Conservation Science W. Aust. 8 (3) : 295–312 (2013) Flora and vegetation of greenstone formations of the Yilgarn Craton: southern Bullfinch Greenstone Belt WENDY A THOMPSON AND JESSICA ALLEN Science Division, Department of Environment and Conservation, PO Box 51, Wanneroo, Western Australia, 6946. Email:
[email protected] ABSTRACT The Bullfinch Greenstone Belt has long been recognised for its mineral wealth, yet comparatively little attention has been given to its floristic diversity. Fifty permanent quadrats were established in the southern portion of the greenstone belt, with all vascular flora and a suite of environmental parameters recorded. A total of 224 taxa were identified, representing 51 families and 125 genera. Favourable conditions during the survey contributed to a high presence of annuals, with 85 taxa recorded. Three taxa of conservation significance were recorded for the area, including Tricoryne sp. Wongan Hills (BH Smith 794), which represents a significant range extension (c. 230 km) and a potentially new taxon. Weeds were prevalent across the study area with 24 taxa identified, reflecting its long history of land use and disturbance. The six vegetation communities described from the survey had strong associations with edaphic factors. Although the southern Bullfinch Greenstone Belt has had a long history of land use, the area remains an important repository for floristic diversity. Future mineral exploration should ensure that these conservation values are retained. Keywords: classification, Coolgardie, eastern goldfields, floristic diversity, ultramafics, vegetation patterns. INTRODUCTION to encompass the Highclere and Woongaring Hills. This study covers the southern extent of the Bullfinch The greenstone belts of the Yilgarn Craton have long been Greenstone Belt south of Lake Deborah West and east of recognised for their mineral potential.