Flora of the Barwon River (Ring Road to Breakwater)

Sponsored by: General Disclaimer Ecological Vegetation Class (EVC’s) This booklet is designed and compiled for the wider community EVC’s are a way of classifying communities according to to increase knowledge and awareness of indigenous floristics, habit and position. along the Barwon River. More information about EVC’s can be found on the Department Whilst all due care has been taken at the time of publication in of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) website. providing correct information, we take no responsibility for any The Ecological Vegetation Classes of the Barwon River are errors of content. • 55 Plains Grassy Woodland The information provided relating to the Aboriginal use of plants for food, items or medicinal purposes has been approved by the • 56 Floodplain Riparian Woodland Wathaurung People. • 104 Lignum Swamp • 538 Brackish Herbland References and Further Research • 641 Riparian Woodland Corangamite Catchment Management Authority website • 653 Aquatic Herbland (CCMA) ‘Barwon through Management Plan’ • 656 Brackish Wetland www.ccma.vic.gov.au • 851 Stream Bank Shrubland

Victorian Flora website • 947 Brackish Lignum Swamp www.victorianflora.wmcn.org.au Vegetation with no EVC has been allocated as: Department of Sustainability and Environment • Revegetated Floodplain Riparian Woodland www.dse.vic.gov.au

Costermans L, 1981 ‘Native trees and shrubs of South Eastern ’, Reed New Holland.

Society of Growing Australia Plants Maroondah Inc, 1991 ‘Flora of Melbourne’, Hyland Publishing Pty Limited, South Melbourne.

Cover photo: Near Balyang Sanctuary Back cover photo: Near Balyang Sanctuary

Page 2 Page 3 Azolla filiculoides The booklet is organised into sections based on the growth Aquatic habit of plants. Plants within each section are listed Pacific Azolla 1.5 cm (h) alphabeticall using , Common name and 2 - 3 cm (w) Azollaceae Family name. Aquatic Plants that require partial or complete submersion in water to survive. Groundcovers and Climbers Groundcovers are low spreading plants that grow across the ground. Climbers sprawl or scramble over and through other plants or objects. Herbs These plants produce fleshy rather than woody stems and are usually up to a metre in height. Grasses and Sedges Grasses and sedges have narrow leaves that arise from the base of the plant to form a tuft. Shrubs EVC 653 Aquatic Herbland Plants with many woody stems arising from near the base of • A free floating fern the plant. Shrubs have no distinct trunk. • Dies back in cold weather • Can be green or red in colour • Spores are produced, rather than flowers and fruits Trees • Good cover for fish Woody plants over three metres in height with branches • Found in still corners of the Barwon River developing above a distinct trunk. Flower colour: No flowers Flowering: None

Page 4 Page 5 Phragmites australis Triglochin procerum Aquatic Aquatic Plant Common Reed Up to 3 m Water Ribbons 20 - 50 cm (w) Poaceae Juncaginaceae

EVC 56 Floodplain Riparian Woodland EVC 56 Floodplain Riparian Woodland EVC 641 Riparian Woodland EVC 641 Riparian Woodland EVC 653 Aquatic Herbland EVC 538 Brackish Herbland EVC 656 Brackish Wetland EVC 653 Aquatic Herbland EVC 947 Brackish Lignum Swamp EVC 656 Brackish Wetland • Semi-aquatic, fast growing perennial grass • Located in shallower areas, confined to the edges of the river or wetlands • Flower-heads have a fluffy-feathery appearance • Leaves are fleshy and ribbon-like, erect or floating • Habitat for birds such as the reed warbler, coot and swamphens • Flower spikes are erect above the water • Black Swans feed on the fleshy shoots and use the leaves for nesting Aboriginal use: Leaves were used to weave baskets. Rhizomes were eaten roasted. Aboriginal use: The tuberous roots were roasted. Part of the stem was eaten like celery. Flower colour: Green to purplish Flowering: All year round Flower colour: Greenish Flowering: Most of the year

Page 6 Page 7 Typha domingensis Acaena novae-zelandiae Aquatic Ground Cover Cumbungi 1 - 3 m (h) Bidgee-widgee Prostrate 10 m (w) 1 - 4 m (w) Typhaceae Rosaceae

EVC 653 Aquatic Herbland EVC 641 Riparian Woodland EVC 656 Brackish Wetland EVC 851 Stream Bank Shrubland EVC 56 Floodplain Riparian Woodland • A spreading plant, with burrs covered in hooks that attach to clothing and EVC 641 Riparian Woodland animal fur EVC 947 Brackish Lignum Swamp • The early settlers used the leaves as a tea substitute • Typha orientalis (Broad-leaf Cumbungi) is another similar species • Fruit are sphere-shaped and covered with small red spines • Distinct velvety-brown flower spike Aboriginal use: Bidgee-widgee was used as a medicine to aid digestion. • Good for frog habitat Greenish white Oct - Jan Aboriginal use: Baskets were made from long leaves and fibres. The roots Flower colour: Flowering: were cleaned, steamed and roasted or eaten raw like potatoes. Flower colour: Greenish Flowering: All year round

Page 8 Page 9 Clematis microphylla Einadia nutans Ground Cover Climber Prostrate Small-leaved Clematis 4 m (h) Nodding Saltbush 1 - 2 m (w) Ranunculaceae Chenopodiaceae

EVC 175 Grassy Woodland EVC 175 Grassy Woodland • Feathery fruits are dispersed by wind • Small nodding succulent triangular leaves • Masses of cream cross-shaped flowers • Small flowers and tiny red berries are produced during summer months • Leaves are dull green 130 mm in length • Fruits are great food for lizards and birds • Male and female flowers are borne on separate plants Aboriginal use: Ripe berries were eaten but are poisonous if picked • Found around Buckley Falls car park too early. Flower colour: Cream Flowering: July - Nov Flower colour: Green Flowering: Dec - March

Page 10 Page 11 Enchylaena tomentosa Tetragonia implexicoma Ground Cover Ground Cover Ruby Saltbush 0.1 - 1 m (h) Bower Spinach Prostrate 1 - 1.5 m (w) 2 m (w) Chenopodiaceae Aizoaceae

Revegetated Floodplain Riparian Woodland Revegetated Floodplain Riparian Woodland • Succulent bluish-green cylindrical or linear leaves • Red berries are produced and ripen to black • Small green flowers • Leaves are succulent • Berries ripen to orange and red • Small four petalled flowers • Fruits are food for small lizards and birds such as Silvereyes • Earlier voyagers to Australia used this plant to help fight scurvy Aboriginal use: Berries were eaten when ripe and a dye can be made from Aboriginal use: The leaves and juvenile shoots were cooked and eaten like the berries. spinach. Berries were also eaten when ripe. Flower colour: Green Flowering: Sept - March Flower colour: Yellow Flowering: Aug - Sept

Page 12 Page 13 Chrysocephalum apiculatum Lythrum salicaria Herb Herb Common Everlasting Prostrate Purple Loosestrife 1 m (h) 1 - 2 m (w) 1 m (w) Asteraceae Lythraceae

Revegetated Floodplain Riparian Woodland Revegetated Floodplain Riparian Woodland • A perennial herb • Semi-aquatic perennial herb • Silver grey foliage • Flowers on tall stems • Flowers attract butterflies • Adapted to most soils Flower colour: Yellow Flowering: Sept - Dec Flower colour: Purple Flowering: Nov - March

Page 14 Page 15 Senecio quadridentatus Vittadinia cuneata Herb Herb Cotton Fireweed 40 - 90 cm (h) Fuzzy New Holland Daisy 10 - 30 cm (h) 50 - 90 cm (w) 10 - 30 cm (w) Asteraceae Asteraceae

EVC 56 Floodplain Riparian Woodland Revegetated Floodplain Riparian Woodland EVC 538 Brackish Herbland • It is difficult to identify the many different species of EVC 947 Brackish Lignum Swamp Vittadinia. The fruit is the main distinguishing feature • Perennial herb • A small perennial herb or sub-shrub • Stems and leaves are covered in wispy hairs, giving a greyish look • Mauve-coloured daisy flowers on leafy stalks • Small yellow flower-heads attract butterflies • Found on cliff tops around Buckley Falls • Found at upper Buckley Falls car park Flower colour: Mauve to blue Flowering: Sept - Dec Flower colour: Green to yellow Flowering: Oct - March

Page 16 Page 17 Wahlenbergia gracilis Austrodanthonia spp. Grass Herb 20 - 40 cm (h) Sprawling Bluebell 10 - 50 cm (h) Wallaby Grasses 20 - 40 cm (w) Campanulaceae Poaceae

EVC 641 Riparian Woodland EVC 55 Plains Grassy Woodland EVC 104 Lignum Swamp • Delicate perennial tufted herb EVC 175 Grassy Woodland • Flowers have five EVC 653 Aquatic Herbland • Fruit contains small black seeds • Leaves are blue-green in colour, can be hairy or hairless, flat or rolled in appearance Flower colour: Pale blue Flowering: Sept - Nov • Many different species, difficult to distinguish between species. All have fluffy flower heads • Mature flower spikes are creamy white colour Aboriginal use: Seeds were collected and ground to make flour for damper. Flower colour: Brownish Flowering: Oct – Dec

Page 18 Page 19 Dianella revoluta Carex tereticaulis Tuft Tuft (aboriginal 1 m (h) 50 - 70cm (h) Hollow Sedge or Poong’ort name) Black-anther Flax-lily 1 m (w) 0.3 - 2 m (w) Cyperaceae Liliaceae

Revegetated Floodplain Riparian Woodland EVC 56 Floodplain Riparian Woodland • Perennial grass-like sedge with rhizomes • Flowering stems grow taller than the leaves • Narrow hollow stems, almost triangular in cross section • Produces small dark berries • Found at Balyang Sanctuary • Berries are food for skinks and other lizards • Similar but not as common as Dianella brevicaulis which is found along Aboriginal use: The leaves were used by the Wathaurung people for Wal Whiteside Walk basket weaving and for string. Aboriginal use: Berries were eaten when ripe and used to make dyes. The Flower colour: Brown Flowering: Aug - April leaves were made into string and baskets. Flower colour: Blue Flowering: Aug - May

Page 20 Page 21 Ficinia nodosa Juncus spp. Tuft Tuft Knobby Club-sedge 0.5 - 1 m (h) Rushes 0.5 - 2 m (h) Cyperaceae 0.6 - 2 m (w) Juncaceae 0.3 - 2 m (w)

EVC 851 Stream Bank Shrubland EVC 56 Floodplain Riparian Woodland EVC 104 Lignum Swamp • A hardy plant with creeping rhizomes EVC 656 Brackish Wetland • Flowers in sphere shaped clusters near top of the stem • Useful for frog habitat • There are many different species of Juncus • Found at Balyang Sanctuary • Juncus can tolerate moist to wet soils • Rhizomatous perennial rush Aboriginal use: The strong, wiry leaves were used for basket weaving. • Good plant to help stabilise river banks Flower colour: Reddish-brown Flowering: Most of the year • Useful for frog and bird habitat • Found along banks of the Barwon River Aboriginal use: The long, strong cylindrical leaves were used for basket weaving. Flower colour: Browns to yellows Flowering: Nov - March

Page 22 Page 23 Lomandra longifolia Poa labillardierei Tuft Grass 0.5 - 1 m (h) Spiny-headed Mat Rush Tussock Grass 30 - 80 cm (h) 0.5 - 1 m (w) Laxmanniaceae Poaceae

EVC 56 Floodplain Riparian Woodland EVC 851 Stream Bank Shrubland EVC 851 Stream Bank Shrubland • Purplish green flowers which turn a pale straw color at maturity • Large, tuft-forming perennial • Flowers on tall erect stems above the foliage • Crowded flower spikes • Colours of leaves can vary from green, greyish to blue green • Hard brown seed along flower spike • Can be seen planted in mass along the river • Leathery strap-like leaves, toothed ends to the leaves • Found around Breakwater • Male and female flowers are on separate spikes Aboriginal use: Seed was collected then ground to make flour. • Good nesting site for Superb Fairy-wrens and Brown Thornbills Flower colour: Purplish green Flowering: Oct - Feb Aboriginal use: The leaves were used for basket making. Roots were usually eaten roasted. Seeds were collected and ground to make flour for damper. Flower colour: Yellow to white Flowering: Sept - Dec

Page 24 Page 25 Themeda triandra Bursaria spinosa subsp. spinosa Grass Shrub Kangaroo Grass 40 - 75 cm (h) Sweet Bursaria 3 - 6 m (h) 1 - 1.5 m (w) 2 - 3 m (w) Poaceae Pittosporaceae

EVC 55 Plains Grassy Woodland EVC 56 Floodplain Riparian Woodland EVC 175 Grassy Woodland • A soft erect or sprawling perennial tussock EVC 641 Riparian Woodland • Adapted to many soils, however cannot tolerate overly wet or waterlogged soil • Distinctive black awns on purplish brown seed heads • Bunches of fragrant flowers at the ends of the branches • Very sensitive to grazing pressure and fertilisers • Clusters of bronze seed capsules follow flowering • Once covered large areas over much of Australia • Occasionally has spines along branches • Found on cliff tops above ’s Pool, Buckley Falls • An important shrub for butterflies, including the Eltham Copper Butterfly • Leaves contain a chemical that can be useful as a sun block Aboriginal use: The Wathaurung collected the seeds to make a type of • Located at Wal Whiteside Walk flour cake. Flower colour: White to cream Flowering: Dec - March Flower colour: Brown Flowering: Sept - Feb

Page 26 Page 27 Callistemon sieberi Correa reflexa Shrub Shrub River Bottlebrush 3 - 10 m (h) Common Correa 1 - 3 m (h) 2 - 6 m (w) 1 - 3 m (w) Rutaceae

EVC 851 Stream Bank Shrubland Revegetated Floodplain Riparian Woodland • Leaves are glossy and narrow, around 2-3 cm long • Hairy branches and stems • New growth is silky and silvery • Nectar producing flowers attract many bird species, especially honeyeaters • Flowers are arranged in spikes, usually 3-5 cm long, 2-2.5 cm wide • Long tubular flowers hanging between two leaves • Each flower produces a small woody fruit containing hundreds of tiny seeds • Another similar species is Correa glabra but it is • Fruits are small, cup–shaped capsules clustered along less hairy and has pale green flowers the stem and persist for many years on the plant Aboriginal use: Flowers were picked and sucked for their nectar. • Located at Wal Whiteside Walk Flower colour: Yellow-green/Red and green Flowering: May - Oct Aboriginal use: Flowers were soaked in water to make a sweet type of cordial to drink. Flower colour: Pale pink to cream Flowering: Dec - March

Page 28 Page 29 Dodonaea viscosa subsp. spatulata Goodenia ovata Shrub Shrub Sticky Hop-bush 1 - 3 m (h) Hop Goodenia 2 - 4 m (h) 1 - 3 m (w) 1.5 - 3 m (w) Sapindaceae Goodeniaceae

Revegetated Floodplain Riparian Woodland Revegetated Floodplain Riparian Woodland • Ranges in habit from an open dense shrub • Bright green ovate leaves with toothed margins • Fruit is a red to brownish papery three-winged • Bright yellow flowers have 5 petals; 2 upper and 3 lower • Fruit is more distinctive than the flowers • Fruit is a narrow cylindrical capsule • Can be found at the lower car park at Buckley • Grows under a variety of conditions Falls and at Wal Whiteside Walk • Distinctive sharp, pleasant scent, especially when weather is damp • Located at Breakwater Road Flower colour: Red Flowering: Aug - Dec Aboriginal use: This plant was used to help children sleep on long journeys. Flower colour: Bright yellow Flowering: Sept - Feb

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Map Produced using Parks ’s ParkView Mapping System Thursday, 5 November 2009 at 7:52:51 AM Geocentric Datum of Australia (GDA94). Map produced by Parks Victoria. This map supersedes all previous editions. Data source acknowledgements: Barwon Through Geelong State Digital MapBase, Victorian Flora Site Database & Atlas of Victorian Wildlife Barwon River Parklands © The State of Victoria, Department of Sustainability and Environment SCALE 1:21340 The contribution of the Royal Botanical Gardens Melbourne to the database is  acknowledged. Page 32 Page 33 Spatial Vision VicMap Books © Spatial Vision Pty Ltd 2007 For Internal Use Only.

Gynatrix pulchella Indigofera australis Shrub Shrub 1 - 2.5 m (h) Hemp Bush 2 - 4 m (h) Austral Indigo 1 - 2 m (w) Fabaceae

Revegetated Floodplain Riparian Woodland Revegetated Floodplain Riparian Woodland

• Very showy when flowering • Bluish compound leaves • Capsules are hairy • Mauve pea-like flowers, followed by narrow cylindrical pods • A distinctive spotting characteristic is the yellowing of leaves • Good plants to attract butterflies • Heart-shaped leaves up to 10cm long and covered in fine hairs Aboriginal use: Leaves were crushed and added to water to kill or stun fish • Small and highly fragrant flowers or eels. Pods were eaten like beans at certain times of the year. • Located at Breakwater Road Flower colour: Mauve Flowering: Aug - Dec Aboriginal use: String was made from the fibres, and the leaves and wood were used for their oil. Flower colour: Greenish white Flowering: Aug - Oct

Page 34 Page 35 lanigerum Leptospermum obovatum Shrub Shrub Woolly Teatree 2 - 5 m (h) River Teatree 2 - 3 m (h) 1 - 3 m (w) 1.5 - 2 m (w) Myrtaceae Myrtaceae

EVC 851 Stream Bank Shrubland Revegetated Floodplain Riparian Woodland • Five celled furry capsules are attached to branches • Leaves aromatic, narrow to broad, wider towards the blunt tip • Mature foliage greyish in colour with under side surface silvery and hairy • Flowers have five white petals and their nectar attracts insects and birds • Juvenile foliage is green in colour and hairy on both sides Aboriginal use: Flowers were used for body decorations. The wood was • Found at Wal Whiteside Walk used for fire sticks. Aboriginal use: The flowers were used for body decorations and the wood Flower colour: White Flowering: Nov - Jan for spears, digging sticks and fire sticks. Flower colour: White Flowering: Sept - Jan

Page 36 Page 37 Melicytus dentata syn. Hymenanthera dentata Muehlenbeckia florulenta Shrub Shrub Tree Violet 2 - 4 m (h) Tangled Lignum 1 - 2.5 m (h) 1.5 - 3 m (w) 1 - 2 m (w) Violaceae Polygonaceae

EVC 175 Grassy Woodland EVC 56 Floodplain Riparian Woodland EVC 641 Riparian Woodland • Upright straggly to dense shrub with spiny branches EVC 653 Aquatic Herbland • Provides excellent habitat for birds EVC 656 Brackish Wetland • Leaves are dark green in colour, oblong with toothed margins, EVC 947 Brackish Lignum Swamp under side of leaf is a paler green • Provides an excellent safe nesting site for small birds • Masses of tiny fragrant, cream bell flowers along the branches • The plant is made up of thin branchlets that are grey-green in colour • Fruits are small pale green to purple berries • Leaves are thin and fall early • Found at Breakwater and on the walk to Buckley Falls from the lower car park • Flowers are small and highly scented, sometimes with a pinkish tint • Found all along the river Flower colour: Cream Flowering: Sept - Nov Aboriginal use: Small fishing nets were made from the long branchlets. Flower colour: Pale yellow green Flowering: Sept - Dec

Page 38 Page 39 Myoporum insulare Myoporum sp 1 syn. Myoporum viscosum Shrub Shrub 1 - 6 m (h) Common Boobialla Sticky Boobialla 0.5 - 2 m (h) 2 - 5 m (w) Myoporaceae Myoporaceae

Revegetated Floodplain Riparian Woodland EVC 56 Floodplain Riparian Woodland • All species of Myoporum have small, white, star • Leaves are sticky like flowers with spotted hairy petals • Fruits are yellow and bird attracting • Myoporum spp. are useful fire retardant plants • Leaves are smaller and thinner than Myoporum insulare, with finely • Fruits are bright purple and attract birds toothed edges • Leaves are thick and waxy • Found at lower picnic area, Buckley Falls • Found at Wal Whiteside Walk Flower colour: White Flowering: Sept - Dec Flower colour: White Flowering: Oct - Nov

Page 40 Page 41 Plectranthus parviflorus Rhagodia candolleana Shrub Shrub 2 m (h) Cockspur Flower 10 - 70 cm(h) Seaberry Bush 1 - 2 m (w) Lamiaceae Chenopodiaceae

Revegetated Floodplain Riparian Woodland Revegetated Floodplain Riparian Woodland • Leaves opposite, somewhat hairy • Semi-succulent plant • Flowers are pale blue to violet blue often hairy 6-11mm long • Small red berries are produced in autumn and are eaten by lizards and birds • Restricted to the Leigh and Barwon River areas in Western Victoria • Found locally in coastal and salt marsh areas • Two similar exotic species exist; not known to be naturalised locally, • Found at Buckley Falls upper car park both are aromatic with slightly larger flowers, usually white or purplish Flowering: Dec - April • Found at the rocky area around Bunyip’s Pool at Buckley Falls Flower colour: Whitish Flower colour: Pale blue Flowering: Sept - July

Page 42 Page 43 Rhagodia parabolica Rubus parvifolius Shrub Shrub Fragrant Saltbush 0.8 - 2 m (h) Small-leaf Bramble 0.5 - 1 m (h) 0.5 - 1.5 m (w) 0.5 - 2 m (w) Chenopodiaceae Rosaceae

Revegetated Floodplain Riparian Woodland EVC 641 Riparian Woodland • A rare plant of state significance in Victoria, restricted • Similar to Blackberry, the exotic weed, but less vigorous to rocky areas from Sunbury to Geelong • A scrambler that has hooked thorns along its branches • Inconspicuous white, mealy flowers are followed by small • Leaves are green and wrinkled above, whitish below red berries, which are often eaten by lizards and birds • Easily distinguished from Blackberry by its bright pink flowers and ripening- • Widely planted and very common along the Barwon River red fruits. (Blackberry has white flowers and ripening-black fruits) • Found from Breakwater to Buckley Falls • Found along the riverside track from the lower car park to Buckley Falls • Also know as the Native Raspberry Flower colour: White Flowering: Nov - Jan Aboriginal use: The fruit was eaten much like raspberries. Flower colour: Pink Flowering: Oct - Dec

Page 44 Page 45 Solanum laciniatum Acacia dealbata subsp. dealbata Shrub Tree Large Kangaroo Apple 1 - 3 m (h) Silver Wattle 6 - 20 m (h) 1 - 3 m (w) 5 - 10 m (w) Solanaceae Mimosaceae

Revegetated Floodplain Riparian Woodland EVC 56 Floodplain Riparian Woodland EVC 641 Riparian Woodland • Fruit is large and fleshy shaped like a small egg • Immature green fruit ripens to orange • Short lived tree, prone to borer attack • 30 seeds are held within each fruit • Leaves bipinnate and usually bluish-grey in colour • Stems are smooth, except for minute hairs on young growth • Distinguishing characteristic is one gland between each set of leaflets along • Leaf shape varies - lobed or smooth edged the central leaf axis • Found at Wal Whiteside Walk, and on the track • Juvenile foliage is host to the Imperial Blue Butterfly caterpillar to Bunyip’s Pool at Buckley Falls • Found along the riverside track from the Buckley Falls lower car park Aboriginal use: Fruit were eaten when ripe by the Wathaurung people, Aboriginal use: The Wathaurung people gathered seeds and ground them into unripe fruits are poisonous. flour. The gum was eaten and used as medicine and the wood was used for tools. Flower colour: Purple Flowering: Sept - March Flower colour: Bright yellow Flowering: July - Oct

Page 46 Page 47 Acacia implexa Acacia mearnsii Tree Tree Lightwood 4 - 8 m (h) Black Wattle 5 - 15 m (h) 4 - 6 m (w) 6 - 10 m (w) Mimosaceae Mimosaceae

EVC 641 Riparian Woodland EVC 641 Riparian Woodland • Fast growing, open crowned tree • Green bark on younger stems • Pods are curved or twisted, 25cm long • Leaves are bi-pinnate and dark olive green in colour • Seed stalks are fleshy and white • Glands are irregularly spaced along the central leaf axis • Crescent shaped green phyllodes • Europeans used the bark for tanning leather • Found on tops of cliffs on way from lower car park to Buckley Falls • Found at upper car park Buckley Falls and Wal Whiteside Walk Aboriginal use: Seeds were ground to make flour. Bark was used Aboriginal use: Some parts of the tree were used for dyeing items. for tanning. The gum was used for food and traded; it was very valuable to the Wathaurung people. Flower colour: Cream Flowering: Dec - Mar Flower colour: Pale yellow Flowering: Oct - Dec

Page 48 Page 49 Acacia melanoxylon Acacia paradoxa Tree Tree Blackwood 6 - 30 m (h) Hedge Wattle 2 - 4 m (h) 4 - 15 m (w) 2 - 5 m (w) Mimosaceae Mimosaceae

EVC 56 Floodplain Riparian Woodland EVC 56 Floodplain Riparian Woodland EVC 641 Riparian Woodland EVC 641 Riparian Woodland • Small to large upright tree with rough bark. • A dense, thorny shrub with a weeping growth habit • Phyllodes are dull green and rigid, 4-16 cm long • Provides excellent habitat and protection for nesting birds • Distinctive bright red seed stems • Pods are furry • The wood is highly prized for furniture making • Sphere shaped flower heads are produced on slender stalks • Found at Wal Whiteside Walk • Found near the lower picnic area at Buckley Falls Aboriginal use: The seeds were gathered and ground for flour. Aboriginal use: Seeds were collected and ground to make flour. Flower colour: Pale creamy yellow Flowering: Aug - Oct Flower colour: Deep golden yellow Flowering: Aug - Nov

Page 50 Page 51 Acacia pycnantha Acacia retinodes var. uncifolia Tree Tree Golden Wattle 3 - 8 m (h) Coast Wirilda 2 - 6 m (h) 2 - 5 m (w) 2 - 3 m (w) Mimosaceae Mimosaceae

EVC 56 Floodplain Riparian Woodland Revegetated Floodplain Riparian Woodland EVC 641 Riparian Woodland • Phyllodes are long and narrow with an abrupt tip • Australia’s National Floral emblem • Flowers are sphere shaped heads, 18-30 per head • A slender tree with large, waxy, green curved phyllodes • Branchlets are angular and often reddish • This acacia has a distinctive gland on the edge of the phyllode, • Pods to 15cm, seed stems are reddish 2cm from the base • Can be found near the low level bridge at Breakwater • Thin straight pods Flower colour: Light yellow Flowering: Oct - Feb • Can be found near lower picnic area at Buckley Falls Aboriginal use: Seeds were grounded into flour. Flower colour: Golden yellow Flowering: Aug - Oct

Page 52 Page 53 Acacia verticillata subsp verticillata Allocasuarina verticillata Tree Tree Prickly Moses 2 - 6 m (h) Drooping Sheoak 4 - 11 m (h) 3 - 5 m (w) 3 - 6 m (w) Mimosaceae Casuarinaceae

EVC 175 Grassy Woodland EVC 175 Grassy Woodland • Fine prickly phyllodes up to 20mm long • Male and female flowers are borne on separate plants • Provides excellent habitat and protection for small birds • Male plants have yellow-brown flower spikes (upper right photo) • Can endure periods of water logging • Female flowers are red and sphere shaped (lower right photo) • Found at Breakwater • Branchlets drooping, grey-green, to 40 cm long • The seeds are a food source for cockatoos Aboriginal use: Wathaurung people made fishing lines from the fibres. • Cylindrical or barrel-shaped woody cones 20-50 mm long, 17-30 mm in diameter Flower colour: Yellow Flowering: Jun - Dec • Found at the Wal Whiteside Walk and Breakwater Aboriginal use: The Wathaurung used the gum/resin to join many things. Seeds were ground for flour; leaves were used in smoking ceremonies and medicines. Flower colour: Brown/Orange-red Flowering: All year round

Page 54 Page 55 Banksia marginata Callitris glaucophylla Tree Tree Silver Banksia 1 - 10 m (h) White Cypress Pine 7 - 20 m (h) 1 - 5 m (w) 5 - 10 m (w Proteaceae Cupressaceae

Revegetated Floodplain Riparian Woodland Revegetated Floodplain Riparian Woodland • Provides nectar for Honeybees, native Carpenter Bees, Ringtail • Upright tree and Pygmy Possums, many insects and nectar-eating birds • Wind pollinated seed, bears both male and female cones • Flowers form yellow spikes 40-100mm long • Male cones are tiny at the ends of the branchlets, female cones are • Underside of leaves are silver in colour sphere shaped, to 2cm, in groups or solitary • Termite resistant wood Aboriginal use: Flowers were collected and then soaked in water to make • Found at Breakwater near the low level Bridge and at Buckley Falls cordial or sweet water. Aboriginal use: Seeds were roasted and ground to make flour; the Flower colour: Yellow Flowering: Sept - April sap was used for joining tools. Leaves were used in smoking ceremonies and medicine. Flower colour: No flower Flowering: None

Page 56 Page 57 Eucalyptus camaldulensis Eucalyptus ovata var. ovata Tree Tree River Red-gum 12 - 45 m (h) Swamp Gum 8 - 30 m (h) 15 - 35 m (w) 8 - 20 m (w) Myrtaceae Myrtaceae

EVC 56 Floodplain Riparian Woodland EVC 56 Floodplain Riparian Woodland EVC 641 Riparian Woodland EVC 175 Grassy Woodland • Bark smooth, mottled, white to yellow and grey, • Broad, wavy-edged leaves becoming rough around the base • Seed capsules are funnel shaped with a flat top • Adult leaves are dull green in color and narrow to 25cm long • Leaves lack typical eucalyptus scent • Juvenile leaves are bluish-green in colour • Grows best on poorly drained sites • Flower buds and fruits are distinctive Aboriginal use: Leaves were used in smoking ceremonies and Aboriginal use: River Red Gum wood was used to make canoes, tools and medicines. The gum was as an adhesive, and chewed like “chewy” and paddles. Leaves were used in smoking ceremonies and medicine. was not swallowed. Flower colour: Cream to yellow Flowering: Nov - March Flower colour: White to cream Flowering: Mar - Jan

Page 58 Page 59 Eucalyptus viminalis Melaleuca lanceolata Tree Tree Manna Gum 10 - 50 m (h) Moonah 1 - 8 m (h) 8 - 15 m (w) 3 - 8 m (w) Myrtaceae Myrtaceae

EVC 175 Grassy Woodland Revegetated Floodplain Riparian Woodland • Koalas favour the leaves of this eucalypt as a food source • Distinctive dense heavy limbed tree when mature • Bark is shed in ribbons • Small lance-shaped leaves • This tree is used extensively for timber, pulp and honey production • Small white flowers are arranged in dense spikes along the stems • Found at lower Buckley Falls and Queens Park • Flowers are followed by woody capsules that encircle the stems • Juvenile leaves (shown above) are opposite and tapering • Found at Balyang Sanctuary and at Buckley Falls Aboriginal use: Lerp insects are found on the tree in summer months. Aboriginal use: Leaves were used for smoking ceremonies and medicines. These are tiny, sucking insects that produce a sugary “shell”. This was Bark was used to support broken bones, wrapped tightly around the break. known as “nature’s fairy floss” which the Wathaurung children would enjoy. Flower colour: White to cream Flowering: Oct - March Flower colour: White Flowering: Jan - May

Page 60 Page 61 Index Index (cont.)

BOTANICAL NAME COMMON NAME PAGE BOTANICAL NAME COMMON NAME PAGE Acacia dealbata ssp. dealbata Silver Wattle 47 Myoporum sp1. syn. Myoporum viscosum Sticky Boobialla 41 Acacia implexa Lightwood 48 Phragmites australis Common Reed 6 Acacia mearnsii Late Black Wattle 49 Plectranthus parviflorus Cockspur Flower 42 Acacia melanoxylon Blackwood 50 Poa labillardierei Common Tussock-grass 25 Acacia paradoxa Hedge Wattle 51 Rhagodia candolleana Seaberry Saltbush 43 Acacia pycnantha Golden Wattle 52 Rhagodia parabolica Fragrant Saltbush 44 Acacia retinodes Wirilda 53 Rubus parvifolius Small-leaf Bramble 45 Acacia verticillata ssp. verticillata Prickly Moses 54 Senecio quadridentatus Cotton Fireweed 16 Acaena novae-zelandiae Bidgee-widgee 9 Solanum laciniatum Large Kangaroo Apple 46 Allocasuarina verticillata Drooping She-oak 55 Tetragonia implexicoma Bower Spinach 13 Austrodanthonia spp. Wallaby grasses 19 Themeda triandra Kangaroo Grass 26 Azolla filiculoides Pacific Azolla 5 Triglochin procerum Water Ribbons 7 Banksia marginata Silver Banksia 56 Typha domingensis Narrow-leaf Cumbungi 8 Bursaria spinosa ssp. spinosa Sweet Bursaria 27 Vittadinia cuneata Fuzzy New Holland Daisy 17 Callistemon sieberi River Bottlebrush 28 Wahlenbergia gracilis Sprawling Bluebell 18 Callitris glaucophylla White Cypress-pine 57 Carex tereticaulis Basket Sedge 20 Chrysocephalum apiculatum Clustered Everlasting 14 Glossary Clematis microphylla Small-leaved Clematis 10 Awns: bristle-like projection on grass seeds Correa reflexa Common Correa 29 Dianella revoluta Black-anther Flax-lily 21 Bi-pinnate: a leaf twice divided Dodonaea viscosa ssp. spatulata Wedge-leaf Hop-Bush 30 Capsules: dry fruit, which splits open to release seeds Einadia nutans Nodding Saltbush 11 Cylindrical: tubular shape Enchylaena tomentosa Ruby Saltbush 12 Lance-shaped: leaves tapering to a point like the tip of a spear Eucalyptus camaldulensis River Red Gum 58 Leaflets: part of a divided leaf Eucalyptus ovata var. ovata Swamp Gum 59 Eucalyptus viminalis ssp. viminalis Manna Gum 60 Linear: long and narrow Ficinia nodosa Knobby Club-sedge 22 Lobed: leaf with indented margins Goodenia ovata Hop Goodenia 31 Ovate: wider below the centre of a leaf pulchella Hemp Bush 34 Perennial: a plant that lives for more than two years Indigofera australis Austral Indigo 35 Phyllodes: flattened leaf stalk Juncus spp. Rushes 23 Leptospermum lanigerum Woolly Tea-tree 36 Rhizome: underground stem Leptospermum obovatum River Tea-tree 37 Spike (Flower): a flowering structure with many small flowers clustered around a Lomandra longifolia Spiny-headed Mat-rush 24 central stem Lythrum salicaria Purple Loosestrife 15 Spines: sharp pointed part of a plant Melaleuca lanceolata Moonah 61 Spores: dust like reproductive unit Melicytus dentata (syn. Hymenanthera dentata) Tree Violet 38 Succulent: fleshy water holding leaves or plants Muehlenbeckia florulenta Tangled Lignum 39 Myoporum insulare Common Boobialla 40 Tuberous root: enlarged water holding root such as potatoes or beetroot Page 62 Page 63 Acknowledgements We would like to acknowledge the following people who contributed to this publication. Melissa Gunn, Jane Sutherland, Amanda May, Irene Perkins, Andrew McKinnon, Tim Solly, Andrew Quick, Beth Ross, Trevor Pescott, Rebecca Bond, Tony Woolford, Joan Lindros, Friends of the Bluff, David Tournier, Matt Crawley, Joanne Heatlie, Rebecca Bond and thank you to the following agencies for their contributions.

CORANGAMI TE CMA

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