Indicative distribution
The areas shown in pink and/purple are the sub-regions where the species or community is known or predicted to occur. They may not occur thoughout the sub-region but may be restricted to certain areas.
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click here to see geographic restrictions).
The information presented in this map is only indicative and may contain errors and omissions.
Scientific name: Melaleuca armillaris Tall Shrubland in the Sydney Basin Bioregion
Gazetted date:
19 Feb 2021
Profile last updated:
25 Oct 2022
Description
A dense, dry shrubland to about five metres tall, which is dominated by the large Paperbark shrub, Melaleuca armillaris (Bracelet Honeymyrtle). Characteristic tree and shrub species include Acacia mearnsii (Black Wattle), Alphitonia excelsa (Red Ash), Commersonia fraseri (Brown Kurrajong), Dodonaea viscosa subsp. viscosa, Hibiscus heterophyllus (Native Rosella) and Prostanthera linearis. Characteristic groundcovers include Bracteantha bracteata (Golden Everlasting), Calandrinia pickeringii (Pink Purslane), Cheilanthes distans (Bristly Cloak Fern), C. sieberi (Mulga Fern), Commelina cyanea (Scurvy Weed), Crassula sieberana (Austral Stonecrop) and Plectranthus graveolens. The community also provides habitat for large populations of the endangered shrub Zieria granulata (Illawarra Zieria). Dense stands of M. armillaris on coastal headlands are not included within this ecological community.
Distribution
Occurs in the local government areas of Shellharbour and Kiama, where remnants have been recorded at Dunmore, Jamberoo Valley, and in small patches in and around Killalea State Park. May occur elsewhere within the Sydney Basin Bioregion.
Habitat and ecology
- Occupies very dry rocky ridges away from the coast, usually where volcanic soils overlay latite.
- The shrub component of the community can die back during drought as the soils are shallow and unable to retain moisture.
Regional distribution and habitat
Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.
Threats
- Degradation of remnants by environmental weeds, including exotic perennial grasses.
- Drought induced dieback.
- Degradation by grazing/browsing and trampling by introduced herbivores resulting in losses of plant species and structural diversity, habitat degradation.
- Habitat loss, degradation and fragmentation as a result of various land uses including quarrying, infrastructure maintenance, agriculture and hobby framing.
- Lack of knowledge on the appropriate fire regime.
- Degradation of habitat due to dumping of illegal waste and unauthorised vehicle access.
- Mowing or slashing of regeneration.
Recovery strategies
A Saving Our Species conservation project is currently being developed for this species and will be available soon. For information on how you can contribute to this species' recovery, see the Activities to assist this species section below.
Activities to assist this species
- Implement feral animal control programs.
- Determine and apply appropriate fire management practices.
- Consider off-site impacts in the assessment of nearby developments.
- Install fencing to exclude livestock and machinery.
- Control weeds.
- Protect remnants from clearing and further fragmentation.
- Restore degraded habitat using bush regeneration techniques.
Information sources
- Kevin Mills & Associates (2000) Nature Conservation Study Rural Lands Study Area, City of Shellharbour. Unpublished report prepared for Shellharbour City Council.
- Leonard, G., Chamberlain, S., deLacey, C. and Engel, D. (2000) Vegetation Rehabilitation and Maintenance Plan: Killalea State Park, Shellharbour, Illawarra Region. Unpublished report prepared for the Killalea State Park Trust.
- Quality Environmental Management (1994) CSR Readymix, Albion Park: Vegetation and Fauna Study. Unpublished report prepared for CSR Readymix.
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