Werribee River: Wildlife of the waterways

T he estuary forms the eastern boundary of a large Ramsar in north- Phillip Bay. This wetland supports key environmental values for plants and (especially waterbirds), as well as cultural, educational, tourism and scientific values.

The areas surrounding the river are home to a range of animals including birds, , and . Revegetation projects and the introduction of conservation areas have allowed wildlife to flourish and this means we can enjoy them in their natural surrounds.

We have provided an overview of some of the animals you are most likely to see in the area but don’t be surprised if you see even more! Fish

T he Werribee River supports rich and diverse groups of fish. A number of fish located in the Werribee River are introduced , which tend to alter the natural environment.

A survey of the Werribee River conducted in 2006 recorded 30 species of fish, including freshwater, estuarine and marine-estuarine opportunist fish. Some species move between fresh and saltwater as part of the process, and must migrate through the estuary to complete their lifecycle.

Water quality (both flow and non-flow related), barriers to fish movement, degradation and over-exploitation by fishing were identified as the principal threats to fish in the Werribee River.

The river estuary supports several species of recreational and commercial importance, including black bream, King George whiting, yellow eye mullet and trevally. Recreational fishers target tench, brown , roach, short-finned eel, and river blackfish in freshwater sections of the river. Fish

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Re iv r Blackfish Com m on Cl iMBIng Galaxias S potted Galaxias Gadopsis marmaratus Galaxias maculatus Galaxias brevipinnis Galaxias truttaceus Size: 30-60cm Other name: Size: up to 28cm Other names: Common Jollytaill Trout Minnow or T his nocturnal, non-migratory T his migratory fish, the Spotted Minnow native fish usually dwells near Size: up to 19cm largest Australian galaxiid, T his migratory fish is brown to the bottom of upper sections of T his migratory and slender- is grey-brown, with a darker olive overall, with pale-edged the river. It ranges from uniform bodied fish is found in most back, and a highly variable dark spots on its upper sides and grey overall to paler brown with of the Werribee River. It is pattern of dark bars, rows of a dark diagonal stripe below the irregular darker bands, blotches olive-grey to amber overall, spots, blotches or finer mottling eye. It is found mostly at lower or mottling on the sides, and with a variable combination on its sides. It was previously elevations near the coast and eats , , worms, of darker spots and mottling found in , a was first recorded in the small fish and fish eggs. on its sides. Adults move tributary of Werribee River. Werribee River in 2006. Overfishing has decreased downstream to estuaries numbers significantly. to . Fish

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Mounta in Galaxias T upong S outhern Pygmy Perch Sh ort-finned Eel Galaxias olidus P seudaphritis urvillii N annoperca australis A nguilla australis Size: up to 13.5cm Size: up to 30cm Size: up to 8.5cm Size: males up to 60cm, females up to 90cm T hese non-migratory fish are T upong are whitish with an T hese small fish are food for yellowish-green to brown overall irregular series of dark brown larger animals such as tortoises, T hese native migratory fish with a variable combination of blotches on their sides. They birds, other fish and frogs. They have a long -like body dark bands, blotches or mottling are found in the lower sections are usually pale golden with and an even golden to on their sides. Mountain galaxias and usually near the bottom greenish-brown mottling and olive-green colour. They are tolerate very cold water. They of Werribee River. Tupong sit a silver belly, and eat small active at night and eat are found from level to 1800 camouflaged on the river bed crustaceans, insects and their crustaceans, insects, yabbies, metres in elevation and in quite waiting to ambush smaller larvae. They were recorded in fish and frogs. Short-finned large numbers in the upper animals such as crustaceans, large numbers in the upper eels are found along the sections of Werribee River. molluscs, worms, insects sections of Werribee River length of Werribee River. and small fish. in 2006, and previously Sexual maturity is attained recorded in the 1980s. at 14 years for males and 18 to 24 years for females. Fish

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E astern Gambusia B rrown T out Gambusia holbrooki S almo trutta Other name: Mosquito Fish Size: up to 90cm Size: males up to 3.5cm, T hese silvery to brownish or females up to 6cm olive fish have dark spots on T hese small, pale olive green to the sides and are found in the grey fish are found in the lower upper sections of Werribee sections of Werribee River. They River. Native to Europe, they are native to north and central were introduced to American rivers, and are believed in the 1860s for angling. to have been introduced into Brown trout eat insects, Australia in the 1920s. They feed crustaceans, molluscs, and on rotting debris, larvae small fish. Maximum weight and pupae, fish eggs and fry. in Australia is 14kg. Numbers are almost in plague proportions in some rivers. B irds

S ome people say Werribee and surrounds are second only to for birdwatching. At least 190 bird species inhabit this environment during the year.

The Werribee River is home to a diverse population of native and migratory bird species, including the mighty wedge-tailed eagle and the splendid .

Melbourne Water’s provides a haven for tens of thousands of birds and is recognised as one of the world’s most significant . The Western Treatment Plant supports large numbers and groups of waterfowl and several species of waders and ducks.

Within the plant is Lake Borrie, the most significant wetland in for migratory shorebirds. Migratory birds travel from as far as Alaska, Siberia, China and Japan, doubling their body weight on the abundant food over summer before heading back overseas.

The Western Treatment Plant is home for up to 65,000 birds at any one time, with more than one-third of Australia’s species being recorded there (about 270 species). Birds

Wed ge-tailed Eagle Sw amp Harrier G reat EGRet A l ustra ian Pelican A quila audax C ircus approximans A rdea alba P elecanus conspicillatus Size: males up to 91cm, Other name: Marsh Harrier Size: up to 103cm Size: up to 180cm females up to 104cm Size: males up to 57cm, T he egret is usually black with T his very large bird has a long, T hese magnificent birds are females up to 61cm green facial skin. The body, pink bill with an obvious throat sooty-black with tawny hackles S wamp harriers are dark brown wings and long lacy shoulder pouch, and lives in fresh and on the back of the neck. They with prominent white rumps, (scapular) plumes are white and saltwater. It is one of the world’s also have pale brown wing and barred (striped) tail and wings the legs are dark grey or black. heaviest flying birds and the only undertail feathers and feathers and long yellow legs. They hunt It lives in floodwaters, rivers, pelican in Australia, sporting a on their legs. They have a long over tall grass, reeds, rushes and shallows of wetlands and wing span up 3m and the wedge-shaped ‘tail’ and a crops, soaring with elevated intertidal , and can be longest bill of any known bird. wingspan of about 210cm. wings. They make a high pitched recognised by its harsh croak. As with all pelicans, they have They live in most places ‘seee-uh’ sound as they transfer webbed feet for paddling and except closed forests and are food to one another. usually inhabit the coastline. recognisable by their yelps The can also and squeals. They can be seen be found inland near bodies of soaring with their upswept, freshwater during times of high ‘fingered’ wings. rainfall. They are generally white with black wings, a pale orange bill, and a slender arched neck, and may live 25 years or longer. Birds

Red- Necked Stint A ustralasian Shoveler C rIMson Rosella Red-r b owed Finch C alidris ruficollis A nas rhynchotis P latycercus elegans N eochmia temporalis Size: up to 15cm Other names: Spoonbill Size: up to 36cm Other name: Duck, Shovelbill, Stinker Red-browed Firetails T hese non-breeding stints T he crimson rosella has mostly have a short, black bill with Female Australasian shovelers crimson (red) plumage and Size: up to 12cm a grey crown, white below, have mottled brown upperparts, bright blue cheeks. The feathers T he red-browed finch is green a thin black line through the chestnut underparts, and a dark of the back and wing coverts are and grey but most easily rump and a white wing bar. brown eye. Males in breeding black, broadly edged with red. recognised by its bright red The breeding stints have plumage have a deep grey-blue The flight feathers of the wings eyebrow, rump and beak. It is black centred back feathers head with a white stripe have broad blue edges and the often observed in small flocks, with chestnut edges. The between the bright-yellow eye tail is blue above and pale blue which feed on the grass and fly head, neck, and breast are and the bill. The underparts are below and on the outer feathers. into dense undergrowth when pink-chestnut and it has largely chestnut, while the Young crimson rosellas have the disturbed. Red-browed finches black legs. The red-necked upperparts are mottled black, characteristic blue cheeks, but feed on seeds and insects on stint lives around inland grey, white and brown. The bill the rest of the body plumage is the ground, but sometimes shorelines and along the has an extended pointed tip. green-olive to yellowish olive perch on seeding grass heads. coast. It has a high pitched Fine hairs along the edges of (occasionally red in some areas). Their preference for open grassy trill and a ‘chit, chit’ voice. the bill help this duck strain Crimson rosellas are normally areas surrounded by dense insects, crustaceans, plants and encountered in small flocks and shrubbery enables them to seeds from the water. Nests are are easily attracted to garden survive well in weedy areas built on the ground in dense seed trays. Once familiar with along railway tracks and creek vegetation. The female alone humans, they will accept lines, where seeding grasses incubates the eggs and hand-held food. Natural foods escape the lawnmower. broods the young. include seeds of eucalypts, grasses and shrubs, as well as insects and some tree blossoms. Frogs

T he species known to live in and around the Werribee River enjoy varied lives. Some are loyal river dwellers while others divide their time evenly in the water, wading in wetlands and living on the land. Others are burrowers and spend most of their life underground.

The conservation of the Werribee River must include the correct management of these varied to ensure the health of frogs is maintained as they are extremely important to our ecology.

Frogs are good indicators of a healthy environment, especially of water quality and toxins. This is because amphibians are covered in skin that must stay moist, making them susceptible to foreign substances entering waterways.

Land clearing, urban growth and climate change pose serious threats to frogs. Frogs

Growling Grass Frog B iBRon’s Toadlet Com m on Froglet Pbe ob l bonk L itoria raniformis P seudophryne bibronii C rinia signifera L imnodynastes dumerilii Other names: Other names: Other name: Other names: Southern Bell Frog, Brown Toadlet, Common Eastern Froglet Southern Bullfrog or Warty Bell Frog Brown Brood Frog Eastern Banjo Frog Size: 2cm Size: up to 10cm Size: 2-3cm Size: 5-8cm T he colouration and pattern T his frog is one of Victoria’s T hese small frogs have short on the small common froglet is T he pobblebonk, which may most endangered species. legs and numerous large warts extremely variable. The back can be found in large numbers Adults are usually found near on their backs. In the be smooth and uniformly brown, following rain, is a medium or in water or very wet areas area, they are limited to the and longitudinal ridges can have to large frog. Two sub-species in woodlands, shrublands and northern and western suburbs alternating light and dark brown occur around Melbourne. The open and disturbed areas. Eggs and to the west of bands, or even shades of green sub-species found north and and tadpoles can be found in Bay, and have been found in the or red. The common froglet west of Melbourne is a relatively permanent lakes, swamps, middle sections of the Werribee breeds from April to December, uniform dark brown; and the dams, and lagoons with still and its upper tributaries. and its mating call can create sub-species east and south of water. Males are renowned Numbers have declined over a deafening chorus. Their call Melbourne has a pale stripe for their distinctive calls, which the past decade, and the frog is sounds like crickets and may running down its back and more consist of a long modulated rare or has disappeared in areas be a single squelchy ‘crick’ or variable colour. Males call from growl or drone, followed by where it was once common. many repeated ‘crick-crick- August to April and may migrate a few short grunts: ‘crawark- cricks’. After rain, breeding up to one kilometre to reach crawark-crok-crok’. Growling occurs in still waterbodies breeding sites. grass frogs are ‘sit-and-wait’ or slow-flowing creeks. predators, feeding on insects and even small , fish, tadpoles and other frogs. Frogs

S potted Marsh Frog B rrown T ee Frog L imnodynastes tasmaniensis L itoria ewingii Size: 4cm Other names: Ewing’s Tree Frog, T his medium-size frog has Southern Brown Tree Frog a pale back with numerous spots ranging from brown to Size: 3-5cm green, and smooth and white T his medium-size frog usually undersides. It is most common has a dark to light brown back in the southern part of the and white underside. The back catchment. It is highly adaptable of the thighs ranges from yellow and often forms large breeding to a deep red. It is common groups with vocal male throughout the catchment, choruses. Males call while although most recent records floating in water, usually are from the northern section. among aquatic vegetation, The brown tree frog calls from from August to May. and breeds in farm dams, ponds, creeks and waterholes. It tends not to be associated with fast-moving water. M ammals

W erribee River is home to many species of mammals including about six species of bats. Bats, mainly roosting in tree hollows during the day, come out at night in the warmer months. Bats are an important part of the local ecology, and benefit greatly from ’s tree planting along waterways.

Other mammals known to inhabit the river and its environment include the black wallaby, common wombat, Gould’s wattled bat, red fox and the white-striped freetail bat.

While iconic Australian animals such as the and the eastern grey kangaroo can often be viewed feeding and grazing along the river bank, people may be unfamiliar with other species that call the area home.

The river itself also provides valuable habitat to one of Australia’s most loved and recognised animals, the (Ornithorhynchus anatinus). Classified as a regionally significant species, the Platypus makes its home burrowing into the steep banks of the creek. It collects food in large cheek pouches and feeds on yabbies, worms and other small .

The Platypus belongs to the Monotreme family, and only one other species belongs to this group in Australia: the Echidna. People may be unfamiliar with other mammal species that call the area home. Mammals

P latypus Rakali E astern Grey Kangaroo Bla ck Wallaby O rnithorhynchus anatinus H ydromys chrysogaster M acropus giganteus W allabia bicolor Size: up to 60cm Other name: Water Rat Other names: Great Grey Other names: Kangaroo, Forester Swamp Wallaby or Size: up to 34.5cm (males) T his top predator lives in Black-tailed Wallaby rivers and creeks across much 37cm (females) Size: about 1.4m (standing) of eastern Australia, including Size: body 66-85cm, W ater rats are part of the T hese kangaroos have tail 64-86cm the Werribee River. It feeds on family but look and behave grey-brown upper parts with benthic (or bottom-dwelling) more like otters. They are pale grey or white underneath. T he black wallaby is dark and macroinvertebrates, yabbies, widespread and common in The males (up to 66kg) are stocky with coarse fur. It is dark worms, shrimp and small much of coastal Australia, and about twice the weight of grey or blackish on top with shellfish. Platypus surveys have been found throughout the females (up to 37kg) and are flecks of grey, yellow and orange have been carried out only Werribee River downstream of more heavily developed in the and a pale yellow or orange in the lower sections, where Melton Reservoir. Water rats chest and forearms. They are underbelly. It is common along they were found to be quite have a broader nose than an widespread and common the entire east coast. Black abundant. However, platypus introduced rat and a distinctive throughout eastern Australia, wallabies are found in a wide are likely to be widely white tail tip. They vary in colour including sections of the range of habitats including along distributed throughout the from grey-brown and rich Werribee River. They are most the Werribee River. They are Werribee River system, wherever golden brown to black with active at dusk and dawn and more active during the day than summer flows are reliable. This cream to golden-orange gather in large mobs where most other kangaroos and unique mammal is a valuable undersides. They are avid food is abundant. Breeding wallabies but are solitary and indicator of the health of nocturnal hunters and catch fish, is continuous although most shy. They feed on the foliage of aquatic ecosystems. frogs, yabbies and insects before young are born between shrubs, ferns, sedges and some bringing them to land to eat. March and May. grasses. Breeding is continuous Water rats are well adapted to although most births in Victoria the water and are skilful are during winter. swimmers and divers. They need areas of vegetation to burrow, forage and find refuge. Mammals

Sh- ort beaked Echidna Wobt m a S ugar Glider E astern False Pipistrelle T achyglossus aculeatus V ombatus ursinus hirsutus P etaurus breviceps F alsistrellus tasmaniensis Size: 23-35cm Size: up to 1.2m, Other names: Great Grey Other name: Falsistrelles weight up to 35 kg Kangaroo, Forester T hese curious egg-laying Size: head-body length of mammals are found throughout T he common wombat is the Size: head-body up to 21cm, about 6.5cm tail up to 20cm Australia, including along the largest burrowing herbivorous T his bat is relatively large and Werribee River. They live a mammal. Indeed, it is such an S ugar gliders are beautiful weighs up to 28 grams. It is solitary life with no fixed accomplished burrower that and delicate animals, and dark to reddish-brown above address and few dietary early settlers called it a ‘badger’, have survived wherever and paler grey on its underside. requirements other than some a term that is still heard today. there is enough food, suitable It has long slender ears set well ants or termites, and a log However, the closest relative of bush and hollows for breeding. back on the head and some or bush for shelter. When in the wombat is the koala. With The sap from black or silver sparse hair on the nose. They danger they dig down, baring an its short tail and legs, wattle trees is one of their feed on insects, including uninviting wall of quills to the characteristic waddle and favourite foods, especially in moths, beetles and ants. enemy. Echidnas are ‘true-blue’ ‘cuddly’ appearance, the winter when insects and flower Eastern False Pipistrelle roost Australians and should not be wombat is one of the most blossoms are scarce. Equipped in hollows in old trees, however confused with porcupines or endearing of Australia’s native with a membrane of skin that they occasionally roost in hedgehogs, neither of which animals. It is a fairly large, solidly extends from their forelimbs disused buildings. They are occurs naturally in this built with a squat, round, to hind feet, these silent and vulnerable to loss of roost sites country. Breeding is from bear like body, small ears and nervous possums can glide up in tree hollows and loss of June to September. eyes, and a large naked nose. Its to 40 metres between trees. feeding grounds by forestry thick, coarse fur varies from activities, clearing for sandy brown to grey and black, agriculture and housing. and is sometimes flecked with fawn. Wombats usually come out at night to graze when temperatures are lower. R eptiles

A bout 10 species are known to inhabit the Werribee River and surrounding areas, with skinks making up a large proportion of that number. Other are dragons, , geckos, blue-tongue and legless lizards, and the common long-necked turtle.

Three species of snakes known to the area are the little whip snake, eastern brown snake and the tiger snake. Although these snakes are venomous, they are protected species in Victoria and must not be caught or killed. Generally speaking, snakes need not be feared and are more likely to flee should they sense danger or human approach. Reptiles

Li i ttle Wh p Snake Si tr ped Legless T ussock Skink G rassland Earless S uta flagellum D elma impar P seudemoia pagenstecheri Dragon Size: 50cm Size: 27cm Size: up to 15cm Tym panoCRYptis pinguicolla T he little whip snake is a dull T hese lizards have a broad olive T hese skinks are usually brown Size: 12cm grey-brown to red-brown with brown stripe along their vertebra to olive with continuous stripes a blackhead blotch broken and live mainly in temperate and little or no pale speckling, T hese dragons are listed by a pale bar across its snout. grassy plains, sheltering beneath and a black stripe down the as critically endangered in It is nocturnal, preying almost rocks and in grass tussocks. They vertebra. They are found in the Victoria and endangered exclusively on lizards, and lives eat small invertebrates, primarily north-east Victorian highlands (Commonwealth). In Victoria in woodlands, dry sclerophyll insects. This lizard is considered through to the basalt plains. they are confined to scattered forest, granite outcrops and endangered in Victoria. They are active, sun-loving remnants of treeless native basalt plains. The adults are often skinks that bask and forage grassland on plains west of uncovered in pairs or groups. among low tussocks and Melbourne. They perch on low vegetation and feed mainly elevations such as stones and on invertebrates. scuttle over open spaces between shrubs and tussocks. Sightings have been very scarce in Victoria since the 1960s. Reptiles

Mab r led Gecko E astern Brown Snake C hristinus marmoratus P seudonaja textilis Size: up to 10cm Other name: Common brown snake T his gecko is pale to dark grey or pinkish brown with dark lines Size: up to 1.5m forming irregular marbling, and T he eastern brown snake’s sometimes has irregular pale colour is variable, ranging grey blotches. It shelters from shades of brown to beneath loose bark and rock but almost black. It is widespread has also been known to enter throughout dry parts of houses. Geckos feed mainly eastern Australia, including the on arthropods such as insects, Maribyrnong catchment. Land spiders and scorpions. clearing has apparently been beneficial to this species as numbers appear to have increased. It is extremely swift, alert, nervous and quick to retaliate if provoked. Their diet is a variety of vertebrates, particularly reptiles and mammals. The species is regarded as dangerously venomous. B ugs and Insects

M any species of aquatic insects are found in the Werribee River. Some of the most common types are described in this booklet. Different types are suited to different environments, such as fast-flowing water or still pools, the muddy bottom of a creek or stones, various water temperatures and water chemistry.

The aquatic insects that can be found in the Werribee River are also influenced by the geology of the region which affects water chemistry and stream bed material, irregular flows and changes to land use.

The greatest threats to aquatic insect diversity are the irregular flow regime and stormwater pollution. Bugs and Insects

Ce inidae Wateb r oatmen D amselfly Larvae Cadd isfly Larvae A mphipods C orixidae C oenagrionidae H ydroptilidae & Leptoceridae Size: up to 25mm Size: 1.5-15mm Size: 13-30mm Size: less than 5mm A mphipods are small T hese slightly flattened bugs Larval dragonflies and T he hydroptilids are very small crustaceans and have seven have a streamlined body. damselflies are hunters of and their cases are commonly pairs of walking legs and three Their front legs are short and prey, stealthily stalking or referred to as ‘purse-shaped’ feathery swimming limbs. scoop-like, while the middle legs using a sit and wait approach. and are constructed solely Amphipods, which feed on and hind legs are covered with The coenagrionid larvae typically or in combination with silk, plants and animals, use a range hairs. They are found throughout have slender, brown or green algae and sometimes fine of feeding methods including Australia usually in slow-moving bodies, sometimes with darker sand. They are found in a shredding, filter feeding and or still waters among aquatic markings, which provide good variety of habitats. Some grazing. The ceinidae are a vegetation. Waterboatmen are camouflage. They occur species occur among water common type of amphipod excellent fliers and so can easily throughout temperate plants, while others prefer found throughout south-eastern move from one waterbody to Australia and can be found pebbles and cobbles. They Australia, and live among another. While underwater, they mainly in the lower reaches are thought to eat algae aquatic vegetation in still to breathe using an air reservoir, of the Werribee River. (filamentous or benthic), but slow-moving water. They are consisting of a bubble of air some have been recorded usually green, but can be other covering their abdomen and the feeding on the eggs of colours, including orange. underside of their wings. They other invertebrates. feed on other insects such as mosquito larvae and vegetation. Because of their abundance, waterboatmen are also a good source of food for fish. Bugs and Insects

Int roduced D amselfly Freshwater Snail Zy gopetra P hysidae Size: 9-50mm Size: up to 30mm D amselflies are close relatives T he introduced freshwater snail of the more robust and better is found throughout all reaches known dragonflies. Damselfly of the Werribee River. It has a larvae can be recognised by their mottled mantle that is usually three leaf-like tails and large eyes visible through its shell and has that allow them to see even a fleshy digitate margin (a fleshy behind their back. Damselfly finger-like process under the larvae patiently stalk other edge of its shell). These snails invertebrates among water inhabit a diverse range of aquatic plants, using the unfolding action habitats, but most are from of their lower jaw armed with slow-moving waters. They graze hooks to grasp prey. on algae and are hermaphrodites which makes them capable of self fertilisation, reproducing at least once a year. Plants

Plants play an important part in maintaining the vast ecology of the river and its surrounds. Trees provide homes and nesting places for birds and some mammals while also providing an important food source.

More than 130 species of flora are found along the Werribee River including black wattle, narrow-leaf wattle, tree violet and gold dust wattle.

The native grasses found around the waterway protect the earth and provide seeds for parrots and food for wombats, wallabies and kangaroos. They are a precious and fragile resource and once destroyed will not recover their former splendour. Native grasses are vulnerable to invasion by introduced grasses, soil by disturbance, grazing, regular mowing and fertilisers.

Some of the plants you may be able to see in the area are included in this booklet. P lants

Nr ar ow-leaf Peppermint Re iv r Red Gum Manna Gum Y ellow Box E ucalyptus radiate E ucalyptus camaldulensis E ucalyptus viminalis E ucalyptus melliodora Size: 45m Size: up to 45m Size: 25-30m Size: up to 30m A medium to tall woodland R iver red gums are home to T his tall and spreading forest T he sweet smelling blossoms tree, it has dull green, narrow many living beings, resident and or woodland tree has long, of this tree attract possums, leaves 8 to 16cm long, with nomad alike. Even when dead, narrow, fragrant leaves and birds and beekeepers who gather a strong peppermint smell when as logs on the ground, they sheds its cream or white bark in its famous honey. The tree gets crushed. Profuse small cream provide shelter and homes long ribbons. Its cream flowers its name from the bright yellow flowers can be seen in spring to for many plants and animals. are mostly seen in summer and inner layer of bark. The term early summer. It requires well Old age for a red gum starts it provides many hollows for ‘box’ was given by early settlers drained soils and tolerates dry somewhere around 300-400 nesting birds and marsupials. who thought its tough, durable conditions when established. years. Their thick trunks, It grows along watercourses wood was similar to English spreading crowns and gnarled and on moist, well drained soils. boxwood. The rough, scaly bark branches create a grand and of this tree is home for many graceful character as well as spiders, bugs, beetles and nesting hollows for wildlife. other insects. P lants

Bla ckwood Sw eet Bursaria Si lver Wattle Bla ck Wattle A cacia melanoxylon B ursaria spinosa A cacia dealbata A cacia mearnsii Size: up to 30m Size: up to 8m Size: up to 20m Size: up to 15m T he furrows and cracks in Flowering time transforms this I n August and September People appreciate these wattles Blackwood trunks provide scraggly plant into a splendid the yellow blossoms of this for their bright yellow flowers homes for insects and spiders, highlight of the dry summer tree light up the environment and delicate, feathery foliage. which hide under the bark and landscape. Its sweetly scented surrounding the river. Easily But to birds and other creatures, burrow into the wood. The tree cream flowers develop into identified by its feathery foliage they are well stocked bush also provides excellent habitat small brown seed vessels that and abundant early flowers, pantries. Some 350 kinds of for wildlife. This beautiful, rattle in the wind. Being thorny, silver wattle has grey-green insects were found in one old long-living wattle has dense bursarias offer refuge for small leaves and was given its name tree. Sugar gliders feed on gum foliage, creamy lemon winter/ birds. This humble plant rose to because of silver patches exuded from the bark and black spring flowers and dark, heavy fame in 1987 when it was found on the bark. cockatoos rip open the trunks wood. A lot of fine Australian to provide the exclusive home of in search of insects. These furniture has been made the extremely rare Eltham fast-growing trees, which flower from its timber. copper butterfly. in spring and early summer, are often used to control soil erosion. P lants

Tr i ee V olet Re iv r Bottlebrush Sw amp Gum Dr ooping Sheoak H ymenanthera dentate C allistemon paludosus E ucalyptus ovata A llocasuarina verticillata Size: up to 4m Size: up to 7m Size: up to 30m Size: 5-9m T ree violets grow along river and T hese plants are now far less T he swamp gum is a variable, T his medium-size tree has creek banks and are a favourite common than before European small to medium-size woodland continuous rough grey bark haunt for small birds. The sweet settlement. They have stiff, tree featuring wavy, broad, dark and needle-like branchlets perfume of these shrubs may sharp-pointed leaves. By green leaves. Its bark sheds in with tiny, dark green leaves encourage you to sniff their contrast, new leaves are strips from upper branches, that hang from the tree, giving many tiny bell-shaped flowers reddish, and soft, silky and leaving smooth, white bark on the characteristic ‘weeping’ but beware, the branches are lovely to touch. Look for the lower trunk. It has cream appearance. Separate male armed with sharp thorns! Their some very old, spreading flowers mostly through winter and female flowers occur on blue-purple berries, which drop examples along river banks. to early spring. Swamp gums separate plants and so these in summer, are often eaten by grow in poorly drained, swampy trees can be defined as male lizards and skinks. sites and depressions in the or female. Male flowers are landscape. Eucalyptus yarraensis small and golden brown, (Yarra Gum) is a very similar tree occurring on spikes 4-12cm with rough bark on all branches long. Female trees produce a and slightly smaller leaves. cylindrical cone 2-5cm long and 2-3cm in diameter. P lants

Ligh twood C thRIs mas Bush Hazel Pomaderris So n wy Daisy Bush A cacia implexa P rostanthera lasianthos P omaderris aspera O learia lirata Size: 3-15m Size: 8m Size: up to 12m Size: up to 5m T his small shrub or tree features A round Christmas time, this T his very hardy, leafy shrub or T his large shrub features slender a single trunk and rough grey to bush displays masses of showy small tree features soft leaves branches covered with whitish, red-brown bark. Its leaves are white flowers splashed with which are dark green on top short woolly hairs. Its leaves curved and grow up to 18cm orange and purple. When and light green underneath. have a smooth dark green long, tapering to a fine point. crushed, its soft, lush green Masses of yellow-green flowers surface and the underneath has At least three prominent veins leaves have a strong minty occur from spring to summer. dense hair. It flowers in October. are visible on the ‘leaf’. Pale aroma. It is a relative of Its leaves are food for the rare creamy yellow flowerheads rosemary, thyme and mint and yellow spot jewel butterfly appear during summer, between grows in cool protected areas and looper caterpillar and December and March. Pods form along the river and creeks. a treat for insects. in characteristic coiled bundles during autumn and winter. P lants

Com m on Cassinia Muttonwood C assinia aculeate R apanea howittianae Other name: Dogwood Size: up to 10m Size: up to 4m T he tough leaves of this tall T his fast-growing, hardy, shrub or small tree are shiny narrow-leafed and open shrub dark green on top and dull produces a striking, dense, below with wavy margins. domed spray of white flowers Small green flowers are found in summer. Cassinia has along small branches in spring aromatic foliage and is often to early summer. It is an used as a specimen plant in excellent mid-storey plant native gardens and for dried which grows in shade and can flower arrangements. Cassinia form thickets. Its fruit provides is frequently a pioneer species food for birds. Muttonwood after fire or other disturbance. grows on moist, well drained soils along waterways but will withstand extended dry periods when established. It can be confused with the weed Pittosporum undulatum.