy-bushFERNS (5% cover)Adiantum aethiopicum Common Maiden-hairAsplenium flabellifolium Necklace Fern#Pteridium esculentum Austral BrackenSEDGES, LILIES, RUSHES & GRASSES (30-40% cover)Arthropodium strictum Chocolate LilyLomandra longifolia Spiny-headed Mat-rushMicrolaena stipoides Weeping GrassPoa spp. Tussock GrassThemeda triandra Kangaroo GrassHERBS including DAISIES (20-30% cover)Acaena agnipila Hairy Sheep's BurrAsperula conferta Common WoodruffCymbonotus preissianus Austral Bear's-earsDichondra repens Kidney-weedGalium gaudichaudii Rough BedstrawGeranium pallidiflorum Pale-flower Crane'-bill#Glycine microphylla Small-leaf GlycineLinum marginale Native FlaxPimelea humilis Common Rice-flowerPlantago varia Variable PlantainStellaria pungens Prickly StarwortVeronica gracilis Slender SpeedwellViola hederacea Ivy-leaf VioletWahlenbergia stricta Tall BluebellSUBSTRATE (10-20% cover): bare ground/moss
Conservation status in Greater Melbourne: regionally disjunctDistribution: localised along east side of YarraLandform: alluvial plain (riverine); sheltered sedimentary cliffs of lowland riverVegetation: RESss supports scattered eucalypts (Yellow Gum and Manna Gum) and moderately dense and diverse tall shrub and field strata. The flora comprises elements of adjoining box - ironbark forest,floodplain riparian woodland and plains grassy woodland but supports additional escarpment speciesincluding specialists of rock surfaces or skeletal soils (e.g. Pelargonium australe). There are floristic affinities with RESsc which occurs in higher rainfall at Warrandyte Gorge but RESss lacks mountain ferns and herbs.VROT: Dianella aff. longifolia (Benambra), Eucalyptus leucoxylon ssp. connata, Geranium pallidiflorum.Reg Thr: Olearia ramulosaMost intact stand: relatively intact/small at Wurundjeri Spur.
25Riverine Escarpment ScrubSub-community: RESvc Lightwood - Tree Violet (volcanic cliff)Data: 2nd fairway & Merri Creek. Other Ref: Beardsell (1997a, 2000)
CANOPY & CLIMBERS (1.5-8 m tall; 20-30% cover)Acacia implexa LightwoodAcacia mearnsii; Acacia melanoxylon Black Wattle; Blackwood Acacia paradoxa; Acacia pycnantha Hedge Wattle; Golden Wattle Allocasuarina verticillata Drooping SheokeBursaria spinosa Sweet BursariaClematis microphylla Small-leaved ClematisEucalyptus camaldulensis River Red GumExocarpos cupressiformis Cherry BallartHymenanthera dentata Tree Violet LOW SHRUBS (10% cover)Atriplex semibaccata Berry SaltbushChrysocephalum semipapposum Clustered EverlastingMyoporum sp. 1 Sticky BoobiallaRubus parvifolius Small-leaf BrambleSolanum aviculare Kangaroo AppleFERNS (<5% cover)Cheilanthes sieberi Narrow Rock-fernPellaea falcata Sickle FernSEDGES, LILIES, RUSHES & GRASSES (20-30% cover)Austrodanthonia spp. Wallaby GrassAustrostipa spp. Spear GrassBothriochloa macra Red-leg GrassChloris truncata Windmill GrassDichelachne crinita Long-hair Plume-grassLepidosperma laterale Variable Sword-sedgeLomandra longifolia Spiny-headed Mat-rushMicrolaena stipoides Weeping GrassPoa rodwayi; Poa sieberiana Velvet Tussock-grass; Grey Tussock-grassThemeda triandra Kangaroo GrassTricoryne elatior Yellow Rush-lilyHERBS including DAISIES (10-20% cover)Acaena ovina Australian Sheep's BurrConvolvulus erubescens Pink BindweedDichondra repens Kidney-weedEinadia nutans Nodding SaltbushGeranium pallidiflorum Pale-flower Crane's-billGlycine tabacina Variable GlycineOxalis radicosa Stout-rooted Wood-sorrelVeronica gracilis Slender SpeedwellWahlenbergia communis Tufted BluebellWahlenbergia luteola Yellowish BluebellSUBSTRATE (20-30% cover): basalt rock
Conservation status in Greater Melbourne: regionally vulnerableDistribution: west side of Yarra River and Merri CreekLandform: volcanic plain; Quaternary basalt stream cliff/escarpmentsVegetation: RESvc has varied structure including scattered River Red Gums and shrubland at cliff bases, grassland on columnar basalt cliff tops and sparse herbfield and ferns on rock ledges. Cliff tops verge ontoPGWOvs on the adjoining plains and would have supported stony knoll grassland species (e.g.Pelargonium australe, Triptilodiscus pygmaeus). Cliff bases adjoin RSvc along Merri Creek. Character species shared with RESes/ss on sedimentary cliffs include Lightwood and Tree Violet.VROT: Dianella aff. longifolia (Benambra), Geranium pallidiflorum, Glycine tabacina (provisional VROT). Reg Thr: Austrostipa nodosa, Austrostipa scabra spp. scabra, Chamaesyce drummondii, Erodium crinitum, Oxalis radicosa, Vittadinia cervicularisMost intact stand: relatively intact/small on second fairway escarpment.
26Riverine Escarpment WoodlandSub-community: REWsr River Red Gum - Manna Gum (sheltered)Data: Wurundjeri Spur, Dickinson Reserve. Other Ref: Beardsell (2000)# = enrichment flora recorded in sub-community from district
TREES (12-15 m tall; 10-20% cover)Eucalyptus camaldulensis River Red GumEucalyptus melliodora Yellow BoxEucalyptus viminalis ssp. viminalis Manna Gum TALL SHRUBS & CLIMBERS (20-30% cover)Acacia implexa LightwoodAcacia mearnsii; Acacia melanoxylon Black Wattle; BlackwoodAllocasuarina littoralis Black SheokeBursaria spinosa Sweet BursariaClematis microphylla Small-leaved ClematisExocarpos cupressiformis Cherry BallartHymenanthera dentata Tree VioletKunzea ericoides BurganLOW SHRUBS (5% cover)Chrysocephalum semipapposum Clustered EverlastingGoodenia ovata Hop GoodeniaPlatylobium obtusangulum Common Flat-peaRubus parvifolius Small-leaf BrambleSolanum aviculare Kangaroo AppleFERNS (5-10% cover)#Adiantum aethiopicum Common Maiden-hair#Pteridium esculentum Austral BrackenSEDGES, LILIES, RUSHES & GRASSES (30-40% cover)Dianella admixta Black-anther Flax-lilyLomandra longifolia Spiny-headed Mat-rushMicrolaena stipoides Weeping GrassPoa spp. Tussock GrassThemeda triandra Kangaroo GrassHERBS including DAISIES (10-20% cover)Acaena echinata Sheep's BurrAsperula conferta Common WoodruffDichondra repens Kidney-weedHypericum gramineum Small St John's WortGlycine microphylla Small-leaf GlycineOxalis perennans Grassland Wood-sorrelPimelea humilis Common Rice-flowerSenecio quadridentatus Fireweed GroundselStellaria pungens Prickly StarwortVeronica gracilis Slender SpeedwellWahlenbergia gracilis Sprawling BluebellSUBSTRATE (10% cover): leaf litter/moss
Conservation status in Greater Melbourne: regionally vulnerableDistribution: restricted above the east side of Yarra RiverLandform: alluvial plain (riverine); sheltered escarpments & gullies of lowland riverVegetation: REWsr consists of an open tree canopy and dense tall shrub and field layers. A Hairy Tussock-grass - Sweet Bursaria alliance and shade tolerant herbs (e.g. Kidney-weed, Prickly Starwort) and ferns occupies the damp lower escarpment and gullies adjoining FRWrr along the river while a Grey Tussock-grass - Lightwood alliance of dry environments occupies the upper escarpment adjoining BIFsy on spurs. REWsr borders RESss on sheltered cliffs and has floristic affinities with plains grassy woodland (Kangaroo Grass, Lightwood, Slender Speedwell and Tree Violet).VROT: Eucalyptus leucoxylon ssp. connata. Reg Thr: Olearia ramulosaMost intact stand(s): relatively intact/small at Wurundjeri Spur & Dickinson Reserve.
27Riparian ShrublandSub-community: RSvc Woolly Tea-tree (volcanic creek)Data: Merri Creek. Other Ref: Beardsell (1997a, 2000)# = enrichment flora recorded in sub-community from district. ## = planted along Merri Creek
CANOPY & CLIMBERS (20-30% cover)##Acacia dealbata Silver Wattle##Bursaria spinosa Sweet Bursaria##Callistemon sieberi River BottlebrushCalystegia sepium Large Bindweed##Eucalyptus camaldulensis River Red Gum##Leptospermum lanigerum Woolly Tea-tree#Gynatrix pulchella Hemp Bush##Hymenanthera dentata Tree VioletLOW SHRUBS (5-10% cover)#Rubus parvifolius Small-leaf BrambleSEDGES, LILIES, RUSHES & GRASSES (40-50% cover)Agrostis avenacea Common Blown-grassAlisma plantago-aquatica Water Plantain#Baumea juncea Bare Twig-sedge#Bolboschoenus caldwellii Salt Club-sedgeBolboschoenus medianus Marsh Club-sedge#Carex tereticaulis Hollow SedgeEleocharis acuta Common Spike-sedge#Eleocharis sphacelata Tall Spike-sedge#Isolepis nodosa Knobby Club-sedge#Isolepis platycarpa Broad-fruit Club-sedgeJuncus spp. rushesPhragmites australis Common ReedPoa labillardierei Common Tussock-grassPotamogeton ochreatus Blunt PondweedSchoenoplectus tabernaemontani River Club-sedgeTypha domingensis CumbungiHERBS including DAISIES (10-20% cover)Alternanthera denticulata Lesser Joyweed#Apium prostratum ssp. prostratum Sea Celery#Centella cordifolia CentellaCrassula helmsii Swamp CrassulaGeranium inundatum Naked Crane's-bill#Hydrocotyle verticillata Shield Pennywort#Leptinella reptans Creeping CotulaPersicaria decipiens Slender KnotweedRumex bidens Mud Dock#Samolus repens Creeping Brookweed#Selliera radicans Shiny Swamp-matSUBSTRATE (10-20% cover): rocks; bare ground/mudflats (at low flow)
Conservation status in Greater Melbourne: regionally vulnerableDistribution: restricted to Merri CreekLandform: volcanic plain; banks, basalt reefs and floodplain of Merri CreekVegetation: the following description is from Merri Creek at Craigieburn Grassland. Dominant native strata are tall shrubs (Woolly Tea-tree, Silver Wattle) and riparian herbfield. The latter consists of sedgeland (Bare Twig-sedge, Marsh Club-sedge, River Club-sedge), reed-bed (Common Reed, Cumbungi) and amphibious herbfield (Sea Celery, Shield Pennywort, Slender Knotweed). There is a scattering of River Red Gums. Common Tussock-grass dominates floodplain terraces while basalt pavements support brackish herbfields (Knobby Club-sedge, Creeping Brookweed and Shiny Swamp- mat).VROT: Acacia retinodes var. uncifolia (planted). Reg Thr: Juncus usitatusMost intact stand: degraded along Merri Creek.
28Wetland Formation (artificial)Sub-community: WFeh Common Reed - Cumbungi (emergent herbfield)Data: Triple wetland & Bellbird wetland. Other Ref: Beardsell (1996a, 1997a, 2002)# = enrichment flora recorded in sub-community from district. ## = planted
SEDGES, LILIES, RUSHES & GRASSES (50-60% cover)Agrostis avenacea Common Blown-grassAlisma plantago-aquatica Water PlantainCarex appressa Tall SedgeEleocharis acuta Common Spike-sedge#Eleocharis sphacelata Tall Spike-sedgeEragrostis brownii Common Love-grassGlyceria australis Australian Sweet-grassIsolepis inundata Swamp Club-sedgeJuncus spp. rushesMicrolaena stipoides Weeping GrassNotodanthonia semiannularis Wetland Wallaby-grass#Phragmites australis Common ReedPoa ensiformis Sword Tussock-grass#Potamogeton tepperi Furrowed Pondweed#Triglochin procerum Upright Water-ribbons#Typha domingensis/Typha orientalis Cumbungi HERBS including DAISIES (20-30% cover)Acaena novae-zelandiae Bidgee-widgeeAlternanthera denticulata Lesser Joyweed#Centella cordifolia Centella#Centipeda cunninghamii Common SneezeweedCrassula helmsii Swamp CrassulaElatine gratioloides WaterwortEpilobium hirtigerum Hairy Willow-herbEuchiton involucratus Star Cudweed#Gratiola peruviana Austral Brooklime#Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides Shining Pennywort#Hypericum japonicum Matted St John's Wort#Isotoma fluviatilis ssp. australis Swamp Isotome#Lilaeopsis polyantha Australian LilaeopsisLythrum hyssopifolia Small Loosestrife##Myriophyllum crispatum Upright Water-milfoilPersicaria decipiens Slender KnotweedPersicaria praetermissa Spotted KnotweedPseudognaphalium luteoalbum Jersey CudweedSUBSTRATE (20-30% cover): water/bare ground/mudflats
Conservation status in Greater Melbourne: regionally secure Distribution: localised at Triple wetland, Bellbird and Talbot Landform: wetland; fringes of artificial waterbodiesVegetation: the following description is from wetlands in the City of Banyule. WFeh consists of aquatic and semi-aquatic vegetation zones growing in succession from permanent water through seasonally inundated shallows to banks. Emergent herbfield in deeper water is dominated by Tall Spike-sedge, Cumbungi (T. orientalis) and Common Reed. Other aquatics include Upright Water-ribbons and Furrowed Pondweed. Seasonally inundated shallows support Tall Sedge, Common Spike-sedge, rushes and Cumbungi (T. domingensis). This is fringed on the banks by amphibious herbfield of Water Plantain, Swamp Isotome, Australian Lilaeopsis, Upright Water-milfoil and Slender Knotweed. Vegetation also consists of riparian species from the Yarra (Spotted Knotweed).VROT: nil. Reg Thr: Juncus usitatus (trig point dam), Marsilea hirsuta (planted at Bellbird)Most intact stand(s): establishing at Triple wetland and Bellbird wetland.
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5 ANALYSIS OF SITES OF BOTANICAL SIGNIFICANCESite 30 YARRA BEND PARKBotanical significance of composite grids 30a 30b 30c 30d
State (A B2 C1 E); Regional (A B1 B2 C1 C2 D)
Botanical significance of constituent grids30a 37° 47' x 145° 00'; Yarra Bend, Westfield/Merri Creek, Fairlea, Galatea Point, Studley PointState - 2 (Aa Ae B2); Regional (Aa Ab Ad Ae Af B1 C1b C1c C2 D E)30c 37° 48' x 145° 00'; Studley Park/Annex & areas south of Studley Park RoadState - 3 (Ae C1a); Regional (Aa Ab Ae Af B1 B2 C1b C1c D E)30b 37° 47' x 145° 01'; Wurundjeri Spur (east), Willsmere, Talbot, BellbirdState - 3 (Ae); Regional (Aa Ab Ad Ae Af B1 B2 C1b C1c D E)
CITED BOTANICAL SIGNIFICANCERegional. Site 103; Robinson (1992)
A. POPULATION INTEGRITY and VIABILITY: Intactness and Abundancea. Intactness of threatened sub-communities in site (1' grid) State. 30a: intact stand (endangered sub-community) Floodplain Riparian WoodlandFRWrr. River Red Gum (riverbank); Yarra River Galatea Point
Regional. 30b: relatively intact stand (endangered sub-community)Floodplain Riparian WoodlandFRWrr. River Red Gum (riverbank); Yarra River upstream of Hairpin Bend
Regional. 30b: relatively intact stand (endangered sub-community)Plains Grassy WoodlandPGWOtv. River Red Gum (terrace/valley); south of Bellbird
Regional. 30c: relatively intact stand (endangered sub-community)Plains Grassy WoodlandPGWOtv. River Red Gum (terrace/valley); eastern Studley Park
Regional. 30a: relatively intact stands (vulnerable sub-community)Box - Ironbark ForestBIFsy. Yellow Gum (river spur); Wurundjeri Spur fence and Hairpin Bend fence
Regional. 30b: relatively intact stand (vulnerable sub-community)Box - Ironbark ForestBIFsy. Yellow Gum (river spur); Wurundjeri Spur east/Talbot
Regional. 30a: relatively intact stand (vulnerable sub-community)Riverine Escarpment ScrubRESvc. Lightwood - Tree Violet (volcanic cliff); Yarra escarpment below second fairway
Regional. 30b: relatively intact stand (vulnerable sub-community)Riverine Escarpment Woodland
30REWsr. River Red Gum - Manna Gum (sheltered); downstream Wurundjeri Spur
Regional. 30c: relatively intact stand (vulnerable sub-community)Riverine Escarpment WoodlandREWsr. River Red Gum - Manna Gum (sheltered); Dickinson Reserve
b. Intactness of depleted or disjunct sub-communities in site (1' grid)Regional. 30ab: relatively intact stand Riverine Escarpment ScrubRESss. Lightwood - Sweet Bursaria (sheltered sed/ry cliff); Wurundjeri Spur
Regional. 30ab: relatively intact stand Riverine Escarpment ScrubRESes. Golden Wattle - Wedge-leaf Hop-bush (exposed sed/ry cliff); Hairpin Bend
d. Extensive stand of high quality vegetation in site (1' grid)Gippsland Plain (riverine - riverbank and escarpment) Biophysical TypeRegional. 30a: relatively intact stand (BIFsy; Wurundjeri Spur)Regional. 30a: relatively intact stand (FRWrr; Yarra River Galatea Point) Regional. 30a: relatively intact stands (RESes; Hairpin Bend & Studley Point) Regional. 30b: relatively intact stand (RESes; Hairpin Bend)
e. Abundance/Density - large population of plants in site (1' grid) VROT: Vul speciesState. 30abc: 88Yellow GumVROT: Rare, Poorly Known or Potentially Threatened speciesRegional. 30a: 107Austral Tobacco (150 plants on west section of Hairpin Bend cliffs and 50 plants on Studley Point cliffs)Regional. 30c: 34aArching Flax-lily (largest population known in Yarra District of over 40 plants at Studley Annex)CE-R1-R2 speciesRegional. 30a: 48Shiny Everlasting, Twiggy Daisy-bush 96Small Purslane (40 plants at Studley Point; one of two populations in Greater Melbourne)Regional. 30b: 35Feather Spear-grass (over 100 plants at Talbot cliffs) 48Shiny Everlasting, Twiggy Daisy- bush 59Wingless Bluebush (over 100 plants at Hairpin Bend cliffs)Regional. 30c: 48Shiny Everlasting, Twiggy Daisy-bush 59Wingless Bluebush (over 100 plants at Yarra Boulevard underpass)R3-R4 speciesRegional. 30a: 35Slender Spear-grass 54Tufted Bluebell 59Saloop, Ruby Saltbush 86Sticky BoobiallaRegional. 30b: 59Saloop, Ruby Saltbush 86Sticky BoobiallaRegional. 30c: 86Sticky BoobiallaL1-L2-L3 speciesUnranked. 30a: 59Nodding Saltbush 84LightwoodUnranked. 30b: 43Rounded Noon-flower 59Nodding Saltbush 84LightwoodUnranked. 30c: 34Supple Spear-grass 59Nodding Saltbush 65Pale Sundew 84Lightwood
f. ConnectivityRegional. 30abc: Relatively Intact Habitat Link upstream to site 31
B1. RICHNESS and DIVERSITY: Habitats, Assemblages and Species
31Regional. 30a: high for 2 sub-criteria a to eRegional. 30bc: medium for 2 sub-criteria a to e
a. Sub-communities in site (1' grid) High. 30a: nine (* = artificial habitat) Box - Ironbark ForestBIFsy. Yellow Gum (river spur); Wurundjeri Spur westFloodplain Riparian WoodlandFRWrr. River Red Gum (riverbank); Yarra River Galatea PointPlains Grassy WetlandPGWEfm*. Hollow Sedge - Common Tussock-grass (freshwater meadow); VINC wetlandPlains Grassy WoodlandPGWOtv. River Red Gum (terrace/valley); Galatea PointPGWOvs. River Red Gum (volcanic silt plain); Westfield/Yarra Bend RoadRiverine Escarpment ScrubRESes. Golden Wattle - Wedge-leaf Hop-bush (exposed sed/ry cliff); Studley Point RESss. Lightwood - Sweet Bursaria (sheltered sed/ry cliff); west Wurundjeri Spur RESvc. Lightwood - Tree Violet (volcanic cliff); Yarra escarpment below second fairway Riverine Escarpment WoodlandREWsr River Red Gum - Manna Gum (sheltered); Yarra
Others failing sub-criterion:Floodplain WetlandFWbs*. Fen Sedge - Tall Spike-sedge (backswamp); Fairlea wetlandRiparian ShrublandRSvc. Woolly Tea-tree (volcanic creek); Merri CreekWetland FormationWFeh*. Common Reed - Cumbungi (artificial); Triple wetland
Medium. 30b: eight (* = artificial habitat)Box - Ironbark ForestBIFsy. Yellow Gum (river spur); Wurundjeri Spur eastFloodplain Riparian WoodlandFRWrr. River Red Gum (riverbank); Yarra River Hairpin BendGrassy WoodlandGWsy. Yellow Box (sand-plain); Talbot trig pointPlains Grassy WoodlandPGWOtv. River Red Gum (terrace/valley); BellbirdRiverine Escarpment ScrubRESes. Golden Wattle - Wedge-leaf Hop-bush (exposed sed/ry cliff); Hairpin Bend RESss. Lightwood - Sweet Bursaria (sheltered sed/ry cliff); Wurundjeri Spur east RESvc. Lightwood - Tree Violet (volcanic cliff); Yarra escarpment below sixth fairway Riverine Escarpment WoodlandREWsr River Red Gum - Manna Gum (sheltered); downstream Wurundjeri Spur
Others failing sub-criterion:Floodplain WetlandFWbm*. Creeping Knotweed - Lesser Joyweed (billabong mudflat); Third tee wetlandWetland Formation
32WFeh*. Common Reed - Cumbungi (artificial); Bellbird wetland
Medium. 30c: sevenBox - Ironbark ForestBIFsy. Yellow Gum (river spur); Studley Park RoadFloodplain Riparian WoodlandFRWrr. River Red Gum (riverbank); Yarra River Studley ParkGrassy WoodlandGWsy. Yellow Box (sand-plain); Studley Annex/Par 3 Golf CoursePlains Grassy WoodlandPGWOtv. River Red Gum (terrace/valley); eastern Studley ParkRiverine Escarpment ScrubRESes. Golden Wattle - Wedge-leaf Hop-bush (exposed sed/ry cliff); Lower Yarra RESss. Lightwood - Sweet Bursaria (sheltered sed/ry cliff); Dickinson Reserve Riverine Escarpment WoodlandREWsr River Red Gum - Manna Gum (sheltered); Dickinson Reserve
Others failing sub-criterion:Plains Grassy WoodlandPGWOtv. River Red Gum (terrace/valley); Andrews ReservePGWOvs. River Red Gum (volcanic silt plain); Collingwood Childrens FarmRiverine Escarpment ScrubRESvc. Lightwood - Tree Violet (volcanic cliff); Yarra (Collingwood) escarpment
b. Indigenous plant species in site (1' grid)High. 30a: 250-349 species (294 species in Yarra Bend Park)Medium. 30bc: 100-249 species
B2. RICHNESS and DIVERSITY: Regionally Significant Flora State. 30a: very high for 1, high for 4 and medium for 1 sub-criteria a to f Regional. 30c: high for 1 and medium for 5 sub-criteria a to fRegional. 30b: medium for 6 sub-criteria a to f
a. Regionally significant flora in GM (CE and R1-R4 species)High. 30a: 72 speciesMedium. 30c: 36 species. 30b: 34 species
b. Critically endangered flora in GM (CE species) Medium. 30a: 2 species. 96Small Purslane 107Austral Tobacco Medium. 30c: 2 species. 88Eurabbie, Studley Park Gum
c. Regionally endangered flora in GM (R1 species)High. 30a: 5 species. 26Little Sword-sedge 35Long-nosed Swamp Wallaby-grass, Feather Spear-grass, Knotty Spear-grass 88River Tea-treeMedium. 30c: 3 species. 35Crested Spear-grass 59Grey Roly-poly 84Coast WirildaMedium. 30b: 2 species. 34Feather Spear-grass 88River Tea-tree
d. Regionally vulnerable flora in GM (R2 species)
33Very High. 30a: 22 species. 29Tiny Star 30Billabong Rush 34aArching Flax-lily 35Gilgai Blown-grass, Rough Spear-grass, Hairy Panic, Basalt Tussock-grass 45Shield Pennywort 48Shiny Everlasting, Twiggy Daisy- bush, Jagged Fireweed, Annual New Holland Daisy, Fuzzy New Holland Daisy 59Wingless Bluebush 67Peach Heath 68Flat Spurge 69Variable Glycine 72Pale-flower Crane's-bill, Blue Heron's-bill 88Yellow Gum 91Stout-rooted Wood-sorrel 102Wandering BedstrawHigh. 30c: 11 species. 34aArching Flax-lily 35Veined Spear-grass (ssp. nervosa), Hairy Panic 48Hill Fireweed, Annual New Holland Daisy 59Wingless Bluebush 73Cut-leaf Goodenia 88Yellow Gum, Rough- barked Manna-gum 91Stout-rooted Wood-sorrel 102Wandering BedstrawMedium. 30b: 9 species. 30Billabong Rush 34aArching Flax-lily 48Annual New Holland Daisy 59Wingless Bluebush 69Variable Glycine 72Pale-flower Crane's-bill 88Yellow Gum, Rough-barked Manna-gum 91Stout- rooted Wood-sorrel
e. Regionally rare or restricted flora in GM (R3 species)High. 30a: 11 species. 4Ferny Azolla 32Spotted Duckweed 35Dense Spear-grass, Weeping Love-grass 36Fennel Pondweed 43Inland Pigface, New Zealand Spinach 51Shade Pepper-cress 61Forest Bindweed 86Sticky Boobialla 105Wedge-leaf Hop-bushMedium. 30c: 9 species. 26Tall Club-sedge 35Dense Spear-grass, Wiry Spear-grass 43Inland Pigface51Shade Pepper-cress 61Forest Bindweed 86Common Boobialla, Sticky Boobialla 105Wedge-leaf Hop-bushMedium. 30b: 7 species. 26Tall Club-sedge 35Dense Spear-grass 43Inland Pigface 51Shade Pepper-cress75Forest Germander 86Sticky Boobialla 105Wedge-leaf Hop-bush
f. Regionally depleted flora in GM (R4 species)High. 30a: 33 species. 1Sickle Fern 5Common Rasp-fern 26Tassel Sedg 30Austral Rush 34Trim Greenhood, Horse-tail Sun-orchid 35Veined Swamp Wallaby-grass, Slender Spear-grass, Fibrous Spear-grass, Red-leg Grass, Blady Grass, Velvet Tussock-grass 45Slender Pennywort 48Common Sneezeweed 54Matted Pratia, Tufted Bluebell, Yellowish Bluebell 57Drooping Sheoke 59Berry Saltbush, Saloop, Lax Goosefoot, Ruby Saltbush 61Grassy Bindweed 72Naked Crane's-bill, Austral Stork's-bill 75River Mint 78Native Flax 90Smooth Willow-herb 95Mud Dock 96White Purslane 100Cluster Pomaderris 101Australian Sheep's Burr 107Kangaroo Apple, Large Kangaroo AppleMedium. 30b: 15 species. 5Common Rasp-fern 21Tender Brake 34Horse-tail Sun-orchid 35Slender Spear- grass, Fibrous Spear-grass 54Tufted Bluebell 57Drooping Sheoke 59Berry Saltbush, Saloop, Ruby Saltbush 74Varied Raspwort 100Cluster Pomaderris 103Rock Correa 104Pale-fruit Ballart 107Kangaroo AppleMedium. 30c: 12 species. 21Tender Brake 34Horse-tail Sun-orchid 35Tall Spear-grass, Slender Spear-grass, Fibrous Spear-grass 48Hairy Solenogyne 57Drooping Sheoke 59Berry Saltbush, Saloop, Ruby Saltbush 107Kangaroo Apple, Large Kangaroo Apple
Note: incidentals only of L1 to L4 species for 30b & 30c
g. Locally restricted flora in NEM (L1 species)30a: 10 species. 4Pacific Azolla 36Blunt Pondweed 40Cumbungi (T. orientalis) 43Rounded Noon-flower 48Indian Weed 59Seaberry Saltbush 61Large Bindweed 75Australian Gipsywort 95Pale Knotweed, Hairy Knotweed30b: incidentals of 35Australian Salt-grass 43Rounded Noon-flower 59Seaberry Saltbush 80Grey Mistletoe87Muttonwood 95Hairy Knotweed30c: incidentals of 35Australian Salt-grass 95Hairy Knotweed
h. Locally depleted flora in NEM (L2 species)30a: 35 species. 1Narrow Rock-fern 26Marsh Club-sedge, Knobby Club-sedge, River Club-sedge 34Pepper- top Sun-orchid 34aPale Flax-lily 35Leafy Blown-grass, Common Wallaby-grass, Copper-awned Wallaby- grass, Kneed Spear-grass, Supple Spear-grass, Windmill Grass, Long-hair Plume-grass, Mat Grass, Wetland Wallaby-grass 44Lesser Joyweed 48Clustered Everlasting, Annual Cudweed, Tiny Cudweed, Smooth Solenogyne 50Sweet Hound's-tongue 54Swamp Isotome 57Black Sheoke 61Pink Bindweed 82Hemp Bush 84Gold-dust Wattle, Lightwood 88River Bottlebrush, Foothill Tea-tree (L. aff. lanigerum), Swamp Paperbark 101Hairy Sheep's Burr 102Common Woodruff 106Slender Speedwell 110Curved Rice-flower 114Tree Violet30b: incidentals of 26Knobby Club-sedge 34Pepper-top Sun-orchid, Salmon Sun-orchid 35Common Wallaby- grass, Copper-awned Wallaby-grass, Kneed Spear-grass, Supple Spear-grass, Long-hair Plume-grass,
34Mat Grass 48Clustered Everlasting, Annual Cudweed, Smooth Solenogyne 57Black Sheoke 61Pink Bindweed 66Waterwort 69Running Postman, Common Flat-pea 84Gold-dust Wattle, Lightwood 88River Bottlebrush 101Hairy Sheep's Burr 102Common Woodruff 106Slender Speedwell 110Curved Rice-flower 114Tree Violet30c: incidentals of 1Green Rock-fern, Narrow Rock-fern 34Rosy Hyacinth-orchid, Pepper-top Sun-orchid 34aPale Flax-lily 35Leafy Blown-grass, Common Wallaby-grass, Smooth Wallaby-grass, Kneed Spear-grass, Supple Spear-grass, Long-hair Plume-grass, Mat Grass, Five-awned Spear-grass 48Clustered Everlasting, Smooth Solenogyne 50Sweet Hound's-tongue 54Many-stemmed Bluebell 57Black Sheoke 65Pale Sundew 61Pink Bindweed 69Running Postman 84Gold-dust Wattle, Lightwood 88River Bottlebrush 98Bushy Needlewood 101Hairy Sheep's Burr 102Common Woodruff 106Slender Speedwell 110Curved Rice-flower 114Tree Violet
i. Other locally significant flora in NEM (L3 species)30a: 18 species. 2Necklace Fern 7Ruddy Ground-fern 23Water Plantain 34Pink Fingers 35Australian Sweet- grass 45Shining Pennywort 48Austral Bear's-ears, Jersey Cudweed 54Angled Lobelia 59Clammy Goosefoot, Nodding Saltbush 90Hairy Willow-herb 95Water-pepper, Spotted Knotweed, Creeping Knotweed 100Dusty Miller 106Trailing Speedwell 112Scrub Nettle30b: incidentals of 35Australian Sweet-grass 48Jersey Cudweed 59Nodding Saltbush 90Hairy Willow-herb95Spotted Knotweed30c: incidentals of 2Necklace Fern 7Ruddy Ground-fern 35Australian Sweet-grass 48Jersey Cudweed 55White Elderberry 59Clammy Goosefoot, Nodding Saltbush 90Hairy Willow-herb 100Dusty Miller 106Trailing Speedwell
j. Locally significant flora in YBP (L4 species)30a: 1Common Maidenhair 9Mother Shield-fern 26Common Spike-sedge, Little Club-sedge 32Common Duckweed 34Maroon-hood 35Brown-back Wallaby-grass, Common Plume-grass, Common Hedgehog- grass, Common Love-grass 40Cumbungi (T. domingensis) 48Common Cassinia 54Tall Bluebell 56Prickly Starwort 69Purple Coral-pea, Austral Indigo 76Coarse Dodder-laurel 80Creeping Mistletoe 100Hazel Pomaderris 102Prickly Woodruff, Prickly Currant-bush30b: incidentals of 34Tall Greenhood 35Reed Bent-grass 48Tree Everlasting, Shrubby Fireweed 69Southern Tick-trefoil, Small-leaf Glycine, Purple Coral-pea 74Shade Raspwort 88Red Stringybark, Swamp Gum 100Hazel Pomaderris30c: incidentals of 24Milkmaids 25aCommon Early Nancy 34Slender Onion-orchid 35Reed Bent-grass 45Stinking Pennywort 48Common Cassinia, Dogwood 56Prickly Starwort 69Purple Coral-pea, Austral Indigo 88Swamp Gum 93Variable Plantain 114Ivy-leaf Violet
C1. RARITY: Rare or Threatened Flora (AROTs/VROTs)a. Endangered species VROT:Par 3 Golf Course - (GWsy)State. 30c: 88Studley Park Gum (Eucalyptus studleyensis; River Red Gum X Swamp Gum; two very old trees in poor health and a dozen saplings of various F1 and F2 combinations on Tertiary alluvium by Walmer Street at Norris Reserve
b. Vulnerable species VROT:River spurs - (BIFsy/GWsy/RESes/RESss)Regional. 30abcd: 88Yellow Gum
c. Rare, depleted, poorly known or potentially threatened species AROT/VROT:Sixth fairway escarpment - (RESvc)Regional. 30b: 34aArching Flax-lily 69Variable Glycine 72Pale-flower Crane's-billYarra Bend Road - (PGWOvs)Regional. 30a: 35Gilgai Blown-grass, Basalt Tussock-grass
35Second fairway escarpment - (RESvc)Regional. 30a: 34aArching Flax-lily 69Variable Glycine Par 3 Golf Course/Studley Annex - (GWsy) Regional. 30c: 34aArching Flax-lily 84Coast WirildaTop of sheltered cliffs on south side of Wurundjeri Spur - (RESss)Regional. 30a: 72Pale-flower Crane's-billSheltered cliffs and upper terrace south of Studley Point - (PGWOtv/RESss)Regional. 30a: 72Pale-flower Crane's-bill Merri Creek escarpment - (RESvc) Regional. 30a: 69Variable GlycineYarra escarpment at Fairlea - (RESvc)Regional. 30a: 69Variable GlycineHairpin Bend cliffs and Studley Point cliffs - (RESes)Regional. 30a: 107Austral TobaccoYarra upstream of Eastern Freeway - (FRWrr)Regional. 30b: 26Tall Club-sedge Wurundjeri Spur - (BIFsy) Regional. 30b: 34aArching Flax-lily Eastern Studley Park - (PGWOtv) Regional. 30c: 34aArching Flax-lilyYarra opposite eastern Studley Park - (FRWrr)Regional. 30c: 26Tall Club-sedge Studley Annex - (BIFsy) Regional. 30c: 34aArching Flax-lily Dickinson Reserve - (RESss) Regional. 30c: 34aArching Flax-lily
C2. RARITY: Threatened Sub-communities - intact/relatively intact stand Stand >1 ha (# = threatened EVC in Bioregion; * = excluded as <1 ha) Regional. 30a: #BIFsy, #FRWrr, *RESvc (2 threatened EVCs)Unranked. 30b: #*FRWrr, #*PGWOtv, *REWsr (nil threatened EVC of qualifying area)Unranked. 30c: #*PGWOtv, *REWsr (nil threatened EVC of qualifying area)
D. REPRESENTATIVE OF TYPE: Ecosystem BiodiversityRegional. 30a: flora biodiversity and representativeness for Gippsland Plain (alluvial plain - terrace, valley and plain-slope), Gippsland Plain (riverine - riverbank and escarpment) Biogeographic Types. This section of the grid in central/western Yarra Bend Park is designated representative of type at the state level for diversity and regional level for integrity and rarity. Key assets are an intact stand of one endangered sub- community (FRWrr) at Galatea Point which is the finest in Yarra District, relatively intact stands of two vulnerable sub-communities (BIFsy, RESvc) with one of these extensive (BIFsy), relatively intact and extensive stands at western Hairpin Bend and Studley Point of one disjunct sub-community (RESes), an extensive population of a species listed vulnerable in Victoria (Yellow Gum), an extensive population of a species listed potentially threatened in Victoria (Austral Tobacco), occurrences of two other VROT species, one of only two known populations of Small Purslane in the region, the most extensive populations in Yarra District of two regionally threatened species (Shiny Everlasting and Twiggy Daisy-bush) and occurrences of numerous regionally threatened species.
Regional. 30a: flora biodiversity and representativeness for Victorian Volcanic Plain (silt-plain, creek and escarpment) and Victorian Volcanic Plain (wetland - freshwater meadow) Biogeographic Types. This grid in western Yarra Bend Park is designated representative of type at the regional level for integrity, diversity and rarity. Key assets are a relatively intact stand of a vulnerable sub-community (RESvc) supporting the poorly known Arching Flax-lily and indigenous occurrences of four other VROT species in remnant stands of plains grassy woodland (PGWOvs) and riverine escarpment scrub (RESvc).
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Regional. 30b: flora biodiversity and representativeness for Gippsland Plain (riverine - riverbank and escarpment) Biogeographic Type. This grid in northern Yarra Bend Park is designated representative of type at the regional level for integrity, diversity and rarity. Key assets are a relatively intact and extensive stand at eastern Hairpin Bend of one disjunct sub-community (RESes) which is on of the finest stands in Yarra District, relatively intact stands of two endangered sub-communities (FRWrr, PGWOtv), a relatively intact stand of one vulnerable sub-community (REWsr), an extensive population of a species listed vulnerable in Victoria (Yellow Gum), occurrences of two other VROT species and a species listed potentially threatened in Victoria (Austral Tobacco) and the most extensive populations in Yarra District of three regionally threatened species (Feather Spear-grass, Shiny Everlasting and Twiggy Daisy-bush).
Regional. 30c: flora biodiversity and representativeness for Gippsland Plain (alluvial plain - terrace, valley and plain-slope), Gippsland Plain (alluvial plain - sand-plain) and Gippsland Plain (riverine - riverbank and escarpment) Biogeographic Types. This grid in southern Yarra Bend Park is designated representative of type at the state level for rarity and regional level for integrity and diversity. Key assets are a relatively intact stand of one endangered sub-community (PGWOtv), a relatively intact stand of one vulnerable sub- community (REWsr), an extensive population of a species listed vulnerable in Victoria (Yellow Gum), an occurrence of the endangered (Vic) Studley Park Gum and three other VROT species and the most extensive populations in Yarra District of two regionally threatened species (Shiny Everlasting and Twiggy Daisy-bush). While only partially intact, stands of the endangered sub-community (GWsy) at Studley Annex and Par 3 Golf Course are notable in that few stands remain in better condition in the eastern suburbs. The stand at Studley Annex lacks an indigenous tree stratum. It is suggested as high priority that the plantation eucalypts be replaced by indigenous species (notably Rough-barked Manna-gum, Studley Park Gum and Eurabbie).
E. SCIENTIFIC AND EDUCATIONAL VALUERegional. 30a: artificially established stands of plains grassy woodland at "St Albans" in which the endangered Dianella aff. longifolia (Buckley Falls) has been planted and plains grassy wetland by VINC nursery in which the endangered Cullen parvum, Geranium carolinii and Podolepis sp. 1 and several other vulnerable species have been planted.Regional. 30abc: rehabilitation stands of box - ironbark forest at Wurundjeri Spur, box - ironbark forest and riverine escarpment scrub (sedimentary) at Hairpin Bend, riverine escarpment scrub (volcanic) at second fairway escarpment, plains grassy woodland at eastern Studley Park and floodplain riparian woodland at Galatea Point. Yarra Bend Park has high scientific and educational value for its long-term revegetation program, habitat rehabilitation programs (particularly woody weed control and ecological burning) and rare species population recovery programs. The park has an excellent public interpretation program and participatory friends groups.
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6 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTSThe assistance and co-operation of Peter Lynch and other Parks Victoria staff at Yarra Bend Park is gratefully acknowledged. Randall Robinson provided extensive information on the location and identification of significant species.
7 REFERENCESBeardsell, C.M. 1996 (unpub. draft). Vegetation community survey & sites of botanical significance. Yarra
Valley Parklands: Burke Road to the Plenty River. Environmental Report Series No. 5. Parks Victoria.
Beardsell, C.M. 1996a. Vegetation community survey & sites of botanical significance. Yarra Valley Parklands: East of the Plenty River. Environmental Report Series No. 6. Parks Victoria.
Beardsell, C.M. 1997. The NEROC Report. Sites of faunal and habitat significance in North East Melbourne. Nillumbik Shire Council.
Beardsell, C.M. 1997a (unpub. draft). Plenty Gorge vegetation community survey & sites of botanical significance. Parks Victoria.
Beardsell, C.M. 2000. Vegetation communities of the City of Banyule. Banyule City Council.
Beardsell, C.M. 2002. Warrandyte State Park and conservation reserves (including One Tree Hill Reserve, Boomers Reserve and Rifle Range Reserve). Vegetation community survey and sites of botanical significance. Parks Victoria.
Carr, G.W., Todd, J.A. and Race, G.J. 1991. The vegetation of Plenty Gorge Park: significance and management. Report prepared for Melbourne Water. Ecological Horticulture Pty Ltd, Victoria.
Cheal, D.C., Lau, J.A., Robinson, R.W., Ellis, J.E. and Cameron, D.G. (1989). Vegetation survey and sites of botanical significance in the Melbourne area. Flora and Fauna Survey and Management Group, Lands and Forests Division, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Victoria.
Frood, D. 1992. Vegetation of the native grasslands in the Merri Creek valley, outer Melbourne area.Ecological Survey Report No. 42. Department of Conservation and Environment, Victoria.
Geological Society of Victoria. 1991. Ringwood. Australia 1:63, 360. Geological Map: Part 7922, Zone 55.
NRE. 2000. Draft Port Phillip and Westernport Native Vegetation Plan. Port Phillip and WesternportCatchment and Land Protection (CALP) Board. Department of Natural Resources and Environment, East Melbourne, Victoria.
NRE. 2001. Victorian flora species list including vascular and non-vascular taxa. Parks Flora and Fauna Division, Heidelberg. Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Victoria.
Parks Victoria. 2000. Yarra Bend Park. Environmental Action Plan. Parks Victoria Conservation Division, Deepdene, Victoria.
Robinson, R.W. 1992. A study of vegetation communities and sites of botanical significance in the Greater Melbourne Area and Mornington Peninsula. Open Space 2000, Victoria.
SGAP. 1993. Flora of Melbourne. A guide to the indigenous plants of the Greater Melbourne area. Society for Growing Australian Plants Maroondah, Inc.
Walsh, N.G. and Entwisle, T.J. (eds). 1994-1999. Flora of Victoria. Vols 2, 3 & 4. Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne. National Herbarium of Victoria. Inkata Press, Melbourne.
38
APPENDIX 1Native vascular flora of Yarra Bend Park including brief annotation of VROT and regionally significant species
Total extant flora: 321 speciesTotal extant indigenous flora: 294 species; ferns = 12; monocots = 106; dicots = 176Total extant introduced native flora: 27 speciesTotal extinct indigenous flora: 56 species (excluding several now re-introduced in preceding total)AROT/VROT and provisional VROT flora: 10 speciesRegionally threatened flora (other than preceding): 29 species (excluding introduced species)Other regionally significant flora: 51 species (excluding introduced species)Other indigenous flora: 202 speciesX = presumed locally extinct; for example orchids not seen for over a decade+ = introduced populationNote: usage of species in this section refers also to recognised subspecies, varieties, hybrids and undescribed taxa
Families are listed numerically from 1 to 114 as a superscript prefix to the plant common name. This number cross-references to the plant community descriptions (section 4.3) and analysis of sites of botanical significance (section 5). These are placed alphabetically within three plant groups. Ferns and Fern Allies (1-22), Monocotyledons (23-42) and Dicotyledons (43 to 114).
The botanical significance of particular species (rarity) and stands (population density) is cross-referenced as follows. Habitat (H) enables reference to the plant community descriptions (section 4.3). Distribution (D) enables reference to the analysis of sites of botanical significance (section 5). The number and superscript letter under distribution (D) provides location. An upper-case superscipt indicates an extensive population. The letters under habitat (H) provide vegetation community and sub-community abbreviation. A bold entry indicates an extensive population in the particular sub-community.
Number (N): following the common name of a species is the number listed in the Victorian Flora Species Index (NRE 2001)
Conservation significance of species in Australia, Victoria and Greater MelbourneAROTs/VROTs. Species listed as rare or threatened in Australia or Victoria (NRE 2001). The latter provides detailed discussion of definitions. Note that several undescribed or described but yet to be named taxa (e.g. Geranium spp.) occurring in Yarra Bend Park have a number and conservation status listed in the Victorian Flora Species Index.
End = endangered in Australia or Victoria Vul = vulnerable in Australia or Victoria Dep = depleted in Australia or Victoria Rare = rare in Australia or VictoriaK = poorly known in Australia or Victoria (presumed endangered, vulnerable or rare but unknown which category)
Provisional VROTsDep = depleted in Victoria. This category was previously adopted by NRE but is no longer recognised as VROT. It is retained in this study and also includes previously poorly known or rare species which havebeen delisted from the 2001 Victorian Flora Species Index and species regarded threatened by otherauthors.PThr = category adopted in this study for undescribed taxa for which there is supportive evidence for listing as potentially rare or threatened in Australia or Victoria
GREATER MELBOURNE and PORT PHILLIP CATCHMENT (GM)Status (S): regional conservation status assessments of species in the Greater Melbourne and Port Phillip Catchment (GM)CE and R1-R2 species = regionally threatened floraThe above and R3-R4 species = regionally significant flora
CE = critically endangered flora in GM. Species otherwise regionally endangered in GM (see below) with total estimated population from current field evidence of fewer than 200 plants and with more than 75% of the populations at very high risk of extinction. These species are already in critically low numbers with no
39immediate sign of recovery and without pro-active conservation management, face regional extinction due to a complicity of threatening processes. Few populations are considered viable in the long-term or are contained in biological reserves.Elimination of integral populations through habitat loss has led to range disjunctions between remaining populations. These may also face extinction in the short-term by various threatening processes (habitat loss, grazing, weeds, recruitment failure etc.). Most are already listed rare or threatened in Victoria and are in observed decline in GM as they come under increasing threat. Estimates for poorly known species (grasses, sedges etc.) were often based on predictive occurrences of surviving habitat (i.e. probability of undetected populations vs threats).The list is almost entirely composed of species from the lowland plains and foothills. These notably include grassland herbs from the volcanic plains and orchids of dry foothill forests. Of interest is that over 70% of the species and populations occur in parks and reserved public land despite these accounting for less than 5% in area of the lowlands and foothills of NEM. Most populations of critically endangered species on private land have already been eliminated.There are 4 indigenous CE species extant (or assumed extant) in Yarra Bend Park.
R1 = regionally endangered flora in GM. Species largely occupying threatened habitats which have:A. occurrences in 5 or fewer one minute grids in NEM with high or 1-10 grids with very high proportion of populations under threatOr if known or can be reasonably predictedB. secure populations in 1-5 five minute grids in GMAssessments for GM are subjective as data are incomplete. Secure refers to populations with a reasonable prospect of survival in the long-term. i.e. most populations in biological reserves and larger populations in unreserved areas and normally excluding populations of fewer than ten individuals and remnants on farmland or in urban growth areas.The list includes some species whose total numbers in GM are currently 200-1000 individuals spread over up to ten small and highly threatened populations or which have key populations which are highly localised and at risk of elimination through a single catastrophic event (e.g. Pterostylis smaragdyna).There are 7 indigenous R1 species extant (or assumed extant) in Yarra Bend Park.
R2 = regionally vulnerable flora in GM. Species largely occupying threatened habitats which have:A. occurrences in 6-20 one minute grids in NEM with high or 11-20 grids with very high proportion of populations under threat (e.g. 34Gnat Orchid)Or if known or can be reasonably predictedB. secure populations in 6-20 five minute grids in GMA few rare species from disjunct habitats have been listed R2 (e.g. 48Hill Fireweed of river cliffs) that are known only from small and localised populations subjected to threatening processes such as weedinvasion and rabbit grazing).There are 27 indigenous R2 species extant (or assumed extant) in Yarra Bend Park.
R3 = regionally rare or restricted flora in GM. Species largely occupying non-threatened habitats which have:A. occurrences in 1-20 one minute grids in NEM with low or medium proportion of populations under threat Or if known or can be reasonably predictedB. secure populations in 1-20 five minute grids in GMThese species are not considered regionally threatened and most populations are not in decline but require monitoring by virtue of their apparent rarity or limited distribution. They are known from fewer than five extensive and viable populations within the biological reserve system of NEM. The category includessome species whose populations while small and localised, are currently not in danger of extinction orwhose habitats may be highly disjunct (but not directly threatened such as river cliffs) or poorly searched(e.g. mountain forests). It also includes some species primarily occurring in threatened habitats which have been removed from the regionally threatened list on the basis of local abundance or an ability to recolonise artificial habitats (mostly waterplants). These have usually been less severely affected by land settlement and show at least some ability to tolerate disturbance.There are 15 indigenous R3 species extant (or assumed extant) in Yarra Bend Park.
R4 = regionally depleted flora in GM. Species largely occupying threatened habitats which have:A. occurrences in 21-40 one minute grids in NEM with high or very high proportion of populations under threatOr if known or can be reasonably predictedB. secure populations in 21-40 five minute grids in GMThere are 39 indigenous R4 species extant (or assumed extant) in Yarra Bend Park.
L1 = locally restricted flora in NEM. Species largely occupying non-threatened habitats which have:
40A. occurrences in 21-40 one minute grids in NEM with low or medium proportion of populations under threatOr if known or can be reasonably predictedB. secure populations in 21-40 five minute grids in GMThey are known from at least five extensive and viable populations within the biological reserve system of NEM. Several species are relatively common over a naturally restricted distribution or habitat (e.g. riparian plants). The category includes some dunefield/saltmarsh species (e.g. 59Seaberry Saltbush) or rainforest species which occupy a narrow distribution but are locally common along the coast or in the mountains. There are 13 indigenous L1 species extant (or assumed extant) in Yarra Bend Park.
L2 = locally depleted flora in North East Melbourne (NEM). Species largely occupying threatened habitats which have:A. occurrences in 41-80 one minute grids in NEM with high proportion of populations under threat Or if known or can be reasonably predictedB. secure populations in 41-80 five minute grids in GMThese species are declining and some have few viable reserved populations (require monitoring). The category includes some lowland species suspected to occur in more than 80 five minute grids in GM which meet the following criteria:1). Known to occur in GM mostly as degraded or relic stands (e.g. 88Swamp Paperbark, 114Tree Violet); at least 50% of these populations are considered non-viable2). Foothill, coastal or plains (e.g. grassland/heathland) species, that since 1970 (onset of the urban growth era), have likely been depleted by more than 25% of their known population or range in GM.Criterion 2 includes several lowland species still locally common in some of their range, but declining over most due to continual habitat loss (e.g. 35Common Wallaby-grass, 102Common Woodruff).There are 46 indigenous L2 species extant (or assumed extant) in Yarra Bend Park.
L3 = other locally significant flora in NEM. Species largely occupying non-threatened habitats which have:A. occurrences in 41-80 one minute grids in NEM with medium or low proportion of populations under threatOr if known or can be reasonably predictedB. secure populations in 41-80 five minute grids in GMThe category is largely composed of riparian/wetland and mountain forest species. It also includes some species known from fewer than 40 grids but suspected on the basis of habitat or detectability of being morewidespread and common.There are 21 indigenous L3 species extant (or assumed extant) in Yarra Bend Park.
Other nativesL4 = locally significant flora in Yarra Bend Park. These are not necessarily significant elsewhere in GM or NEM.
Status of species in Yarra Bend Park (species can have more than one category) A = confirmed record post 2000; known extant population(s)B = confirmed record post 1986 and assumed extant but only as sporadic or transient populations in favourable yearsC = recorded between 1986 and 2000 and known to be deceased or currently not known to be present (excluded from sites analysis)D = historical record prior to 1986 and presumed extinctE = introduced population that has established (excluded from sites analysis) F = introduced population that failed to establishG = unsubstantiated record or mis-identificationH = former identity (pseudonym or aggregate) superceded by recent taxonomic revision. I = record occurring outside Yarra Bend Park (excluded from sites analysis).
After the regional conservation status assessments of species the number refers to one minute grids a species has been observed within the last decade in NEM. With some certainty for all species with very few exceptions (e.g. 34Rosella Spider-orchid), there are undetected populations and the database by definition is incomplete. However, listings preceded by a greater than symbol (>) indicate that data is substantially incomplete as there are unsurveyed areas in NEM in which the species likely occurs (e.g. mountain forest and volcanic plains farmland). This listing also includes some species that are only recently described and those that are difficult to detect or identify in the field. Listings in brackets are for species whose main range in GM is outside NEM. The regional conservation status of these and species with (>) listings were accordingly downgraded to represent GM.
41The degree of threat follows by the letters L, M, H or VH referring to Low = 0-25%, Medium = 25-50%, High= 50-75% or Very High = 75-100%. These represent an estimate of the proportion of populations under threat and/or below critical size of a given species in NEM. Species within a particular regional conservation status level (e.g. R4) which are assessed with very high threat (VH) are considered at greater risk than species assessed with high threat (H). For example, 34Dwarf Greenhood and 73Spur Velleia are considered at greater risk than 26Tassel Sedge and 62Purple Crassula, even though each is known from the same number of records in NEM. Threat is first assessed on population size and recruitment rate and vulnerability to elimination from land clearing or disturbance. Species are then graded according to their capability of colonising artificial habitats or coping with disturbance. For example, the former two species are promoted to very high and the latter two species are demoted to high. Many populations of species in the very high category are often so small and at such high risk, they will not likely survive beyond the short term (i.e. considered non-viable).
The list is constantly being updated and rankings of species are amended as new data comes to hand. For regionally threatened species (VROT, CE, R1, R2) it can be assumed that as new populations are located, others are being eliminated and the combined known/unknown population is in decline. Over the last 30 years, most of the regionally threatened species have climbed at least one significance level. On current trends of land clearing and habitat degradation most of the critically endangered species are in danger of regional extinction within 30 years unless placed under recovery management.
Plants at risk in Yarra Bend Park. The final entry under status indicates species that are locally rare or threatened (at risk) in Yarra Bend Park. These are species whose populations require recovery management. This may include measures of any combination of regular monitoring, protection from herbivore grazing (e.g. fencing), ecological burning, weed control, survey for additional populations, seed collection and nursery propagation and enrichment planting. It may also include site specific works such as soil restoration, litter removal, thinning of competing indigenous vegetation, erosion control and damage control (from animals, humans, vehicles and climatic events). Without such measures, these species have only low prospect of long-term survival. They are normally cited under notes in the following texts as disjunct, highly localised, localised or scattered and very rare, rare or uncommon.There are 129 species listed in four categories in order of descending risk:CY = critically endangered in Yarra Bend Park. Populations of these species require immediate recovery
management.EY = endangered in Yarra Bend Park. Populations of these species require monitoring and recovery
management in the short to medium term.VY = vulnerable in Yarra Bend Park. Populations of these species require monitoring and potentially
recovery management in the medium to long term.RY = rare in Yarra Bend Park. Populations of these species require monitoring and potentially recovery
management in the long term.
Distribution (D): Yarra Bend Park is listed as site 30 and supports sections of four one minute grids (superscript letter; 30a, 30b, 30c or 30d) following the NEROC Report (Beardsell 1997). The latter are the 1' latitude X 1' longitude Australian Mapping Grid (area of 270 ha) distribution of a species in sites of North East Melbourne.An upper-case entry of a superscript letter indicates an extensive and viable population in the context of North East Melbourne. When all listings are in lower case, no extensive populations occur or remain in Yarra Bend Park. These along with most populations of regionally threatened species (those listed with a significance of VROT, CE or R1-R2) may require recovery management for long-term survival. Occasionally, population density data is available for species. The alpha and beta populations are the biggest and second biggest known populations of the species in GM (or Victoria or Australia if specified). This applies to only a few species in Yarra Bend Park. X = species formerly recorded but now presumed locally extinct in grid. + = population planted into grid.Note that for temporal and spatial expedience, only the 1' grid 30a in Yarra Bend Park is presented with a full inventory of locally significant species.
Habitat (H): abbreviated sub-community occurrence of species following the alphabetic listings in sections4.2 and 4.3. A bold entry indicates at least one extensive and viable population of a species in the given sub-community in the context of North East Melbourne. A non-bold entry indicates all populations of a species in the given sub-community at Yarra Bend Park are naturally small or fragmented by land clearing. These are frequently non-viable and may require recovery management for long-term survival. When all listings are in non-bold, no sub-community supports an extensive population of the given species in Yarra Bend Park. X = species formerly recorded but now presumed locally extinct in the sub-community. + = population planted in sub-community.
Notes: include summary of distribution and abundance in Yarra Bend Park as follows:
42widespread = populations in ten or more locationsscattered = populations in five to nine locationslocalised = populations in one to four locations (to six if these are 1-2 plants)highly localised = only a single or occasionally two (usually small) populations and none to few other populations known elsewhere in North East Melbournedisjunct = isolated population at distance from nearest occurrencecommon = mostly large populationsuncommon = mostly moderate populations (40-150 plants)rare = small numbers of individuals (10-39 plants)very rare = very small numbers of individuals (9 or fewer plants)
FERNS and FERN ALLIES
1 ADIANTACEAESignificant species:Cheilanthes austrotenuifolia Green Rock-fernN: 730 S: L2 >50H B CY D: 30c H: GWsy Notes: localised and very rare (single plant) near south-east corner of Studley Annex
Cheilanthes distans Bristly Cloak-fernN: 731 S: R1 6VH D/F D: X30a H: XRESvc Notes: historical record where described as rare - edge of basalt flow, south-east corner of Fairfield Hospital (Willis 1945). Introduced with bluestone in early 1990s at Duggans falls on walk to Yarra lookout (now deceased).
Cheilanthes sieberi Narrow Rock-fernN: 733 S: L2 69H A RY D: 30ac H: BIFsy RESes/ss/vc Notes: localised and rare on 2nd fairway escarpment grassland. Very rare at Hairpin Bend fence and Studley Park burn site. Also on a rocky outcrop by track to the river on sheltered cliffs south of Studley Park Road (Randall Robinson pers. comm).
Pellaea falcata Sickle FernN: 4809 S: R4 24H A EY D: 30a H: RESvc Notes: localised and very rare on cliffs above Merri Creek downstream of Heidelberg Road
Other natives:Adiantum aethiopicum Common MaidenhairN: 129 S: L4 A RY D: 30a H: RESss Notes: localised and uncommon on sheltered cliffs at Wurundjeri Spur
2 ASPLENIACEAESignificant species:Asplenium flabellifolium Necklace FernN: 288 S: L3 >41M A RY D: 30ac H: RESss/vc Notes: localised and rare on basalt escarpment at wahlenbergia cliffs above Merri Creek and opposite Hairpin Bend and sheltered sedimentary cliffs on south side of Wurundjeri Spur and at Dickinson Reserve
Pleurosorus rutifolius Blanket FernN: 2576 S: R2 12VH D D: X30a H: XRESvc Notes: historical record where described as rare - basalt cliffs opposite Red Gum spit (Willis 1945). Possibly near Yarra lookout opposite Galatea Point.
4 AZOLLACEAESignificant species:Azolla filiculoides Pacific AzollaN: 347 S: L1 >15M B D: 30a H: FRWrr PGWEfm WFeh Notes: localised and uncommon at VINC wetland and Triple wetland. Transient plants observed along banks of the Yarra.
Azolla pinnata ssp. pinnata Ferny Azolla
43N: 348 S: R3 13M B D: 30a H: PGWEfm Notes: localised and rare at VINC wetland
5 BLECHNACEAESignificant species:Doodia australis Common Rasp-fernN: 1098 S: R4 36H A EY D: 30a+b H: PGWEfm+ PGWOtv Notes: localised and very rare above Bellbird wetland. Planted above Fairlea wetland, at VINC wetland and at Galatea Point. Formerly Doodia media.
6 CYATHEACEAEOther natives:Cyathea australis Rough Tree-fernN: 895 S: L4 C D: X30b H: XPGWOtv Notes: single plant (deceased) above Bellbird wetland and one planted (now deceased) at Fairlea wetland
7 DENNSTAEDTIACEAESignificant species:Hypolepis rugulosa Ruddy Ground-fernN: 1753 S: L3 >26M A VY D: 30ac H: FRWrr Notes: localised and rare on river terrace at Fairlea wetland and riverbank near Walmer Street bridge
Other natives:Pteridium esculentum Austral BrackenN: 2777 S: A RY H: GWsy REWsr Notes: localised and uncommon south-east of Talbot trig point and rare on downstream Wurundjeri Spur
9 DRYOPTERIDACEAEOther natives:Polystichum proliferum Mother Shield-fernN: S: L4 A EY D: 30a H: FRWrr RESvc Notes: localised and very rare on basalt escarpment opposite Hairpin Bend and riverbank at Galatea Point
16 MARSILEACEAESignificant species:Marsilea drummondii Common NardooN: 2127 S: R2 6H E D: 30a+ H: PGWEfm+ Notes: planted and established at VINC wetland
Marsilea hirsuta Short-fruit NardooN: 2128 S: R1 3VH E D: 30b+ H: WFeh+ Notes: planted and established at Bellbird wetland
17 OPHIOGLOSSACEAESignificant species:Botrychium australe Austral MoonwortN: 445 S: XGM D D: X30 H: X?PGWOtv/vs Notes: historical record for Yarra Bend Park environs in 1858 (Willis 1945)
21 PTERIDACEAESignificant species:Pteris tremula Tender BrakeN: 2779 S: R4 23H A EY D: 30bc H: FRWrr XPGWOtv RESss Notes: localised and very rare above Bellbird wetland (transient plants which died in the recent drought) and under Walmer Street bridge. Single (large) plant on degraded cliffs south of Chandler Highway at Fairfield (Randall Robinson pers. comm.).
MONOCOTYLEDONS
4423 ALISMATACEAESignificant species:Alisma plantago-aquatica Water PlantainN: 173 S: L3 >70M A D: 30a H: FRWrr PGWEfm+ RSvc WFeh Notes: scattered and uncommon along Merri Creek and at Triple wetland. Rare along the Yarra. Planted at VINC wetland.
24 ANTHERICACEAESignificant species:Arthropodium milleflorum Pale Vanilla-lilyN: 269 S: L2 45H G Notes: unconfirmed record of unknown source on plant list of Parks Victoria (2000)
Arthropodium minus Small Vanilla-lilyN: 270 S: R2 12VH C/D D: X30d H: XPGWOtv Notes: one plant at River Retreat in 1980s, now extinct. Also historical record (Willis 1945).
Chamaescilla corymbosa var. corymbosa Blue SquillN: 726 S: L2 52H D D: X30 H: X?BIFsy Notes: historical record (F.M. Reader 1885)
Other natives:Arthropodium strictum Chocolate LilyN: 5126 S: A H: BIFsy GWsy PGWOtv RESss/vc REWsr Notes: scattered and rareBurchardia umbellata MilkmaidsN: 512 S: L4 A EY D: 30ac H: BIFsy GWsy REWsr Notes: localised and very rare in Hairpin Bend fence, at Studley Annex and Dickinson Reserve
24e ASPHODELACEAESignificant species:Bulbine bulbosa Bulbine LilyN: 510 S: L2 58H F/G D: 30c+ Notes: unconfirmed record of unknown source on plant list of Parks Victoria (2000). Planted at Galatea Point (not survived) and in garden beds at Walmer Street bridge.
25 CENTROLEPIDACEAESignificant species:Centrolepis strigosa ssp. strigosa Hairy CentrolepisN: 716 S: L2 43H D D: X30 Notes: historical record (Willis 1945)
25a COLCHICACEAEOther natives:Wurmbea dioica ssp. dioica Common Early NancyN: 4082 S: L4 A EY D: 30ac H: BIFsy REWsr Notes: localised and very rare in Hairpin Bend fence and on sheltered escarpment at Dickinson Reserve
26 CYPERACEAESignificant species:Bolboschoenus caldwellii Salt Club-sedgeN: 416 S: R2 7H C/D D: X30a H: XRSvc Notes: historical record as Scirpus maritimus (Willis 1945). Suggested enrichment species for Merri Creek. A small population observed at the tessellated pavement in the late 1980s may still survive (Randall Robinson pers. comm.). This needs to be verified.
Bolboschoenus fluviatilis Tall Club-sedgeN: 4669 VROT: K S: R3 18M A RY D: 30bc H: FRWrr Notes: localised and rare along the Yarra upstream of Eastern Freeway and opposite eastern end of Studley Park
Bolboschoenus medianus Marsh Club-sedge
45N: 417 S: L2 42H A D: 30a H: PGWEfm+ RSvc Notes: localised and uncommon along Merri Creek. Planted at VINC wetland.
Carex fascicularis Tassel SedgeN: 638 S: R4 25H A EY D: 30a H: FRWrr Notes: localised and very rare on riverbank at western Galatea Point and opposite at Deep Rock (each single plants). Suggested enrichment species for Fairlea wetland and 3rd tea wetland.
Carex gaudichaudiana Fen SedgeN: 639 S: L1 38M E D: 30a+ H: FWbs+ Notes: planted and established at Fairlea wetland. Suggested enrichment species for 3rd tea wetland.
Carex iynx Tussock SedgeN: 643 VROT: K S: L2 78H E D: 30a+ H: PGWEfm+ Notes: planted and established at VINC wetland
Carex tereticaulis Hollow SedgeN: 651 S: R4 28H E D: 30a+ H: PGWEfm+ Notes: planted and established at VINC wetland. Suggested enrichment species for Merri Creek.
Cyperus lucidus Leafy Flat-sedgeN: 926 S: R4 21H D D: X30 H: XFRWrr Notes: historical record (Willis 1945). Suggested enrichment species for Fairlea wetland and 3rd tea wetland.
Eleocharis sphacelata Tall Spike-sedgeN: 1146 S: L1 23L E D: 30a+ H: FWbs+ PGWEfm+ Notes: planted and established at Fairlea wetland and VINC wetland
Isolepis nodosa Knobby Club-sedgeN: 1782 S: L2 (11H) A RY D: 30ab H: FRWrr PGWOtv Notes: localised and rare at Galatea Point. Also on embankment above Yarra Boulevard at Wurundjeri Spur where possibly introduced by earthworks. Planted in garden beds along Fairlea Road. Suggested enrichment species for Merri Creek.
Lepidosperma concavum Sand-hill Sword-sedgeN: 1917 S: G Notes: historical record (Willis 1945). Possibly L. curtisiae.
Lepidosperma curtisiae Little Sword-sedgeN: 1925 S: R1 2VH A CY D: 30a H: BIFsy Notes: highly localised and very rare (single plant) at Hairpin Bend fence
Lepidosperma gunnii Slender Sword-sedgeN: 4699 Provisional VROT: Dep S: R2 7H G Notes: plant list of Parks Victoria (2000). Possibly L. curtisiae.
Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani River Club-sedgeN: 3038 S: L2 53H A D: 30ac H: FRWrr RSvc Notes: localised and uncommon along Merri Creek and very rare on riverbank at base of sheltered cliffs on southern Wurundjeri Spur (Randall Robinson pers. comm.), west side downstream of Eastern Freeway and on Collingwood side below Dights Falls. Probably originally more common along rocky sections of the Yarra prior to flooding due to the construction of Dights Falls. Formerly Schoenoplectus validus.
Other natives:Carex appressa Tall SedgeN: 623 S: A H: FRWrr FWbs RSvc WFeh Notes: scattered and uncommon along streams and at wetlandsCarex breviculmis Short-stem Sedge
46N: 627 S: A H: BIFsy GWsy PGWOtv/vs RESss/vc REWsr Notes: scattered and uncommon (e.g. Talbot trig point grassland, Studley Annex and Dickinson Reserve)Carex inversa (forma inversa) Common SedgeN: 642 S: L4 A D: 30ac H: FRWrr PGWOtv/vs REWsr Notes: localised and uncommon (e.g. Fairlea escarpment soaks where it grows with the alien C. divulsa, on the riverbank at Galatea Point and on the sheltered escarpment at Dickinson Reserve). The dwarf matted form which also grows in suburban lawns is present on the fairways at Yarra Bend Golf Course.Eleocharis acuta Common Spike-sedgeN: 1139 S: L4 A D: 30a H: FWbs PGWEfm RSvc WFeh Notes: localised and uncommon along Merri Creek and at VINC wetland, Fairlea wetland and Triple wetlandIsolepis inundata Swamp Club-sedgeN: 1779 S: A H: FRWrr FWbs PGWEfm RSvc WFeh Notes: widespread and uncommon along Yarra River, Merri Creek and at artificial wetlandsIsolepis marginata Little Club-sedgeN: 1780 S: A S: BIFsy Gwsy PGWOtv Notes: localised and rare (transient) in soaks on Fairlea terrace and seasonally damp disturbed areas (Randall Robinson pers. comm)Lepidosperma laterale Variable Sword-sedgeN: 1923 S: A H: BIFsy GWsy PGWOtv RESes/ss/vc REWsr Notes: widespread and rareSchoenus apogon Common Bog-sedgeN: 3039 S: A H: PGWOtv Notes: localised and rare in soaks on Fairlea terrace. Probably elsewhere.
29 HYPOXIDACEAESignificant species:Hypoxis glabella var. glabella Tiny StarN: 1755 S: R2 13H B VY D: 30a H: BIFsy PGWOvs Notes: localised and rare in unmown swales south of Yarra Bend Road and very rare by main trail on Wurundjeri Spur (Randall Robinson pers. comm.)
30 JUNCACEAESignificant species:Juncus australis Austral RushN: 1808 S: R4 >21H A VY D: 30a H: PGWOvs Notes: localised and rare (25 plants) in low-lying areas on southern side of St Albans site
Juncus caespiticius Grassy RushN: 1812 S: R2 C D: X30a H: XPGWOtv Notes: transient in late 1980s (now extinct) in soak of Eastern Freeway embankment south of Cox Oval. No other records in North East Melbourne.
Juncus flavidus Yellow RushN: 1818 S: L2 (18H) G D: 30a H: FRWrr Notes: unconfirmed record on river terrace at Deep Rock (not located this survey but likely present in YBP)
Juncus planifolius Broad-leaf RushN: 1833 S: L3 >29M C D: X30a H: XPGWOtv Notes: transient in late 1980s (now extinct) in drainage by Eastern Freeway south of Cox Oval
Juncus usitatus Billabong RushN: 1845 S: R2 9H A D: 30ab H: FRWrr PGWEfm RSvc WFeh Notes: localised and uncommon at VINC wetland and on the riverbank (e.g. below Dights Falls). Rare along Merri Creek, in old dry dam above Talbot trig point and at soaks on the Yarra terrace (e.g. Fairlea).
Juncus vaginatus Clustered RushN: 1846 S: R2 7H G D: 30a H: FRWrr Notes: A recent confirmed record, with a small population on the river flats at Deep Rock.
Other natives:Juncus amabilis Hollow Rush
47N: 1803 S: A H: FRWrr FWbs PGWEfm RSvc WFeh Notes: widespread and uncommon along streams and at wetlandsJuncus bufonius Toad RushN: 1810 S: A D: 30ab H: PGWOtv WFeh Notes: scattered and uncommon at wetlands and in soaks on Fairlea terrace, top of Bellbird gully and on Yarra Bend Golf CourseJuncus gregiflorus Green RushN: 1820 S: A H: FRWrr FWbs PGWEfm RSvc WFeh Notes: widespread and uncommon along streams and at wetlandsJuncus holoschoenus Joint-leaf RushN: 1821 S: A H: FRWrr FWbs PGWOvs RESvc WFeh Notes: scattered and rareJuncus pallidus Pale RushN: 1830 S: A H: FRWrr PGWEfm PGWOtv WFeh Notes: scattered and rareJuncus pauciflorus Loose-flower RushN: 1831 S: A H: FRWrr Notes: localised and rare along banks of Yarra River (e.g. Deep Rock)Juncus subsecundus Finger RushN: 1843 S: L4 A D: 30abc H: BIFsy GWsy PGWOtv/vs WFeh Notes: scattered and rare in soaks and surface excavations in grassland at Westfield and above wahlenbergia cliffs of Merri Creek and on track edges in drier sites (e.g. Wurundjeri Spur)Luzula meridionalis Common WoodrushN: 3841 S: A H: BIFsy GWsy RESss REWsr Notes: scattered and rare on sheltered escarpments (particularly Dickinson Reserve) and occasionally in sheltered sites in other habitats. Incorporating var. densiflora and var. flaccida which are both present in park but the former being very rare (e.g. rocky outcrop on track to river south of Studley Park Road).
31 JUNCAGINACEAESignificant species:Triglochin procerum s.l. FORM C Upright Water-ribbonsN: 3448 S: R3 13M E D: 30a+ H: PGWEfm+ WFeh+ Notes: transplanted to VINC wetland and Triple wetland from Hays Paddock Kew. Suggested enrichment species for 3rd tea wetland.
32 LEMNACEAESignificant species:Spirodela punctata Spotted DuckweedN: 3980 S: R3 7M B D: 30a H: PGWEfm Notes: localised and rare transient at VINC wetland
Other natives:Lemna disperma Common DuckweedN: 1893 S: L4 B D: 30a H: FWbs Notes: localised and rare at Fairlea wetland
34 ORCHIDACEAESignificant species:Cyanicula caerulea Blue CaladeniaN: 524 S: L2 57H D D: X30 H: X?BIFsy Notes: historical record (F.M. Reader 1885). FormerlyCaladenia caerulea.
Cyrtostylis reniformis Gnat OrchidN: 112 S: R2 17VH C D: X30b H: XREWsr Notes: 12 plants near Platylobium obtusangulum on the sheltered escarpment in downstream section of Wurundjeri Spur in 1992 (Randall Robinson pers. comm.) where also observed by Jeff Yugovic in 1986. Now apparently extinct.
Dipodium roseum Rosy Hyacinth-orchidN: 4889 S: L2 63H B EY D: 30c H: RESes Notes: localised and very rare (single plant) circa 1998 on cliffs of Lower Yarra below Yarra Boulevard; tentatively identified as D. punctatum but more likely to be D. roseum
48Diuris pardina Leopard OrchidN: 1472 S: L2 72H D D: X30 H: X?BIFsy Notes: historical record by S. Hannaford in 1856 (Willis 1945)
Diuris sulphurea Tiger OrchidN: 1085 S: L2 65H D D: X30 H: X?BIFsy Notes: historical record (F.M. Reader 1885)
Glossodia major Wax-lip OrchidN: 1446 S: L3 88M D D: X30 H: X?BIFsy Notes: historical record (F.M. Reader 1885)
Petalochilus carneus Pink FingersN: 3680 S: L3 68M B EY D: 30a H: BIFsy Notes: localised and very rare in west section of Wurundjeri Spur (last seen mid-1990s). Historical record as Caladenia alata (F.M. Reader 1885). Formerly Caladenia carnea.
Pterostylis concinna Trim GreenhoodN: 2789 S: R4 32H A VY D: 30a H: BIFsy Notes: localised and uncommon (100 plants) on south-west side of Wurundjeri Spur
Pterostylis cucullata Leafy GreenhoodN: 1446 VROT: Vul S: CE 1VH D D: X30 H: X?GWsy Notes: historical record (F.M. Reader 1885)
Pterostylis curta Blunt GreenhoodN: 2791 S: L2 53H D D: X30 H: X?BIFsy/GWsy Notes: historical record (F.M. Reader 1885)
Thelymitra brevifolia Pepper-top Sun-orchidN: XXXX S: L2 >41H A D: 30abc H: BIFsy GWsy RESss Notes: scattered and rare at several locations(e.g. top of sheltered cliffs at Wurundjeri Spur, grassland south of Talbot trig point, Studley Loop). Undescribed species in manuscript formerly within T. pauciflora complex (Jeff Jeanes pers. comm.).
Thelymitra paniculata Horse-tail Sun-orchidN: XXXX S: R4 >21H A VY D: 30bc H: BIFsy GWsy Notes: localised and very rare with a group of eight plants above dam east of Talbot trig point and a single plant at Studley Annex (possibly overlooked elsewhere). Undescribed species with broad leaves and blue-violet flowers in manuscript formerly within the T. holmesii complex (Jeff Jeanes pers. comm.).
Thelymitra rubra Salmon Sun-orchidN: 3384 S: L2 49H A VY D: 30b H: GWsy Notes: localised and rare in grassland at Talbot trig point
Other natives:Microtis parviflora Slender Onion-orchidN: 2187 S: L4 A D: 30c H: BIFsy RESss Notes: localised and rare in dry gully at Studley Annex and on sheltered cliffs at Dickinson ReserveMicrotis unifolia Common Onion-orchidN: 2189 S: A H: BIFsy GWsy PGWOtv RESss REWsr Notes: scattered and rarePterostylis melagramma Tall GreenhoodN: 4131 S: L4 A CY D: 30b H: GWsy Notes: localised and very rare south of Talbot trig pointPterostylis pedunculata Maroon-hoodN: 2810 S: L4 A CY D: 30a H: BIFsy Notes: localised and very rare (2-3 plants) on western section of Wurundjeri SpurThelymitra pauciflora sens. strict. Slender Sun-orchidN: 5013 S: A H: BIFsy GWsy PGWOtv RESvc Notes: scattered and rare
34a PHORMIACEAESignificant species:Caesia calliantha Blue Grass-lily
49N: 519 S: R2 20VH D D: X30 H: X?PGWOtv/vs Notes: historical record (Willis 1945)
Dianella laevis Pale Flax-lilyN: 4420 S: L2 >41H A D: 30ac H: BIFsy GWsy PGWOtv RESss REWsr Notes: scattered and rare. Formerly Dianella longifolia var. longifolia. Planted widely in gardens.
Dianella aff. longifolia (Benambra) Arching Flax-lilyN: 5560 VROT: K S: R2 18VH A D: 30abC H: BIFsy GWsy PGWOtv RESss/vc Notes: scattered and uncommon at Studley Annex (largest population known in Yarra District of over 40 plants) and very rare at 2nd fairway escarpment, 6th fairway escarpment, Wurundjeri Spur, eastern Studley Park and Dickinson Reserve. Formerly included under Dianella longifolia var. grandis.
Dianella aff. longifolia (Buckley Falls) Basalt Flax-lilyN: 5730 VROT: End S: CE 1VH E D: 30a+ H: PGWOvs+ RESvc+ Notes: five planted and established at St Albans grassland and one planted near Yarra lookout. Formerly included under Dianella longifolia var. grandis.
Other natives:Dianella admixta Black-anther Flax-lilyN: 4413 S: A H: BIFsy GWsy PGWOtv/vs RESes/ss/vc REWsr Notes: widespread and common. Formerly D. revoluta.Tricoryne elatior Yellow Rush-lilyN: 3421 S: A H: BIFsy GWsy PGWOtv/vs RESes/ss/vc REWsr Notes: widespread and common
35 POACEAESignificant species:Agrostis aemula var. aemula Leafy Blown-grassN: 4205 S: L2 59H A RY D: 30ac H: GWsy PGWOtv Notes: localised and rare on upper river terrace at Galatea Point and Studley Park and Tertiary sands at Studley Annex. Probably overlooked elsewhere.
Agrostis avenacea var. perennis Wetland Blown-grassN: 4220 VROT: K S: R2 14H C D: X30a H: XPGWOtv Notes: transient occurrence last seen in wet years of mid-1990s in soak after earthworks below Yarra Bend Golf Course carpark
Agrostis punicea var. punicea Purple (Gilgai) Blown-grassN: 4206 VROT: Rare S: R2 8H B VY D: 30a H: PGWOvs Notes: localised and rare in unmown grassy swales south of Yarra Bend Road (Randall Robinson pers. comm.). Formerly Agrostis aemula var. setifolia.
Amphibromus macrorhinus Long-nosed Swamp Wallaby-grassN: 4227 S: R1 2H B D: 30a EY H: PGWOvs Notes: highly localised and very rare in grassy soak in mown area by Fairlea flycasting pools
Amphibromus nervosus Veined Swamp Wallaby-grassN: 3638 S: R4 31H B EY D: 30a H: PGWOvs Notes: localised and rare in grassy soak by Fairlea flycasting pools and swales in unmown grassland by Yarra Bend Road in wet years. Suggested enrichment species for VINC wetland.
Austrodanthonia caespitosa Common Wallaby-grassN: 961 S: L2 >41H A D: 30abc H: BIFsy Gwsy PGWEfm PGWOtv/vs RESvc Notes: scattered and uncommon
Austrodanthonia fulva Copper-awned Wallaby-grassN: 4409 S: L2 >41H A D: 30ab H: BIFsy PGWOtv RESes/vc Notes: scattered and uncommon
Austrodanthonia laevis Smooth Wallaby-grass
50N: 967 S: L2 >59H B EY D: 30c H: GWsy Notes: localised and rare in soak at Studley Annex
Austrostipa aristiglumis Plump Spear-grassN: 3265 S: R2 2H E D: 30a+ H: PGWOvs+ RESvc+ Notes: established after Themeda seeding trials at 2nd fairway grassland, St Albans site and bluestone steps site above Merri Creek (provenance possibly Central Creek grassland near Merri Creek)
Austrostipa bigeniculata Kneed Spear-grassN: 3266 S: L2 >21H A D: 30abc H: BIFsy GWsy PGWOtv RESvc REWsr Notes: scattered and uncommon at Studley Park and rare elsewhere (e.g. Merri Creek cliffs, Galatea Point, Wurundjeri Spur, Bellbird and west of Arthur Rylah Oval)
Austrostipa blackii Crested Spear-grassN: 3267 S: R1 4VH B CY D: 30c H: PGWOtv Notes: localised and rare (10 plants) over a small area above grassland at eastern Studley Park (Randall Robinson pers. comm.)
Austrostipa densiflora Dense Spear-grassN: 3271 S: R3 19M A RY D: 30abc H: BIFsy RESes Notes: scattered and rare at Wurundjeri Spur and on exposed cliffs at Hairpin Bend and Studley Point. Very rare above Studley Park slip road.
Austrostipa elegantissima Feather Spear-grassN: 3273 S: R1 5VH A RY D: 30aB H: BIFsy PGWOtv RESes Notes: scattered and locally common (over 100 plants) on and above exposed cliffs at Talbot. Rare (10-20 plants) on cliffs at Studley Point and Hairpin Bend and on upper terrace above Fairlea wetland.
Austrostipa flavescens Coast Spear-grassN: 3276 S: G D: 30c Notes: Par 3 Golf Course. Not normally occurring away from coastal dunes. No records in North East Melbourne. Likely mis-identified Austrostipa rudis ssp. nervosa.
Austrostipa mollis Supple Spear-grassN: 3279 S: L2 >41H A D: 30abC H: BIFsy GWsy PGWOtv RESes/vc Notes: widespread and common at Studley Park and on Tertiary sands at Studley Annex and south of Studley Park Road. Uncommon elsewhere.
Austrostipa muelleri Wiry Spear-grassN: 3280 S: R3 3M A EY D: 30c H: BIFsy Notes: localised and very rare (single patch) above Studley Park Road at Studley Loop
Austrostipa nodosa Knotty Spear-grassN: 3285 S: R1 3VH B EY D: 30a H: RESvc Notes: highly localised and rare on Merri escarpment downstream of St Albans grassland
Austrostipa pubinodis Tall Spear-grassN: 3288 S: R4 (13H) A VY D: 30c H: BIFsy PGWOtv Notes: localised and very rare at Studley Park boathouse carpark and eastern Studley Park
Austrostipa rudis ssp. nervosa Veined Spear-grassN: 4941 S: R2 >10H A D: 30c H: GWsy Notes: localised and uncommon on Tertiary sands by Walmer Street at Norris Reserve, Par 3 Golf Course and Studley Annex
Austrostipa scabra ssp. falcata Slender Spear-grassN: 3275 S: R4 >25H A D: 30Abc H: PGWOtv/vs RESes/vc Notes: widespread and common on exposed volcanic cliffs of Merri Creek and uncommon elsewhere
Austrostipa scabra ssp. scabra Rough Spear-grass
51N: 4943 S: R2 17H A D: 30a H: BIFsy RESvc Notes: localised and uncommon at Wurundjeri Spur and Studley Point and with ssp. falcata on volcanic cliffs of 2nd fairway and Merri Creek
Austrostipa semibarbata Fibrous Spear-grassN: 3291 S: R4 >21H A D: 30abc H: BIFsy GWsy RESes Notes: scattered and uncommon at Wurundjeri Spur, Talbot trig point, Studley Loop, Studley Park and on the Tertiary sands at Studley Annex and Par 3 Golf Course (and probably odd patches elsewhere)
Bothriochloa macra Red-led GrassN: 444 S: R4 (10H) A VY D: 30a H: RESvc Notes: localised and rare on cliffs of Merri Creek below lookout
Chloris truncata Windmill GrassN: 756 S: L2 (8H) A VY D: 30a H: PGWOvs RESvc Notes: localised and rare at St Albans grassland and on cliffs of Merri Creek
Dichanthium sericeum Silky Blue-grassN: 4195 S: R2 F D: X30a+ H: XRESvc+ Notes: planted on Merri escarpment and now deceased. Extinct in North East Melbourne.
Dichelachne crinita Long-hair Plume-grassN: 1033 S: L2 >41H A D: 30abc H: BIFsy FRWrr GWsy PGWOtv/vs RESes/vc Notes: scattered and rare
Distichlis distichophylla Australian Salt-grassN: 1076 S: L1 (8M) A RY D: 30bc H: BIFsy GWsy Notes: localised and rare in soaks at Studley Annex and on embankment above Yarra Boulevard at Talbot. The species grows on the boundary of the sand- plain and sandstone formations.
Enneapogon nigricans Nigger-headsN: 1159 S: R1 3VH B/I D: 30d Notes: dozen plants confirmed in early 1990s (probably still surviving) on high cutting above Yarra Boulevard south of Stawell Street (Randall Robinson pers. comm.). Excluded from analysis as occurring outside Yarra Bend Park.
Eragrostis parviflora Weeping Love-grassN: 1193 S: R3 3M A EY D: 30a H: PGWOtv Notes: highly localised and rare at Galatea Point
Glyceria australis Australian Sweet-grassN: 1451 S: L3 >80M A D: 30abc H: FRWrr FWbs PGWEfm WFeh Notes: scattered and uncommon along Yarra and at artificial wetlands
Hemarthria uncinata var. uncinata Mat GrassN: 1654 S: L2 51H A D: 30abc H: PGWOtv/vs Notes: scattered and rare in unmown swales south of Yarra Bend Road, lower escarpment at Fairlea and in terrace gully at eastern Studley Park. Also embankments of Yarra Boulevard at Talbot and Bellbird.
Imperata cylindrica Blady GrassN: 1760 S: R4 24H A RY D: 30a H: PGWOtv Notes: localised and uncommon (patch of 10 X 10 metres) at south-west Galatea Point and a smaller patch in eastern section
Notodanthonia semiannularis Wetland Wallaby-grassN: 979 S: L2 (33H) A EY D: 30a H: WFeh Notes: localised and very rare at Triple wetland
Panicum effusum Hairy Panic
52N: 2404 S: R2 8H A RY D: 30ac H: PGWOtv/vs RESes Notes: localised and uncommon in grassland at Westfield (e.g. St Albans). Very rare at eastern Studley Park and below cairn near track at Studley Point (Randall Robinson pers. comm.).
Pentapogon quadrifidus Five-awned Spear-grassN: 2456 S: L2 >54H B VY D: 30c H: BIFsy Notes: localised and very rare near fence above cliffs at Dickinson Reserve; possibly overlooked elsewhere
Poa labillardierei var. (Volcanic Plains) Basalt Tussock-grass (blue/prickly)N: 4868 VROT: K S: R2 7H A CY D: 30a H: PGWOvs Notes: localised and very rare (two plants) in unmown grassland swale south of Yarra Bend Road at Westfield
Poa rodwayi Velvet Tussock-grassN: 2609 S: R4 30H A D: 30a H: BIFsy RESes/vc Notes: scattered and uncommon on exposed cliffs and spurs (e.g. Wurundjeri Spur, upper Galatea Point, Merri Creek and probably elsewhere)
Other natives:Agrostis avenacea Common Blown-grassN: 4219 S: A H: FRWrr FWbs GWsy PGWEfm PGWOtv/vs RSvc WFeh Notes: widespread and uncommon along streams and at wetlands and rare in disturbed ground elsewhereAustrodanthonia duttoniana Brown-back Wallaby-grassN: 963 S: L4 A D: 30a H: PGWEfm PGWOvs RESvc Notes: localised and uncommon in grassland swales at Westfield and rare at VINC wetlandAustrodanthonia eriantha Hill Wallaby-grassN: 964 S: A H: BIFsy RESes Notes: localised and uncommonAustrodanthonia geniculata Kneed Wallaby-grassN: 965 S: A H: BIFsy GWsy PGWOtv RESss REWsr Notes: widespread and uncommonAustrodanthonia penicillata Slender Wallaby-grassN: 974 S: A H: GWsy PGWOtv RESss REWsr Notes: scattered and rareAustrodanthonia pilosa Velvet Wallaby-grassN: 4404 S: A H: BIFsy GWsy PGWOtv RESes/vc Notes: widespread and uncommonAustrodanthonia racemosa Stiped Wallaby-grassN: 977 S: A H: BIFsy GWsy PGWOtv/vs RESes/ss/vc REWsr Notes: widespread and commonAustrodanthonia setacea Bristly Wallaby-grassN: 4379 S: A H: BIFsy GWsy PGWOtv/vs RESes/vc Notes: widespread and commonAustrodanthonia tenuior Purplish Wallaby-grassN: 981 S: A H: BIFsy GWsy PGWOtv/vs RESes/vc Notes: widespread and uncommonAustrostipa rudis ssp. rudis Veined Spear-grassN: 4942 S: A H: BIFsy GWsy PGWOtv Notes: scattered and uncommonDeyeuxia quadriseta Reed Bent-grassN: 1023 S: L4 A RY D: 30bc H: PGWOtv REWsr Notes: localised and rare on grassland escarpments south of Bellbird and at Dickinson Reserve and in a terrace valley above Studley Park boathouse carparkDichelachne rara Common Plume-grassN: 3792 S: L4 A RY D: 30a H: RESss Notes: localised and rare on sheltered cliffs at Wurundjeri SpurEchinopogon ovatus Common Hedgehog-grassN: 1122 S: L4 A RY D: 30a H: PGWOtv RESss Notes: localised and rare on river terrace at western Wurundjeri Spur and north-eastern Galatea Point and sedimentary cliffs opposite Galatea PointElymus scaber Common Wheat-grassN: 146 S: A H: BIFsy GWsy PGWOtv/vs RESes/ss/vc REWsr Notes: widespread and commonEragrostis brownii Common Love-grassN: 1185 S: L4 A D: 30ac H: GWsy PGWOtv/vs WFeh Notes: scattered and uncommonMicrolaena stipoides Weeping GrassN: 2179 S: A H: all Notes: widespread and commonPhragmites australis Common Reed
53N: 2497 S: A H: FRWrr RSvc Notes: scattered and uncommon along Yarra and Merri. Suggested enrichment species for Triple wetland and 3rd tea wetland.Poa ensiformis Sword Tussock-grassN: 2590 S: A H: FRWrr FWbs Notes: widespread and common along Yarra banks and lower terracesPoa labillardierei Common Tussock-grassN: 2600 S: A H: FRWrr PGWEfm PGWOtv/vs RESss/vc REWsr RSvc Notes: widespread and uncommonPoa morrisii Soft Tussock-grassN: 2602 S: A H: PGWOvs RESss REWsr Notes: scattered and uncommonPoa sieberiana var. sieberiana Grey Tussock-grassN: 4835 S: A H: BIFsy GWsy PGWOtv/vs RESes/ss/vc REWsr Notes: widespread and commonThemeda triandra Kangaroo GrassN: 3387 S: A H: BIFsy GWsy PGWOtv/vs RESes/ss/vc REWsr Notes: widespread and common
36 POTAMOGETONACEAESignificant species:Potamogeton ochreatus Blunt PondweedN: 2690 S: L1 37M A D: 30a H: RSvc Notes: localised and uncommon in Merri Creek
Potamogeton pectinatus Fennel PondweedN: 2691 S: R3 7M B RY D: 30a H: RSvc Notes: localised and rare in Merri Creek
Potamogeton tricarinatus s.l. Floating PondweedN: 2693 S: R3 10M D D: X30 Notes: historical record of an unidentified member of the P. tricarinatusspecies complex (F.M. Reader 1885)
40 TYPHACEAESignificant species:Typha orientalis CumbungiN: 3470 S: L1 25M A D: 30a H: PGWEfm Notes: localised and uncommon at VINC wetland. Suggested enrichment species for Triple wetland.
Other natives:Typha domingensis CumbungiN: 3468 S: L4 A D: 30a H: PGWEfm RSvc Notes: localised and uncommon at VINC wetland and Merri Creek. Suggested enrichment species for Triple wetland.
41 XANTHORRHOEACEAESignificant species:Lomandra multiflora ssp. multiflora Many-flowered Mat-rushN: 2048 S: R2 10H D D: X30 Notes: historical record (Willis 1945)
Other natives:Lomandra filiformis Wattle Mat-rushN: 2042 S: A H: BIFsy GWsy PGWOtv/vs RESes/ss/vc REWsr Notes: widespread and common. Incorporating ssp. coriacea and ssp. filiformis which are both present in park.Lomandra longifolia ssp. longifolia Spiny-headed Mat-rushN: 4714 S: A H: BIFsy FRWrr GWsy PGWOtv RESes/ss/vc REWsr Notes: widespread and uncommon
DICOTYLEDONS
43 AIZOACEAESignificant species:
54Carpobrotus modestus Inland PigfaceN: 656 S: R3 11M A D: 30abc H: BIFsy RESes Notes: scattered and rare on sedimentary cliffs and spurs on the verge of Yarra Boulevard
Disphyma crassifolium ssp. clavellatum Rounded Noon-flowerN: 1073 S: L1 (2M) A D: 30aB H: BIFsy RESes Notes: localised and common on spurs and Yarra Boulevard embankments at Willsmere and Hairpin Bend. Rare at Wurundjeri Spur.
Tetragonia tetragonioides New Zealand SpinachN: 3344 S: R3 2M A EY D: 30a H: FRWrr Notes: localised and rare above east bank of Yarra upstream of Dights Falls. Species of ocean beaches, rare in Port Phillip.
44 AMARANTHACEAESignificant species:Alternanthera denticulata Lesser JoyweedN: 5097 S: L2 61H A D: 30a H: FRWrr RSvc WFeh Notes: scattered and rare along Yarra River and very rare along Merri Creek and at Triple wetland. Suggested enrichment species for 3rd tea wetland.
Ptilotus spathulatus Pussy TailsN: 2832 S: R2 (4VH) D D: X30a H: XRESvc Notes: historical record where stated as uncommon - edge of basalt flow, south-east corner of Fairfield Hospital (Willis 1945). Near Fairlea flycasting pools (area now covered with fill).
45 APIACEAESignificant species:Eryngium ovinum Blue DevilN: 1239 S: L2 (13H) F D: X30a+ H: XPGWOvs+ Notes: planted but failed to establish at St Albans grassland. Planted in ornamental gardens.
Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides Shining PennywortN: 1728 S: L3 >58M A D: 30a H: parkland Notes: Yarra Bend Golf Course greens. Probably not indigenous to park but has self introduced.
Hydrocotyle tripartita Slender PennywortN: 1729 S: R4 22H A D: 30a H: parkland Notes: 18th fairway Yarra Bend Golf Course. Probably not indigenous to park but has self introduced.
Hydrocotyle verticillata Shield PennywortN: 1730 S: R2 16H A EY D: 30a H: FRWrr Notes: localised and very rare (single plant) in water at Galatea Point. Suggested enrichment species for Merri Creek.
Platysace heterophylla Slender PlatysaceN: 2572 S: L2 (1H) C D: X30b H: XREWsr Notes: one plant observed in late 1980s at edge of sand- plain near Platylobium obtusangulum on downstream escarpment of Wurundjeri Spur (Randall Robinson pers. comm.). Now locally extinct. Normally a coastal heath species with a disjunct occurrence at Yarra Bend Park.
Other natives:Hydrocotyle callicarpa Small PennywortN: 1718 S: D D: X30 H: X?BIFsy Notes: historical record (Willis 1945)Hydrocotyle laxiflora Stinking PennywortN: 1723 S: L4 B EY D: 30c H: BIFsy Notes: localised and very rare at Studley Annex fence (Randall Robinson pers comm.)
48 ASTERACEAE
55Significant species:Brachyscome basaltica var. gracilis Woodland Swamp-daisyN: 450 S: E D: 30a+ Notes: planted in garden bed at VINC nursery. Extinct in North East Melbourne where formerly occurring along the North East Railway between Somerton and Craigieburn.
Brachyscome diversifolia var. dissecta Tall DaisyN: 4286 S: R3 10M E D: 30c+ Notes: planted and established in garden beds at Walmer Street bridge
Brachyscome multifida Cut-leaf DaisyN: 4288 S: R4 21H E D: 30a+c+ Notes: planted in garden beds at Studley Park boathouse and along Fairlea Road bordering Thomas Embling Hospital
Brachyscome perpusilla Rayless DaisyN: 4275 S: R2 9H C D: 30c H: RESes Notes: last seen in mid-1980s on cliffs below Yarra Boulevard at Lower Yarra (Randall Robinson pers. comm.)
Bracteantha viscosa Shiny EverlastingN: 1633 S: R2 20VH A D: 30ABC H: BIFsy GWsy PGWOtv RESes/ss REWsr Notes: widespread and common. Note that the species has undertaken a remarkable recovery since the late 1980s when it only persisted as scattered plants at eastern Studley Park and Hairpin Bend. Yarra Bend Park now supports the most extensive populations in Yarra District.
Calocephalus citreus Lemon Beauty-headsN: 582 S: L2 (4H) F D: X30a+ H: XPGWOvs Notes: planted at St Albans grassland and now apparently extinct
Calocephalus lacteus Milky Beauty-headsN: 583 S: R4 21H F D: X30a+ H: XPGWOvs Notes: planted at St Albans grassland and now apparently extinct
Calotis scapigera Tufted Burr-daisyN: 600 S: R1 1VH D D: X30 H: X?PGWOvs Notes: historical record (Willis 1945)
Centipeda cunninghamii Common SneezeweedN: 707 S: R4 36H B VY D: 30a H: FRWrr Notes: localised and very rare (transient plants) in wet years on banks of the Yarra near pipe bridge at Fairfield, swale below Triple wetland and below Duggans falls (Randall Robinson pers. comm.). Suggested enrichment species for Triple wetland and VINC wetland.
Centipeda minima Spreading SneezeweedN: 708 S: R2 18H F D: X30a+ H: XPGWEfm+ Notes: transplanted from Willsmere Billabong to VINC wetland and failed to survive. Suggested enrichment species for 3rd tea wetland.
Chrysocephalum apiculatum Common EverlastingN: 1606 S: R2 12VH D/E D: X30/30c+ H: X?BIFsy Notes: historical record (Willis 1945). Planted in garden beds (e.g. Par 3 Golf Course)
Chrysocephalum semipapposum Clustered EverlastingN: 1628 S: L2 63H A D: 30abc H: BIFsy GWsy PGWOtv RESes/ss/vc REWsr Notes: scattered and rare (three forms). This includes the dry foothill narrow/grey-leaf form (rare on river spurs and exposed cliffs), the damp foothill broad/grey-leaf form (very rare at southern Studley Loop) and the river gorge narrow/green-leaf form (very rare on sheltered cliffs at Wurundjeri Spur). The narrow/grey-leaf form has also been planted at several sites.
Craspedia variabilis Variable Billy-buttonsN: 4650 S: R2 12H F D: 30a+ H: PGWEfm+ Notes: planted and failed to establish at VINC wetland. Possibly was Craspedia paludicola.
56
Cymbonotus preissianus Austral Bear's-earsN: 903 S: L3 >55M A RY D: 30a H: RESss Notes: localised and uncommon on sheltered cliffs on south- west side of Wurundjeri Spur
Euchiton sphaericus Annual CudweedN: 1471 S: L2 >21H A D: 30ab H: BIFsy RESes Notes: scattered and rare on Wurundjeri Spur and exposed cliffs at Hairpin Bend and Studley Point (and likely elsewhere)
Gnaphalium indutum Tiny CudweedN: 1464 S: L2 47H B VY D: 30a H: BIFsy Notes: localised and very rare at Hairpin Bend fence
Helichrysum aff. rutidolepis (Lowland Swamps) Pale Swamp Everlasting (plains form)N: 4655 VROT: Vul S: R2 (4H) E D: 30a+ H: PGWEfm+ Notes: recently planted at VINC wetland
Leptorhynchos squamatus Scaly ButtonsN: 1946 S: L2 >67H D D: X30 H: X?PGWOtv/vs Notes: Parks Victoria (2000) list; extinct
Leptorhynchos tenuifolius Wiry ButtonsN: 1947 S: L2 >66H D D: X30 H: X?BIFsy Notes: Parks Victoria (2000) list; extinct
Microseris sp. 1 Murrnong (Plains Yam-daisy)N: 4657 VROT: Vul S: CE 1VH F D: X30a+ H: XPGWEfm+ Notes: planted at VINC wetland and now apparently deceased
Microseris sp. 3 Yam DaisyN: 3887 S: L2 >53H F D: X30a+ H: XBIFsy Notes: planted at Galatea Point fence and now apparently deceased
Olearia ramulosa var. ramulosa Twiggy Daisy-bushN: 4785 S: R2 6H A D: 30ABC H: BIFsy GWsy PGWOtv RESes/ss REWsr Notes: widespread and common. Yarra Bend Park supports far the most extensive population in Yarra District.
Ozothamnus obcordatus Grey EverlastingN: 1620 S: L2 45H C D: X30c H: XBIFsy Notes: single plant on top of Yarra escarpment south of Studley Park Road now deceased. Planted in gardens.
Podolepis sp. 1 Basalt PodolepisN: 4658 VROT: End S: E D: 30a+ H: PGWEfm+ Notes: recently planted at VINC wetland. Not indigenous to North East Melbourne.
Pseudognaphalium luteoalbum Jersey CudweedN: 2762 S: L3 >28M A D: 30abc H: PGWOtv/vs WFeh Notes: scattered and rare generally in disturbed sites (e.g. road embankments) and seasonally damp areas including artificial wetlands
Senecio bathurstianus Hill FireweedN: 4958 S: R2 19H B EY D: 30c H: RESes Notes: localised and rare (10-15 plants) on cliffs below Yarra Boulevard at eastern Studley Park (Randall Robinson pers. comm.). Formerly Senecio hispidulus var. dissectus.
Senecio biserratus Jagged FireweedN: 3102 S: R2 (2VH) A EY D: 30a H: FRWrr Notes: highly localised and very rare on the banks of Yarra River at Deep Rock and Galatea Point (five plants and two plants) with probably scattered plants in a few other locations. Yarra Bend Park and Plent Gorge Parklands support the only known populations in Yarra
57District. Populations at several other localities appear to be locally extinct. Restricted elsewhere in GM to coastal dunes and creek banks on the Mornington Peninsula where now becoming rare.
Senecio pinnatifolius Variable Groundsel Notes: mis-identified alien S. madigascarensis
Sigesbeckia orientalis ssp. orientalis Indian WeedN: 3149 S: L1 >21M A VY D: 30a H: FRWrr Notes: localised and very rare above riverbank at north- western Galatea Point
Solenogyne dominii Smooth SolenogyneN: 3195 S: L2 >41H A D: 30abc H: BIFsy GWsy RESss REWsr Notes: scattered and uncommon
Solenogyne gunnii Hairy SolenogyneN: 3196 S: R4 26H B VY D: 30c H: GWsy Notes: localised and very rare (2 plants) above Yarra Boulevard south of Par 3 Golf Course
Triptilodiscus pygmaeus Common SunrayN: 1640 S: R4 25H C/D D: X30c H: XRESes Notes: last seen in mid-1980s with Brachyscome perpusilla on cliffs below Yarra Boulevard at Lower Yarra (Randall Robinson pers. comm.). Historical record (Willis 1945) where possibly on basalt outcrops at south-east corner of Fairfield Hospital.
Vittadinia cervicularis var. cervicularis Annual New Holland DaisyN: 5063 S: R2 6H A D: 30ac H: BIFsy RESes/vc Notes: scattered and rare with main population in openings by paths adjacent to Yarra Boulevard at Studley Park. Established from direct seeding in several other areas (e.g. Studley Loop).
Vittadinia cuneata var. cuneata Fuzzy New Holland DaisyN: 5065 S: R2 7H A VY D: 30a H: RESes Notes: localised and rare (15-20 plants) on the southern cliffs at Studley Point
Other natives:Cassinia aculeata Common CassiniaN: 666 S: L4 A EY D: 30ac H: BIFsy PGWOtv Notes: localised and very rare at Galatea Point and Lower YarraCassinia arcuata Drooping CassiniaN: 667 S: A H: BIFsy GWsy Notes: scattered and rare where mostly at burn sitesCassinia longifolia DogwoodN: 668 S: L4 A VY D: 30abc H: BIFsy RESes/ss Notes: localised and rare at Wurundjeri Spur and very rare at Hairpin Bend, northern Studley Park and Studley Point. Planted in several localities (e.g. upper Galatea Point).Cotula australis Common CotulaN: 846 S: A H: BIFsy GWsy RESes Notes: scattered and uncommonEuchiton collinus Creeping CudweedN: 1466 S: A H: BIFsy GWsy PGWOtv RESes/ss Notes: widespread and uncommon. Formerly E. gymnocephalusEuchiton involucratus Star CudweedN: 1465 S: A H: FRWrr PGWEfm WFeh Notes: scattered and uncommon along Yarra River and at wetlandsLagenophora stipitata Common Bottle-daisyN: 1863 S: D D: X30 H: X?RESss Notes: historical record (Willis 1945)Olearia lirata Snowy Daisy-bushN: 2312 S: D/E D: X30/30a+c+ H: BIFsy+ FRWrr+ PGWOtv+ Notes: historical record (Willis 1945) but no indigenous plants are known to remain. Planted at Galatea Point and Studley Park with two plants in the latter locality established in bushland some distance from plantings.Ozothamnus ferrugineus Tree Everlasting
58N: 1616 S: L4 A VY D: 30b H: FRWrr REWsr Notes: localised and very rare at downstream Wurundjeri Spur. Planted at several other locations.Senecio glomeratus Annual FireweedN: 3107 S: A H: BIFsy GWsy PGWOtv Notes: scattered and rareSenecio hispidulus var. hispidulus Rough FireweedN: 4949 S: A H: BIFsy GWsy PGWOtv RESes/ss/vc REWsr Notes: widespread and common with heavy germination in burn sitesSenecio minimus Shrubby FireweedN: 3119 S: L4 B EY D: 30b H: FRWrr Notes: localised and very rare on the bank of Yarra River at Bellbird where observed in the mid-1990s (Randall Robinson pers. comm.). Suggested enrichment species for 3rd tea wetland.Senecio quadridentatus Cotton FireweedN: 3124 S: A H: BIFsy GWsy PGWOtv/vs RESes/vc REWsr Notes: widespread and uncommonSenecio tenuiflorus Slender FireweedN: 3129 S: A H: BIFsy GWsy PGWOtv/vs RESes/vc REWsr Notes: widespread and uncommon
50 BORAGINACEAESignificant species:Cynoglossum suaveolens Sweet Hound's-tongueN: 910 S: L2 58H A VY D: 30ac H: PGWOtv RESvc Notes: localised and rare at 2nd fairway escarpment grassland and on upper river terrace at Hairpin Bend and eastern Studley Park
Myosotis australis Austral Forget-me-notN: 2244 S: R2 13H D D: X30 H: X?BIFsy/RESes Notes: historical record (C19th) for Lower Yarra district (R.V. Smith 1967)
51 BRASSICACEAESignificant species:Lepidium pseudotasmanicum Shade Pepper-cressN: 1910 S: R3 11M A D: 30abc H: BIFsy PGWOtv RESes Notes: widespread and uncommon east of fence at Wurundjeri Spur (50 plants) and rare elsewhere on exposed cliffs and along track verges on spurs and upper terraces of sedimentary sections of Yarra Bend Park. Historical record as Lepidium hyssopifolium (Willis 1945).
52 BRUNONIACEAEOther natives:Brunonia australis Blue Pincushion 508N: 508 S: L4 D D: X30 H: X?RESss Notes: historical record (Willis 1945)
53 CALLITRICHACEAESignificant species:Callitriche brachycarpa Short Water-starwortN: 568 VROT: Vul S: R1 4VH C D: X30a H: XFWbs Notes: Fairlea wetland in the early 1990s (Randall Robinson pers. comm.) but no longer present. The species likely colonised as a transient after flood events, washed from upstream where it grows along the riverbank at Templestowe. At this time Fairlea wetland was seasonal but in recent years has become permanent and is no longer suitable for C. brachycarpa. The alien C. stagnalis is now present at the wetland.
54 CAMPANULACEAESignificant species:Isotoma fluviatilis ssp. australis Swamp IsotomeN: 1793 S: L2 48H A D: 30a H: parkland Notes: fairways of Yarra Bend Golf Course. May have originally occurred in volcanic swales at Yarra Bend but now self introduced to fairways. Suggested enrichment species for Triple wetland and VINC wetland.
Lobelia anceps Angled Lobelia
59N: 2084 S: L3 >57M B EY D: 30a H: FRWrr XPGWOtv Notes: localised and very rare on riverbank at base of sheltered cliffs on southern Wurundjeri Spur (Randall Robinson pers. comm.). Also transient in soak of Eastern Freeway embankment at Cox Oval. Likely sporadic plants occur elsewhere along the Yarra. Formerly L. alata.
Lobelia gibbosa var. gibbosa Tall LobeliaN: 4703 S: R2 11VH G Notes: apparently mis-identified alien Linaria pelisseriana
Lobelia pedunculata Matted PratiaN: 2730 S: R4 24H A D: 30a H: parkland Notes: fairways of Yarra Bend Golf Course. Probably not indigenous to park but has self introduced. Formerly Pratia pedunculata.
Wahlenbergia communis Tufted BluebellN: 4123 S: R4 24H A D: 30Abc+ H: BIFsy PGWOtv/sv RESvc Notes: scattered and locally common on cliffs of Merri Creek and uncommon elsewhere. Also established in garden beds (e.g. Walmer Street bridge).
Wahlenbergia luteola Yellowish BluebellN: 4057 S: R4 23H A D: 30a H: RESes/vc Notes: localised and uncommon on volcanic cliffs of Merri Creek and Yarra River and rare on exposed sedimentary cliffs at Hairpin Bend and Studley Point
Wahlenbergia multicaulis Many-stemmed BluebellN: 3560 S: L2 54H B/F VY D: 30c H: GWsy XPGWOvs+ Notes: localised and very rare in soak below Studley Park Road at Studley Annex (Randall Robinson pers. comm.). Planted but apparently failed to establish at St Albans grassland.
Other natives:Wahlenbergia gracilenta Annual BluebellN: 4124 S: A H: BIFsy RESes Notes: scattered and uncommonWahlenbergia gracilis Sprawling BluebellN: 4069 S: A H: BIFsy GWsy PGWOtv/vs RESes/ss/vc REWsr Notes: widespread and uncommonWahlenbergia stricta ssp. stricta Tall BluebellN: 4070 S: L4 A EY H: RESss D: 30a Notes: localised and very rare on sheltered cliffs at Wurundjeri Spur
55 CAPRIFOLIACEAESignificant species:Sambucus gaudichaudiana White ElderberryN: 2999 S: L3 >21M B EY H: REWsr D: 30c Notes: localised and very rare (two plants in mid-1990s) at Lower Yarra on bend opposite Collingwood Childrens Farm a few metres above walking track (Randall Robinson pers. comm.). Also historical record (Willis 1945).
56 CARYOPHYLLACEAEOther natives:Stellaria pungens Prickly StarwortN: 3255 S: L4 A D: 30ac H: PGWOtv RESss REWsr Notes: localised and uncommon on sheltered cliffs at Wurundjeri Spur, river terrace on east side of Galatea Point and upper sheltered escarpment south of Studley Point
57 CASUARINACEAESignificant species:Allocasuarina littoralis Black SheokeN: 677 S: L2 (29H) A VY D: 30abc H: RESss REWsr Notes: localised and rare on sheltered escarpment and sheltered cliffs on south side of Wurundjeri Spur. Very rare on top of low cliffs (sedimentary) of Yarra south of 18th fairway.
60Allocasuarina paludosa Scrub SheokeN: 683 S: R2 (1H) D D: X30 Notes: historical record (Willis 1945)
Allocasuarina verticillata Drooping SheokeN: 685 S: R4 30VH A VY D: 30abc H: RESss/vc Notes: scattered and rare on sheltered cliffs (e.g. south side of Wurundjeri Spur and downstream of Dights Falls and bluestone steps site near Heidelberg Road). Planted in several other locations.
59 CHENOPODIACEAESignificant species:Atriplex semibaccata Berry SaltbushN: 332 S: R4 (11H) A D: 30abc H: BIFsy PGWOtv RESes/vc Notes: scattered and uncommon on sedimentary spurs, cliff-tops and upper terraces at Wurundjeri Spur, Hairpin Bend, Studley Park, Studley Point and Galatea Point. Rare on volcanic cliffs (e.g. 2nd fairway grassland).
Chenopodium desertorum ssp. microphyllum Small-leaf GoosefootN: 4381 S: R1 1H G D: 30a H: BIFsy/RESes Notes: unconfirmed record along walking track half way down east side of Galatea Point
Chenopodium pumilio Clammy GoosefootN: 748 S: L3 >32M B D: 30ac H: PGWOvs Notes: scattered and rare in volcanic swales at Westfield and in seasonally damp disturbed sites (e.g. Yarra Boulevard and garden beds)
Einadia hastata SaloopN: 1132 S: R4 21H A D: 30ABc H: BIFsy GWsy PGWOtv RESes/ss/vc REWsr Notes: widespread and common
Einadia nutans Nodding SaltbushN: 4442 S: L3 >37M A D: 30ABC H: BIFsy FRWrr GWsy PGWOtv/vs RESes/ss/vc REWsr Notes:widespread and common
Einadia trigonos ssp. trigonos Lax GoosefootN: 1134 S: R4 25H A D: 30a H: FRWrr PGWOtv RESss REWsr Notes: scattered and rare on terraces and sheltered escarpments at Wurundjeri Spur, Studley Park and Galatea Point
Enchylaena tomentosa var. tomentosa Ruby SaltbushN: 1156 S: R4 (6H) A D: 30ABc H: BIFsy RESes Notes: scattered and common
Maireana enchylaenoides Wingless BluebushN: 2101 S: R2 3H A D: 30aBC H: BIFsy RESes Notes: highly localised but common on exposed cliffs at Hairpin Bend and on and above cutting of Yarra Boulevard underpass at Studley Park Road (over 100 plants at each site). These are the only known populations in Yarra District.
Rhagodia candolleana ssp. candolleana Seaberry SaltbushN: 2927 S: L1 (3M) A RY D: 30ab H: PGWOtv/vs+ RESes Notes: localised and rare on cliffs at Hairpin Bend (25 plants) and very rare on upper terrace above Fairlea wetland. Planted at VINC wetland.
Sclerolaena muricata var. villosa Grey Roly-polyN: 4955 S: R1 1H A CY D: 30c H: BIFsy Notes: highly localised and very rare (single plant) on south curb of Studley Park Road east of Yarra Boulevard. Known elsewhere in GM from Long Forest and Organ Pipes NP.
60 CLUSIACEAEOther natives:Hypericum gramineum Small St John's Wort
61N: 1741 S: A H: BIFsy GWsy PGWOtv/vs RESss/vc REWsr Notes: widespread and uncommon
61 CONVOLVULACEAESignificant species:Calystegia marginata Forest BindweedN: 603 S: R3 4M B EY D: 30ac H: FRWrr Notes: localised and very rare (single plant) above riverbank at north-west Galatea Point. Also downstream of Studley Park Road (Randall Robinson pers. comm.).
Calystegia sepium Large BindweedN: 604 S: L1 39M A D: 30a H: FRWrr RSvc Notes: localised and uncommon along Yarra River and Merri Creek
Convolvulus erubescens Pink BindweedN: 809 S: L2 50H A D: 30abc H: BIFsy GWsy PGWOtv/vs RESss/vc Notes: scattered and uncommon
Convolvulus remotus Grassy BindweedN: 3673 S: R4 >18H A RY D: 30a H: PGWOvs Notes: localised and uncommon in unmown volcanic swales south of Yarra Bend Road at Westfield
Other natives:Dichondra repens Kidney-weedN: 1036 S: A H: BIFsy FRWrr GWsy PGWEfm PGWOtv/vs RESes/ss/vc REWsr Notes: widespread and common
62 CRASSULACEAEOther natives:Crassula decumbens Spreading CrassulaN: 4385 S: A H: BIFsy GWsy RESes/ss Notes: widespread and commonCrassula helmsii Swamp CrassulaN: 862 S: A H: FRWrr PGWEfm RSvc WFeh Notes: scattered and uncommon along Yarra River and Merri Creek. Also at VINC wetland and Triple wetland.Crassula sieberiana Austral StonecropN: 866 S: A H: BIFsy GWsy RESes/ss/vc Notes: widespread and common, particularly open rocky areas. Incorporating ssp. sieberiana and ssp. tetramera which are both present.
64 DILLENACEAESignificant species:Hibbertia stricta Upright Guinea-flowerN: 4595 S: D D: X30 Notes: historical record (Willis 1945). No other records for North East Melbourne.
65 DROSERACEAESignificant species:Drosera macrantha Climbing SundewN: 1106 S: R4 28H D D: X30 H: X?BIFsy Notes: historical record as D. planchonii (Willis 1945). AlsoF.M. Reader (1885).
Drosera peltata ssp. peltata Pale SundewN: 1107 S: L2 >41H A D: 30C H: GWsy PGWOtv Notes: locally common in wet years below Studley Park Road at Studley Annex. Uncommon in valley at eastern Studley Park.
Other natives:Drosera whittakeri ssp. aberrans Scented SundewN: 1110 S: L4 D D: X30 H: X?BIFsy Notes: historical record (Willis 1945)
6266 ELATINACEAESignificant species:Elatine gratioloides WaterwortN: 1138 S: L2 48H B D: 30ab H: WFeh Notes: localised and uncommon at Triple wetland and Bellbird wetland. Suggested enrichment species for 3rd tea wetland.
67 EPACRIDACEAESignificant species:Lissanthe strigosa ssp. subulata Peach HeathN: 2021 S: R2 11VH A CY D: 30a H: RESes Notes: localised and very rare (single clump which is very old) at Hairpin Bend
Other natives:Acrotriche serrulata Honey-potsN: 123 S: L4 D D: X30 H: X?BIFsy Notes: historical record (Willis 1945)Epacris impressa var. impressa Common HeathN: 4478 S: L4 C D: X30c H: XBIFsy Notes: single plant above Studley Park Road at Studley Loop which died in the 1997 drought
68 EUPHORBIACEAESignificant species:Chamaesyce drummondii Flat SpurgeN: 728 S: R2 2H A EY D: 30a H: RESvc Notes: highly localised and very rare on Merri escarpment downstream of lookout. Also adjacent to park inside south-east corner of old Fairfield hospital (Randall Robinson pers. comm.). Formerly Euphorbia drummondii.
Other natives:Poranthera microphylla Small PorantheraN: 2683 S: A H: BIFsy GWsy PGWOtv RESss REWsr Notes: widespread and uncommon
69 FABACEAESignificant species:Cullen parvum Small Scurf-peaN: 2773 VROT: End S: F D: 30a+ H: PGWEfm+ Notes: planted at VINC wetland and possibly now deceased. Not indigenous to North East Melbourne.
Eutaxia microphylla var. microphylla Common EutaxiaN: 4492 S: R2 E D: 30a+ H: PGWEfm+ Notes: planted at VINC wetland and ornamental gardens. Extinct in North East Melbourne.
Glycine tabacina s.s. Variable GlycineN: 3739 Provisional VROT: Dep S: R2 14H A EY D: 30ab H: RESvc Notes: localised and rare on cliff- tops of Merri Creek. Very rare at Fairlea, 2nd fairway escarpment and 6th fairway escarpment.
Goodia lotifolia var. lotifolia Common Golden-tipN: 5076 S: L1 (>21M) F D: X30a+ H: XPGWOtv+ Notes: planted at Galatea Point but failed to survive
Kennedia prostrata Running PostmanN: 1847 S: L2 >41H A VY D: 30bc H: BIFsy GWsy Notes: localised and very rare at eastern Wurundjeri Spur burn site, Talbot trig point and Studley Park burn site. Also planted in garden beds (e.g. Walmer Street bridge).
Platylobium obtusangulum Common Flat-peaN: 2569 S: L2 (32H) A EY D: 30b H: REWsr Notes: localised and rare (group of a dozen plants) on downstream escarpment of Wurundjeri Spur
63
Other natives:Bossiaea prostrata Creeping BossiaeaN: 440 S: A H: BIFsy GWsy PGWOtv/vs RESvc REWsr Notes: widespread and uncommonDaviesia leptophylla Narrow-leaf Bitter-peaN: 1000 S: L4 A CY D: 30a H: RESss Notes: localised and very rare on top of sheltered cliffs on south side of Wurundjeri Spur (reduced to a single plant in June 2002)Desmodium gunnii Southern Tick-trefoilN: 1008 S: L4 A VY D: 30b H: REWsr Notes: localised and rare on escarpment downstream of Wurundjeri SpurGlycine clandestina Twining GlycineN: 4539 S: A H: GWsy RESss PGWOtv Notes: localised and uncommonGlycine microphylla Small-leaf GlycineN: 3741 S: L4 A VY D: 30b H: REWsr Notes: localised and rare on sheltered escarpment on south side of Wurundjeri SpurHardenbergia violacea Purple Coral-peaN: 1596 S: L4 A VY D: 30abc H: BIFsy GWsy RESss Notes: localised and very rare (single plants) at Wurundjeri Spur in burnt section of fence and on sheltered cliffs on southern side, upper escarpment south of Talbot trig point and Dickinson Reserve.Indigofera australis Austral IndigoN: 1761 S: L4 A VY D: 30ac H: BIFsy REWsr Notes: localised and very rare (single plants) at Wurundjeri Spur fence and sheltered escarpment upstream of Dickinson Reserve. Planted at several other locations.
71 GENTIANACEAESignificant species:Sebaea ovata Yellow SebaeaN: 3092 S: L2 58H D D: X30 H: X?PGWOtv/REWsr Notes: historical record (Willis 1945)
72 GERANIACEAESignificant species:Erodium crinitum Blue Heron's-billN: 1233 S: R2 8H B EY D: 30a H: RESvc Notes: localised and very rare on cliffs of Merri Creek and 2nd fairway grassland
Geranium carolinii Large-flowered Crane's-billN: 5342 VROT: End S: CE 1VH E D: 30a+ H: PGWEfm+ Notes: planted by path at VINC wetland. Currently confirmed elsewhere only from volcanic grassland above the river escarpment at Riverland in Plenty Gorge Parklands (50 plants), by Broadmeadows railway line south of Glenroy Railway Station (provenance of VINC plants) and in Broadmeadows Valley Park (Lynlee Smith pers. comm.). Presumed extinct (last recorded in 1903 from Broadmeadows) until rediscovery in the late 1990s. Geranium sp. 1.
Geranium inundatum Naked Crane's-billN: 5346 S: R4 >16H A D: 30a H: FRWrr PGWOtv RSvc WFeh Notes: scattered and uncommon on the river terrace at Fairlea wetland, Triple wetland and Deep Rock, below Yarra Bend Golf Course carpark and on the terraces of Merri Creek. Geranium sp. 5.
Geranium pallidiflorum Pale-flower Crane's-billN: 5344 VROT: Rare S: R2 13H A VY D: 30ab H: PGWOtv RESss RESvc Notes: localised and uncommon on top of sheltered cliffs and on upper terrace south of Studley Point. Very rare on 6th fairway escarpment and south side of Wurundjeri Spur. Geranium sp. 3.
Geranium retrorsum Grassland Crane's-billN: 1432 S: R4 (9H) Notes: not recorded in current survey. Historical records were probably G. inundatumand G. pallidiflorum.
64Geranium solanderi (sens lat) Austral Crane's-bill Notes: prior name for G. ciliocarpum
Geranium trachycaule Rough Crane's-billN: 5345 S: L3 >27M A VY D: 30a H: FRWrr Notes: localised and rare (20 plants) at Deep Rock.Geranium sp. 4.
Pelargonium australe Austral Stork's-billN: 2442 S: R4 28H A RY D: 30a H: PGWOtv RESss/Xvc Notes: localised and rare on sheltered cliffs and terraces (e.g. Galatea Point)
Pelargonium inodorum KopataN: 2446 S: R4 22H C D: X30c D: XREWsr Notes: last seen in 1985 on river track at Lower Yarra opposite Collingwood Childrens Farm (Randall Robinson pers. comm.). Now extinct or transient in park.
Pelargonium rodneyanum Magenta Stork's-billN: 2448 S: R2 (2VH) D D: X30 H: X?RESvc Notes: historical record (Willis 1945)
Other natives:Geranium ciliocarpum Variable Crane's-billN: 5343 S: A H: BIFsy GWsy PGWOtv/vs RESss/vc Notes: widespread and uncommon on Fairlea terrace and rare elsewhere. Geranium sp. 2.
73 GOODENIACEAESignificant species:Goodenia pinnatifida Cut-leaf GoodeniaN: 1509 S: R2 (4VH) B CY D: 30c H: BIFsy Notes: highly localised and very rare (6 plants) below Yarra Boulevard in eastern Studley Park. Historical record of G. geniculata (Willis 1945) may have been this species.
Other natives:Goodenia ovata Hop GoodeniaN: 1507 S: A H: BIFsy FRWrr GWsy PGWOtv RESes/ss/vc REWsr Notes: widespread and common, particularly at burn sites
74 HALORAGACEAESignificant species:Gonocarpus micranthus ssp. micranthus Creeping RaspwortN: 1486 S: R4 (2H) C D: X30a H: XPGWOtv Notes: recorded in late 1980s in embankment soak by Eastern Freeway at Cox Oval but unknown whether indigenous
Haloragis heterophylla Varied RaspwortN: 1584 S: R4 39H A VY D: 30b H: PGWOtv Notes: localised and rare on upper terrace below Yarra Boulevard at Chandler and in headwaters of Bellbird gully above Yarra Boulevard at Willsmere. Suggested enrichment species for VINC wetland.
Myriophyllum crispatum Upright Water-milfoilN: 3867 S: L1 30M E D: 30a+b+ H: WFeh+ Notes: planted and established at Triple wetland and Bellbird wetland. Historical record of M. variifolium (Reader 1885) may have been M. crispatum. Suggested enrichment species for 3rd tea wetland.
Other natives:Gonocarpus humilis Shade RaspwortN: 1484 S: L4 B VY D: 30b H: PGWOtv Notes: localised and rare at ChandlerGonocarpus tetragynus Common Raspwort
65N: 1489 S: A H: BIFsy GWsy PGWOtv RESes Notes: scattered and uncommon
75 LAMIACEAESignificant species:Lycopus australis Australian GipsywortN: 2085 S: L1 38M A RY D: 30a H: FRWrr PGWEfm+ Notes: scattered and rare along Yarra River. Planted at VINC wetland.
Mentha australis River MintN: 2165 S: R4 36H A RY D: 30a H: FRWrr FWbs+ PGWEfm+ Notes: scattered and rare along banks of Yarra River. While indigenous plants are present along river, most are planted. Planted at VINC wetland and Fairlea wetland.
Scutellaria humilis Dwarf SkullcapN: 3089 S: R2 (8VH) D/E D: X30/30a+ H: PGWEfm+ X?RESss/vc Notes: historical record (F.M. Reader 1885). Planted and established at VINC wetland.
Teucrium corymbosum Forest GermanderN: 3357 S: R3 10M A EY D: 30bc+ H: RESes Notes: localised and very rare (2-3 plants) on cliffs at Talbot. Planted elsewhere (e.g. garden at Studley boathouse).
Other natives:Prostanthera lasianthos Victorian Christmas-bushN: 2743 S: L4 D/E D: X30/30a+ H: FRWrr+ Notes: historical record (Willis 1945). Planted above riverbank at Galatea Point.
76 LAURACEAEOther natives:Cassytha melantha Coarse Dodder-laurelN: 672 S: A H: BIFsy GWsy RESes Notes: scattered and rare
78 LINACEAESignificant species:Linum marginale Native FlaxN: 2017 S: R4 39H A RY D: 30a H: PGWOtv+/vs+ RESss/vc Notes: localised and uncommon on sheltered cliffs on southern side of Wurundjeri Spur and rare at top of wahlenbergia cliffs above Merri Creek. Planted or self-introduced elsewhere (e.g. upper terrace above Fairlea wetland and St Albans grassland).
80 LORANTHACEAESignificant species:Amyema quandang var. quandang Grey MistletoeN: 222 S: L1 26M A RY D: 30b H: PGWOtv Notes: localised and very rare on Black Wattle on river terrace under Eastern Freeway on west side of Yarra
Other natives:Amyema miquelii Box MistletoeN: 218 S: L4 A RY D: 30c H: BIFsy Notes: localised and very rare on a Yellow Gum above Studley Park slip roadMuellerina eucalyptoides Creeping MistletoeN: 2233 S: A H: BIFsy FRWrr GWsy PGWOtv/vs RESes REWsr Notes: widespread and uncommon
81 LYTHRACEAESignificant species:Lythrum salicaria Purple Loosestrife
66N: 2093 S: R2 8H D/E D: X30/30a+ H: PGWEfm+ X?RSvc Notes: historical record (C19th) for Lower Yarra (R.V. Smith 1967). Planted and established at VINC wetland.
Other natives:Lythrum hyssopifolia Small LoosestrifeN: 2092 S: A H: FRWrr FWbs PGWEfm WFeh Notes: scattered and rare along Yarra and at artificial wetlands
82 MALVACEAESignificant species:Gynatrix pulchella Hemp BushN: 3853 S: L2 60H A D: 30abc H: FRWrr RSvc+ Notes: scattered and rare along Yarra. Planted on lower terraces (e.g. Galatea Point) and along Merri Creek.
Malva australiana ssp. australiana Australian HollyhockN: 4695 S: CE C/G D: X30a H: XPGWOvs XRSvc Notes: single plants amongst spoil heaps behind depot in late 1980s and on Merri Creek terrace (both deceased). The plant was apparently a hybrid with an introduced Malva species which indicates M. australiana originally occurred at Yarra Bend Park (G.W. Carr pers. comm.). Extinct in North East Melbourne.
84 MIMOSACEAESignificant species:Acacia acinacea Gold-dust WattleN: 7 S: L2 58H A D: 30abc H: BIFsy GWsy PGWOtv RESes Notes: widespread and uncommon
Acacia implexa LightwoodN: 45 S: L2 86H A D: 30ABC H: BIFsy GWsy PGWOtv/vs RESes/ss/vc REWsr Notes: widespread and common
Acacia montana Mallee WattleN: 61 S: R1 2VH A CY D: 30a H: BIFsy Notes: highly localised and very rare (single plant) by main trail on Wurundjeri Spur. Germinated after the 1994 ecological burn.
Acacia retinodes var. uncifolia Coast WirildaN: 4210 VROT: Rare S: R1 1H A CY D: 30c H: Notes: disjunct and very rare at entrance to Par 3 Golf Course. Two appeared a few years ago in an area where deep soil disturbance occurred during the removal of several large Cupressus macrocarpa. Some additional young plants have grown from suckers and one or two have also appeared in nearby bushland. This is the only known indigenous occurrence of Coast Wirilda in Yarra District. Elsewhere in Greater Melbourne it is only known from the Maribyrnong River at Brimbank Park Keilor and on coastal dunes along the western shore of Port Phillip Bay. All other occurrences in North East Melbourne are considered escapees (mostly the fine-leaf var. retinodes).
Other natives:Acacia dealbata Silver WattleN: 25 S: A H: FRWrr PGWOtv+ RSvc+ Notes: scattered and uncommon along Yarra. Many have been planted on the terraces of the Yarra and Merri Creek (near Heidelberg Road).Acacia mearnsii Black WattleN: 56 S: A H: BIFsy GWsy PGWOtv/vs RESes/ss/vc REWsr RSvc+ Notes: widespread and uncommonAcacia melanoxylon BlackwoodN: 57 S: A H: FRWrr GWsy PGWOtv/vs RESss/vc REWsr Notes: widespread and rareAcacia paradoxa Hedge WattleN: 72 S: A H: BIFsy GWsy PGWOtv/vs RESvc Notes: scattered and rareAcacia pycnantha Golden WattleN: 78 S: A H: BIFsy GWsy PGWOtv/vs RESes/ss/vc REWsr Notes: widespread and commonAcacia verticillata Prickly Moses
67N: 100 S: D D: X30/30c+ H: XFRWrr parkland Notes: historical record (Willis 1945). Planted in garden beds at Walmer Street bridge.
86 MYOPORACEAESignificant species:Myoporum insulare Common BoobiallaN: 2239 S: R3 (3H) A VY D: 30c H: BIFsy Notes: highly localised and rare (20 plants) below Yarra Boulevard at Lower Yarra and very rare (single plant) at Studley Annex above boathouse entrance. Suckering indigenous form.
Myoporum sp.1 Sticky BoobiallaN: 2243 S: R3 10M A D: 30ABC H: BIFsy GWsy PGWOtv RESes/ss/vc REWsr Notes: widespread and uncommon. Yarra Bend Park supports the most extensive populations in Yarra District. Formerly M. viscosum.
87 MYRSINACEAESignificant species:Rapanea howittiana MuttonwoodN: 2916 S: L1 40M A EY D: 30b H: FRWrr Notes: localised and very rare on riverbank downstream of Eastern Freeway. Also a few plants on embankment of Yarra Boulevard.
88 MYRTACEAESignificant species:Callistemon sieberi River BottlebrushN: 565 S: L2 47H A D: 30abc H: FRWrr RSvc+ Notes: scattered and rare along Yarra. Planted along Merri Creek.
Eucalyptus globulus ssp. bicostata EurabbieN: 1283 S: CE 2VH A CY D: 30c H: GWsy Notes: disjunct and very rare with a veteran tree and one small tree on north-east side of Arthur Rylah Reserve by Studley Park Road. Also historical record (Willis 1945). A dozen propagated from these trees have been planted below Studley Park Road at Studley Annex. Two or three trees are also present on the Yarra escarpment below St Kevins at Heyington while a single tree was also present until recently opposite Heidelberg railway station at Austin Hospital (Randall Robinson pers. comm.). All three sites occur on Tertiary marine sands and are the only known indigenous populations of Eurabbie in southern Victoria. The related E. globulus ssp. pseudoglobulus is a riverine and escarpment species of the Werribee/Lerderderg Gorge and Brisbane Ranges.
Eucalyptus leucoxylon ssp. connata Yellow GumN: 4484 VROT: Vul S: R2 16H A D: 30ABC H: BIFsy GWsy PGWOtv/vs RESes/ss/vc REWsr Notes: widespread and common on spurs, escarpments and cliffs on east side of the Yarra extending onto basalt on the west side by the 6th, 8th and 11th fairways of Yarra Bend Golf Course
Eucalyptus X studleyensis Studley Park GumN: 5209 VROT: End S: CE 7VH A CY D: 30c H: GWsy Notes: localised and very rare on Tertiary sands by Walmer Street at Norris Reserve. River Red Gum X Swamp Gum hybrid. Two very old trees in poor health and a dozen saplings of various F1 and F2 combinations and a few broad-leaved E. viminalis which may be ssp. cygnetensis.
Eucalyptus viminalis ssp. cygnetensis Rough-barked Manna-gumN: 4462 S: R2 7H A CY D: 30bc H: FRWrr GWsy PGWOtv Notes: localised and very rare with groups of two trees and three trees above Yarra Boulevard at Talbot and single trees on the lower terrace and riverbank at eastern Studley Park. E. viminalis ssp. cygnetensis has rough bark to the upper branches. It has a more spreading crown and weeping habit than E. viminalis ssp. viminalis and the juvenile and sub- adult leaves are broader. Buds are more pointed and grouped in three to seven. E. viminalis ssp. cygnetensis occurs in western Victoria with its main distribution extending west from The Grampians into South Australia. Most populations near Melbourne are dominated by hybrids with E. viminalis ssp. viminalis. At Yarra Bend Park E. viminalis ssp. cygnetensis possibly radiated on the marine sands during an ancestral dry glaciation phase. It is possible that E. viminalis ssp. viminalis spread down the Yarra from
68the foothills during a more recent and wetter post glaciation phase. The two species have subsequently interbred and populations of ssp. cygnetensis have been swamped by ssp. viminalis.
Eucalyptus viminalis ssp. prioriana Coast Manna-gumN: 4487 S: G Notes: not indigenous to North East Melbourne and restricted in Greater Melbourne to coastal areas. Likely mis-identified ssp. cygnetensis.
Leptospermum lanigerum Woolly Tea-treeN: 1958 S: R4 21H E D: 30a+ H: RSvc+ Notes: planted along Merri Creek
Leptospermum aff. lanigerum Foothill Tea-treeN: XXXX S: L2 42H A CY D: 30a H: FRWrr Notes: localised and very rare (single plants) on riverbank opposite Hairpin Bend and at Studley Point above Dights Falls (Randall Robinson pers. comm.). Probably frequented shallow rocky sections of the Yarra prior to construction of the weir at Dights Falls. In more recent times plants have probably been eliminated by riverbank slumping.
Leptospermum obovatum River Tea-treeN: 1964 S: R1 4VH A EY D: 30ab H: FRWrr Notes: localised and rare upstream of Dights Falls along Yarra River. While Yarra Bend Park supports around 50 plants (alpha population in Yarra District), little recruitment is occurring and old plants are slowly being eliminated during flood episodes. This is partly attributable to bank destabilisation resulting from raised water level by Dights Falls and the willow eradication program.
Melaleuca ericifolia Swamp PaperbarkN: 2147 S: L2 53H A D: 30abc H: FRWrr Notes: scattered and rare along Yarra
Other natives:Eucalyptus camaldulensis River Red GumN: 1258 S: A H: FRWrr GWsy PGWOtv/vs RESes/ss/vc REWsr RSvc+ Notes: widespread and commonEucalyptus melliodora Yellow BoxN: 1297 S: A H: BIFsy GWsy PGWOtv/vs RESes/ss/vc REWsr Notes: widespread and uncommon at Bellbird and on Tertiary sand-plain and rare elsewhere. Note: Red Box and Red Stringybark on the park boundary at Talbot and Willsmere have been planted.Eucalyptus ovata Swamp GumN: 1307 S: L4 A VY D: 30bc H: GWsy PGWOtv Notes: localised and uncommon in Bellbird gully (30-40 trees) and a few saplings with Studley Park Gum at Norris ReserveEucalyptus viminalis ssp. viminalis Manna GumN: 4463 S: A H: FRWrr GWsy PGWOtv/vs RESes/ss/vc REWsr Notes: widespread and uncommon on downstream Wurundjeri Spur and rare elsewhereKunzea ericoides BurganN: 1856 S: A H: BIFsy GWsy PGWOtv RESes/ss REWsr Notes: scattered and rare
90 ONAGRACEAESignificant species:Epilobium billardierianum ssp. billardierianum Smooth Willow-herbN: 4444 S: R4 (>10H) A D: 30a H: FWbs PGWEfm PGWOtv Notes: localised and uncommon at VINC wetland and in soaks above Fairlea wetland
Epilobium hirtigerum Hairy Willow-herbN: 1179 S: L3 >41M A D: 30abc H: FRWrr FWbs PGWEfm PGWOvs RSvc WFeh Notes: scattered and uncommon along Yarra River and Merri Creek and at artificial wetlands. Also colonises disturbed ground.
Other natives:Epilobium billardierianum ssp. cinereum Grey Willow-herb
69N: 4445 S: A H: FRWrr WFeh Notes: scattered and rare at artificial wetlands and along Yarra River. Occasionally colonises seasonally damp disturbances.
91 OXALIDACEAESignificant species:Oxalis radicosa Stout-rooted Wood-sorrelN: 2389 S: R2 12H A VY D: 30abc H: PGWOtv RESes/vc Notes: localised and uncommon (50-100 plants) at 2nd fairway grassland. Rare above Studley Park boathouse carpark and on Willsmere escarpment upstream of Hairpin Bend. Plants originally determined at the latter locality as Oxalis sp. aff. perennans (sensu Geoff Carr; see Parks Victoria 2000), while bearing shorter fruit, the spreading/retrorse hairs on stems and stout taproot fit the circumscription of O. radicosa.
Other natives:Oxalis exilis Shady Wood-sorrelN: 2381 S: L4 G H: ?RESss Notes: on plant list of Parks Victoria (2000) but not observed in this studyOxalis perennans Grassland Wood-sorrelN: 2386 S: A H: BIFsy FRWrr GWsy PGWOtv/vs RESes/ss/vc REWsr Notes: widespread and uncommon
92 PITTOSPORACEAEOther natives:Billardiera scandens var. scandens Common Apple-berryN: 4291 S: L4 D D: X30 H: X?BIFsy/GWsy Notes: historical record (F.M. Reader 1885). May equally have been var. brachyantha.Bursaria spinosa Sweet BursariaN: 515 S: A H: BIFsy FRWrr GWsy PGWOtv/vs RESes/ss/vc REWsr RSvc+ Notes: widespread and rare
93 PLANTAGINACEAEOther natives:Plantago varia Variable PlantainN: 2566 S: L4 A VY D: 30bc H: RESss Notes: localised and rare at southern Wurundjeri Spur, southern Studley Point and Dickinson Reserve
95 POLYGONACEAESignificant species:Muehlenbeckia adpressa Climbing LignumN: 2225 S: L1 1M C/D D: X30ac H: XFRWrr XGWsy Notes: historical record near reservoir (now Arthur Rylah Oval) by S. Hannaford in 1856 (Willis 1945). Also six plants in early 1990s above east bank of Yarra upstream of Dights Falls (Randall Robinson pers. comm.) which are now deceased.
Persicaria hydropiper Water-pepperN: 2628 S: L3 42M A D: 30a H: FRWrr RSvc Notes: localised and uncommon along Merri Creek. Rare along Yarra River.
Persicaria lapathifolia Pale KnotweedN: 2630 S: L1 >24M A D: 30a H: FRWrr RSvc Notes: localised and uncommon along Yarra River below Yarra lookout and Merri Creek
Persicaria praetermissa Spotted KnotweedN: 3938 S: L3 61M A D: 30ab H: FRWrr WFeh Notes: scattered and uncommon along Yarra River and at artificial wetlands (e.g. Triple wetland and Bellbird wetland)
Persicaria prostrata Creeping Knotweed
70N: 2635 S: L3 >41M A D: 30a H: FRWrr Notes: scattered and rare along Yarra River and at swales in river terraces (e.g. upstream of Fairfied boat house and Galatea Point). Suggested enrichment species for 3rd tea wetland.
Persicaria subsessilis Hairy KnotweedN: 2637 S: L1 49M A D: 30abc H: FRWrr FWbs Notes: scattered and uncommon along Yarra River (e.g. Galatea Point, Fairlea wetland and eastern Studley Park)
Rumex bidens Mud DockN: 2967 S: R4 23H A VY D: 30a H: FRWrr RSvc Notes: localised and rare on riverbank at north-west Galatea Point and along Merri Creek at Heidelberg Road, below wahlenbergia cliffs and below lookout. Suggested enrichment species for VINC wetland.
Rumex dumosus Wiry DockN: 2972 S: L2 (>12H) D/I D: X30a H: XPGWOvs Notes: historical record (Willis 1945). Planted at St Albans grassland where it apparently has failed to establish. A few plants occur inside south-east corner of old Fairfield hospital (Randall Robinson pers. comm.). Latter excluded from analysis as occurring outside Yarra Bend Park.
Other natives:Persicaria decipiens Slender KnotweedN: 3919 S: A H: FRWrr FWbs PGWEfm RSvc WFeh Notes: widespread and uncommon along Yarra, Merri and at wetlandsRumex brownii Slender DockN: 2968 S: A H: GWsy PGWOtv/vs RESss/vc Notes: scattered and rare often associated with disturbance
96 PORTULACACEAESignificant species:Calandrinia calyptrata Pink PurslaneN: 551 S: R2 9H D D: X30 H: X?BIFsy/RESes Notes: historical record from 1883 (Willis 1945) where likely to have occurred on exposed sedimentary cliffs and spurs. There is a small chance that the species still survives in these habitats. Searches need to be undertaken in a wet year.
Calandrinia eremaea Small PurslaneN: 554 S: CE 1VH A EY D: 30a H: BIFsy RESes Notes: disjunct and rare inside Studley Loop (20 plants) and above cliffs at Studley Point (20 plants). Known elsewhere in Greater Melbourne only from the Werribee Gorge.
Neopaxia australasica White PurslaneN: 2221 S: R4 27H D/E D: X30/30a+ H: PGWEfm+ Notes: historical record (F.M. Reader 1885). Planted and established at VINC wetland. Suggested enrichment species for 3rd tea wetland.
Other natives:Portulaca oleracea Common PurslaneN: 2684 S: A H: PGWOvs Notes: scattered and rare in disturbed volcanics
98 PROTEACEAESignificant species:Banksia marginata tree form Tree BanksiaN: 363 S: CE 4VH D/E D: X30/30a+ H: X?RESes RESvc+ Notes: historical record (Willis 1945). Planted at Duggans falls and on freeway batters behind Cox Oval (propagated from Clarkefield population).
Grevillea rosmarinifolia ssp. rosmarinifolia Lara Form Rosemary Grevillea
71N: 5709 S: CE 2VH E D: 30a+ H: PGWOvs+ RESvc+ Notes: five planted at St Albans grassland but no recruitment has yet been observed (propagated from Lara population) and a half dozen planted below Yarra Bend Golf Course carpark and near Yarra lookout.
Hakea decurrens ssp. physocarpa Bushy NeedlewoodN: 5071 S: L2 (>37H) A CY D: 30c H: BIFsy Notes: localised and very rare (single plant) south of Studley Park Road
99 RANUNCULACEAESignificant species:Ranunculus inundatus River ButtercupN: 2893 S: R2 14H D/E D: X30/30a+ H: PGWEfm+ Notes: historical record (F.M. Reader 1885). Planted and established at VINC wetland.
Ranunculus lappaceus Australian ButtercupN: 2894 S: L3 >60M D D: X30 H: X?RESss Notes: historical record (Willis 1945)
Other natives:Clematis microphylla ssp. microphylla Small-leaved ClematisN: 4312 S: A H: BIFsy FRWrr GWsy PGWOvs RESes/ss/vc REWsr Notes: widespread and uncommon
100 RHAMNACEAESignificant species:Pomaderris racemosa Cluster PomaderrisN: 2671 S: R4 36H A EY D: 30ab H: BIFsy PGWOtv Notes: localised and very rare on escarpment below Yarra Boulevard at Talbot and on Wurundjeri Spur (germinated at latter after the 1994 ecological burn)
Spyridium parvifolium Dusty MillerN: 3235 S: L3 >34M A EY D: 30ac H: BIFsy RESes Notes: localised and very rare at Studley Loop and upper Galatea Point
Other natives:Pomaderris aspera Hazel PomaderrisN: 2650 S: L4 A EY D: 30ab H: FRWrr RESss Notes: localised and rare along Yarra River and on sheltered cliffs at Wurundjeri Spur. Planted in several locations on the river terrace (e.g. Chandler and Galatea Point).
101 ROSACEAESignificant species:Acaena agnipila Hairy Sheep's BurrN: 104 S: L2 >41H A D: 30abc H: GWsy PGWOtv RESss REWsr Notes: scattered and rare (e.g. downstream escarpment of Wurundjeri Spur and Studley Annex)
Acaena ovina Australian Sheep's BurrN: 107 S: R4 33H A VY D: 30a H: RESvc Notes: localised and rare in 2nd fairway escarpment grassland and above Merri Creek at wahlenbergia cliffs
Other natives:Acaena echinata Sheep's BurrN: 106 S: A H: BIFsy GWsy PGWOtv/vs RESes/ss/vc REWsr Notes: widespread and uncommonAcaena novae-zelandiae Bidgee-widgeeN: 105 S: A H: FRWrr FWbs PGWEfm PGWOtv RESss REWsr RSvc WFeh Notes: scattered and uncommonRubus parvifolius Small-leaf Bramble
72N: 2956 S: A H: FRWrr PGWOtv RESes/ss/vc REWsr RSvc Notes: scattered and uncommon on upper terrace at Studley Point and rare elsewhere
102 RUBIACEAESignificant species:Asperula conferta Common WoodruffN: 278 S: L2 >41H A D: 30abc H: GWsy PGWEfm PGWEfm PGWOtv/vs RESss/vc REWsr Notes:widespread and uncommon
Galium australe Tangled BedstrawN: 1403 S: D/G D: X30 H: ? Notes: historical record (F.M. Reader 1885). Not present in North East Melbourne. Possibly Galium gaudichaudii.
Galium migrans Wandering BedstrawN: 1411 S: R2 16H B EY D: 30ac H: RESes/ss Notes: localised and very rare on sheltered cliffs by walking track on south side of Wurundjeri Spur and on exposed cliffs at Lower Yarra and Dickinson Reserve in early 1990s (Randall Robinson pers. comm.). Not located in this study and may be locally extinct. Likely also formerly present on volcanic cliffs.
Other natives:Asperula scoparia Prickly WoodruffN: 284 S: L4 A VY D: 30a H: RESss/vc Notes: localised and rare above Merri Creek at wahlenbergia cliffs and sheltered cliffs at Wurundjeri SpurCoprosma quadrifida Prickly Currant-bushN: 822 S: L4 A VY D: 30a H: FRWrr Notes: localised and very rare on riverbank below sheltered cliffs at Wurundjeri Spur. Planted at several other locations (e.g. Chandler, Galatea Point).Galium gaudichaudii Rough BedstrawN: 1409 S: A H: BIFsy RESes/ss Notes: scattered and rareOpercularia varia Variable StinkweedN: 2344 S: L4 B EY D: 30a H: RESes Notes: localised and very rare in gully of cliffs by Dights Falls. This plant is apparently deceased but others likely survive elsewhere in the park.
103 RUTACEAESignificant species:Correa glabra Rock CorreaN: 830 S: R4 24H A EY D: 30b H: RESes Notes: localised and rare (15 plants) on Talbot cliffs (only indigenous population; planted elsewhere)
104 SANTALACEAESignificant species:Exocarpos strictus Pale-fruit BallartN: 1353 S: R4 >10H A EY D: 30b H: FRWrr Notes: localised and rare (dozen plants) on apron above Yarra bank upstream of Hairpin Bend
Other natives:Exocarpos cupressiformis Cherry BallartN: 1350 S: A H: BIFsy FRWrr GWsy PGWOtv RESes/ss/vc REWsr Notes: widespread and uncommon
105 SAPINDACEAESignificant species:Dodonaea viscosa ssp. cuneata Wedge-leaf Hop-bushN: 1089 S: R3 17M A D: 30abc H: BIFsy GWsy PGWOtv RESes/ss/vc REWsr Notes: scattered and uncommon
106 SCROPHULARIACEAE
73Significant species:Veronica gracilis Slender SpeedwellN: 3506 S: L2 >41H A D: 30abc H: GWsy PGWEfm PGWOtv/vs RESss/vc REWsr Notes: scattered and uncommon
Veronica plebeia Trailing SpeedwellN: 3512 S: L3 >76H A EY D: 30ac H: PGWOtv REWsr Notes: localised and very rare on river terrace at Galatea Point and sheltered escarpment below Yarra Boulevard at Lower Yarra
107 SOLANACEAESignificant species:Nicotiana aff. suaveolens Austral TobaccoN: 2275 Provisional VROT: PThr S: CE 1H A VY D: 30AXd H: RESes Notes: disjunct but locally common on exposed sedimentary cliffs of the Yarra with 150 plants below western section of Hairpin Bend and 50 plants at Studley Point. These are the alpha and beta populations in Greater Melbourne. Formerly present on cliffs below Caritas Christi (Randall Robinson pers. comm.). Plants originally recorded for Studley Park in 1883 (Willis 1972) were labelled Nicotiana maritima. More recently, plants have been identified under the name Nicotiana suaveolens. Several taxonomists including Geoff Carr, Randall Robinson, Neville Walsh and David Cameron currently consider the taxon at Yarra Bend Park is not true Nicotiana suaveolens. They are also uncertain whether it is Nicotiana maritima, if indeed this species ever occurred in Victoria. Until consensus is reached, it is given the provisional name Nicotiana aff. suaveolens and provisional status of potentially threatened in Victoria. It is known elsewhere only from Buckley Falls near Geelong and The Pyramids north of Buchan. Nicotiana suaveolens occurs on basalt cliffs at Taylors Creek near Sydenham, Deep Creek at Bulla, Organ Pipes NP and Melton and has a scattered distribution over drier regions of Victoria. The two taxa differ in the following features. Nicotiana aff. suaveolens has velvety stem bases, leaf petioles and new leaves (Nicotiana suaveolens are sparsely hairy), flower pedicels are shorter and the leaves are broader, grey-green and lack a stong odour (Nicotiana suaveolens are more lanceolate, dark green and strongly odorous). Plants at Studley Point conform to Nicotiana aff. suaveolens while plants at Hairpin Bend conform more closely to Nicotiana suaveolens. Nicotiana aff. suaveolens grows on sedimentary formations while Nicotiana suaveolens grows elsewhere in Greater Melbourne on basalt formations.
Solanum aviculare Kangaroo AppleN: 3169 S: R4 27H A D: 30abc H: BIFsy FRWrr GWsy PGWOtv RESss/vc REWsr Notes: scattered and uncommon. Most frequent at burn sites.
Solanum laciniatum Large Kangaroo AppleN: 3179 S: R4 32H A VY D: 30ac H: FRWrr GWsy RESvc REWsr Notes: scattered and rare on basalt escarpment at Deep Rock and on walking track to Yarra lookout. Very rare on river terrace at Fairlea wetland, east of house at Studley Annex and at Lower Yarra above walking track on bend opposite Collingwood Childrens Farm.
108 STACKHOUSIACEAEOther natives:Stackhousia monogyna Creamy CandlesN: 3244 S: L4 D D: X30 H: X?RESss Notes: historical record (F.M. Reader 1885)
109 STYLIDIACEAESignificant species:Levenhookia dubia Hairy StylewortN: 1997 S: R4 37H D D: X30 Notes: historical record (Willis 1945)
Other natives:Stylidium variabilis (sp. 2) Common Trigger-plantN: 4972 S: L4 D D: X30 H: X?RESss Notes: historical record (F.M. Reader 1885)
110 THYMELAEACEAE
74Significant species:Pimelea curviflora Curved Rice-flowerN: 4832 S: L2 >70H A EY D: 30ab H: BIFsy PGWOtv Notes: localised and very rare by main trail on Wurundjeri Spur, Hairpin Bend fence and south of Bellbird picnic area
Pimelea glauca Smooth Rice-flowerN: 2521 S: R2 (6VH) D D: X30 H: X?RESvc Notes: historical record (Willis 1945)
Other natives:Pimelea humilis Common Rice-flowerN: 2523 S: A H: BIFsy GWsy PGWOtv/vs RESes/ss/vc REWsr Notes: scattered and uncommon
112 URTICACEAESignificant species:Urtica incisa Scrub NettleN: 3476 S: L3 >35L A RY D: 30a H: FRWrr Notes: scattered and rare along banks of Yarra River (e.g. Deep Rock and Galatea Point)
114 VIOLACEAESignificant species:Hymenanthera dentata Tree VioletN: 1731 S: L2 >41H A D: 30abc H: FRWrr GWsy PGWOtv/vs RESes/ss/vc REWsr RSvc+ Notes:widespread and uncommon
Other natives:Viola hederacea Ivy-leaf VioletN: 5058 S: L4 A EY D: 30c H: RESss Notes: localised and rare at Dickinson Reserve (only occurrence in YBP)
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