Vegetation Inventory Report: ‘Riverside / Rock Correa’

properties Melbourne Strategic Assessment

© The State of Victoria Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning 2020

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International licence. You are free to re-use the work under that licence, on the condition that you credit the State of Victoria as author. The licence does not apply to any images, photographs or branding, including the Victorian Coat of Arms, the Victorian Government logo and the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) logo. To view a copy of this licence, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

ISBN 978-1-76105-333-7 (online)

Disclaimer This publication may be of assistance to you but the State of Victoria and its employees do not guarantee that the publication is without flaw of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in this publication. Accessibility If you would like to receive this publication in an alternative format, please telephone the DELWP Customer Service Centre on 136186, email [email protected], or via the National Relay Service on 133 677 www.relayservice.com.au. This document is also available on the internet at www.delwp.vic.gov.au.

Contents

Introduction ...... 2 Purpose and scope ...... 2 The survey area ...... 3 Previous survey information ...... 3 Survey methods ...... 4 Definitions ...... 4 Survey results ...... 5 EPBC-listed ‘Matters of National Environmental Significance’ ...... 5 FFG-listed values ...... 6 Native vegetation according to Ecological Vegetation Classes ...... 7 Vegetation patterns - Natural Temperate Grassland ‘states’ ...... 9 Plant species ...... 11 Hot spots ...... 12 References ...... 14 Appendix 1: List of vascular plants identified ...... 15

Vegetation inventory: Rock Correa Property 1 Melbourne Strategic Assessment

Introduction

The Victorian Government is establishing a series of Conservation Areas on the periphery of Melbourne for the conservation of threatened plants, animals and ecological communities (DEPI 2013a). They include a network of small areas within Melbourne’s Urban Growth Boundary, as well as the larger Western Grassland Reserve (WGR, 15,000 ha) and the Grassy Eucalypt Woodland Reserve (approximately 1,200 ha). The establishment of the reserves is the result of the Melbourne Strategic Assessment, which aims to mitigate environmental losses caused by the expansion of Melbourne’s Urban Growth Boundary. This expansion will impact ‘Matters of National Environmental Significance (MNES)’ listed under the Federal Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act). A ‘Strategic Impact Assessment’ conducted by the Victorian Government recommended ways of mitigating environmental impacts. The mitigation measures agreed to by the Victorian and Australian governments are outlined in the ‘Program Report’ and the ‘Biodiversity Conservation Strategy’ (DPCD 2009, DEPI 2013a). One of the commitments is regular reporting on ecological outcomes. A Monitoring and Reporting Framework (MRF) provides the logic and basis for monitoring target species and communities (DELWP 2015a). The MRF also gives specific Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for each listed species and vegetation community. All Conservation Areas are managed to achieve these KPIs, along with other relevant environmental outcomes. The precise management strategy required to achieve the targets varies from place to place. Each Conservation Area is different, and each supports a wide range of plant and animal species, different vegetation patterns, management issues, and other features. Detailed information about the type and distribution of assets and threats is required for each area that is protected. Much of that information will be contained in Fauna Inventory and Vegetation Inventory documents for each area.

Purpose and scope This Vegetation Inventory document forms part of the basic information required to start managing protected land. It should serve as a reference for managers and provide a logical basis for management actions. The specific purpose of this document is to: • identify and map any EPBC-listed plant species or ecological communities that are the targets of conservation measures under the MSA. • provide enough information about the distribution of vegetation on the land to allow management planning to proceed. That information includes the distribution of native vegetation types, significant species, and exotic species which threaten natural values. • fulfil (for the survey area) DELWP’s commitment to produce a detailed inventory of the vegetation values within the WGR (DSE 2011, p38). • provide a qualitative baseline describing the vegetation of the survey area at the time it is brought into the WGR. This document does not: • constitute a management plan, • describe the fauna of the survey area, • provide the basis for quantitative monitoring of ecological outcomes (although it may be used to determine what outcomes will be measured at a site), • make any claims about the likely presence or absence of values not recorded.

2 Vegetation Inventory: Rock Correa Property

The survey area This report covers several adjacent parcels of land within the Western Grassland Reserve (hereafter “the properties”): • 1910 Mt Cottrell Rd, Mt Cottrell, • The road reserve along the southern boundary of 1910 Mt Cottrell Rd, and • The Werribee River Streamside Reserve, between the Werribee River and 1910 Mt Cottrell Rd. The total area of the properties is 43.6 ha. Their location is location in Figure 1. Portions of the properties have a long history of cropping and grazing.

1910 Mount Cottrell Road

Werribee River Streamside Reserve

Figure 1. Figure 1. The location of the property.

Previous survey information The properties have not been covered by any known previous surveys.

Vegetation inventory: Rock Correa Property 3 Melbourne Strategic Assessment

Survey methods

The properties were surveyed for approximately 4 hours in total, in September 2019.using the methods described in DELWP (2015b). These methods state that the aims of the survey are to map native vegetation, to document and map significant species and communities, and map vegetation patterns that are relevant to management. Further visits were cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions. The visit focussed on mapping broad vegetation patterns and serious weeds. We did not survey the lower banks of the Werribee River.

Definitions Native vegetation ‘Native vegetation’ is defined according to DEPI (2013b): “…either…an area of vegetation where at least 25 per cent of the total perennial understory plant cover is native, or any area with three or more canopy trees where the canopy foliage cover is at least 20 per cent of the area”. EPBC-listed communities Communities listed under the Australian Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act 1999 are described according to the listing advice provided by the Threatened Species Scientific Committee, posted on the Department of Environment website (http://www.environment.gov.au/cgi- bin/sprat/public/publiclookupcommunities.pl). Plant taxonomy Plant taxonomy follows the Royal Melbourne Botanic Gardens Census of Vascular Plants (VicFlora online). Significance of plants Several sources are used to describe the conservation status or significance of plant species: • EBPC listed (Critically Endangered, Endangered, Vulnerable). Follows the lists of species and communities maintained by the Australian Department of the Environment, available on the internet. • Listed under the Victorian Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 (FFG Act). Follows the list maintained by DELWP (updated 2013). • Victorian Rare or Threatened (VROT; Endangered, Vulnerable, Rare, Poorly Known). Defined by inclusion on either the ‘Advisory List of Rare or Threatened Plants in Victoria (DEPI 2014)’, maintained by DELWP, or as indicated in the Census (Walsh and Stajsic 2008). • Locally significant. An informal designation assigned by the author. It reflects the perceived rarity of a species in the local area; in this case the basalt Werribee / Keilor Plains. Categories of weeds The Victorian Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994 (CaLP Act) lists noxious weeds in several categories: • State Prohibited weeds “either do not occur in Victoria but pose a significant threat if they invade, or are present, pose a serious threat and can reasonably be expected to be eradicated. If present, infestations of a State Prohibited weed are relatively small. They are to be eradicated from Victoria if possible or excluded from the State.” • Regionally Prohibited weeds are “not widely distributed in a region but are capable of spreading further. It is reasonable to expect that they can be eradicated from a region and they must be managed with that goal. Land owners, including public authorities responsible for crown land management, must take all reasonable steps to eradicate Regionally Prohibited weeds on their land”. • Restricted Weeds are “plants that pose an unacceptable risk of spreading in this State and are a serious threat to another State or Territory of Australia. Trade in these weeds and their propagules, either as plants, seeds or contaminants in other materials is prohibited”. • Regionally Controlled weeds are “usually widespread in a region. To prevent their spread, ongoing control measures are required. Land owners have the responsibility to take all reasonable steps to prevent the growth and spread of Regionally Controlled weeds on their land.”

4 Vegetation Inventory: Rock Correa Property

Survey results

EPBC-listed ‘Matters of National Environmental Significance’ Matters of National Environmental Significance (MNES) are species or communities listed under the EPBC Act. MNES are the specific environmental values referred to by the Key Performance Indicators and targets (DELWP 2015a). Two matters of national environmental significance related to vegetation occurs naturally on the property: Natural Temperate Grassland of the Victorian Volcanic Plain, and Spiny Rice-flower, as discussed below. Natural Temperate Grassland of the Victorian Volcanic Plain (NTG) NTG is a treeless grassland community occurring on heavy soils on basalt terrain. In intact stands, it is dominated by native tussock-forming grasses of the genera Themeda, Poa, Rytidosperma and/or Austrostipa. It also contains a variety of native forbs (notably daisies, Asteraceae), which may be dominant in some cases (TSSC 2008). NTG corresponds closely to ‘Western (Basalt) Plains Grassland Community’ listed under the FFG Act (see below). NTG covers only a small portion of the properties (4.9 ha, 11%) (Figure 2). NTG on the property is generally quite degraded, as discussed in more detail below, under ‘States’. The extent of NTG is shown in Figure 2.

Figure 2. The distribution of EPBC-listed Matters of National Environmental Significance on the property.

Vegetation inventory: Rock Correa Property 5 Melbourne Strategic Assessment

Spiny Rice-flower. Spiny Rice-flower (Pimelea spinescens subsp. spinescens) is a small shrub, growing up to 30 cm high (Figure 3). It is endemic to Victoria, occurring on the volcanic plains, in the Wimmera and the northern plains (James and Jordan 2014). It is Critically Endangered (CR) under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act 1999. This species was previously known to the managers of the road reserve property. We located 5-10 plants of Spiny Rice-flower within the eastern half of the Road reserve. Further visits (after COVID-19 restrictions) will be required to confirm the precise numbers and locations.

Figure 3. Spiny Rice-flower (photographed outside the properties).

FFG-listed values The Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 (FFG Act) is the primary Victorian legislation dedicated to the conservation of threatened species and communities and for the management of potentially threatening processes. Although the structure of the MSA and the goals of NTG management do not directly relate to the FFG Act, FFG-listed assets are the responsibility of Victoria to manage, and they provide a useful structure for considering the status of the values on the property. One FFG-listed community occurs: ‘Western (Basalt) Plains Grassland Community’, which corresponds directly with NTG, already discussed above (see Figure 2). One FFG-listed species occurs, Spiny Rice-flower, as described above.

6 Vegetation Inventory: Rock Correa Property

Native vegetation according to Ecological Vegetation Classes The survey area contains 7.8 ha of native vegetation (18%). The patterns of vegetation on the property can be described using five EVCs, as discussed below, and shown in Figure 4. The assumed distribution of EVCs before agricultural settlement (pre-1750) is shown in Figure 5. Plains Grassland (EVC 132) This EVC corresponds exactly to NTG on the property. It is described in more detail under grassland ‘states’. DELWP recognizes several variants of Plains Grassland, with all in the surveyed area best referred to as ‘Heavy Soils Plains Grassland’. This EVC covers 0.5 ha (1%) of the surveyed land. Escarpment shrubland (EVC 895) Escarpment Shrubland occupies rocky cliffs, clifftops and steep slopes, in this case those bordering the Werribee River. The soils are fertile but shallow, very well drained and easily mobile; particularly when disturbed by rabbits. Due to the presence of large rocks, shallow soil overlying rock, and deep shaded crevices, this EVC supports a range of microclimates, and its vegetation is varied and diverse. On the surveyed land, Escarpment Shrubland is heavily invaded by weeds, but still supports a wide range of native species. The upper layer of shrubs is dominated by the native Lightwood (Acacia implexa) and the introduced African Boxthorn (Lycium ferrossimum). The sprawling native Scented Saltbush (Rhagodia parabolica) is common, and covers many rock piles. Other native shrubs are rare, but include Rock Correa (Correa glabra), Sweet Bursaria (Bursaria spinosa), Sticky Hop Bush (Dodonaea viscosa subsp. cuneata) and the shrubby form of Ruby Saltbush (Enchylaena tomentosa var. tomentosa). Grasses include the native Red Leg Grass (Bothriochloa macra) and Weeping Grass (Microlaena stipoides), and many exotic grasses including Chilean Needle Grass (Nassella neesiana) and Serrated Tussock (Nassella trichotoma). Forbs include Kidney Weed, and the Austral Tobacco (Nicotiana suaveolens, only a single plant noted). This EVC covers 2.6 ha (6%) of the surveyed land.

Creekline Tussock Grassland (EVC 654) This EVC describes tussock grassland that grows along ephemeral creeklines (usually) and on valley slopes (in this case). It is naturally strongly dominated by Common Tussock Grass (Poa labillardierei). On the properties, this EVC has been completely replaced by non-native vegetation, with very few native species remaining. It is now strongly dominated by Chilean Needle Grass.

Riparian Woodland (EVC 641) Riparian Woodland occurs in a narrow strip along the bank of the Werribee River, on fertile alluvial soils and sand deposits, in places which are occasionally flooded. It is dominated by tall, spreading River Red Gums (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) on the side of the River, and a few trees of Werribee Blue Box (Eucayptus baueriana subsp. thallasina) higher up the slope. We did not survey the lower slope and the stream banks. This EVC covers 0.2 ha (<1%) of the surveyed land. Plains Woodland (EVC 803) Naturally, this EVC is a woodland or open forest dominated by Grey Box (Eucalyptus microcarpa) and Buloke (Allocasuarina leuhmannii), over a sparse understorey of small shrubs, grasses and forbs. On the Werribee Plains, this EVC occupies a very similar niche to Plains Grassland, but on slightly coarser soils (sand or gravel) where the factors which exclude woody species are relaxed, allowing trees to persist; however sometimes no easily-discernable ecological difference between the EVCs exists, and it is likely that Plains Grassland and Plains Woodland occurred interspersed with each other. A single Grey Box tree standing in the cropped paddock is the only vestiage of this EVC on the properties. Bulokes still occur just over the fence.

Vegetation inventory: Rock Correa Property 7 Melbourne Strategic Assessment

Figure 4. The distribution of native vegetation according to Ecological Vegetation Classes on the property.

Figure 5. The inferred pre-1750 distribution of Ecological Vegetation Classes on the property.

8 Vegetation Inventory: Rock Correa Property

Vegetation patterns - Natural Temperate Grassland ‘states’ To assist the management of NTG, DELWP has created a state-and-transition model (STM) of this ecosystem. This is a conceptual model which describes the structure and dynamics of NTG in a way that is useful for management and planning (Sinclair et al. 2019). Any location within the NTG ecosystem (current native vegetation or cleared land) is in a particular ‘state’. Locations may ‘transition’ (change) between states over time, because of natural disturbance or management. Mapping the states is important because locations in a given ‘state’ share a set of management constraints and opportunities. While some states are generally more intact than others, it is important to acknowledge that condition (or ‘quality’ or ‘value’) may vary substantially within a given state, and that the assignment of a site to a state is not the same as a condition assessment. Certain states (or condition classes within a state) may be degraded to the point that they are no longer part of a listed community (Beeton and McGrath 2009). The NTG on the properties may be adequately described using four of the six defined states (Sinclair et al. 2019). These states are described in detail below. Their distribution over the property is shown in Figure 6.

Figure 6. The current distribution of NTG states on the properties.

Vegetation inventory: Rock Correa Property 9 Melbourne Strategic Assessment

Herb-rich Grassland (HG) This state includes the most intact remaining grasslands. These areas have not been de-rocked, have relatively natural (low) nutrient levels, and retain much of their natural, pre-colonial species diversity, including the dominant Kangaroo Grass (Themeda triandra). On the properties, this state only persists on the road reserve, where no cropping and relatively light and transient grazing has occurred, since colonisation. Patchy weed invasion has degraded the vegetation in this state, so that it is now dominated by large patches of Kangaroo Grass, interspersed with patches of exotic grasses (Chilean Needle Grass, Serrated Tussock, Cocksfoot etc.). Among the grasses are numerous native herbaceous species, although these are generally in low abundance, including Small-flowered Matrush (Lomandra micrantha subsp. micrantha), Lemon Beauty-heads (Calocephalus citreus), Featherheads (Ptilotus microcephalus), Pussytails (Ptilotus spathulatus) and Plains Everlasting (Chrysocephalum apiculatum subsp. congestum). Spiny Rice-flower, described above, occurs only in this state. This state is referrable to Natural Temperate Grassland and native vegetation. It covers 2.3 ha (5%) of the property. C3 grassland (C3G) This state describes areas which retain their natural rocky layer, but which have lost their forb component and their Kangaroo Grass cover through a history of grazing but have escaped substantial nutrient accumulation. Here, the state describes areas dominated by the native Kneed Spear-grass and Wallaby-grass (Rytidosperma) species, and a range of exotic species, including Serrated Tussock, Rye Grass (Lolium rigidum) and Onion Grass (Romulea rosea). All areas of this state on the properties are barely native, with high weed levels. This state is referrable to Natural Temperate Grassland and native vegetation. It covers 2.6 ha (6%) of the property. Nutrient-enriched Grassland (NG) This state describes areas which have not been de-rocked, but which have elevated nutrient levels, ususally as a result of grazing and fertilizer application. Many areas assigned to this state approach ‘C3 grassland’, and the transition between these two states is gradual. On the surveyed properties, this state is used to describe vegetation on the naturally-fertile valley slopes, which are no almost entirely dominated by weedy grasses, notably Chilean Needle-grass (Nassella neesiana). On the properties surveyed, this state is not referable to native vegetation nor Natural Temperate Grassland (although it may be elsewhere). It covers 4.3 ha (10%) of the property. De-rocked and nutrient-enriched pasture (DNP) This state describes vegetation that has been de-rocked, ploughed and fertilized for the purposes of growing crops. On the surveyed land, cropping only ceased very recently (probably in 2017). The vegetation is dominated by a range of nutrient loving weeds, including Wimmera Rye-grass (Lolium rigidum) and other annual grasses, and a range of broad leaved weeds which propser under high nutrients (e.g. Hog-weed (Polygonum aviculare), Big Herons-Bill (Erodium botrys), Tiggy Turnip (Brassica fruticulosa), etc.). Native species are virtually absent. This state qualifies neither as native vegetation nor as Natural Temperate Grassland, and holds very little ecological value. This state covers 28.7 ha (66%) of the property.

10 Vegetation Inventory: Rock Correa Property

Plant species COVID-19 prevented a planned revisit to this property during 2020, and cut short our process of specimen identification (our notebooks and plant materials have not been accessible to us). As such, the species list for this property is likely to be missing some less conspicuous species which do occur on the property. We are confident, however, that all weed species that require treatment are included, since these were prioritised on our first visit. Given this, we are confident that the relatively cursory list will not hamper management planning. Only 47 vascular plant species were identified on the property. Of these, 31 were native (66%). Even allowing for the incomplete survey data, this tally represents a low richness in comparison with some other nearby properties of similar size that have been surveyed, reflecting the fact that the property has been grazed and partly cropped. Furthermore, the abundance of the species was markedly uneven. Most species were recorded in few places and in low abundance. Appendix 1 lists all the vascular plant species recorded and describes their estimated abundance. This list is intended to be a useful reference guide for managers. Significant native species Table 1 lists the native species identified on the property that are considered significant by DELWP. Several other species were recorded that should be considered of conservation significance in the local area. These are annotated in Appendix 1.

Table 1: Significant native species that are listed under the EPBC-Act, FFG-Act or on the DEPI Advisory List (DEPI 2014). CR = crticially endangered, EN = endangered, e = endangered in Victoria, v = vulnerable in Victoria, r = rare in Victoria, k = poorly known in Victoria. Species EPBC FFG VROT Observations Rhagodia parabolica (Scented Saltbush) V Common on the escarpment. Scattered on the property. Despite its status, Convolvulus angustissimus subsp. this species is widespread and common on K omnigracilis (Slender Bindweed) the Werribee plains, and its occurrence is not locally significant. Nicotiana suaveolens (Austral Tobacco) R A single plant noted on the escarpment. This species is scattered along the Werribee Eucalyptus baueriana subsp. thalassina River, where it is endemic. One specimen E (Werribee Blue Box) occurs on the north-western boundary of the property. Pimelea spinescens subsp. Spinescens Scattered plants in the eastern half of the CR listed E (Spiny Rice-flower) Road Reserve.

Vegetation inventory: Rock Correa Property 11 Melbourne Strategic Assessment

Introduced species Of the 47 species recorded, 16 are introduced (34%). Some of the introduced species pose serious risks to native vegetation. The identification and mapping of those species is necessary to assist management. Table 2 lists the species recorded on the property which are listed under the CaLP Act, and notes their category of listing in the Port Phillip region.

Table 2. Declared noxious weeds observed on the surveyed land.

CaLP Act Category Weed species Observations on surveyed land

State Prohibited ------

Regionally Prohibited ------

Regionaly Controlled Cirsium vulgare (Spear Thistle) Occasional

Cynara cardunculus (Artichoke Thistle) Occasional

Lycium ferrocissimum (African Boxthorn) Dominates parts of the escarpment, scattered elsewhere

Nassella trichotoma (Serrated Tussock) Scattered

Restricted Nassella neesiana (Chilean Needle Grass) Dominating parts of the escarpment, scattered elsewhere

In addition to these declared noxious weeds, DEPI (2011b) identified 10 species that were considered to be the most seriously threatening in the Western Grassland Reserve. Two of these occur on the surveyed property, but only two are declared noxious weeds in the Port Phillip and Westernport region: ▪ Chilean Needle-grass (Nassella neesiana) – see above ▪ Soursob (Oxalis pes-caprae).

Hot spots The information presented above provides a formal spatial assessment of the values. In addition to this, ‘Hot spots’ may be defined which provide a subjective assessment of where these values intersect to create conspicuous concentrations of biological values (and risks). These are the places of particular interest on the property, and places where intensive or intricate management may be justified to protect the values of the site.

Two hotspots were identified on the property, as shown on Figure 7. • The Herb-rich grassland on the Raodside reserve. • The Escarpment Shrubland above the Werribee River

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Figure 7. The distribution of ‘hot spots’ on the properties.

Vegetation inventory: Rock Correa Property 13 Melbourne Strategic Assessment

References

Beeton RJ & McGrath C (2009) Developing an approach to the listing of ecological communities to achieve conservation outcomes. The Australasian Journal of Natural Resources Law and Policy, 13, 61-92. DELWP (2015a) Monitoring and Reporting Framework: Program Outcomes, for the Melbourne Strategic Assessment. Victorian Government Department of Environment, Lane, Water and Planning, East Melbourne, Victoria. DELWP (2015b) Property Inventory Guidelines, Melbourne Strategic Assessment. Victorian Government Department of Environment, Lane, Water and Planning, East Melbourne, Victoria. DEPI (2013a) Biodiversity Conservation Strategy for Melbourne's Growth Corridors. Department of Environment and Primary Industries, East Melbourne. DEPI (2013b) Permitted Clearing of Native Vegetation: Biodiversity Assessment Guidelines. Department of Environment and Primary Industries, East Melbourne. DEPI (2014) Advisory List of rare or threatened plants in Victoria. Department of Environment and Primary Industries, East Melbourne. DPCD (2009) Delivering Melbourne’s Newest Sustainable Communities. Program Report. Department of Planning and Community Development, East Melbourne. DSE (2011) Western Grassland Reserves: Interim Management. Department of Sustainability and Environment, East Melbourne. Mueller-Dombois D, Ellenberg H (1974) Aims and methods of vegetation ecology. Wiley, New York. TSSC (Threatened Species Scientific Committee) (2008) Advice to the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and the Arts from the Threatened Species Scientific Committee (the Committee) on Amendment to the list of Threatened Ecological Communities under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act): Natural Temperate Grassland of the Victorian Volcanic Plain. Canberra, ACT. Walsh NG, Stajsic V (2008) A census of the vascular plants of Victoria. Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne.

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Appendix 1: List of vascular plants identified

The list below records all vascular plant species recorded (excluding planted species that are not naturalised). The significance of each species is rated using the following categories: EPBC: EPBC listed (see main text for discussion of species in this category) e VROT: Endangered in Victoria v: VROT: Vulnerable in Victoria r: VROT: Rare in Victoria k: VROT: Poorly known in Victoria Loc: locally significant in the opinion of the author SP: CaLP listed: State Prohibited weed RP: CaLP listed: Regionally Prohibited weed RC: CaLP listed: Regionally Controlled weed Res: CaLP listed: Restricted weed The following categories taken from Mueller-Dombois & Ellenberg (1974), describe the observed abundance / distribution of each species in each vegetation type in the survey area. These are qualitative estimates that refer to the abundance of the species across the entire site, and may be assigned in retrospect after numerous site visits. The use of the categories makes no reference to the status of the species outside the study area r Solitary (or at least exceedingly rare) + Few individuals, < 5% cover 1 Numerous or scattered, < 5% cover 2 5-25% cover 3 25-50% cover 4 50-75% cover 5 >75% cover The direct observations above are modified by the following categories which represent the author’s (S. Sinclair) opinion about the former abundance of each taxon in the area before agricultural land use (pre- 1835). The combination of both abundance estimates represents some local measure of depletion: A: Abundant. Once numerous, and probably once contributed > 5% cover within the vegetation type. C: Common. Once numerous, but probably did not contribute > 5% cover within the vegetation type. O: Occasional. Always rare or incidental within the vegetation type. This includes ‘freak’ occurrences which are observable ‘in’ a vegetation type, but are not ‘of’ it. Species marked with a ? before their specific or subspecific names are of doubtful identity, usually because mature material could not be obtained that displayed all the characters required for positive identification.

Family Species name

Status Abundance former Likely NTG NATIVE SPECIES

Vegetation inventory: Rock Correa Property 15 Melbourne Strategic Assessment

Family Species name

Status Abundance former Likely NTG MONOCOTS Poaceae C3 Austrostipa bigeniculata 2 A Austrostipa ?setacea Loc + C Microlaena stipoides + C Rytidosperma duttonianum + A Rytidosperma erianthum + C Poaceae (C4) Bothriochloa macra + O Chloris truncata + C Themeda triandra 1 A Walwhalleya proluta + C DICOTS Aizoaceae Disphyma crassifolium subsp. clavellatum Loc r ? Asteraceae Chrysocephalum apiculatum subsp. congestum + C Calocephalus citreus + C Amaranthaceae Ptilotus macrocephalus Loc + C Ptilotus spathulatus Loc + C Chenopodiaceae Atriplex semibaccata + C Enchylaena tomentosa subsp. tomentosa (shrub form) R - Rhagodia parabolica v 1 - Convolvulaceae Convolvulus angustissimus subsp. omnigracilis k + A Dichondra repens + C Mimsaceae Acacia implexa + O Myrtaceae Eucalyptus baueriana subsp. thalassina e r - Eucalyptus camaldulensis + - Eucalyptus microcarpa r - Oxalidaceae Oxalis perennans + C Ranunculaceae Clematis microphylla + ? Rosaceae Acaena echinata + A Rutaceae Correa glabra Loc r - Sapindaceae Dodonaea viscosa subsp. cuneata Loc + - Solanaceae Nicotiana suaveolens r r - Thymeleaceae Pimelea spinescens subsp. spinescens EPBC e + C Violeacea Melicytus dentatus s.s. 1 O INTRODUCED SPECIES MONOCOTS

Iridaceae Romulea rosea var. australis 1 - Poaceae C3 Avena barbata 1 - Dactylis glomerata + - Lolium rigidum 1 - Nassella neesiana R 1 - Nassella trichotoma RC 1 - Vulpia ?myorus + - DICOTS Aizoaceae Galenaia pubescens var. pubescens 1 - Asteraceae Cirsium vulgare RC + -

16 Vegetation Inventory: Rock Correa Property

Family Species name

Status Abundance former Likely NTG Cynara cardunculus subsp. flavescens RC + - Brassicaceae Brassica fruticulosa + - Fabaceae Trifolium sp. + - Geraniaceae Erodium botrys 1 - Oxalidaceae Oxalis pes-caprae 1 - Polygonaceae Polygonum aviculare 2 Solanaceae Lycium ferocissimum RC 1 -

Vegetation inventory: Rock Correa Property 17 Melbourne Strategic Assessment

delwp.vic.gov.au

18 Vegetation Inventory: Rock Correa Property