THREATENED RAINFOREST OF THE GOLD COAST

A GUIDE TO IDENTIFICATION AND CONSERVATION Contents Introduction...... 2

Common rainforest types of the Gold Coast...... 4

Threats to rainforest...... 9

Rainforest restoration...... 12

Conservation status of native plants in Queensland...... 14

How to use this booklet...... 15

Species descriptions...... 15

Leaf types and terminology...... 16

Trees and ...... 18

Vines...... 51

Groundcovers ...... 53

Glossary of botanical terms...... 56

Index...... 58

Information and advice...... 60

Recommended references...... 60

Key

E Endangered structure

V Vulnerable Leaf arrangement

NT Near threatened Leaf/leaflet margin

Inflorescence

Cover photo: Glenn Leiper Inside cover photo: Lui Weber

Threatened rainforest plants of the Gold Coast 1 Introduction The Gold Coast’s rainforests lie within one of ’s to the warmer, wetter conditions of the interglacial periods nationally recognised biodiversity hotspots – the Border Ranges and the increased aridity of the glacial periods. The most of southern Queensland and northern New South Wales. recent glacial period ended about 11,000 years ago and rainforests began to expand once more. During this latest Broadly speaking, the city marks the junction of our eastern period of rainforest expansion indigenous people inhabited seaboard’s tropical and temperate zones, and ranges the present day Gold Coast. The ocean, rivers and forests from coastal headlands to the hinterland’s cool, misty provided them with a sustainable source of food, raw mountain tops. Our rainforests are the green behind the materials and medicines. gold, a magnet for local and overseas tourists, bushwalkers, naturalists and people just wanting that ‘rainforest When Europeans arrived in the mid-1800s the Gold Coast experience’. To protect and conserve our rainforests, it is was heavily forested. Timber getters were the first to reach helpful to know a little of their history and the great diversity the area and began selectively logging the more accessible of they contain. forests for red cedar, beech, hoop pine and other prized timbers. Farmers and graziers arrived soon after and Rainforest plants have their evolutionary origins in the vast, commenced clearing the rainforest ‘scrubs’, burning the temperate rainforests of Gondwana, the ancient southern timber where it was felled. Whilst rich in species, the lowland supercontinent. We have learnt a great deal about rainforests were the first to disappear. Little thought was origins and evolution, geological processes and climate given to conserving representative areas of the different change by studying existing species and fossil records. For forest types. millions of years after Australia separated from the remnants of Gondwana, rainforest continued to flourish but the Today we have a better understanding and appreciation of climate gradually became hotter, drier and more fire prone our rainforests. Their evolutionary history, the great diversity as Australia drifted north. Eucalypts and acacias evolved of species they contain and the spectacular landscapes in in response to the changing environment and became which they are found have been recognised in the World dominant over most of the continent. The rainforests Heritage declaration of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia retreated to refugia, like wetter coastal areas and mountain (1994). Now, in the Gold Coast and elsewhere, many areas ranges, where they were protected from drought and fire. cleared of rainforest in the past are being allowed to naturally regenerate or are being replanted with native rainforest In the Pleistocene period (1.6 million – 10,000 years ago), species to replace some of what has been lost. rainforest periodically expanded and contracted in response

2 Threatened rainforest plants of the Gold Coast 3 Common rainforest types of the Gold Coast Different types of rainforest exist within the Gold Coast, often Dry rainforest in close proximity to each other and interspersed amongst • typically survives in very small patches, which have non-rainforest vegetation types e.g. eucalypt forest. escaped clearing and have some natural protection from fire e.g. rocky outcrops Subtropical rainforest • is widespread throughout the hinterland from the coast • is found in parts of the city with lower rainfall (less than to the ranges 1100mm annually) • is often found in patches and strips in sheltered gullies • is much less luxuriant than sub-tropical rainforest, with and on protected, south facing slopes a lower canopy (though there may be scattered tall emergent like Hoop Pine () • exists where rainfall is high (greater than 1300mm and Crow’s Ash (Flindersia australis) and fewer vines annually) and temperatures warm (typically below about and epiphytes 600m elevation) • comprises trees with smaller than those of sub- • has vegetation that appears luxuriant, fitting the common tropical rainforest; the leaves, stems and branches of dry impression of rainforest, with high species diversity and rainforest trees sometimes have prickles. many plant forms including tall trees, strangler figs, palms, vines, epiphytes and ferns. Wet sclerophyll (eucalypt) • is an intermediary type of forest rather than true rainforest Riparian (gallery/riverine) rainforest • is found in narrow strips along watercourses, • is characterised by eucalypts in the canopy and sometimes with Eucalypt species and Brush Box rainforest plants in the understorey () • may evolve to have a canopy dominated by rainforest • typically has foliage that overhangs the water and trees trees, rather than eucalypts, in forests where fire is that must withstand occasional flooding excluded entirely. • has been highly impacted by clearing; what remains is often threatened by weed invasion and fire.

4 Threatened rainforest plants of the Gold Coast 5 Uncommon rainforest types of the Gold Coast

Warm Littoral rainforest • is found in areas of intermediate elevation, cooler • is found close to the sea on nutrient rich sandy or temperature and typically less fertile soils than basalt volcanic soils sub-tropical rainforest e.g. Springbrook and • remain on sandy soils in only a few tiny fragments Lamington plateaus in Surfers Paradise • has less diversity of plant forms and species than • remain on basalt volcanic soils in Burleigh Head subtropical rainforest National Park • is often dominated by the species Coachwood • has a wind-sheared upper tree canopy with species ( apetalum) and Sassafras tolerant of some salt spray, such as Tuckeroo ( sassafras) (Cupaniopsis anacardioides) and Cheese Tree • often has various lichens covering the tree trunks. (Glochidion ferdinandi).

Cool temperate rainforest Paddock trees • is restricted to the highest parts (above 900m elevation) Surrounded by paddocks, isolated and clearly subject to of the Springbrook and Lamington plateaus, and is only a range of threats including grazing, weeds and fire, these found within National Parks trees may not seem significant. However, such trees can be very significant as either a threatened species themselves, or • is found in areas with very high annual rainfall by providing the right conditions (e.g. shade and protection) (1500–3500mm) for other threatened rainforest species to establish. Paddock • is typically dominated by Antarctic Beech trees also act as important habitat in fragmented areas and (Nothofagus moorei) as stepping stones to larger patches of rainforest. • has an abundant representation of ferns, mosses, orchids and lichens.

6 Threatened rainforest plants of the Gold Coast 7 Threats to rainforest Many rainforest plants struggle to survive in small, isolated patches, where they are particularly vulnerable to various forms of disturbance and inbreeding. The threats listed here will be applicable, in various combinations, to most of the species described in this booklet.

Weeds In the same way our city supports a great diversity of native species with its wide variety of soil types and altitudinal conditions, it also supports a huge array of introduced species. Weeds can be an insidious threat not readily apparent to a casual observer who may not recognise them as weeds or understand their capacity to damage an ecosystem. Some weeds are so destructive they have been termed ‘transformer weeds’, because they transform an area’s landscape, and weeds are considered one of the biggest threats to our city’s biodiversity. The great news is that we can all play a role in the control and reduction of weeds. First and foremost, avoid interfering with the canopy, understorey or groundcover of intact, native forests. If you open up the canopy by cutting down trees, or clear out your understorey, you will let in more light and disturb the soil, creating the very conditions in which weeds thrive. Secondly, obtain a copy of the City’s free Environmental Weeds of the Gold Coast booklet so you can get to know the common weeds, look out for them and share your knowledge with friends and neighbours. Research plants YOUR PROPERTY before you introduce them to your property and guard Does your property have a patch of rainforest against inadvertent introduction or spread of weeds on ‘down the gully’ or ‘up the back’? vehicles, clothing, livestock and machinery. Rainforest patches, no matter how small or Thirdly, when you identify weeds on your property, get in disturbed, can be a treasure trove of threatened there and get rid of them. There’s often a great native seed species. However, the ongoing survival of these stock in the soil below, eager to establish and transform species is at risk if property owners are not your property from a weedy mess to bushland paradise. aware of their significance and/or do not take The City understands such a task can be overwhelming and action to protect them. With the help of this that you may not have the knowledge, skills or confidence booklet, we encourage you to investigate the to undertake such an effort. That’s why we created the special plants on your property, learn how to Conservation Partnerships Program, which provides recognise and deal with threats to rainforest and, advice and support to landholders wanting to restore their where necessary, start restoring your property’s property’s native habitat. rainforest back to its former healthy state.

8 Threatened rainforest plants of the Gold Coast 9 Climate Change Fire Changes in temperature and rainfall can have significant Unlike eucalypt forest, where species have developed effects on our city’s rainforest species. For example, strategies to survive (and even depend on) fire for without consistent rain our rainforests will become drier, regeneration, rainforests can be damaged or destroyed potentially resulting in higher fire frequency and/or intensity, by fire. Therefore, rainforests should not be deliberately which rainforest plants can’t tolerate. Drier conditions can burnt and, where possible, be protected from fire spreading also leave gully rainforest species prone to death and our from adjoining areas. gullies consequently susceptible to erosion. Mountain-top species are particularly vulnerable as conditions warm Grazing because they’re unable to migrate to cooler altitudes and Grazing animals like cattle, horses and goats can trample are often dependent on cloud moisture created under the or eat rainforest seedlings and compact soil, preventing right conditions on mountains. Warmer conditions may also natural regeneration. Fencing rainforest patches off from provide the right habitat for a greater variety of weeds. It’s these animals can provide a solution. You can get advice on crucial we reduce threats, such as weeds, now to build more wildlife friendly fencing, revegetation and weed management resilience in our rainforest systems so they may better cope from the City’s Conservation Partnerships team. with the changing climate. Collecting Clearing Unethical and illegal collection of plant specimens in the wild Native vegetation (including rainforest) is protected by poses a serious threat to some species. Native plants should Federal, State and local legislation. However, with increasing be purchased from an accredited and reputable nursery. population growth in the region, Southeast Queensland is experiencing large amounts of vegetation clearing, particularly in areas designated for urban development. This highlights the important role private landholders play in restoring native habitat and protecting our threatened species. The City’s Conservation Partnerships Program provides advice and support to landholders who want to reduce their property’s threats and restore native habitat.

10 Threatened rainforest plants of the Gold Coast 11 Rainforest restoration Most small patches of rainforest on the Gold Coast have native plants and weeds, give you tips on how to control experienced some level of disturbance and require some your environmental weeds and even work with you to restoration work. Restoration often involves weed control prepare a simple restoration plan. and potentially some planting to restore the natural habitat. If your property has more than one hectare of vegetation When considering a restoration project, it’s important to note or area you’d like to restore to native habitat, you may that long-term commitment and careful planning is required be eligible to register with Land for Wildlife and continue to ensure your restoration efforts achieve the outcomes receiving ongoing advice, support and incentives. Your you’re seeking. Before you start, determine which area you’ll property may even qualify for a Voluntary Conservation focus on, what weeds you’ll be targeting, what methods Agreement, which provides financial incentives and support you’ll use and when you’ll do your follow up treatments. to achieve your restoration outcomes and protect your All these considerations are important to your restoration property’s conservation values. project’s long term success. The City also offers the Nature Conservation Assistance The City’s restoration teams, community groups and Program (NCAP) to private landholders with potentially private landholders are fighting weeds on public and high conservation land. NCAP delivers grant funding for private land, and have accumulated a wealth of experience on-ground ecological restoration projects that protect and and knowledge. Advice and support on how to restore enhance the Gold Coast’s natural assets. your property’s forest is readily available from the City’s Conservation Partnerships team. By restoring your property’s rainforest, you’ll join the many other private landholders, community groups and restoration City of Gold Coast assistance teams working hard across the city on private and public The City of Gold Coast (City) recognises the valuable role land to conserve our threatened species. The continuing private landholders play in restoring and protecting the survival of many of the threatened species described in this city’s natural assets, including its threatened species. If booklet depends on all our efforts and commitment. you’re interested in restoring your property’s rainforest (or other type of native habitat), contact the City’s Conservation Visit cityofgoldcoast.com.au/conservationpartnerships Partnerships team and find out whether you’re eligible for to learn more about the City’s Conservation Partnerships an officer to visit your property. During the visit the officer Program and cityofgoldcoast.com.au/ncap to learn more will provide you with property maps, identify your property’s about the City’s Nature Conservation Assistance Program.

12 Threatened rainforest plants of the Gold Coast 13 Conservation status of native plants in Queensland How to use this booklet The Nature Conservation Act 1992 (NCA) and Nature This book has been developed to help landholders identify Conservation (Wildlife) Regulation 2006 categorise protected threatened species that may occur in rainforest on their species – extinct in the wild, endangered, vulnerable, near property or local conservation area. Plants have been threatened and least concern – based on trends in ordered alphabetically by scientific name and grouped by population size, health and distribution. growth form i.e. shrubs and trees, vines and groundcovers. Diagrams describing the leaf type, arrangement and margin, Endangered species are at risk of extinction due to small and flower arrangement have been included for each population size, habitat loss, threatening processes or a species with a more detailed description provided below combination of all these. Vulnerable and near threatened each of them. However, it’s worth noting that leaves can vary species are not yet at risk of extinction but their populations widely within a species due to the growth stage of the leaf, may be threatened or in decline, putting their long term amount of sun/shade the particular leaf is exposed to and survival in doubt if no action is taken to protect them. the altitude the plant is growing at. This is relevant to some Under the NCA, endangered and vulnerable species are species more than others. Therefore, the diagrams may deemed to be ‘threatened species’. Many of the species not represent all possible leaf variations for the species. in this booklet are also listed as threatened under federal In instances where this is the case, the diagram will depict legislation – the Environment Protection and Biodiversity the most common adult form of the leaf, with further details Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC). There are a range of of its other forms in the description below. An index of all management and recovery actions being developed and species can be found at the back of this booklet. enacted to ensure the ongoing survival of threatened species. Species descriptions The Queensland Herbarium studies, describes and names plants, and records the floristics, structure, and distribution, The species described in this booklet have been included and conservation status of Queensland’s plant communities. because they are threatened and are known or thought to occur in the Gold Coast area. Not all threatened species For more information visit: qld.gov.au/environment/ have been included and many additional rainforest species, plants-animals/plants/herbarium/ though not listed as threatened, are considered to be of City-wide significance (CWS) because they are uncommon in the city. You will find a comprehensive listing of these and all other plant species recorded on the Gold Coast at goldcoastflorafauna.com.au. Descriptions and illustrations of the species listed on the website can be found in the reference material recommended at the back of this booklet.

14 Threatened rainforest plants of the Gold Coast 15 Leaf types and terminology Leaf composition

Leaf structure Simple leaf structure

ND ATE E OU OL L P LI P M O M F I O - S C 1 lamina midvein lateral veins

reticulate veins Leaf arrangement intramarginal veins

E TE D axillary IT NA LE S R R O E O bud P T P L H O A W pulvinus

POU OUN OM ND MP D C O E C T E A IT N S

R O

E

P

Compound leaf structure T

P

L

A O

leaflet or pinna Leaf/leaflet margin rachis tip

ED E E D H AT IR E T N T B O E N O O R petiolule rachis E L T C pulvinule axillary petiole bud

pulvinus Inflorescence

AR ES L S M U E E G IK C IN P A S S R

ES RS L TE IC S N U A L P C

16 Threatened rainforest plants of the Gold Coast 17 V Tree NT Ardisia pinnatum Ardisia bakeri

TE S TE RS LE NA E ME LE NA E TE P ER IR E P ER IR S T T C T T U IM L N A IM L N L S A E R S A E C

Family Family Myrsinaceae Habitat Habitat High altitude rainforest e.g. Springbrook and High altitude rainforest e.g. Springbrook. Lamington plateaus. Description Description Habit: to small tree with zig-zag branchlets. Habit: Small to medium tree with grey-brown rough bark. Leaves: Leaves alternate and simple to 10cm long, hairless Leaves: Leaves alternate to 30cm long, compound with and fleshy, with a dark green upper surface and pale green up to 11 entire leaflets on young trees, simple or possibly lower surface. Margins are entire but can be wavy. with 2–5 lobes on older trees. Midvein is prominent Flowers: White or pink flowers, approximately 7mm, in spring. and yellowish. : Berries 1cm, red at first turning black. Flowers: Spectacular pink or red flowers to 20cm wide in terminal racemes, spring to summer. Fruit: Woody seed capsules to 10cm with flattened winged seeds.

18 Threatened rainforest plants of the Gold Coast 19 E Ormeau Bottle Tree Brachychiton sp. Ormeau

TE S LE NA E LE P ER IR IC T T N IM L N A S A E P

Family Sterculiaceae Habitat Riparian and drier rainforests in northern part of Gold Coast e.g. Upper Ormeau. Description Habit: Medium tree with swollen (bottle tree) trunk. Leaves: Leaves alternate to 20cm long, usually simple and entire but sometimes 2 lobed at base in mature plants, deeply lobed in juvenile plants (see inset). Flowers: Bell-shaped, greenish-white, 5 petalled flowers to 10mm in spring. Fruit: Brown boat-shaped seed capsules to 3cm containing several seeds.

20 Threatened rainforest plants of the Gold Coast 21 V Jointed Baloghia V Brush Cassia Cassia marksiana

ATE ERS UND OMP ES LE RN RE T PO E C O RE M P E I S M T U I E T T U A N T C IM L N L O N A N D S A E C C E R R

E

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L A

Family Family Caesalpineaceae Habitat Habitat Subtropical rainforest, at altitudes between 150m Scattered in lowland subtropical rainforests e.g. Currumbin and 500m e.g. Tamborine Mountain, Upper Coomera, and Tallebudgera Valleys, but may also occur at higher Wongawallan, Springbrook and Numinbah Valley. altitudes, such as Lower Beechmont and Springbrook. Formerly recorded as far north as Yatala. Description Description Habit: Shrub to small tree. Habit: Small to medium tree. Leaves: Dark green glossy leaves to 15cm long are alternate but may be clustered near the ends of branchlets Leaves: Compound leaves with 6–16 soft leaflets up to or opposite. The leaf stalk (petiole) is up to 4cm long and 7cm long each with a green and glossy upper surface. appears jointed at the junction with the leaf, hence the Flowers: Showy yellow, lightly perfumed flowers from spring common name. Two small, raised glands may be found to summer. on the leaf margin at the leaf base. Fruit: Cylindrical, brown seed pods up to 35cm long. Flowers: Small, white flowers up to 5mm in clusters during winter. Fruit: Three lobed blackish brown to 2cm.

22 Threatened rainforest plants of the Gold Coast 23 V Southern Corynocarpus V Stinking Corynocarpus rupestris subsp. arborescens Cryptocarya foetida

E NATE E S E NATE E LAR L R IR E L R IR U P E T IK P E T G M T M T I L N P I L N IN S A E S S A E S

Family Family Corynocarpaceae Habitat Habitat Subtropical and drier rainforest e.g. Tamborine Mountain, Scattered in rainforest and wet sclerophyll forest on Guanaba, Upper Ormeau and Natural Bridge. volcanic soils and coastal sands e.g. Burleigh Headland, Wongawallan and South Stradbroke Island. Habitat Description severely impacted by coastal clearing and disturbance. Habit: Small tree or shrub. Description Leaves: Thick stiff leaves up to 18cm long, whorled near Habit: Small to medium tree with slightly zig-zag branches. end of branchlets, alternate elsewhere. Leaves have a dark green upper surface and yellowish green lower surface. Leaves: Leaves are alternate and up to 15cm long with a Juvenile and sucker leaves are strongly toothed but adult glossy green upper surface and paler lower surface. Their leaves are entire. broad, yellowish midvein may be zig-zag on some leaves. Flowers: Small pink to white flowers up to 7mm, arranged Flowers: Small cream flowers, which have been described in spikes during spring. as having an unpleasant odour, during summer. : Bright red, globose fruit to 3cm. Fruit: Globose, purplish-black fruit to about 14mm.

24 Threatened rainforest plants of the Gold Coast 25 NT Long-leaved Tuckeroo E Smooth Davidson’s Plum Cupaniopsis newmanii johnsonii

OUND NATE HED LES OUND NATE HED LES P ER T IC P ER T IC M T O N M T O N O L O A O L O A C A T P C A T P

Family Family Davidsoniaceae Habitat Habitat Widespread in rainforest on a variety of soil types Subtropical rainforest and rainforest regrowth e.g. e.g. Tamborine Mountain, Mudgeeraba, Nerang, Tallebudgera Valley. Only a few trees are known to survive Tallebudgera, Currumbin, Numinbah and Austinville Valleys, in the wild. and Upper Ormeau. Description Description Habit: Small tree, often multi-stemmed due to suckering Habit: Shrub to small tree, typically narrow and unbranched. from roots. Leaves: New growth is reddish and new shoots are rusty- Leaves: Alternate and compound leaves up to 40cm long hairy. Leaves are compound with 16–24 leaflets that are with 5-9 toothed leaflets up to 15cm long. The main leaf leathery, stiff and toothed, and up to 17cm long. Leaflets stem (rachis) and the leaf-like stipules found at the base of can be alternate to opposite. Lateral veins on the leaf stem are also toothed. the leaflets’ underside are prominently raised. Flowers: Small, red flowers are clustered in panicles up Flowers: Small, pink flowers are clustered to 20cm. in panicles. Fruits: Fruit are globose and up to 4cm, ripen to bluish- Fruit: Hairy fruit capsule is 3-lobed, pink black and edible. Seeds are infertile. to brownish-orange, hairy and up to 2.5cm long.

26 Threatened rainforest plants of the Gold Coast 27 E Small-leaved Tamarind E Rose Walnut, Crystal Creek Walnut Diploglottis campbellii floydii

OM OUND C PO E LES E NATE E LES P TE U IR IC L R IR IC M N T N P E T A M T N O N D N A I L N A C E P S A E P R

E

T

L A

Family Family Sapindaceae Lauraceae Habitat Habitat Lowland subtropical and riparian rainforest on alluvial Restricted to gullies and watercourses in wet sclerophyll soils north to Beenleigh e.g.Tallebudgera Valley, Bonogin forest and rainforest margins e.g. Wongawallan, and Mudgeeraba. Mudgeeraba, Maudsland and Willow Vale. Description Description Habit: Medium to (occasionally) fairly large tree with straight Habit: Small to medium tree with slightly corky bark, often trunk and dense foliage. with sucker shoots at base. Leaves: Alternate, compound leaves with 4–8 tough, Leaves: Alternate glossy leaves up to 12cm long with raised leathery leaflets up to 15cm long. Leaflet margins are entire yellow midvein are discolorous with a paler lower surface. and wavy, and discolorous with a dark, glossy upper surface Small pits (domatia) may be present in vein angles. and paler lower surface. Flowers: 8mm creamy green (sometimes red) flowers in Flowers: Small cream, four-petalled flowers in panicles from panicles in winter. spring to autumn. Fruit: 6–8cm red fruit, turning black when ripe, with one Fruit: Yellowish green fruit to 6cm opening to reveal up to large seed. three red, fleshy seed coverings (arils).

28 Threatened rainforest plants of the Gold Coast 29 Photo: Hugh Nicholson

NT Black Walnut V Velvet Laurel Endiandra globosa Endiandra hayesii

TE S TE S LE NA E LE LE NA E LE P ER IR IC P ER IR IC T T N T T N IM L N A IM L N A S A E P S A E P

Family Family Lauraceae Lauraceae Habitat Habitat Subtropical rainforest and riparian rainforest Mostly lowland subtropical rainforest on creeks and in moist e.g. Currumbin Valley, Tallebudgera Valley and Elanora. gullies e.g. Burleigh Head, Mudgeeraba, Bonogin, Elanora but may also occur at higher elevations e.g. Springbrook. Description Description Habit: Small to medium tree. Habit: Small to medium tree. Leaves: Broad, glossy green leaves are simple, alternate and up to 15cm long, with a raised, broad, cream midvein Leaves: Leaves are alternate and up to 14cm long with a and entire margins. dense covering of pale brown hairs on the underside of the leaf and leaf stalk (petiole). Veins on the leaf’s underside are Flowers: Very small, cream flowers clustered on panicles raised and prominent. spring to summer. Flowers: Small cream to green flowers in panicles from Fruit: Large rounded, shiny, black fruit up to 5cm. spring to summer. Fruit: Red or black fruit to 3cm.

30 Threatened rainforest plants of the Gold Coast 31 E Springbrook Pinkwood V Ball Nut Eucryphia jinksii praealta

UND ITE AR ATE ES PO S E UL LE RN E M O IR G P E IR E M P T T T C O P N IN IM L N A C O E S S A E R

Family Family Proteaceae Habitat Habitat Warm temperate rainforest on the southern end of the Subtropical and riparian rainforest mainly at low to medium Springbrook plateau. This has probably always been a elevation on soils of volcanic origin e.g. Currumbin and very rare species but, given the tree was only discovered Tallebudgera Valleys. relatively recently (by its namesake David Jinks in 1994), the possibility of new discoveries can’t be ruled out. Description Description Habit: Medium to large tree. Leaves: Narrow, alternate leaves to 25cm long with Habit: Medium tree with buttressed trunk. wavy margins. Leaves: Leaves are up to 10cm long, opposite and either Flowers: White flowers in racemes from summer to autumn, simple or compound with 3–9 leaflets, which may be resembling the flowers of species. occasionally toothed. Leaves are discolorous with a dark green upper surface and glaucous light, lower surface. Fruit: Fruit are about 5cm, poisonous and also resemble those of Macadamia species. The main distinguishing Flowers: Lightly perfumed white flowers to 2cm with feature between Ball Nut and Macadamia species on the 4 petals in autumn. Gold Coast is the leaves. Fruit: Brown seed capsule to about 1.3cm, containing small, winged seeds.

32 Threatened rainforest plants of the Gold Coast 33 V Southern V Veiny Fontainea Fontainea australis Fontainea venosa

ATE ES ATE AR LE RN E L LE RN E UL P E IR IC P E IR G T T N T T IM L N A IM L N IN S A E P S A E S

Family Family Euphorbiaceae Euphorbiaceae Habitat Habitat Subtropical rainforest e.g. Upper Tallebudgera Valley, Drier rainforests in northern Gold Coast e.g. Ormeau, Natural Bridge. Cedar Creek. Description Description Habit: Shrub or small tree. Habit: Small tree. Leaves: Alternate, simple leaves up to 9cm long with wavy Leaves: Alternate, simple leaves to 12cm long are tough, margins. Adult leaves sometimes have 2 glands near the glossy green above and paler below. Leaf veins are obvious base of the leaf margin’s underside. and 1 or 2 small, raised, marginal glands may be present near the leaf base. Flowers: Small, white flowers up to 8mm can be in panicles or just one or two in leaf axils or end of branches. Flowers: Small, white, 5 petalled flowers to 1cm. Fruit: Finely hairy, ridged fruit is reddish and up to 2cm. Fruit: Orange fruit up to 2cm in winter to spring.

34 Threatened rainforest plants of the Gold Coast 35 E Sweet Myrtle V Rusty Gossia fragrantissima Helicia ferruginea

ITE AR ATE ED ES LE S E UL LE RN H EM P O IR G P E T P T T O C IM P N IN IM L O A S O E S S A T R

Family Family Myrtaceae Proteaceae Habitat Habitat Lowland subtropical rainforest in Currumbin Valley. Rainforest e.g. Springbrook and Upper Tallebudgera Valley. Description Description Habit: Shrub to small tree with brownish, flaky bark. Habit: Small to medium tree. Leaves: Glossy leaves up to 4cm long are simple and Leaves: Large tough, alternate leaves up to 25cm long, opposite, with entire leaf margins, and aromatic with stiff teeth. The upper leaf surface is green and glossy, when crushed. with a dense covering of rusty hairs below and on the petiole. Flowers: Small 4 petalled, white flowers in leaf axils up to 7mm wide, spring to summer. Flowers: Small cream, hairy flowers up to 6mm are in racemes to 8cm in spring. Fruit: Edible, orange to red fruits 4–6cm. Fruit: Purple to black fruit to 1cm.

36 Threatened rainforest plants of the Gold Coast 37 V Red Bopple Nut E Shrubby Jasmine pinnatifolia Jasminum jenniae

NATE ED ES OLATE ITE LAR LE R TH EM LI OS RE U P E O P I G T O C F T IM L O A - P N IN S A T R 1 O E S

Family Family Proteaceae Oleaceae Habitat Habitat Subtropical rainforest and regrowth on a variety of soil Drier rainforest e.g. Gilston, Mudgeeraba, Ormeau and types at low to medium elevations e.g. Currumbin and Shaw’s Pocket. Tallebudgera Valleys, and Austinville. The Gold Coast populations represent the northern limit of its range. Description Description Habit: Small multi-stemmed shrub to 2m. Leaves: Leaves are opposite, leathery, usually prominently Habit: Small, slender, multi-stemmed tree sometimes 3-veined from the leaf base and up to 7cm long. showing a suckering tendency in disturbed habitat. Flowers: Perfumed, tubular, white flower to 1cm that open Leaves: Leaves are simple, alternate and deeply lobed at night. (almost appearing as a compound leaf). They are up to 100cm long, stiff and have prickly teeth. The central leaf Fruit: Shiny, black fruit to about 1cm. stalk (rachis) is winged and also has prickly teeth. Flowers: Strongly scented, purple flowers to 15mm in long racemes up to 35cm. Fruit: Bright, red fruit up to 4cm are peaked at the tip and hang in clusters.

38 Threatened rainforest plants of the Gold Coast 39 NT Southern Velvet Myrtle V Fine-leaved Tuckeroo Lenwebbia prominens pulchella

ITE AR UND OMP ES LE S RE UL PO E C O RE CL P O I G M T U I I P T A N T N IM P N IN O N A N D S O E S C E P R

E

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Family Family Myrtaceae Sapindaceae Habitat Habitat Subtropical rainforest at higher altitudes, often near Lowland subtropical rainforest e.g. Currumbin and watercourses e.g. Springbrook, Lamington, Austinville, Tallebudgera Valleys, Mudgeeraba and Elanora. Upper Mudgeeraba Creek and Natural Bridge. Description Description Habit: Small tree. Habit: Shrub to small tree with reddish brown, scaly bark. Leaves: Alternate, compound leaves with 4–12 leaflets Leaves: Leaves are simple, opposite and up to 12cm long each up to 9cm long. Leaflets are typically soft, with a glossy with rusty hairs on the juvenile leaves’ lower surface. Margins green upper surface and wavy margins. are often rolled under slightly. Flowers: Orange flowers to 2mm in panicles, in spring. Flowers: White, 4 petalled flowers to 1.5cm, in summer. Fruit: 1cm orange to red fruits with 3 valves. Fruit: Edible, purple to black berry up to 1.9cm.

40 Threatened rainforest plants of the Gold Coast 41 V Macadamia Nut, Queensland Nut

E LED E S L R IR E P O T IK IM H N P S W E S V Macadamia Nut, Queensland Nut Family D D S LE RLE HE ME P O T E H O C IM O A Proteaceae S W T R Habitat Drier rainforest in city’s north. Often found as scattered Family individuals on rocky hillsides with volcanic soils e.g. Ormeau, Willow Vale and Upper Coomera. Overlaps with Macadamia Proteaceae tetraphylla in the southern part of its range where the two species may hybridise. While this species has been Habitat extensively cultivated, it is vulnerable in the wild. Lowland subtropical rainforest and wet sclerophyll forest e.g. Tallebudgera, Currumbin and Numinbah Valleys, Description Beechmont, Austinville, Bonogin, Wongawallan, Upper Habit: Small to medium tree. Coomera, Guanaba and Tamborine Mountain. Overlaps with Macadamia integrifolia in the northern part of its range where Leaves: Leaves to 18cm long, are mostly in whorls of three the two species may hybridise. This species is extensively (or sometimes opposite) and stiff, with toothed margins cultivated but vulnerable in the wild. on juvenile leaves and entire margins on adult leaves. Petiole is 6–18mm. Description Flowers: Cream flowers in spikes to 15cm, from winter Habit: Small tree. to spring. Leaves: Leaves up to 23cm are in whorls of four Fruit: Brown nut to 3.5cm during summer. The fruit of (sometimes three), stiff and toothed. Petiole is 0–4mm. both M. integrifolia and M. tetraphylla is the well-known Flowers: Pink or white flowers in racemes up to 25cm long, macadamia nut grown in commercial plantations. Many trees winter to spring. of both species have also been planted in farm yards since the time of European settlement making it difficult, at times, Fruit: Fruit similar to Macadamia integrifolia but smaller in to tell if an individual tree in regrowth forest is wild or planted. size (2.5cm) from summer to autumn.

42 Threatened rainforest plants of the Gold Coast 43 E Southern Ochrosia E Shiny-leaved Coondoo, Ochrosia moorei Eerwah Plum

E LED E LAR L R IR U P O T G Planchonella eerwah IM H N IN S W E S ATE AR LE RN E UL P E IR G T T IM L N IN S A E S

Family Apocynaceae Family Habitat Sapotaceae The only Gold Coast population is found in high elevation, Habitat subtropical rainforest at Springbrook. Found at lower elevations (100m) in Northern NSW. Drier rainforest in the city’s north e.g. Upper Ormeau and adjacent areas. This tree was considered extinct until its Description rediscovery in 1980. Since then, several small, scattered populations have been found, mostly on private land. Habit: Shrub or small, sometimes multi-stemmed tree with milky sap in leaves and branchlets. Description Leaves: Leaves up to 18cm have a glossy upper surface Habit: Variable in size but usually a small to medium sized, and paler lower surface, and are in whorls of three to four densely foliaged tree. (sometimes opposite). Leaves: Leaves to 14cm long are alternate, thick, dark Flowers: White, perfumed flowers up to 15mm with curled green and glossy on the upper surface and paler below. petals, in summer. Flowers: Flowers cream to greenish, small and Fruit: Distinctively large, bright red poisonous fruit to 7cm, inconspicuous up to 7mm, in winter to summer. often in pairs. Fruit: 3–6cm red fruit ripening to black.

44 Threatened rainforest plants of the Gold Coast 45 E Spiny Gardenia V Brush Sophora moorei Sophora fraseri

ITE AR UND OMP ES LE S RE UL PO E C O RE M P O I G M T U I E P T A N T C IM P N IN O N A N D S O E S C E R R

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Family Family Fabaceae Habitat Habitat Dry rainforest margins and regrowth. Subtropical and drier rainforests, often close to watercourses in a variety of locations e.g. Burleigh Heads, Description Currumbin and Tallebudgera Valleys, Mudgeeraba, Habit: Shrub to 2m. Bonogin, Elanora, Wongawallan and Upper Ormeau. Leaves: Alternate compound leaves with up to 39 small, Description opposite leaflets and terminal leaf. Habit: Shrub to small tree. Flowers: Yellow pea flowers to 10mm in racemes to 10cm, Leaves: Leaves to 8cm long, are opposite with pairs of from spring to autumn. spines in some leaf axils. Tiny cavities (domatia) may be Fruit: Cylindrical seed pods to 10cm long with constrictions present in some vein angles. between seeds.

Flowers: Perfumed, cream, 5 petalled flowers to 15mm, Note: The environmental weed Easter Cassia (Senna pendula var. glabarata) winter to spring. has only 6–12 leaflets and no terminal leaflet. Seedpods of weedy Crotalaria species (Rattlepods) have no constrictions between the seeds. Fruit: Orange fruit to 1cm.

46 Threatened rainforest plants of the Gold Coast 47 V Small-leaved Hazelwood V Red Lilly Pilly Symplocos baeuerleniii Syzygium hodgkinsoniae

ATE ED S ITE AR LE RN H ME LE S E UL P E T E P O IR G T O C P T IM L O A IM P N IN S A T R S O E S

Family Family Symplocaceae Myrtaceae Habitat Habitat Subtropical to warm temperate rainforest on volcanic soils, Prefers alluvial soils along creeks e.g. Upper Tallebudgera, mostly at higher altitudes e.g. southern part of Springbrook Currumbin and Mudgeeraba Creeks, Mt Cougal and Plateau, but also found at lower altitudes e.g. Mt Cougal Natural Bridge. and Natural Bridge. Description Description Habit: Small to medium sized tree. Habit: Tall shrub to small tree. Leaves: Leaves are opposite, up to 15cm long, dark green Leaves: Alternate leaves to 9cm long, which are lightly on the upper surface and paler below. Veins are prominent. toothed in the middle and glossy on both surfaces. Flowers: Perfumed white flowers to 5cm, in spring Flowers: 1cm creamy white flowers on short racemes. to autumn. Fruit: 1cm glossy, red to black fruits. Fruit: Fleshy, red fruit to 4cm.

48 Threatened rainforest plants of the Gold Coast 49 NT Richmond Birdwing Vine Pararistolochia praevenosa

ATE AR LE RN E UL P E IR G T T IM L N IN S A E S

V Durobby, Coolamon Family Syzygium moorei Aristolochiaceae E SITE E ERS L O IR ST P P T U IM P N L S O E C Habitat Lowland subtropical rainforest throughout the Gold Coast, preferring alluvial soils (above about 600m, in places like Family Springbrook, it is replaced by the closely related Mountain Myrtaceae Birdwing Vine – Pararistolochia laheyana). Habitat Description Lowland subtropical rainforest. Prefers alluvial soils along Habit: Woody, climbing vine with twining stems. creeks e.g. Currumbin and Tallebudgera Valleys, and Leaves: Leaves are alternate up to 25cm with Bonogin. Durobby is an example of a species which was twisted petioles. possibly fairly common in the Gold Coast and northern NSW but has become threatened due to extensive clearing of its Flowers: Flowers up to 2cm long are tubular, cream or preferred habitat – lowland, riparian rainforest. pinkish, and have a hairy, yellow throat. Description Fruit: Yellow, ribbed, oblong fruit to 4cm. Both Pararistolochia species are larval food plants of the Habit: Medium to large tree with scaly, reddish brown bark. Richmond Birdwing Butterfly –Ornithoptera richmondia. Leaves: Opposite large leaves to 25cm long are thick, The introduced environmental weed Dutchman’s Pipe leathery and glossy green above, and paler below. (Aristolochia elegans) is a serious threat to the butterfly as it is toxic to the larvae. Dutchman’s Pipe should not be planted. Flowers: Flowers up to 4cm are spectacular pink or red in Grow the native birdwing vines instead. The Richmond dense clusters on older branches. Birdwing Recovery Network supports efforts to conserve Fruit: Large, edible white fruit up to 6cm form in clusters on the butterfly and its host plant by maintaining a database the branches. of vine locations and encouraging landholders to plant vines in suitable locations.

50 Threatened rainforest plants of the Gold Coast 51 Photos: Graham McDonald

V Arrowhead Vine E Shaggy-leaved Plectranthus Tinospora tinosporoides Plectranthus habrophyllus

TE E D LE NA E S LE SIT HE S P ER IR E P O T E T T IK P O IK IM L N P IM P O P S A E S S O T S

Family Family Menispermaceae Lamiaceae Habitat Habitat Coastal rainforest on volcanic soils e.g. Burleigh Headland, Dry rainforest margins, eucalypt forest and open woodlands which is possibly the most northern occurrence of on rocky areas in the north of the city e.g. Upper Ormeau. this species. Description Description Habit: Herbaceous plant to 60cm. Habit: Tall, woody climber with twining hairless stems. Leaves: Soft, hairy leaves to 7cm long are opposite and Can be mistaken for the similar vine Sarcopetalum toothed with a velvety feel. Crushed leaves are aromatic harveyanum which grows alongside Arrowhead Vine on and sticky to touch. Burleigh Headland. Flowers: Purple 5mm flowers in spikes throughout the year. Leaves: Simple, alternate leaves to 15cm long vary from heart-shaped to oblong with a curved petiole. Flowers: Small, green flowers in spikes to 12cm. Fruits: Small, red fruits.

52 Threatened rainforest plants of the Gold Coast 53 E Shiny-leaved Plectranthus V A Rainforest Sedge Plectranthus nitidus Cyperus semifertilis

ITE ED LE OS TH ES P P O IK IM P O P S O T S Family Cyperaceae Family Habitat Lamiaceae Typically found on rainforest margins and rainforest-wet Habitat sclerophyll ecotone where light can penetrate e.g. Tamborine Mountain and Springbrook. Higher altitude rainforest in rocky outcrops and gullies e.g. Springbrook and Lamington plateaus. Description Description Habit: Clumping, grass-like perennial plant with creeping rhizomes. Habit: Herbaceous, multi-branched plant to 60cm. Leaves: Leaves are narrow to 4mm and may reach about Leaves: Leaves to 6cm long are opposite, toothed 60cm in height (longer than the narrow stem). and shiny and not strongly aromatic (compared with Flowers: Plant has separate male and female flowers hence Plectranthus habrophyllus). the species name ‘semifertilis’. Flowers: 5mm purple to mauve flowers on spikes, throughout the year.

54 Threatened rainforest plants of the Gold Coast 55 Glossary of botanical terms

Alternate Leaves or leaflets that originate from different levels along the stem. Axil The upper angle between one part of a plant and another part, e.g. the stem and a leaf or primary and secondary veins. Compound As opposed to simple – composed of several more or less similar leaflets. Crenate A round-toothed or scalloped edge. Domatia Small structures on the lower surface of some leaves, usually consisting of small depressions, partly enclosed by leaf tissue or hairs, most often in the axils of the primary and secondary veins. Epiphyte A plant perched on another plant, but not parasitic. Entire A leaf’s margin that is complete or smooth, not toothed or lobed. Gland A structure, within or on the surface of a plant. Habit The general appearance of a plant, including size, shape and life form. Habitat The kind of place in which a plant grows. Inflorescence A general term for a plant’s flower-bearing system. Leaflet One of the segments of a compound leaf. Lobed A leaf’s margin that is deeply indented. Margin Outer edge of leaf or leaflet. Opposite Leaves or leaflets that originate opposite one another along the stem. Petiole The leaf stalk. Raceme A simple inflorescence ending in a non-floral bud on which the flowers are stalked. Sessile Without a stalk or petiole. Simple A leaf not divided into leaflets. Spike A simple inflorescence, terminating in a non-floral bud, in which the flowers are sessile. Toothed A leaf’s margin that is regularly or irregularly incised. Whorled A ring of leaves originating from the same level on a stem.

Glossary descriptions based on those provided in Rainforest Trees & Shrubs – a field guide to their identification in Victoria, New South Wales and subtropical Queensland using vegetative features (2006) Harden, G. McDonald, B. Williams, J. Gwen Harden Publishing and New South Wales Flora Online. (http://plantnet.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au)

56 Threatened rainforest plants of the Gold Coast 57 Index , Tree Waratah...... 18 Helicia ferruginea, Rusty Helicia...... 37

Ardisia bakeri, Ardisia...... 19 Hicksbeachia pinnatifolia, Red Bopple Nut...... 38

Baloghia marmorata, Jointed Baloghia...... 22 Jasminum jenniae, Shrubby Jasmine...... 39

Brachychiton sp. Ormeau, Ormeau Bottle Tree...... 20 Lenwebbia prominens, Southern Velvet Myrtle...... 40

Cassia marksiana, Brush Cassia...... 23 Lepiderema pulchella, Fine–leaved Tuckeroo...... 41

Corynocarpus rupestris subsp. arborescens, Macadamia integrifolia, Macadamia Nut, Southern Corynocarpus...... 24 Queensland Nut...... 42

Cryptocarya foetida, Stinking Cryptocarya...... 25 Macadamia tetraphylla, Macadamia Nut, Queensland Nut...... 43 Cyperus semifertilis, A Rainforest Sedge...... 55 Ochrosia moorei, Southern Ochrosia...... 44 Cupaniopsis newmanii, Long-leaved Tuckeroo...... 26 Pararistolochia praevenosa, Richmond Birdwing Vine...... 51 Davidsonia johnsonnii, Smooth Davidson’s Plum...... 27 Planchonella eerwah, Shiny-leaved Coondoo, Diploglottis campbellii, Small-leaved Tamarind...... 28 Eerwah Plum...... 45 Endiandra floydi, Rose Walnut, Crystal Creek Walnut...... 29 Plectranthus habrophyllus, Shaggy-leaved Plectranthus...... 53 Endiandra globosa, Black Walnut...... 30 Plectranthus nitidus, Shiny-leaved Plectranthus...... 54 Endiandra hayesii, Velvet Laurel...... 31 Randia moorei, Spiny Gardenia...... 46 Eucryphia jinksii, Springbrook Pinkwood...... 32 Sophora fraseri, Brush Sophora...... 47 Floydia praealta, Ball Nut...... 33 Symplocos bauerlenii, Small-leaved Hazelwood...... 48 Fontainea australis, Southern Fontainea...... 34 Syzygium hodgkinsoniae, Red Lilly Pilly...... 49 Fontainea venosa, Veiny Fontainea...... 35 Syzygium moorei, Durobby, Coolamon...... 50 Gossia fragrantissima, Sweet Myrtle...... 36 Tinospora tinosporoides, Arrowhead Vine...... 52

58 Threatened rainforest plants of the Gold Coast 59 Information and advice The City of Gold Coast’s Conservation Partnerships team offers a number of schemes (including Land for Wildlife, Voluntary Conservation Agreements and the Nature Conservation Assistance Program) to help you identify native plants and weeds, restore bushland that has been cleared or disturbed, and protect your property. Visit cityofgoldcoast.com.au/conservationpartnerships or call 07 5582 8896 to find out how we can help you manage your property’s bushland. Recommended references Books Mangroves to Mountains: A Field Guide to the Native Plants of South-east Queensland (revised 2008 edition) Logan River Branch SGAP (Qld Region) Inc. Rainforest Trees & Shrubs – a field guide to their identification in Victoria, New South Wales and subtropical Queensland using vegetative features (2006) Harden, G. McDonald, B. Williams, J. Gwen Harden Publishing.

Websites cityofgoldcoast.com.au/conservationpartnerships goldcoastflorafauna.com.au

Apps Rainforest Plants of Australia – rainforests.net.au

Free City publications Environmental weeds and native alternatives City-wide significant plants of the Gold Coast To obtain copies of these free publications email [email protected] or call 07 5582 8896. Acknowledgements All photographs of plants featured in ‘Species Descriptions’, apart from those labelled otherwise, were provided by Glenn Leiper. We thank Glenn and Graham McDonald for their assistance in preparing this revised booklet. Lui Weber provided the photos on the inside front cover, inside back cover and on page 57.

Published January 2020

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