Site 1.6 Subalpine sclerophyll woodland at Wombat Moor
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Site 1.6 Subalpine sclerophyll woodland at Wombat Moor
Site 1.6 Subalpine sclerophyll woodland at Wombat Moor
Grid Reference E4695 S52746. Altitude 1050m.
Site Description: An abrupt boundary between a moorland community and a subalpine community with very different floristic composition. The question is, "why?"
Distinguishing species:
Astelia alpina  Species Information page Eucalyptus coccifera Species Information page
Baeckea gunniana  Species Information page Eucalyptus subcrenulata Species Information page
Boronia citriodora  Species Information page Gleichenia alpina Species Information page
Cyathodes straminea  Species Information Page Leptospermum rupestre Species Information page
Tasmannia lanceolata  Species Information page Richea scoparia Species Information page
Epacris serpyllifolia  Species Information page Trochocarpa thymifolia Species Information page
 
Ecological factors:
Soil: Deep uniform yellow vorwn, very stony clay loam in woodland, abruptly grading to deep, dark brown to black peat.
Aspect: North-west, 315 degrees.
Slope: 5 degrees.
Rainfall: 2030mm
Vegetation type: Eucalyptus coccifera / Eucalyptus subcrenulata woodland with abrupt boundary to Astelia alpina  / Gleichenia alpina closed - herbland (see top left photo).
Geology: Dolerite.
 

Vegetation Structure

  • Boundary between open woodland and moorland
  • Open E. coccifera / E. subcrenulata woodland, 10-15m in height, <40% cover
  • Understorey of shrubs to 1.5m composed of Bauera rubioides and Richea scoparia.
  • Moorlands consist of emergent shrubs of Leptospermum rupestre, Epacris serpyllifolia, Boronia citriodora.
  • Groundcover >95% consisting of Gleichenia alpina and Astelia alpina.

Vegetation Processes

  • Factors causing abrupt boundary include; 
  • frost and cold air drainage
  • Fire frequency
  • Drainage and edaphic factors.
Common species at this site