Treeless Alpine EVCs 156 Alpine Conifer Shrubland 293 Alpine Creekline Herbland (Frood wetland typology-not mapped by White) 1002 Alpine Damp Grassland 170 Alpine Dwarf Heathland 171 Alpine Fen 1001 Alpine Grassland 1004 Alpine Grassy Heathland 1011 Alpine Peaty Heathland 913 Alpine Pond Herbland (Frood wetland typology-not mapped by White) 1008 Alpine Relic-bog Dwarf Heathland 1013 Alpine Rocky Outcrop Heathland 905 Alpine Short Herbland (Frood wetland typology-not mapped by White) 288 Alpine Valley Peatland (Frood wetland typology) 1014 Late-lying Snowpatch Herbland 41 Montane Riparian Thicket (existing EVC description) 1012 Snowpatch Grassland 1003 Sub-alpine Dry Shrubland 208 Sub-alpine Riparian Shrubland (existing EVC description-not mapped by White) 42 Sub-alpine Shrubland 210 Alpine Wet Heathland

Mapping units only 1000 Alpine Crag Complex 1005 Alpine Grassy Heathland/Alpine Grassland Mosaic 1007 Alpine Treeless Vegetation 211 Alpine Valley Bog/Alpine Wet Heathland Mosaic 1006 Native Vegetation Unclassified 992 Open Water 996 Unknown

Treeless Alpine EVC Descriptions

EVC 156 Alpine Conifer Shrubland Walsh/McDougall/Frood mapping units: Plum Pine Shrubland F-10, Podocarpus Heathland M-1, Subalpine shrubland WA-1, Sub- alpine Shrubland WC-8,

Defining Characteristics: Alpine and sub-alpine shrubland dominated by Mountain Plum Pine - Podocarpus lawrencei. Restricted to rocky, fire protected sites amongst granite tors or associated with basalt block streams.

Habitat: High mountain areas generally above 1500 metres ASL. Occurs on rocky sites that have been afforded long-term protection from fire. In the Victorian Alps, Alpine Conifer Shrubland is often found dominating very restricted landform types such as block or boulder streams. May also occur on steep sheltered gullies on easterly and southerly aspects.

Structure: Shrubland to 2 m - typically less than 1.5 m. Podocarpus individuals may be quite large with thick sprawling stems sometimes extending over several metres.

Floristics: Invariably dominated or co-dominated by Mountain Plum Pine - Podocarpus lawrencei. Podocarpus may occur with a wide range of other shrubs including Pimelea ligustrina, Tasmannia xerophila, phlogopappa, Grevillea victoriae, Orites lancifolia and at lower altitudes Rubus parviflorus. In wetter sites heathy species more typical of wetlands may also occur such as Richea continentis and Epacris paludosa. The densly shaded understorey is typically sparse with Polystichum proliferum, Blechnum penna-marina subsp. alpina.

Distribution: This EVC, while widespread in the Victorian Alps, is highly restricted and disjunct. The most extensive stands are usually associated with basalt. Occurrences include Mt. Buller, Mt. Stirling, Mt. Bogong Massif, Mt. Buffalo, Mt. Jim, southern slopes of Mt. McKay, The Cobberas, Mt. Lock and Mt. Higginbotham.

Notes: Much of this EVC where it occurs above 1600 metres ASL constitutes important habitat for the endangered Mountain Pygmy Possum (Burramys parvus) and is an important summer sheltering habitat for the seasonal migration of the Bogong Moth (Agrostis infusa).

EVC 293 Alpine Creekline Herbland Walsh/McDougall/Frood mapping unit:M-9

Reference quadrats : C52220, C52353

Defining characteristic : Dense herbaceous mats along heads of alpine drainage-lines.

Structure : Herbland, less than 0.3 m height

Habitat : Snow patch drainage-lines and upper creeklines, often in association with Alpine Short Herbland, on thin organic/soils of Quaternary organic origin, associated with gravel and rock.

Floristics : At optimum development, the community comprises a dense mat of Celmisia sericophylla with few associated species. The associated species occurring in gaps or more open stands include Luzula atrata, Luzula modesta, Juncus falcatus, Carpha alpina, Myriophyllum pedunculatum, Epacris spp., Schoenus spp., Poa spp., Oreomyrrhis pulvinifica, introloba and Plantago spp.

Distribution : Confined to Bogong High Plains

Vegetation Quality : Grazing sensitive - Apparently recovering in sites where stock now excluded (at least in less irreparably damaged habitats).

EVC 1002 Alpine Damp Grassland Walsh/McDougall/Frood mapping units: Sub-Alpine Damp grassland F-7, Poa costiniana tussock grassland M-11, Damp Grassland WC-4 (Sometimes referred to as Sod-tussock Grassland (see Costin 1973). Defining Characteristics: A dense tussock grassland of high mountain regions subject to at least seasonal waterlogging – typically dominated by Poa costiniana. Habitat: High altitude valleys and plains generally above 1600 metres ASL. This EVC occurs in two distinct ecological settings. Occurs broadly on plains or areas with low relief with basalt derived soils that experience seasonal waterlogging and also occurs within or on the margins of wet heathland and bogs. Soils vary from alpine humus soils to humifed peats. Structure: Closed tussock grassland. Floristics: The dominant grass is invariably Poa costiniana. Other common forbs and grasses include Ranunculus victoriensis, Oreomyrrhis eriopoda, Carex breviculmis, Scleranthus biflorus, Poa hiemata, Colobanthus affinis, Microseris sp. 2, Asperula gunnii, Acaena novae-zelandiae, Plantago euryphylla, Cardamine spp., Rytidosperma nudiflorum, Brachyscome decipiens, Cotula filicula, Celmisia asteliifolia spp. agg., Epilobium cinereum, Trifolium repens, Luzula modesta, Dichondra repens, Brachyscome scapigera. Distribution: Common throughout the western part of the Bogong High Plains, also occurs on Dinner Plains, Dargo High Plains and the Snowy Range. Notes: Alpine Grasslands have been the primary focus of high altitude cattle grazing and most areas have been substantially modified by these practices.

EVC 170 Alpine Dwarf Heathland Walsh/McDougall/Frood mapping units: part of Kunzea Heathland M-4

Defining Characteristics: A very low, open heathland occurring on exposed ridges and peaks above 1700m ASL.

Habitat: Exposed ridges and peaks of the highest mountains in Victoria. Subject to strong winds, frosts and high temperatures during the summer months. Characterised by rocky pavements with limited soil profile development.

Structure: Open heathland to 0.2m.

Floristics: Epacris gunnii, Kunzea muelleri, Grevillea australis, Leucopogon hookeri, Poa fawcettiae, Poa hiemata, Carex breviculmis, Ewartia rubigena, Leucochrysum albicans, Luzula campestris spp. agg.,Leucochrysum albicans, Asperula gunnii.

Distribution: Restricted to Mt Nelse and Mt Nelse North area on the Bogong High Plains.

Notes: A notable feature of this rare EVC is the low wind pruned habit of the small shrubs – it is closely related to feldmark communities found in the Kosciuszko Main Range. This EVC is among the rarest of formations in the state and is subject to damage by horses, cattle and bushwalkers.

EVC 171 Alpine Fen Walsh/McDougall/Frood mapping units: Fen F-11, Fen and waterbodies R-3, Sedgeland WC-7.

Defining Characteristics: Low, open sedgeland of pools within bogs, or within some valley floor heathlands in high rainfall alpine areas of Victoria.

Habitat: Pools forming in wet peats within a bog or fen or wet valley floor heathland. Pool size varies and may be as large as 50 metres square. By the end of summer many pools may have dried out but the peaty soils are still very damp. Where ground water drains from surrounding calcareous rocks the peat is alkaline and supports fen vegetation. Where the peat is acidic, bog vegetation develops. Soils are shallow peats and loams with an underlying geology of largely Ordovician schists and Ordovician marine sandstone. Rainfall is at least 1000-1400mm per annum and often greater then 1400mm. Altitudes are greater than 1200m ASL. Summer maximum temperatures have a broad range (17 to 31C); the winter minimum temperature range is narrower (-5 to 2C).

Structure: Low open sedgeland to 0.5m.

Floristics: Dominated by Carex gaudichaudiana. and may include other aquatic to semi-aquatic herbs.

Distribution: Bogong High Plains, Baw Baw Plateau, Mt Buffalo

Notes: Most examples largely comprise small patches of sedgy sward, sometimes with associated ponds and dwarf herbland. Also often occurs in a mosaic with Sub-alpine Wet Heathland.

EVC 1001 Alpine Grassland Walsh/McDougall/Frood mapping units: Sub-alpine Grassland M-14, Poa hiemata Tussock Grassland M-5, Alpine Heathland WA-7, Open heath and grassland WC-3.

Defining Characteristics: High altitude tussock grassland with a high cover and diversity of forbs generally on free draining substrates.

Habitat: Alpine grassland is primarily delimited by topography, altitude and ultimately frost tolerance. Above 1500m ASL severe frosts are manifest in the spring prior to snow fall and in autumn following snow melt. As cold air is dense it tends to drain towards and pool in low-lying areas particularly where the topography provides shelter from high winds. As such, Alpine Grassland dominates high altitude valleys and saddles and is extensive on high altitude plains such as the Bogong High Plains and the Howitt Plains. Alpine Grassland is typically wedged between heathlands and shrublands on higher ground and wetland vegetation types (eg. Sub-alpine Wet Heathland or Alpine Damp Grassland) on the valley floor.

Structure: Low tussock grassland to 20 cm with a high cover of rosetted forbs.

Floristics: Dominant life forms are tussock grasses principally of the genus Poa. Common species include Poa hiemata, Poa phillipsiana, and Poa sieberiana. In areas that have had long term exclusion of grazing and fire, Alpine Grassland may have a very high cover of large rosette-forming forbs from the Plantaginaceae, Apiaceae, and families. Commonly encountered taxa in this life form group include Plantago spp., Craspedia spp., Brachycome spp., Oreomyrrhis spp., Celmisia spp., Ranunculus spp., Microseris spp., Euchiton spp. and Aciphylla spp. Occasionally small shrubs such as Grevillea alpina may be present, but have a low cover.

Distribution: Generally restricted to high altitude plateaux above 1500 m ASL with minor localised occurrences on saddles and ridges on steeper mountain areas.

Notes: Alpine Grassland has been the primary focus of high altitude cattle grazing and most areas have been substantially modified by these practices.

EVC 1004 Alpine Grassy Heathland Walsh/McDougall/Frood mapping units: Sub-Alpine Low Heathy Grassland F-9, Open Heathland M-3, Grassy Sub-alpine shrubland R-13, Grassy sub-alpine shrubland R-14, Alpine heathland WA-5, Grassland and open shrubland WB-2, Shrubland and low heath WC-2, Sub-Alpine Low Closed Heath F-14, Kunzea Heathland M-4, Alpine heathland WA-4

Defining Characteristics: High altitude heathland to 1m with a generally open structure, however localised areas with a of dense cover of shrubs may occur – particularly those in more exposed settings often dominated by the sprawling shrub Kunzea muelleri. The inter-shrub spaces are dominated by tussock grasses and a wide range of forbs.

Habitat: Occupies a wide range of habitats generally on slopes above 1400m ASL where exposure and frost are limiting to tree growth.

Structure: Low open heath to 1m.

Floristics: Supports a number of dominant shrub species across its range – common dominants include Hovea montana, Grevillea australis, Kunzea muelleri, Bossiaea foliosa and Prostanthera cuneata,

Distribution: Extensive in Victorian alpine and sub-alpine environments.

EVC 1011 Alpine Peaty Heathland Walsh/McDougall/Frood mapping units: Bog M-8 (most of), sub-alpine bog F-12, bogs with intersecting pools of water WB6, Bogs WC-6, wet sub-alpine heathland – flats R-1.

Defining characteristics: Heathland of alpine and sub-alpine areas with a Sphagnum-dominated understorey.

Habitat: Valleys and gentle slopes with impeded drainage and with the water table at or near the surface throughout the entire year. Soils are organosols (acidic peatlands). Occurs above the treeline or in landscape positions where cold air drainage and waterlogging inhibit tree growth.

Structure: Heathland generally to 1m. Density of shrubs is variable. Understorey is dominated by Sphagnum spp. and other bog and marsh forbs and sedges.

Floristics: Dominant shrubs include Epacris paludosa, Richea continentis and Baeckea gunniana. Less common dominants may include Callistemon pityoides, Baeckea utilis and Epacris breviflora. Understorey consists of a dense mat of Sphagnum with a range of herbs and forbs. Common species are Astelia alpina var. novae-hollandiae, Empodisma minus, Carex gaudichaudiana, Carex appressa, Luzula modesta, Isolepis aucklandica, Euchiton poliochloris, Diplaspis nivis, Carpha nivicola and Poa costiniana.

Distribution: Widespread in alpine and sub-alpine Victoria. More commonly found on mountain plateaux above 1400m. Extensive on Bogong High Plains, Baw Baw Plateau, Howitt High Plains, Dargo High Plains and Mt Buffalo.

EVC 913 Alpine Pond Herbland

Reference quadrats : C53064 (Mount Wellington); C58078 and 112 (Mt Buffalo)

Defining characteristic : Herbland of small seasonal ponds within alpine vegetation in high altitude, very high rainfall areas of the Victorian alps.

Structure : Herbland to unvegetated.

Habitat : Systems of small temporary ponds occurring in mosaic with Sub-alpine Wet Heathland and/or Alpine Damp Grassland. These habitats are poorly understood. The geomorphological processes leading to their creation include as a consequence of solifluction. The known sites are on granitic geologies, typically with humified peat soils. The relevant habitats occur within an elevation range of c. 1470 - 1560 m.

Floristics : Within any given pond, whorled-leafed aquatic herbs usually dominate and a sedge species may also be common. A small range of species (herbs, grasses, and rushes) occur on the verges of the ponds. Some ponds have no . Common species include Myriophyllum pedunculatum, Pratia surrepens, Isolepis crassiusculus, Agrostis spp., Ranunculus millanii (- Lobelia gelida). Species around the verges of the relvant ponds include Carex gaudichaudiana, Gonocarpus micranthus, Richea continentis, Juncus spp., Poa spp., Plantago muelleri, Austrodanthonia spp., Baeckea gunninana and Deyeuxia brachyathera.

Distribution : Extremely localised in Victorian Alps (e.g. near Mt Wellington and Mount Buffalo) - total area extremely small.

Vegetation Quality : Further expansion of the introduced *Agrostis capillaris from groomed ski-slopes may represent a threat to the general habitat in the vicinity of these ponds at some of the Mount Buffalo locations. Some of the sites in which Alpine Pond Herbland occurs are potentially vulnerable to overall general habitat degradation from grazing, but in general the stability of the relevant feature (pond) in the landscape in unclear, as is why Lobelia gelida is so restricted in extent within apparent potential habitat.

EVC 1008 Alpine Relic-bog Dwarf Heathland Walsh/McDougall/Frood mapping units: Relic Bog M-12,

Defining Characteristics: Dwarf heathland of high altitude valley floors. Typically dominated by Epacris glacialis and growing on former peatland on the margins of alpine wetlands, streams and bogs.

Structure: Heathland to 0.4m with a dense ground cover of sedges, grasses and herbs with virtually no bare ground.

Distribution: Appears to be confined to Bogong High Plains in Victoria – common in Pretty Valley on the western end of the Bogong High Plains.

Habitat: Intermittently wet valley floors and terraces associated with creeks and bogs generally above 1600 m ASL. Soils are humifying peats, largely organic soils subject to drying out - this infers a past history of active peat accumulation most probably as part of a community dominated by Sphagnum peatlands. Alpine Relic-bog Dwarf Heathland is a peatland that has dried out such that it can no longer support Sphagnum, a non- species that is intolerant of drying out. Consequently, McDougall referred to this community as a relict bog. This EVC may occur as either a consequence of disturbance of bogs by cattle or the deliberate application of fire, or as a consequence of natural disturbance processes such as heavy rainfall/snow-melt or wildfire that may result in changes to drainage patterns and stream architecture. Stream entrenchment may be a common feature of the adjacent drainage-line. Can occur in a mosaic with Alpine Peaty Heathland and Alpine Valley Peatland.

Floristics: Dominated by the heath shrub, Epacris glacialis over a dense field layer of Empodisma minus, and Poa costiniana. Other species that may be present include Carex breviculmis, Ranunculus gunnianus, Astelia alpina var. novae-hollandiae, Stackhousia pulvinaris, Gentianella diemensis s.l.and Oreobolus distichus.

EVC 1013 Alpine Rocky Outcrop Heathland Walsh/McDougall/Frood mapping units: Kunzea heathland M-4

Defining characteristics: Low heathland on shallow soils of exposed peaks and ridges.

Structure: Closed to sparse heathland to 0.5 m with a sparse field layer of forbs and grasses. Lichens and mosses may constitute significant cover in some locations.

Habitat: Shallow soils on various geologies at high altitude, generally above 1400m ASL.

Floristics: Floristically diverse across its range. Widespread and common species include Podolobium alpestre, Grevillea australis, Hovea montana, Phebalium squamulosum, Leucopogon hookeri, Poa fawcettiae, Poa hothamensis, Trisetum spicatum subsp. australiense. Herbs include Brachyscome rigidula, Celmisia asteliifolia spp. agg., Viola betonicifolia, Helichrysum rutidolepis s.l., Microseris sp. 2, Crassula sieberiana and Leucochrysum albicans.

Distribution: Widespread in actively eroded alpine areas where rock is at or near the surface.

EVC 905 Alpine Short Herbland Synonyms/descriptions : sensu Wimbush and Costin 1973; description by McDougall 1982 as Caltha herbland.

Reference quadrats : C55014, 028.

Defining characteristic : Dwarf herbland of wet alpine soils, in sites with a short growing season.

Structure : (Dwarf) Herbland to sedgeland, much of growth < 3 cm in height. The growth habit of the component plants is typically as very localised dense clumps, comprising rhizomatous mats with numerous tiny tufts or rosettes.

Habitat : Snow patch soaks and terraces on upper creek head soaks, on peaty-stony soils at elevations of 1680 -1830 m. Soils are constantly waterlogged, variously subject to intermittent deeper inundation.

Floristics : Caltha introloba - Oreobolus pumilio subsp. pumilio, with (e.g.) Oreomyrrhis pulvinifica, Juncus antarcticus, Parantennaria uniceps, Deyeuxia affinis, Plantago muelleri, Utricularia monanthos and Isolepis spp.

Distribution : Extremely localised in highest mountains - in Victoria mostly (and best developed) on the Bogong High Plains (eg. Headwaters of Middle Creek in the vicinity of Mt Cope).

Vegetation Quality : Including a range of extremely rare species confined to this habitat. The habitat is particularly vulnerable to trampling and accelerated erosion. Once critically degraded the process of deterioration of the habitat can become extremely difficult (if not impossible) to reverse. The level of protection is variable, with some key sites fenced and others grazed.

EVC 288 Alpine Valley Peatland Synonyms/descriptions : sensu Wimbush and Costin 1973; not recognised by Walsh et al. 1983, McDougall 1982.

Defining characteristic : Sedgy bogs of valley habitats, where shrubs are a minor component. While Sphagnum spp. are potentially conspicuous, they do not produce substantial mounds and floristic richness within central areas is higher than in undisturbed raised bogs.

Reference quadrats : Further investigation is required to resolve the delimitation of this vegetation type.

Structure : Mossbed/sedgeland/herbland mosaics, mostly less than 0.5 m in height with incidental shrubs sometimes being present.

Habitat : Bogs of alpine valley floors, sometimes associated with deep humic alluvium in former meander channels. On the Bogong High Plains, the habitat occurs at elevations of c. 1600 - 1700 m ASL.

Floristics : Sphagnum spp. and Carex spp. (e.g. C. echinata, C. gaudichaudiana, C. appressa) are conspicuous. Other associated species include Lobelia surrepens, Richea continentis, Baeckea gunniana, Empodisma minus, Poa costiniana, Hypericum japonicum, Gonocarpus micranthus, Isolepis crassiusculus, Asperula gunnii, Myriophyllum pedunculatum, , Caltha introloba, Erigeron spp., Ranunculus spp. (notably R. pimpinellifolius and R. gunnianus), Austrodanthonia spp., Oreomyrrhis ciliata, Hydrocotyle spp.and Epilobium spp.

Distribution : Apparently very restricted in the Victorian Alps. Much of the prime habitat in the Bogong High Plains is now submerged within artificial pondages.

Vegetation Quality : The former floristics of bog systems of broader alpine valleys are to varying extents obscured by damage as a consequence of grazing. It can be difficult to interpret highly modified vegetation, such as sedgy-herbaceous vegetation on comparatively desiccated eroded sites which appear to represent former bogs, or that which has colonised wet floors of collapsed entrenched channels within former bogs.

Comments : This is an extremely rare EVC in Victoria. An example of one of the few places where it occurs now is Watchbed Creek on the Bogong High Plains. Much of this community is now submerged beneath Rocky Valley Reservoir.

EVC 1014 Late-lying Snowpatch Herbland Walsh/McDougall/Frood mapping units: Late-lying Snowpatch M-7,

Defining Characteristics: A low alpine herbland confined to sheltered slopes of high altitude areas where snow melt is not complete until mid-summer.

Habitat: Sheltered slopes on highly exposed summits and ridges where wind-blown snow accumulates and snow melt is not complete until mid-summer. Consequently the growing season is particularly short.

Structure: Open herbland to tussock grassland to 0.2m

Floristics: Typically dominated by Celmisia costiniana and Poa fawcetiiae other species that may be present include Luzula acutifolia subsp. acutifolia and Carex hebes.

Distribution: Only occurs on the Bogong High Plains and restricted to sites on Mt Nelse, Mt Nelse north, Spion Kopje spur, and the Bogong massif.

Notes: A highly restricted EVC confined to Bogong High Plains. It is particularly prone to the actions of frost and flowing water and is very susceptible to disturbance.

EVC 41 Montane Riparian Thicket use existing description Walsh/McDougall/Frood mapping units: Sub-Alpine Riparian Thicket F-16 Riparian Shrubland F-17, Montane riparian thicket R-16, Montane riparian thicket R-17, Montane riparian thicket- N. cunninghamii visible R-18, Montane riparian thicket- N. cunninghamii woodland R-19

EVC 1012 Snowpatch Grassland Walsh/McDougall/Frood mapping units: Diuturnal or Short turf Snowpatch M-6

Defining Characteristics: Consistently occurs on the lee side of ridges and peaks above 1600 m ASL and supports a short sward of sedges (particularly Carex hebes) and grasses (such as Rytidosperma nudiflorum).

Habitat: Sheltered slopes on southerly or easterly aspects where accumulations of snow persist beyond the general thaw extending snow cover to early summer and truncating the growing season.

Structure: Tends to a short turf or sward structure to 10 cm in height in contrast to the surrounding distinctly tussock dominated grasslands.

Floristics: Sward dominants include Carex hebes, Rytidosperma nudiflorum and Poa hothamensis. A range of herbs may also be common including Celmsia pugioniformis, Celmisia costiniana, Asperula gunnii, Secleranthus biflorus and Viola betonicifolia.

Distribution: Restricted but widely distributed in high mountain areas including the Bogong High Plains, Mt. Hotham, M. Bogong, Mt. Feathertop. Possibly occurs elsewhere and further survey is required.

EVC 1003 Sub-alpine Dry Shrubland Walsh/McDougall/Frood mapping units: Rocky Outcrop Shrubland/Herbland Mosaic F-19, Sub-Alpine Dry Shrubland F-6, Subalpine shrubland WA-2,

Defining Characteristics: Alpine and sub-alpine open shrublands on shallow soils associated with rocky ridges or peaks.

Habitat: Steep slopes, rocky outcrops, peaks and ridge-lines of mountains where denudation is comparatively active and exposure to strong cold winds throughout the year and drought stress in the summer are common phenomena. Soils are shallow or skeletal with limited organic matter or litter accumulation. Generally occurs above 1400 metres ASL.

Structure: Shrubland to 1.5 m with a sparse field layer with scattered herbs, sedges and grasses.

Floristics: Shrub layer is composed of many species from the understorey of adjacent sub-alpine woodlands. Common taxa include Podolobium alpestre, Baeckea ramosissima Acacia alpina, Acacia siculiformis, Crowea exalata, Phebalium squamulosum. The understorey is sparse supporting a range of herbs, sedges and grasses.

Distribution: Widespread in the Alpine bioregion but tends to be quite restricted in area.

EVC 208 Sub-alpine Riparian Shrubland Walsh/McDougall/Frood mapping units:, Riparian sub-alpine shrubland R-5, See existing EVC description.

EVC 42 Sub-alpine Shrubland Walsh/McDougall/Frood mapping units: Closed Heathland M-2, Sub-alpine shrubland R-6, Damp Shrubland WB-3.

Defining characteristics: Generally dense shrubland to 2m of sub-alpine and alpine areas fringing Sub-alpine Woodland.

Habitat: Generally found on sheltered sites fringing Sub-alpine Woodland above 1400m where snowfall persists as ground cover in winter months and where rainfall is high (>1200 mm). It occurs on a range of geologies on shallow soils typically <0.5m in depth.

Structure: Dense to closed shrubland to 2m. Understorey comprises tussock grasses commonly dominated by Poa spp. (Poa hothamensis, Poa helmsii and Poa ensiformis).

Floristics: Locally dominated by a range of shrubs. Widespread and common dominants include Bossiaea foliosa, Prostanthera cuneata, Pultenaea muelleri, Orites lancifolia, Phebalium squamulosum, Ozothamnus secundiflorus, Grevillea victoriae s.l. The understorey includes tussock grasses (dominated by Poa hothamensis), and a low cover of herbs in the field layer including Celmisia asteliifolia spp. agg., Viola betonicifolia subsp. betonicifolia, Asperula gunnii and Oreomyrrhis eriopoda.

Distribution: Widespread in alpine and sub-alpine Victoria. A common EVC at Mt Buller, Mt Stirling, Baw Baw Plateau, Bogong High Plains, Mt Bogong, Mt Hotham, Mt Buffalo.

EVC 210 Sub-alpine Wet Heathland make existing 210 more general update EVC database Walsh/McDougall/Frood mapping units: Wet sub-alpine heathland – slopes R-2, Damp sub-alpine heathland R-4, Alpine wet heathland WA-8, Alpine wet heathland WA-9, Wet alpine heath WB-4, Wet alpine heath WC-5, Sub-Alpine Wet Heathland F-18.

Defining characteristics: Sub-alpine heathland associated with creeks and insipient drainage lines.

Habitat: In the alpine environment generally above 1100m on soaks, margins of small streams and drainage lines. Found on organic soils that are marginally better drained than the peaty soils of alpine bogs. This EVC is closely related to Alpine Bog Heathland and the two EVCs may intergrade.

Structure: Typically treeless with tall shrubs to approximately 2m above an understorey dominated by sedges, grasses and forbs although the latter doesn’t contribute significantly to cover.

Floristics: A widespread and floristically variable EVC. Common shrubs across its range include Baeckea utilis s.l., Callistemon pityoides, Epacris paludosa, Epacris microphylla s.l., Epacris breviflora, Leptospermum myrtifolium, Olearia algida and Leucopogon hookeri. This list is by no means exhaustive and other species not mentioned here may be prominent in some localities. The understorey is typically dominated by sedges and grasses, often forming a quite dense understorey. Common sedges include Baloskian australe, Empodisma minus, Carex appressa, Carex gaudichaudiana, Carex breviculmis, various rushes including Juncus falcatus, Juncus sarophorus, Baumea gunnii and Carpha nivicola. Sphagnum spp are frequently present but never form a continuous cover. Various tussock-forming grasses are typically present including species of the following genera: Poa, Austrofestuca, Austrodanthonia and Deyeuxia. Forbs are a diverse component of the ground layer but typically do not contribute significantly to the ground cover. Common spp. would include Asperula gunnii, Oreomyrrhis ciliata, Oreobolus distichus and Cotula alpina.

Distribution: Ubiquitous in sub-alpine areas above 1100m ASL.

Mapping units only

EVC 1000 Alpine Crag Complex Walsh/McDougall/Frood mapping units: Rocky Exposures (Sub-alpine zone) F-8: Rocky Grassland M-13, Rocky Outcrops M-20:, R-15:

EVC 1005 Alpine Grassy Heathland/Alpine Grassland Mosaic Walsh/McDougall/Frood mapping units: Alpine heathland WA-6 (See component EVCs 1004 Alpine Grassy Heathland and 1001 Alpine Grassland).

EVC 211 Alpine Valley Bog/Alpine Wet Heathland Mosaic Walsh/McDougall/Frood mapping units: Bog M-8, Wet alpine heath and bogs WB-5 (See component EVCs 288 Alpine Valley Bog and 210 Alpine Wet Heathland).