Description: 10.9.7 is open-shrubland of paperbark Melaleuca uncinata with Lazarides wattle (Acacia lazaridis) on undulating terrain with gravelly, red sandy loam soil on Cretaceous sediments. 10.9.7 is endemic to the White Mountains National Park in subregion 2.

Reservation status:

10.9.7 is represented by 3031ha of remnant (1991) in White Mountains National Park.

Ecological notes:

10.9.7 has relatively low plant species diversity with about 11 species recorded.

10.9.7 is a restricted ecosystem with an area of 3 031 ha (100% of pre-clearing area remains (remnant 1999)).

10.9.7 has a very restricted distribution. Presently known from only the White Mountains National Park in subregion 2.

There are currently no rare or threatened flora species recorded in this regional ecosystem. Blue goodenia (Goodenia splendida), an uncommon species with restricted distribution has been recorded in 10.9.7.

The soils are shallow with low water-holding capacity and low fertility.

Plant growth is seasonal and pasture productivity is low. There are few palatable species and their cover is sparse.

Fauna values:

10.9.7 is expected to have a moderate to high species diversity of similar composition and value to the Acacia and associated communities in landzone 9, but also some affiliation to other heaths, shrublands such as 10.7.7. Currently no species have been recorded for this regional ecosystem.

Brief vegetation community description:

10.9.7: Paperbark (Melaleuca uncinata) with Lazarides wattle (Acacia lazaridis) open-shrubland on Cretaceous sediments.

Paperbark (Melaleuca uncinata) dominates the very sparse canopy (0.5-1.6m tall). Teatree (Melaleuca pallescens) is sometimes a codominant. Acacia lazarides is usually present. Grey spinifex (Triodia longiceps) dominates the very sparse to sparse ground layer. Short-glumed umbrella grass (Digitaria breviglumis) and hairy panic (Panicum effusum var. effusum) are frequently present.

REs with overlapping distribution that have at least some similarities in the dominant canopy species and thereby have the potential to be confused with 10.9.7 in the field are:
10.7.7a (sub-unit 4)
10.10.2d

References

Henderson, R.J.F. (ed.) (2002). Names and Distribution of Queensland Plants, Algae and Lichens. Environmental Protection Agency, Toowong.

Lorimer, M.S. (1998). Catchment management in the Desert Uplands. Volume 2. A land resource description and evaluation. Queensland Department of Environment, Brisbane.

Morgan, G. (1999). Desert Uplands. In The Conservation Status of Queensland Biogeographical Ecosystems. Sattler, P.S. and Williams, R.D. (eds). Environmental Protection Agency, Brisbane.

Morgan, G., Lorimer, M., Morrison, A. and Kutt, A. (2002). The conservation of biodiversity in the Desert Uplands. Environmental Protection Agency, Townsville.

Pedley, L. (1967). Vegetation of the Nogoa-Belyando area. In Lands of the Nogoa-Belyando Area, Queensland. Land Research Series No. 18, CSIRO, Australia.

Morgan, G. (1999). Desert Uplands. In Sattler, P.S. and Williams, R.D. (eds) The Conservation Status of Queensland's Biogeographical Ecosystems. Environmental Protection Agency, Brisbane.

Thompson, E.J. and Turpin, G.P. (In prep.). Vegetation Survey of the Desert Uplands Bioregion. Queensland Herbarium, Environmental Protection Agency, Toowong.

Turner, E.J., McDonald, W.J.F., Ahern, C.R. and Thomas, M.B. (1993). Western Arid Region Land Use Study, Part V. Tech. Bull. 30, Division of Land Utilisation, Department of Primary Industries, Brisbane.

Compiled by E.J. Thompson and D. Sharp, Queensland Herbarium, Environmental Protection Agency. Fauna images and information supplied by Alex Kutt, EPA, Townsville. G.Morgan, EPA, Townsville made significant contribution to information provided in the fact sheets. Funded by the NHT Bushcare program and Queensland Herbarium, EPA.