Wetland Plants of the Namoi Catchment 8 References 38 Glossary 39 Index 40

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: This publication would not have been possible without the contribution of photographic materials from Steffan Holmes (NSW DPI), Greg Steenbeeke (Orkology), Francesca Andreoni (NSW DECC) and Harry Rose (NSW DPI), so a big thankyou to all of you. Thanks also to Francesca Andreoni and Stephanie McCaffery (NSW DECC) for their hard work editing the document. This document was developed and written by staff from Namoi CMA.

DISCLAIMER: The information presented in this document has been compiled from both primary and secondary research carried out or commissioned by Namoi CMA staff and is comprised of general statements. No reliance on the information given in this document should be made without seeking the advice of an expert professional, scientist or technician. Namoi CMA will not be made liable for any consequences arising directly or indirectly from using this publication and any information or material contained in it. Table of Contents

Introduction What is a wetland? 3 Why are wetlands important? 3 Why are wetlands at risk? 4 What can you do to help? 5 How can Namoi CMA help? 7 Namoi CMA Catchment Area 7

Wetland plants of the Namoi Catchment 8 References 38 Glossary 39 Index 40

1 2 Introduction

The wetlands of the Namoi Catchment are unique, and in need of our help to survive. This book is designed to introduce you to some of the more common plants that are found in and around wetlands. We hope this can inspire you to look more closely at these special and vulnerable ecosystems, and how you might best manage any wetlands in your care.

What is a wetland? A wetlands is an area that is inundated, or flooded, some or all of the time. The plants and animals that live in any wetland will either be partly or wholly dependant on water for some part of their life cycles. Moreover, wetland drying cycles are equally important to wetland health as periods of time when wetlands are wet. Floodplains, swamps, billabongs, waterholes on river channels, farm dams, lakes, reservoirs, lagoons and wet pasture are just some examples of the rich variety of wetlands found within the Namoi Catchment. Wetlands that appear and disappear over short time periods are called ‘ephemeral’; those that last longer are referred to as ‘permanent’.

Why are wetlands important? Wetlands are vital feeding and breeding areas for a variety of native wildlife. Many plants – such as those featured in this book – rely on wetlands to survive. Wetlands are known to mitigate the effects of extreme weather and regulate surface and groundwater quality. Wetlands provide valuable grazing and cropping opportunities for farmers. Culturally, wetlands are of great importance to Aboriginal communities. The information stored in wetlands can help us understand natural and human induced environmental change. Drought cycles are natural phenomena in the Australian climate and over time wetlands flora and fauna have evolved various ways of coping with the unpredictability of Australia’s wet and dry cycles. Wetlands have a particularly important role during drought cycles. At such times wetlands act as important ‘refuges’ in the landscape for fauna and moisture loving flora.

3 Many species have adapted to survive drought. Molluscs and crustaceans for example survive drought by producing desiccation resistant eggs, or adults burying themselves in the mud where they become encased in a desiccation resistant cocoon. Fish, frogs and freshwater turtle species are also able to survive drying periods in wetlands, either by spending periods buried in protective cocoons under ground or as desiccation resistant eggs. The most easily recognised wildlife values of wetlands are the waterbirds. Links between healthy unmodified rivers, streams and wetlands, and healthy waterbird populations are now well understood. Without major breeding events in wetlands during flood years, many waterbirds are unable to sustain their population levels and local extinctions result.

Why are wetlands at risk? Most threats to wetlands in the Namoi Catchment are either the direct result of human interference or occur as a consequence of human activity. The types of threats to wetlands in the Namoi Catchment include: • Clearing, drainage and landfilling • Agriculture including cropping and grazing • Water removal and regulation (groundwater and surface water) • Salinisation, that is the increasing saltiness of wetland water and/or soil • Soil erosion • Sedimentation • Animal pests, for example European Carp • Invasive/noxious plant species, for example Willows or Lippia • Mining and extractive industries • Legal and illegal fishing • Removal of dead wood from floodplain or riparian areas • Discontinuity (the isolation of wetlands from river channels, and barriers that prevent the movement of fauna through the wetland system) • Poor water quality • Inappropriate management Solving many of these issues requires a co-ordinated approach involving many different government and community groups. Solutions also need to address these problems at a local and catchment scale.

4 What can you do to help? As landholders or community members there are many things that you can do to help protect wetlands.

Planning: Planning is essential if the full potential of a wetland is to be realised. A management plan will provide the opportunity to identify your aims, issues and management actions. Plans should identify the range of wildlife using the area and connectivity at a landscape scale. At the individual property level, planning should allow for buffer zones around the wetland that will minimise outside disturbances and address issues such as fencing, grazing regimes, weed control, tree planting and impacts of other activities. In most areas of management, a passive approach, allowing natural processes to ‘manage’ the wetlands, is usually preferable to intervention. Careful prior investigation of the potential consequences of active management is essential.

Restore natural fluctuation in water levels: Australian wetlands rely upon the fluctuations in water level as much as the wetting effect. Constant or longer periods of inundation do not necessarily lead to an improvement in wetland values and sometimes can do more damage than good. A natural regime of water level fluctuations should be the primary consideration in management.

Reduce turbidity and sedimentation: Sedimentation of a wetland reduces its volume; the silt can suffocate plants and animals, and reduce light penetration. Sediments also carry nutrients and possible chemicals with toxic properties into wetlands. Clearing vegetation and allowing stock unrestricted access to wetland areas is a significant source of excess sediment. Maintenance of ground level plant cover and diversity surrounding a wetland is the most significant method of reducing sedimentation and turbidity. The stocking rates or cropping regimes in surrounding paddocks may need to be adjusted with reducing turbidity and sedimentation in mind. Generally speaking this may mean that less stock can be grazed on surrounding paddocks, and cropping areas will need to be worked in ways that will reduce soil erosion.

5 Reduce salinisation: Salinisation of a wetland is generally part of a much wider salinisation problem occurring due to changes in catchment hydrology. Salty run off can be managed by the revegetation of groundwater recharge areas however this is a longer term solution. In the meantime, protection of the wetland can only be achieved by diverting salinised flows which also has implications, and also ensuring that a well vegetated buffer zone occurs around the wetland.

Minimise grazing and trampling: Many wetlands offer a degree of richness in plant abundance, growth rate and diversity which make them valuable fattening pastures. Overgrazing is damaging to wetlands and some wetland types will tolerate no grazing at all. Livestock can damage wetlands by grazing all plant species too much, or particular plant species to the benefit of others, compacting soils via trampling, pugging soils when wet therefore changing where water collects or remains in dryer periods, adding nutrients through manure and bringing in weed seeds from other places. These processes contribute significantly to sedimentation of the wetland. On the other hand, well managed grazing can maintain open areas in wetlands that may be preferred by particular species and provide a degree of disturbance to plant communities which provides the opportunity for an increase in diversity. In general, fencing of the wetland is the main management action required so that grazing can be managed in the wetland context. Grazing regimes can then be set to maximise ground cover, with livestock removed completely when the wetland is wet to prevent nitrification and pugging and to allow wetland plants to grow, flower and seed uninterrupted.

Control feral animals and weeds: Feral animals and weeds require a particular degree of careful management around wetlands as the use of poisons and toxins in a wetland context can have catastrophic results. Reducing the levels of disturbance to wetland areas can reduce the numbers and types of weeds that grow in a wetlands as can preventing their spread by reducing or managing livestock access to wetlands. Any use of chemical controls near wetlands should be avoided if possible in favour of mechanical removal of weeds; however some particular chemicals are designed with wetland and riparian areas in mind. Careful use of these chemicals in accordance with directions on the label can have good results.

6 Feral animal control is also complex as it is often the values of a wetland that the manager is promoting for wildlife habitat purposes that attracts feral animals such as rabbits, foxes and pigs. A feral animal control plan will need to be developed that takes into account off-target animal sensitivity to particular control agents and a holistic and integrated approach to feral animal management. Namoi Catchment Management Authority, Rural Land Protection Boards and Department of Primary Industries officers can all help with this issue.

How can Namoi CMA help? More than 90% of all NSW waterways run through farmland (NSW Department of Primary Industries 2008). As farmers and landholders there is much that can be done at a local level to protect wetlands. Namoi CMA has the expertise to advise and help you protect wetlands on your land. Through the Namoi Catchment Action Plan (CAP), Namoi CMA outlines a series of Management Targets relating to wetland ecosystems and the flora and fauna that live within them. Namoi CMA supports land managers to protect wetlands through activities such as fencing to remove stock form wetland areas, revegetation and riparian restoration activities, controlling invasive pest and weed species and controlling salinity and other forms of land and water degradation. You may also be able to seek funds to assist with managing your wetland for conservation via a range of funding programs as they become available. Visit the Namoi CMA website, or call to find out more.

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Map of Namoi Catchment

7 Acacia Stenophylla River Cooba, River Myall, Belalie, Eumong, Gurley

Description: River cooba is a small tree, growing to 13m. It can grow straight up or can spread out as it grows. The bark of river cooba is dark grey-brown with deep cracks. The angular branches of the cooba droop and are sometimes covered with short, soft hairs. River coobas have leaves called ‘phyllodes’. Phyllodes are actually stems that behave like leaves. Phyllodes are flat, thick and narrow with straight sides. They are curved and covered in long soft hairs giving them a silky feel. Phyllodes grow to be 40cm long and up to 1cm wide with a distinct vein in the middle. River cooba flowers during summer and early autumn and produces globe shaped pale yellow wattle flowers 6-9mm in diameter. Flowers are carried on stalks 0.6 – 1cm long. Seed pods are 10-20cm long and 1cm wide, leathery, rather thick and tightly packed (Cunningham et al 1992).

Distribution: Found across the Namoi Catchment near rivers, creeks and swampy areas.

Habit: River cooba is found in areas with heavy clay soils. When many river cooba grow together they form dense stands known as ‘ribbon stands’ due to the long and narrow shape they form in the landscape.

Contribution to Wetland Function: River cooba provide habitat for terrestrial fauna. The shade they provide is needed to maintain water temperatures suitable for aquatic fauna and flora. Debris from cooba contributes to aquatic habitat value and nutrient cycles within the wetland.

8 Casuarina Cunninghamiana River She Oak

Description: River she oak is a medium sized tree that can grow to 15m or more in height. River she oak has very slender branches (5mm in diameter) while joints on the branches give them an angular appearance. . The leaves of river she oak are tiny and consist of 8mm-1cm small pointed scales. The scales overlap and form a sheath at the joints of the branchlets. The male and female flowers of river she oak are found on different trees (i.e. dioecious). Male flowers are small and occur in dense spikes, female flowers form a compact head. Fruits are shaped like a small cone, about 8mm in diameter. River she oak can flower at any time of the year (Cunningham et al 1992).

Distribution: Found across the Namoi Catchment on the banks of permanent freshwater streams.

Habit: River she oak is more common in higher rainfall areas. As seedlings are very palatable to stock, river she oak rarely grows in grazed areas. Where it does establish, river she oak will grow quickly (Greig D, 1996).

Contribution to Wetland Function: River she oaks attract birds and provide food and habitat for terrestrial fauna. River she oak is an important food source for the threatened Glossy Black Cockatoo. River she oaks also protect stream banks against erosion. Fallen needles can provide good groundcover (Greig D, 1992). River she oaks also contribute to maintenance of water temperatures and wetland nutrient cycles.

9 Eucalyptus Camaldulensis River red gum

Description: River red gum is a tall tree that grows to 30m or more. Its smooth creamy white bark with brown and pinkish red patches is very distinctive (Greig D, 1996). The leaves of the river red gum are long and taper from stem to tip, growing up to 30cm long and 2.5cm wide. Leaves are a dull, uniform green or grey- green and form dense crowns. River red gum flowers in summer. Flowers are small and creamy white, in clusters of 5-10. Fruits are hemispherical, 7-8mm wide with sharply triangular valves (Cunningham et al 1992). Distribution: Found across the Namoi Catchment nearby large permanent water bodies, notably at Curlewis Swamp and Lake Goran. Habit: River red gum is a fast growing and drought resistant species. It is most common on grey heavy clay soils along river banks and on floodplains. River red gum commonly forms ribbon stands but can form wider stands on regularly flooded floodplains. Mass stands of seedlings can occur after floods but these generally thin out over time (Cunningham et al 1992).

Contribution to Wetland Function: River red gum is an important source of food and shelter for many species of native birds and wildlife. River red gum can develop hollows as they age. Hollows provide vital nesting, roosting and sanctuary for many species.

Cultural value: River red gum inner bark is boiled to make a powerfully antiseptic rubbing medicine for sores (DECC 2008). The heartwood can be boiled and the water drunk to treat diarrhoea, the seeds are edible as damper and the bark can be used to make canoes.

10 Eucalyptus Coolabah Coolibah, Coolabah

Description: Coolibah trees grow to 20m high. They have fibrous and flaky grey bark with whitish patches on the trunk and higher branches. Outer branches are smooth white or grey and have bark that sheds in short ribbons (Cunningham et al 1992). As with river red gums, coolibah leaves are long and tapered from stem to tip. Coolibah leaves grow up to 17cm long and 2cm wide. Leaves are generally a dull, uniform green but can sometimes appear bluish (PlantNET 2008). Coolibah flowers in summer and has clusters of 3-5 whitish flowers. Fruits are oval to top shaped, 3-4mm in diameter with 3-4 triangular valves (Cunningham et al 1992).

Distribution: Found in the western areas of the Namoi Catchment only.

Habit: Coolibah either stands on its own, or is found mixed with black box, river red gum or yapunyah. It also occurs amongst lignum shrub lands on regularly flooded alluvial clay depressions in the Brigalow Belt South and Darling Riverine Plains Bioregions. The tree can be short and gnarled when floods are irregular (Cunningham et al 1992).

Contribution to Wetland Function: Coolibah provides pollen and food for terrestrial fauna including birds (Cunningham et al 2008). Older coolibahs can form hollows and provide important nesting and roosting sites for birds, bats and tree dwelling marsupials. Coolibah provide shade while their deep roots help to stabilise soil on river banks and keep water tables from rising.

11 Myoporum Montanum Western boobialla

Description: Western boobialla is a rounded shrub or small tree with finely fissured bark. Western boobialla has narrow leaves growing alternatively on the branch. Leaves are 3-10cm long, 5mm-1cm wide with a pointed tip and are a bright light green (PlantNET 2008). Western boobialla flowers in late winter or early summer. Flowers are small and white with purple dots. Purplish berries appear after the flowers (Greig D, 1996).

Distribution: Occurs across the Namoi Catchment (Field Survey).

Habit: Western boobialla is common along creek banks and river flats as well as amongst bimble box, cypress pine and acacia woodlands (mulga) in drier areas. Western boobialla usually occur as scattered plants but can sometimes form dense colonies. Western Boobialla is very drought resistant.

Contribution to Wetland Function: Western boobialla attracts birds (Greig D, 1996) and flowers probably provide an important food source. Its shape, being dense and rounded, offers refuge to small birds and small terrestrial fauna. Western boobialla contributes to soil stability and floodplain/wetland nutrient cycles.

Cultural value: Western boobialla was soaked in boiling water for several minutes, cooled and then used to scrub the head to treat general ailments.

12 Atriplex semibaccata Creeping saltbush, Berry saltbush

Description: Creeping saltbush is a perennial shrub that grows along the ground with long slender brittle stems. The leaves are diamond shaped reaching 3cm long. Leaves are greenish above and white below. Leaves are greenish on top with a white underside (Cunningham et al 1992), and may have a wavy or toothed edge. Creeping saltbush flowers in summer. Flowers are small and found either in clusters or by themselves in the leaf axis. The red fruits are 4-6mm long and also diamond shaped.

Distribution: Found across the Namoi Catchment. Common on roadsides and near inland river channels

Habit: Creeping saltbush is found on numerous soil types, but is more common on loams, clay loams and clays, and within many vegetation communities. It sometimes grows in large dense mats. Creeping saltbush will colonise scalds and bare areas and can tolerate relatively high levels of soils salinity.

Contribution to wetland function: Saltbush such as this is unique to Australia and is very important for healthy wetland function. They have excellent soil-binding abilities, are resistant to both soil salinity and salt sprays, are drought, frost and fire resistant and are an important food plant for terrestrial fauna. They can often be the last to disappear from a degrading landscape and the first to return when degradation cycles begin to reverse (Greig D, 1996).

13 Einadia nutans subsp. Nutans Climbing saltbush

Description: Climbing saltbush is an herbaceous perennial shrub with weak trailing or climbing stems. Leaves are spear-head shaped with a lobe on each side of the leaf base. Climbing saltbush flowers throughout the year, but mostly in summer and autumn (Cunningham et al 1992). Flowers are tiny spine-like spikes. The red or orange berries are egg-shaped and 2-3mm in diameter.

Distribution: Found across the Namoi Catchment on floodplains of the Darling Riverine Plains and Brigalow Belt South Bioregions (Field Survey).

Habit: Climbing saltbush is found on a wide range of soil types and in most vegetation communities. It can often be seen as a green creeper on fences, growing over fallen branches or climbing other trees and shrubs.

Contribution to wetland function: Climbing saltbush attracts birds, and is both salt tolerant and drought resistant – thus providing important refuge. The berries are an important food source for birds in inland areas (Greig D, 1996).

14 Muehlenbeckia florulenta Lignum

Description: Lignum is a hairless perennial shrub that grows up to 2.5m high. It has many slender tangled branches and stems that often end in a spine. Leaves are rare on most plants and particularly so on older branches. The leave shape is long and narrow (1.5-8cm long, 2mm-1cm wide) and usually flat. Lignum flowers throughout most of the year. Flowers are small, yellowish and arranged either in whorl-like clusters along the branches or as single flowers. The fruits are nut-like, smooth, brown and 3.5-4mm long.

Distribution: Found across the Namoi Catchment in seasonally flooded low-lying areas and slow-flowing ephemeral creeks and rivers.

Habit: Lignum can occur in dense and almost impenetrable stands that exclude all other plant species.

Contribution to Wetland Function: The tangled and spiny nature of lignum makes it excellent small bird habitat. Lignum swamps are favoured breeding grounds for water birds because of the protection provided by the plant. It is also thought to be vital in controlling the temperature of water in ephemeral wetlands, binding soil and preventing erosion under flood conditions and contributing to the nutrient cycle of wetlands.

Cultural value: Young tender lignum shoots were eaten and the fresh flexible branches used in tool making.

15 Lomandra longifolia Spiny-headed mat rush

Description: Spiny-headed mat rush is a tough, tussocky perennial, rush-like plant with flat leaves that grow to about 80cm long (Henry et al 1995). It grows all year round and flowers in early spring to mid-summer. There are male plants and female plants but it is not possible to tell the difference easily, especially from a distance. The flowers are creamy with purplish centres and borne in clusters along a spike about half the length of the leaves.

Distribution: Spiny-headed mat rush is found across the Namoi Catchment in a variety of habitats including sandy soils on the margin of shallow drainage channels.

Habit: Spiny-headed mat rush can grow in most soils including waterlogged areas. It is frost hardy and not known to be grazed.

Contribution to Wetland Function: Spiny-headed mat rush attracts birds and provides soil stability, food and shelter for wildlife. It also provides food for several species of skipper butterfly.

Cultural value: Lomandra longifolia leaves were used to make baskets, nets and net-bags. Flowers and fruits were also eaten.

16 Ranunculus species Buttercup

Species recorded in the Namoi include Ranunculus inundatus (River buttercup), Ranunculus lappaceus (Common buttercup), Ranunculus pumilio (Ferny buttercup) and Ranunculus undosus (Swamp buttercup).

Description: Buttercups are a large and widespread group of some 400 species of which 35 are found in all Australian states. Ranunculus species are forbs except for one woody climber. The flowers have 4-5 petals which may be inconspicuous or large and shiny-yellow. Distribution: River buttercups are found at the eastern edge of the Namoi Catchment in wet mud or water around ponds and streams. The common buttercup and ferny buttercup are found across the Namoi Catchment in inland riverine forests or intermittently moist sites. The swamp buttercup is found east of Gunnedah and around Quipolly dam in intermittently wet sites. Habit: River buttercups are less common and found in damp situations often in large mats. The common buttercup is found mainly on clay soils in black box or river red communities, occurring widely in very wet years. Ferny buttercup occurs on clay soils in low-lying flood plain situations in black box woodlands or some grassland communities. It is also abundant in wet years after flooding recedes. The swamp buttercup occurs on the margins of swamps in wet or drying mud and can form dense or patchy stands at these sites (Cunningham et al 1992).

Contribution to wetland function: Buttercups bind the soil in wet or intermittently wet areas. They also contribute to the wetland nutrient cycle and may provide important food resources for some terrestrial fauna species.

17 Rumex species Dock

Species in the Namoi include: Rumex brownii – Swamp dock, Rumex crispus – Curled dock, Rumex crystallinus – Shiny dock, Rumex tenax – Shiny dock. Description: These are a group of perennial herbaceous plants. Some docks are purely aquatic or terrestrial, whilst others are amphibious. Distribution: Swamp dock is found in the Wee Waa and Walgett areas in inland riverine forests. Curled dock (R. crispus) seed has been found in Lake Goran and Warrah Creek. Shiny dock (R. crystallinus) is found in temporarily flooded areas in the western areas of the catchment, whilst Shiny dock (R. tenax) is widespread across the catchment (Field Survey). Habit: Swamp dock occurs on most soil types and in numerous vegetation communities. It is a common plant which is usually seen as scattered individuals rather than in dense stands. Curled dock is a vigorous plant which can compete strongly with native or more desirable species in depressions, damp areas and stream banks. Shiny dock (R. crystallinus) occurs in numerous vegetation communities and in damp or low-lying situations generally. It can occur in large numbers in favourable situations. Shiny dock (R. tenax) prefers damp or low-lying situations primarily with clay soils. It usually occurs as scattered plants but can be common in previously inundated areas. Contribution to wetland function: Curled dock is an introduced plant in Australia and should not be considered a sign of wetland health. Curled dock is considered to have a detrimental impact on wetland function as it is an exotic weed that can out-compete more useful or desirable species. The other dock species contribute to soil stability and erosion control in wetlands. The flower, fruit and seed may provide food for terrestrial or aquatic fauna. Rumex ©2008 Greg Steenbeeke, Orkology

18 Persicaria deciphens Slender knotweed

Description: Slender knotweed is a perennial plant that grows either along the ground or upright with stems up to 60cm long. The leaves are 10-15cm long often with a dark blotch on the surface. Slender knotweed flowers in summer. The flowers are small, pink or reddish, and grow in clusters at the end of the (flowering) stem.

Distribution: Slender knotweed occurs in the Manilla, Nundle and Warrah Creek areas in damp situations particularly amongst the common reed – bush groundsel reedlands and forblands of inland river systems.

Habit: Slender knotweed can occur in fairly dense populations in favourable situations and can sometimes impede the water flow in small drainage channels.

Contribution to Wetland Function: Slender knotweed is useful in providing soil stability and preventing soil erosion by slowing down water flows. It provides habitat, particularly when growing in dense populations. The fruit, flowers and seeds of the plant are considered a likely food resource for native wildlife.

19 Ludwegia peploides Water primrose

Description: The water primrose is an amphibious prostrate perennial herb with creeping or floating stems which can grow up to 4m in length. The leaves are alternate and up to 6cm long and 3cm wide. The flowers have 5 petals and are yellow, primrose-like and produced throughout the summer.

Distribution: Water primrose is found east of Manilla, south of Narrabri and near Wee Waa on the margins of lakes and creek banks and in floodplain swamps.

Habit: The floating stems of water primrose can cause dense obstructions in waterways potentially obstructing water flow in some situations. Creeping stems can form equally dense mats on the banks of wetlands. Pure stands of water primrose can occur over large areas.

Contribution to wetland function: The seeds of the water primrose are a source of food for water birds. Dense mats of this plant, both on land and in water, provide important habitat and protection for both terrestrial and aquatic fauna. The plant is thought to have an important soil binding role as well (Cunningham et al 1992, Saintly and Jacobs 1994).

20 Bolboscheonus fluviatilis Marsh club-rush

Description: The marsh club-rush is a native perennial sedge-like plant with rhizomes which often bear hard oval-shaped tubers. The stems are about 1m or more in height and conspicuously triangular in cross section. The leaves are grass-like, often about 50cm long and 7-11mm wide. The marsh club-rush flowers in summer and autumn. The flowers are umbrella shaped with 6-9 branches and dull red- brown spikes clustered at the end of the flowerhead branches. The fruits of this plant are three angled nuts with bristles of variable length.

Distribution: The marsh club-rush is found west of Manilla and at Quipolly Dam in both open and floodplain swamps.

Habit: The marsh club-rush grows in shallow water in small colonies or as isolated individual plants. It may become a weed in poorly drained agricultural lands within high rainfall areas.

Contribution to wetland function: The marsh club-rush provides shelter for wildlife and is favoured as nesting material by swans. It is a useful species for stabilising banks as it prefers to grow in the shallow water at the stream’s edge.

21 Carex appressa Tall sedge

Description: Tall sedge is a tufted sedge that forms clumps up to 60cm across and 1m tall. Stems are sharply triangular, hard, solid and rough on the edges toward the top. Leaves are 3-6mm wide and grass like with rough margins and grow mainly from the base of the plant. The flowerhead is a brownish spike. Flowers are brownish spikelets about 5mm long. The fruit is a nut contained inside a flattened, oval hairless sack.

Distribution: Tall sedge is found at Warrah Creek, Quipolly Dam and in wetlands across the Namoi Catchment. It is widespread in damp areas or areas with shallow ephemeral water.

Habit: Tall sedge occurs on coarse-textured alluvial soils on the margins and in the beds of ephemeral creeks. It is also found on heavy clay soils of river banks and in shallow water around the margins of swamps on river floodplains. Tall sedge grows mostly in summer although it will remain green all year if adequate moisture is available. It can be very common along the banks of streams and the margins of swamps – at times growing so densely that it makes access to the water’s edge difficult

Contribution to wetland function: Tall sedge helps to stabilise the banks and beds of wetland areas. It provides important habitat for many species of birds, frogs and other animals, particularly when growing in dense stands.

22 Eleocharis species Spike rushes

There are several species of Spike-rush found in New South Wales. Eleocharis acuta – common spike-rush, Eleocharis pallens – pale spike-rush, Eleocharis pusilla, and Eleocharis sphacelate – tall spike-rush, all occur in the Namoi Catchment. Description: All spike-rushes are perennial sedges with a thick root base. The stems are cylindrical or somewhat flattened, more or less erect and thickened at the base. The leaves are reduced to very fine sheathes at the base of the stem. The flower head is a single cylindrical spike found at the end of each stem. The fruit looks like a small nut with or without several slender bristles underneath. Distribution: Common spike–rush: known to occur SW of Gunnedah, SW of and in the Walcha and Bendemeer areas in or alongside perennial wetlands including channels. Pale spike-rush: found in the Walgett, Wee Waa, Tambar Springs, and Mullaley areas and NW of Baradine in inland floodplain swamps and shrublands. Eleocharis pusilla: occurs across the Namoi Catchment in moist places. Tall spike-rush: found east from Narrabri in still freshwater at least 5cm deep.

Habit: Depending on conditions, spike rushes can be common and widespread or infrequent and isolated. All spike- rushes die back to their rhizomes when conditions are dry and grow very quickly in response to a flood or rainfall. Contribution to wetland function: Spike-rushes help stabilise the banks and beds of waterway areas. They provide habitat for birds, frogs and other animals particularly when growing in dense stands. Some spike rushes are very effective at filtering nutrients and sediments and are often planted in wastewater treatment wetlands for this purpose (MCMA 2008).

23 Cyperus species Flat sedges

Nine different species of flat sedges were found in the Namoi Catchment during field surveys. These are: Cyperus bifax – downs nutgrass; Cyperus concinnus – flat sedge; Cyperus conicus:; Cyperus difformis - dirty dora; Cyperus exaltatus – giant sedge; Cyperus gymnocaulos – spiny sedge; Cyperus iria; Cyperus squarrosus; Cyperus vaginatus – stiff flat-sedge

Description: Cyperus bifax – downs nutgrass: A hairless perennial sedge with slender creeping rhizomes which produce oval tubers at their tips. Stems are usually up to 80cm tall and 3-4mm wide and are a triangular shape. Leaves are few. Downs nutgrass is found across the entire Namoi Catchment on heavy clay soil floodplains. Cyperus concinnus – flat sedge: a graceful perennial sedge with a short woody rhizome. Stems are erect, slender, rigid, and grow to be 15-50cm high and 2mm wide. Stems are striped below the flowerhead. Flat sedge is found seasonally in wet sites. Cyperus conicus - a tufted, greyish perennial sedge with short thick underground stems. Leaves are rough and 3-5mm wide. Flowerheads are simple or compound with 4-10 branches to 8cm long, comprising numerous spikelets 2.5-3mm long and about 0.8 mm wide, pale brown tinged yellow or red-brown. Fruit is a triangular black nut, about 1.8mm long and 0.8mm in diameter (DECC threatened species profile). Cyperus conicus is found in the Pilliga Scrub area NE of Narrabri on the banks and margins of streams and waterholes and is a threatened plant in NSW. Cyperus difformis - Dirty dora: a hairless green annual sedge with reddish fibrous roots. The stems are smooth, solitary or tufted and up to 50cm high and sharply triangular in the upper part. Leaves are few, grass-like, and drooping. dirty dora is found across the Namoi Catchment in seasonally wet open situations. Cyperus exaltatus – giant sedge: a stout tufted perennial sedge with short woody rhizomes. The stems are triangular, smooth and up to 2m high. The leaves are flat 3-10mm wide and rough along the margins. Giant sedge is widespread across the Namoi Catchment in shallow water and on the banks of streams and lagoons. Cyperus iria – a hairless annual sedge with smooth, tufted or solitary, triangular stems that are 10-60cm high. Leaves are narrow, grass-like and often drooping. Cyperus iria is found west of Pilliga in ephemerally wet, open situations.

24 Cyperus gymnocaulos – spiny sedge: a densely tufted perennial sedge with stout woody short creeping rhizomes. Stems are mainly cylindrical but are often triangular near the top and are distinctly grooved lengthways. Spiny sedge is found NW of Baradine and north of Wee Waa on the banks of streams, lakes and artesian bores. Cyperus squarrosus – this bearded flat sedge is a dwarf annual sedge with fine fibrous roots and a strong odour of fenugreek when dry. Stems are 2-20cm high, single or tufted, smooth, acutely triangular and compact and sometimes relatively stout. Bearded flat sedge is found in the NE parts of the catchment in ephemerally wet locations. Cyperus vaginatus – stiff flat-sedge: a tussock-forming perennial with short, thick rhizomes. Stems are circular in cross section, rigid, smooth and up to 1m high. Leaves are reduced to sheathes except in juvenile plants. Stiff flat-sedge is found in Warrah Creek and Quipolly Dam along creek lines. Habit: Sedges are generally found in open, sunny positions associated with riparian or wetland areas. Most sedges prefer the edges of water bodies where the soil is constantly moist but not flooded. Many will tolerate shallow water and brief periods of flooding (Murrumbidgee CMA 2008). Contribution to wetland function: Sedges aid in stabilising banks and beds of streams and wetlands. They are important refuge for birds, frogs and other animals particularly when growing in dense stands. Some sedges are very effective at filtering nutrients and sediments from water (Murrumbidgee CMA 2008). Conservation status: Grazing, disturbance, logging, clearing and changes to flooding patterns have conspired over time and as a consequence Cyperus conicus is now an endangered species. Further loss of the species can only be averted by controlling these activities.

25 Juncus species Rushes

Juncus aridicola – tussock rush; Juncus articulatus – jointed rush; Juncus continus; Juncus flavidus; Juncus ochrocoleus; Juncus planifolius; Juncus radula – hoary rush; Juncus subsecundus; Juncus usitatus – common rush.

Description: Eight species of rush are known to occur in the Namoi Catchment. All rushes are perennial tussocky rhizomatous plants. Their maximum heights vary from 60cm-2m depending on the species. Telling the difference between rush species can be difficult and an experienced botanist may be required for a positive identification. Juncus aridicola – tussock rush: this species has stems that are 60cm-1m high and covered with a whitish bloom. Leaf sheaths are pale or medium brown. Flowers are pale, well spaced along the branches of a loose panicle. Tussock rush is found across the Namoi Catchment in permanently or periodically flooded areas. Juncus articulatus – jointed rush: an introduced perennial rush 15-50cm high with stiff slender stems arising from a rhizome. Leaves are mostly on the stems. Flowers are dark coloured and borne in globular clusters that form a loose flowerhead. Found SW of Walcha in damp locations. Juncus continus – this species of rush is only found in the Narrabri area in inland floodplain swamps. Juncus flavidus: stems of this species are 35cm-1.20m high and yellowish green with stripes. Leaf sheaths are dark. Flowers are pale when young and later bright yellow in clusters on panicle branches. It is found across the entire Namoi Catchment in inland floodplain swamps associated with seasonally and briefly wet conditions. Juncus ochrocoleus: this rush is a rhizomatous perennial. The stems grow to 85cm long and 3mm in diameter. They are hard, yellow-green in colour with between 20 and 52 stripes. Flowers are numerous but occur by themselves. Found west to Pilliga in river coobah swamp on floodplains of the Darling Riverine plains and Brigalow Belt South Bioregions. Juncus planifolius: occurring as a tuft or as a short vertical rhizome, Juncus planifolius can be either an annual or perennial. Stems grow to 60cm long and 1-2mm in diameter. Leaves are present at the base of the stalk. Flowers grow in clusters of up to 30, as many as 20 clusters are found on one stalk. Found in the Pilliga Scrub area.

26 Juncus radula – hoary rush: This species has stems 20-60cm tall with the upper parts slightly roughened. Leaf sheaths are pale and flowers are also pale and usually evenly spaced along a loose panicle. Hoary rush is found western parts of the Namoi Catchment in seasonally damp situations. Juncus subsecundus - this rush is a slender, shortly rhizomatous perennial with stems 25-70cm long. It is found across the Namoi Catchment in dryish habitats. Juncus usitatus – common rush: The stems of the common rush are usually 1- 2mm in diameter. True leaf blades are absent but some stems might be present. Flowers are not clustered. It is found across the Namoi Catchment on stream banks and in moist places.

Habit: All rushes are found in habitats that are either always moist or seasonally wet. Rushes can form impenetrable thickets and make access to the water difficult.

Contribution to wetland function: Like sedges, rushes aid in stabilising banks and beds of streams and wetlands. They are an important refuge for birds, frogs and other animals particularly when growing in dense stands. Jointed rush is an introduced species and can out-compete native species and obstruct water flow, therefore is thought to be detrimental to wetland function (Murrumbidgee CMA 2008).

27 Phragmites australis Common reed

Description: The common reed is a native perennial that can grow up to 4m high. As with rushes, the common reed has an extensive rhizome system. The stems are rigid, many-noded and up to 15cm in diameter. The leaves are alternate and up to 70cm long. The flower heads are a drooping feathery panicle up to 40cm long.

Distribution: This species is widespread in the Namoi Catchment in stationary or slow- moving waterbodies, margins of creeks, streams, channels and drains, swamps and areas with high water or seasonal flooding.

Habit: The common reed can tolerate slightly brackish water. Its spread is mostly via rhizomes however it also produces fertile seeds. This species can occasionally be a weed in constructed waterways as it can grow very densely and obstruct waterflow.

Contribution to wetland function: The common reed provides habitat and protection for terrestrial fauna and prevents erosion by improving soil stability. It is used to treat wastewater because of its ability to clean nutrient blooms and sediments from run-off (Saintly and Jacobs 1994).

28 Typha species Cumbungi

Two species of cumbungi have been found in the Namoi Catchment, Typha domingensis – narrow-leaved cumbungi and Typha orientalis – broad-leaved cumbungi.

Description: Both these species are erect native perennials up to 4m tall with extensive rhizome systems. The leaves are flat or slightly rounded, sometimes spongy. The flowers are a distinctive dense spike of male flowers above a similarly dense spike of female flowers.

Distribution: Both these species are found across the Namoi Catchment in swamps, on the margins of lakes and streams and in irrigation channels and drains.

Habit: Both species grow in fresh or brackish water. One spike may produce up to 200,000 seeds many of which can germinate. These species can sometimes be a major weed in irrigation channels and drains.

Contribution to wetland functions: In hot inland areas, cumbungi probably contributes to a reduction in the amount of water lost to evaporation. They are an important food and shelter resource for terrestrial wildlife and help to stabilise banks and reduce erosion.

29 Potamogeton species Pondweed

Potamogeton crispus – curly pondweed and Potamogeton tricarinatus – floating pondweed are both found in the Namoi Catchment.

Description: Curly pondweed is an annual or perennial aquatic plant. It has flattened stems that are up to 3m long. Leaves grow to 10cm in length have wavy margins and occur in an alternate pattern except when directly before a flower. The flower is a spike on or just above the water surface. Floating pondweed is a native perennial aquatic plant with both submerged and floating leaves. The waxy coating on the leaves provides buoyancy to the plant. The leaf size and shape are highly variable even between plants at the same locations. Submerged leaves are thin and translucent, 20cm long and up to 1cm wide and wrap around the stem of the plant. Flowers occur above the surface from October to May. Distribution: Curly pondweed is found in Goran Lake and the Boggabri area in slowly flowing freshwater. Floating pondweed is found across the entire Namoi Catchment in slowly flowing waters of rivers and creeks up to 3m deep. Habit: Curly pondweed grows rapidly when water temperatures reach 150C. Natural dieback usually occurs soon after maximum growth therefore the species in not persistent and any obstruction of water flow in irrigation systems is usually short term. Floating pondweed can grow at depths between a few centimetres and several meters. Contribution to wetland function: Both these species provide food for water fowl and habitat for fish species. They also trap nutrients and impurities, contributing to improved water quality and potentially reducing blue- green algal blooms.

30 Marsilea species Nardoo

Marsilea augustifolia – Thin leaf nardoo, Marsilea costulifera and Marsilea drummondii – Common nardoo are all found in the Namoi Catchment. Description: Nardoo is a widespread perennial, rhizomatous native fern, it has fronds that are clover-like with four leaflets up to 10cm in diameter. The leaflets are hairless to sparsely hairy and are borne at the end of a hairless or sparsely hairy stalk rising from rhizomes (Cunningham et al 1992). Thin leaf nardoo has a band of brown and lighter green in the middle of the frond while Common Nardoo fronds can be wavy and covered in hairs. Nardoo usually grows in shallow water with the leaflets floating on the water surface. It also survives well in damp soil. As soil dries out the leaves shrivel and sporocarps (capsule containing the spores, the fruiting bodies) become detached and drop to the soil layer. When new flooding occurs the sporocarps open and release spores which develop into new plants. The sporocarps are borne on stalks that arise from the base of the fronds. Distribution: Marsilea costulifera is widely distributed in moist sites in the Wee Waa area. Marsilea drummondii occurs in seasonally inundated land, lakes or depressions West of Boggabri, NE of Tamworth, SW of Quirindi and at Curlewis Swamp. Habit: Nardoo grows in stationary and slow moving water such as the margins of gilgais, waterholes, claypans, swamps, rivers, roadside table drains and depressions in most communities (Cunningham et al 1992). They have a floating attached habit with roots attached in a soil or mud layer with the leaves floating above the water. Contribution to wetland function: Provides habitat for frogs, fish, birds and beneficial invertebrates. Is an attractive part of a wetland and contributes to wetland function by removing nutrients from the water, reducing evaporation and providing some water temperature regulation. Cultural value: Traditionally the sporocarps were ground up for flour and mixed with water to form a damper or porridge. It was also used in traditional medicine (DECC 2008).

31 Nymphoides crenata Wavy marshwort

Description: A floating perennial aquatic forb with long branched stolons which lie just beneath the water. It flowers in spring-summer and occasionally into autumn. The leaves have long stalks which float and are bright green, waxy, rounded and deeply notched at the base, reaching 5-13cm long with rounded teeth at the margins. The flowers are delicate, yellow, about 3cm across with five “petals”. Flowers often open only in the mornings and are windblown and torn by afternoon. The margins and centreline of each “petal” is fringed and held on stalks up to 8cm long, clustered in groups of up to twenty which are erect and then later droop downwards to carry the developing fruits underwater. The fruits (seeds) are a short beaked capsule (Cunningham et al 1992). Wavy marshwort is cultivated in garden pools as an ornamental. Distribution: Wavy marshwort is found North West of Baradine in slowly flowing water in creeks, rivers, lagoons and channels in water 1.5m deep, usually on mud substrate. Habit: Wavy marshwort grows densely in dams and channels and often then diminishes after a few years. It can persist for some time in mud and where soil is drying out. It has a floating attached habit with its roots in a soil/mud layer with the leaves floating above the water. Will often appear in areas that have been temporarily flooded near permanent streams

Contribution to wetland function: Provides habitat for frogs, fish, birds and beneficial invertebrates. Is an attractive part of a wetland and contributes to wetland function by removing nutrients from the water, reducing evaporation and providing some water temperature regulation.

32 Myriophyllum species Milfoils

There are five milfoil species found in the Namoi Catchment. These are Myriophyllum crispatum – water milfoil, Mryiophyllum papillosum - common water milfoil, Myriophyllum simulans, Myrophyllum striatum – striped water milfoil, Myriophyllum verrucosum – red water milfoil.

Description: Milfoils are perennial aquatic forbs.

Myriophyllum crispatum – water milfoil: found in eastern areas of the catchment in still water or on mud. It can grow when fully submerged in water or fully out of the water (emergent) with at least the upper parts bearing scattered, small, white hairs. Stems are usually 3-5mm in diameter and rooting occurs at the nodes in fully emergent plants.

Mryiophyllum papillosum – common water milfoil: found in western areas of the catchment in shallow water or on mud. It has trailing stems to almost 2m long with erect stems to almost 20cm tall. Roots extend from the nodes. Leaves are arranged in whorls, pinnate in shape, linear and cylindrical, with inconspicuous flowers in the leaf axils (Sainty and Jacobs 1994).

Myriophyllum simulans - found in the western areas of the catchment in still water or on mud. It is aquatic or fully emergent with stems 1-2mm in diameter with roots at the nodes. The emergent leaves are in whorls of usually 3-4 or are irregularly arranged, are linear to round and tapering, 5-15mm long and up to 2mm wide, they can be entire or divided into narrow segments.

Myrophyllum striatum – striped water milfoil: found in Wee Waa and Pilliga areas in damp situations on banks of creeks and around water holes. The leaves are fully emergent, held above the water, and the prostrate parts of the plant root freely at the nodes. Leaves are alternate in arrangement, mostly 5-8mm long or occasionally the lower leaves are weakly pinnately lobed and up to 15mm long.

33 Myriophyllum verrucosum – red water milfoil: found in western areas of the catchment in anything from deep water to exposed mud. Red water milfoil is a perennial native, mostly submerged with stems to almost 4m long and up to 2mm in diameter. Leaves are usually in whorls of three or four. The submerged leaves are pinnate while emergent leaves are waxy blue to reddish-pink/purple.

Habit: Milfoils are described as species that root in the substrate or can be free floating. Most of the leaves on the plant are divided or with incised margins. These water plants have their submerged leaves finely divided and the emergent leaves often entire. Some species grow upright emerging above the water’s surface. Some grow fully submerged and others form dense carpets along wetland edges.

Myrophyllum striatum is a creeping matted plant that roots freely at the nodes.

Myriophyllum verrucosum: red water milfoil occurs in still and slow moving fresh and brackish water in swamps, ground tanks and rivers, most commonly found in waters to 2m deep but occasionally water 4m deep or deeper. It also survives well in drying mud and fast flowing streams. Can form a dense mat of plants and be a pest in dams where it taints the water with a fishy smell (Cunningham et al 1992).

Contribution to wetland function: Red water milfoil is a food source for waterbirds. Milfoils provide food, shelter and breeding habitat for fish. It is an attractive part of a wetland which contributes to function as well as appearance. It also filters pollutants and oxygenates dam water.

34 Azolla species Duck weed

Azolla filiculoides – pacific or red azolla and Azolla pinnata – ferny azolla both occur in the Namoi Catchment. Description: Pacific or red azolla is a common native floating fern 1–2.5cm in diameter. Older plants in full sun are reddish and plants in the shade are greenish. Pacific or red azolla has simple very fine roots up to 5cm long that hang freely in the water from the underside of the stem. Pacific or red azolla is irregularly branched and random in shape. Ferny azolla in fully grown plants has roots that are branched with small, fine side branches or rootlets. Ferny azolla is triangular in outline and regularly branched rather like a small pine tree. Both species have a symbiotic relationship with blue-green alga and provide the plant with nitrogen. In natural waterbodies or garden ponds both species are attractive and decorative and float horizontally on the water surface. They are very nitrogen rich and can be used as mulch. Distribution: Both species thrive in stationary and slow moving water, especially if nutrient levels are sufficient. Pacific azolla is found south of Baradine in stationary and slow moving waterbodies such as inland floodplain swamps. Ferny azolla, found across the Namoi Catchment and at Quipolly Dam, favours still or slowly moving water. Habit: Both species are free floating and can cause blockages when banked up by strong winds. Both species form free floating carpets on still water. Contribution to wetland function: Increased growth of either species can indicate nutrient enriched conditions. Azolla species are a good food source for both stock and birds. It is a natural part of wetland systems.

35 Salix species Willow

Description: Salix babylonica – weeping willow. This tree was introduced from China via Europe. It is a spreading deciduous tree to 12m tall, with outer pendulous branches up to 6m long. Leaves are alternate on penultimate branches and are up to 12cm long. The flower is a catkin or compact spike about 4cm long. Flowers in Australia are mostly female and reproduction is by pieces of stem taking root (Sainty and Jacobs 1994). It is deciduous in winter and flowers appear almost simultaneously with leaves in spring.

Distribution: Along creek and river banks, channel and drainage banks. Also found around farm dams.

Habit: It has a vigorous root system which can obstruct waterflows and cause break up of structures. Tree limbs are brittle and frequently break, fall, and clog up waterways. Shallow surface roots prevent the growth of other plants.

Contribution to wetland function: The weeping willow was originally introduced to reduce erosion after native vegetation was removed but is now considered an invasive weed which obstructs natural water flow. Native plants should be used instead of this species in wetlands and waterways.

36 Phyla canescens Lippia

Description: Lippia was originally introduced as a low maintenance lawn alternative. Leaves are small and slightly grey-green about 1-2cm long. Flowers are pale purple, with whitish petals and a yellow centre. Flowers grow in tight clusters giving the appearance of a single flower. Lippia is a perennial herb. The branches are greyish, smooth and bare and spread along the ground (30-90cm long).

Distribution: Lippia is found east of Gunnedah and at Curlewis Swamp on moist or wet areas particularly on clay floodplains near rivers. It is also found in gardens and on roadside verges in urban areas.

Habit: Lippia grows along the edges of wetlands and waterways, river flats and floodplains. It grows in dense, flat mats that smother other plants found on river banks, creeks and the edges of wetlands. Lippia can also produce chemicals to suppress the growth of other plants. Lippia reproduces easily by fragmentation or from seed. It has a long taproot (2m) that wedges into soil and causes bank breakaway. Its aggressive spreading habit and dominance of native plants outweighs its usefulness.

Contribution to wetland function: Lippia is an introduced and invasive weed species and can out compete native species and obstruct water flow and is therefore detrimental to wetland function (Murrumbidgee CMA 2008).

37 References

Cunningham, G.M., Mulham, W.E., Milthorpe, P.E. and Leigh, J.H. (1981) Plants of Western New South Wales. Soil Conservation Service of New South Wales, 1992 reprint.

DECC threatened species profiles. www.threatenedspecies.environment.nsw.gov.au. Department of Environment and Climate Change, NSW. Accessed November 2008.

DECC (2008) Cultural Plant Profiles, Department of Environment and Climate Change, NSW.

Eco Logical Australia Pty Ltd, (2008) Results from Field Survey for Project No: 125-005: Namoi Wetland Assessment and Prioritisation Project. Available from Namoi CMA on request.

Greig, D. (1996) Flowering Natives for the Home Garden, Harper Collins.

Harden, G.J. (editor) (2000) Flora of New South Wales, Volume 1, UNSW Press.

Henry, D.R., Hall, T.J., Jordan, D.J., Milson, J.A., Schefe, C.M. and Silcock R.G. (1995) Pasture Plants of Southern Inland Queensland, Department of Primary Industries, Brisbane, Qld.

MCMA (2008) Wetland Fact Sheets. Murrumbidgee Catchment Management Authority NSW. http://www.murrumbidgee.cma.nsw.gov.au/index.php?id=799 Accessed November 2008.

New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fisheries/habitat/rehabilitating/fish- friendly-farms, 27th November 2008.

PlantNET, Flora of NSW, Flora Online, Searches available at http://plantnet.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/search/simple.htm

Readers Digest (1993) Complete Book of Australian Birds, Second Edition, Readers Digest, Sydney.

Saintly, G.R., and Jacobs, S.W.L. (1994) Waterplants in Australia, A Field Guide, CSIRO Division of Water Resources, Australia.

38 Glossary

Alluvial soil Soil or sediments deposited by water. Alternate Not in pairs. Amphibious Growing both in water and on land. Annual A plant that completes its life cycle in one year. Axis The upper angle between a leaf and a stem (plural: Axils) Dioecious Male and female flowers are on different plants. Emergent Roots are attached but parts of the plant emerge from the water. Floating Roots of the plant are attached but leaves, or stems float on the surface. Forb A non-woody plant other than a grass, sedge, or rush etc. Fragmentation Small pieces of the plant break off and begin to grow. Free floating Plants that grow in the water column with no attachment to the channel, banks or other structure. Frond Leaf. Gilgais Small depressions where rainwater gathers. Grass A plant belonging to the Poaceae family. Herb A plant without a woody stem (also herbaceous). Perennial A plant that needs more than a year to complete its life cycle. Phyllodes A flattened stem that looks and functions like a leaf. Pinnate A leaf which is divided once Prostrate Growing flat on the ground. Rhizomes Plant roots. Rush A plant belonging to the Juncaceae family. Sedge A plant belonging to the Cyperaceae family. Shrub A woody plant less than 8m high with many branches and stems. Stolon Plants with horizontal stems with new roots at the ends also known as runners Submerged The entire plant grows under water. Tree A woody plant with a distinct trunk, trees normally grow to be more than 5m. Whorl A ring of leaves on a stem.

39 Index

Acacia stenophylla 8 Atriplex semibaccata 13 Azolla species 35 Bolboscheonus fluviatilis 21 Carex appressa 22 Casuarina cunninghamiana 9 Cyperus species. 24 Einadia nutans subsp. Nutans 14 Eleocharis species 23 Eucalyptus camaldulensis 10 Eucalyptus coolabah 11 Juncus species 26 Lomandra longifolia 16 Ludwegia peploides 20 Marsilea species 31 Muehlenbeckia florulenta 15 Myriophyllum species 33 Myoporum montanum 12 Nymphoides crenata 32 Persicaria deciphens 19 Phragmites australis 28 Phyla canescens 37 Potamogeton species 30 Ranunculus species 17 Rumex species 18 Salix species 36 Typha species 29

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CONTACT DETAILS www.namoi.cma.nsw.gov.au Namoi Catchment Management Department of Primary Industries Authority Tamworth: 02 6763 1100 PO Box 546 Gunnedah NSW 2380 www.dpi.nsw.gov.au Gunnedah: 02 6742 9201 Quirindi: 02 6746 1344 Wetland Care Australia Narrabri: 02 6799 2417 www.wetlandcare.com.au Tamworth: 02 6764 5907 DECC Walgett: 02 6828 0110 www.environment.nsw.gov.au/