Muelleria Volume 5 Number 1 March, 1982 NATIONAL HERBARIUM OF VICTORIA DEPARTMENT OF CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY Muelleria Volume 5, Number 1 March, 1982 CONTENTS Page A revision of the genus Templelonia R.Br. (Papilionaceae) — J. H. Ross 1 The nomenclature of some Australian lichens described as Lecanora and Placodium by Miiller-Argoviensis — R. W. Rogers 31 New Australian species of Nymphoides Seguier (Menyanthaceae) — Helen 1. Aston 35 Vegetation of East Gippsland — S. J. Forbes, N. G. Walsh and P. K. Gullan 53 A new Australian lichen: Cladonia sulcata — A. W. Archer 115 Editor: Helen 1. Aston Published by the National Herbarium of Victoria (MEL). Royal Botanic Gardens, South Yarra, Victoria 3141, Australia. D. M. Churchill, Director and Government Botanist. 43346/81 The date of publication of Volume 4, number 4, was 20 May 1981. A REVISION OF THE GENUS TEMPLETONIA R.Br. (PAPILIONACEAE) by J. H. Ross* ABSTRACT The endemic Australian genus Templetonia is revised. Eleven species are recognized and the uncertainty concerning the application of the name T. sulcata (Meissn.) Benth. is discussed. This discussion includes the selection ol a lectotype for Bossiaea rossii F. Muell., a possible synonym. Descriptions, a key to the identification of species, illustrations, and distribution maps are provided, together with notes on ecology and relationships. Two previous papers describing T. incana (. Muelleria 4: 247-249 (1980)) and T. negketa (loc. cit. 390-393 (1981)) should be used in conjunction with the present revision. INTRODUCTION Templetonia, a small genus of 1 1 species described by R. Brown in Ait. f . , Hort. Kew. ed. 2, 4: 269 (1812), was named in honour of the Irish botanist John Templeton (1776-1825) ot Orange Grove, Belfast. The genus occurs throughout much of mainland Australia and on a number of islands off Western Australia, Northern Territory and South Australia, but is absent from north-east Queensland. Polhiil (1976), in his excellent account of the Genisteae and related tribes, divided Genisteae in the sense of Bentham (1865) into four largely regional tribes, namely the Bossiaeeae (Benth.) Hutch, in Australia, the Liparieae (Benth.) Hutch, in South Africa, the Crotalarieae (Benth.) Hutch, mainly in Africa and the Genisteae (Adans.) Benth. predominantly in the temperate regions of the northern hemisphere. The cumulative evidence indicated that these groups are of separate origin from a basic stock most similar to parts of the Sophoreae and Podalyrieae among living representatives. The Australian tribe Bossiaeeae, of which the genus Templetonia is a member, comprises ten endemic genera and these ten differ more from the north temperate genera of Genisteae sensu stricto than do the Liparieae or Crotalarieae. The Bossiaeeae are fairly readily distinguished from the rest of Genisteae sensu lato and from all other Australian tribes with joined stamens by characteristics ot the seeds, calyx, anthers and uncomplicated styles. The tribe Bossiaeeae divides clearly into two groups, namely, Lamprolobium Benth., Plagiocarpus Benth., Templetonia and Hovea R.Br. with alternately basi- fixed and dorsifixed anthers having narrow connectives, collar-like lipped arils (ex- cept in T. biloba ) and straight radicles, and Bossiaea Vent., Platylobium Sm., Goodia Salisb., Aenictophyton A. Lee, Ptychosema Benth. and Muelleranthus Hutch., with uniform dorsifixed anthers having a broad connective (the anther-slits down the face of the thecae, not lateral), usually hooded cap-like arils (absent in Muelleranthus and Ptychosema) and a slender curved radicle exserted from the cotyledons. The first group (the Templetonia group of genera) was found (Polhiil, l.c.) to lack detectable leucoanthocyanidins and flavonols in the leaves, but tended to accumulate glycoflavones and isoflavones (or at least compounds simulating these), while the situation is reversed in the Bossiaea group of genera. As indicated by Polhiil, Templetonia exhibits a remarkable diversity in form so that segregation of other genera in the Templetonia group seems possible only on rather trivial features. Hovea differs from Templetonia in having the arils three or more times as long as broad, the pods not or scarcely longer than broad, and blue or purple corollas (except for the markings), Lamprolobium is distinguished in having * National Herbarium of Victoria, Birdwood Avenue, South Yarra, Victoria 3141. Muelleria 5(1): 1-29 (1982). 1 2 a basally circumscissile calyx and imparipinnate leaves with 3-5(-7) oblong- lanceolate leaflets, whereas Plagiocarpus has sessile, mostly digitately 3-foliolate leaves, pods a little less than twice as long as broad and subsessile flowers with linear bracteoles. Plagiocarpus is clearly closely allied to Templetonia but the combination of diagnostic characters distinguishes it from Templetonia. Although the species in Templetonia represent a rather heterogeneous assemblage, all of them have in com- mon and are distinguished from the other genera in the group by the possession of pods which are more than twice as long as broad and usually ovate bracteoles. Ex- cept for T. egena and T. battii which are obviously very closely related and T. sulcata which clearly is related to these two species, affinities elsewhere in the genus are difficult to detect. T. stenophylla appears to be allied to T. neglecta but the re- maining species appear fairly isolated and without close allies. In habit all species are invariably shrubs or subshrubs with woody rootstocks although there is one record (presumably correct) of T. retusa in Western Australia growing as a tree up to six metres high. In T. aculeata the stipules are spinescent but in all other species they are non-spinescent and, except in T. incana, inconspicuous. In T. egena, T. battii and T. sulcata the leaves are reduced to minute scales up to 1 mm long so that the plants have the appearance of being leafless. In T. drummondii the leaves are unifoliolate and in T. hookeri vary from 1-foliolate to digitately or pinnately 3-5-foliolate whereas in all remaining species the leaves are simple (T. aculeata is occasionally leafless). Despite the occurrence of unifoliolate leaves in T. drummondii and in T. hookeri, where pinnately or digitately 3-5-foliolate leaves also occur, the two species are not at all closely related. The paired bracteoles which in- variably occur at or above the middle of the pedicel are ovate except in T. biloba and T. incana where they are linear. In T. retusa and T. incana the flowers are large and mostly red throughout although in the former white and yellow variants occur sporadically and in the latter some petals are sometimes partly yellow or cream. In all other species the flowers are smaller, basically yellow and brown or purplish- brown and relatively inconspicuous. The shape and structure of the corolla in T. retusa differs from that of the other species and suggests that it is adapted for a different means of pollination. TAXONOMY Templetonia R.Br. in Ait. f . , Hort. Kew., ed. 2, 4: 269 (1812); DC., Prodr. 2: 118 (1825); G. Don, Gen. Syst. 2: 129 (1832); Benth., FI. Austr. 2: 168 (1864); Benth. & Hook.f., Gen. PI. 1: 474 (1865); Taub. in Engl., Pflanzemfam. 3, 3: 217 (1893); Diels & Pritzel, Bot. Jahrb. 35: 263 (1904); Hutch., Gen. FI. PI. 1: 349 (1964); Polhill, Bot. Syst. 1: 309 (1976). Type Species: T. retusa (Vent.) R.Br. Nematophyllum F. Muell., Hook. J. Bot. & Kew Gard. Misc. 9: 20 (1857). Shrubs or subshrubs with one to several stems arising from a woody rootstock; branches usually ridged or longitudinally striate, terete or sometimes flattened, occa- sionally spine-tipped. Leaves alternate or rarely several at a node, simple, unifoliolate or rarely digitately to pinnately 3-5-foliolate, or sometimes reduced to minute scales, the lower nerves usually strongly ascending, apiculate, pungent or bilobed apically, often with a mass of fine glandular processes in the axils; leaflets, when present, terete to linear-filiform or ovate to narrow-elliptic or obovate-oblong. Stipules usually small and inconspicuous, occasionally spinescent; stipels present in unifoliolate and compound leaves. Flowers yellow and brown or purplish-brown, red or occasionally red and cream or white or yellow, 1 -several from the axils, usually subtended by a few small scales as well as the bract and with a pair of usually ovate papery bracteoles near the middle or on the upper part of the pedicel, less often the bract and bracteoles linear. Calyx one-quarter to two-thirds as long as the corolla, persisting in fruit; upper lobes either largely united or much broader than the others, lower lobes often as long as the upper, the lowest often the longest. Cor- olla varied in structure; standard narrow-elliptic to orbicular or slightly oblate, 3 reflexed, with a well developed claw; keel and wing petals short and broad to long and narrow, usually with a well developed claw and auricled. SYowe/r-filaments joined in a sheath split open on one side; anthers alternately basifixed and dorsifixed, the latter usually shorter. Style usually slender, curved, with a small terminal stigma. Pods sessile to stipitate, narrow-oblong to obiong-elliptic, more than twice as long as broad, (1-) 2-several-seeded, the valves coriaceous, convex, separating along both sutures. Seeds elliptic to ovate, compressed, with a small hilum near one end sur- rounded by a collar-like often lipped or less often a cap-like ( T . biloba) aril; radicle short, straight. l. 1 . Key to Species Stipules spinescent, spreading or recurved and up to 1 cm long 8. T. aculeata Stipules not spinescent 2 . 2 . Plant leafy, the leaves simple, unifoliolate or digitately to pinnately 3-5-foliolate 3. Leaves simple 4. Stipules conspicuous, 4-11 x 2.5-6 mm; stipules, young branchlets, leaves and inflorescences clothed with a dense greyish velvety indumentum 2. T. incana 4. Stipules inconspicuous, up to 2 mm long; stipules, branchlets, leaves and inflorescences glabrous to densely pubescent but the indumentum not as above 5. Stems sparingly to densely clothed with long villous hairs; leaves typically bilobed apically and the two lobes diverging somewhat, margins revolute; calyx densely clothed with dark brown villous hairs when young 3. T. biloba 5. Stems glabrous; leaves obtuse, emarginate or slightly mucronate apically but not bilobed, margins not revolute; calyx glabrous outside except for hairs on the apices of the lobes 6. Flowers red (very occasionally white or yellow); standard elliptic, 2. 7-3. 4 cm long; pods 3.5-8 cm long; leaves broadly obovate to almost rotund or narrowly cuneate-oblong to oblanceolate, 0.3-2. 6 cm wide 1 . T. retusa 6. Flowers yellow and brown or purplish-brown; standard orbicular, 0.95-1.6 cm long; pods 1.6-3 cm long; leaves narrow-oblong to slightly obovate- or linear-oblong, 0.2-0.55 (0.7) cm wide 7. Stems erect, prostrate or straggling; leaves (0.8) 1. 8-5(7) cm long; pods obliquely oblong-elliptic on a stipe which exceeds the calyx; occurs in SE. South Australia and the eastern States 4. T. stenophylla 7. Stems erect; leaves (0.45)0.7-2.2(3.8) cm long; pods oblong, on a stipe as long as or just exceeding the calyx; confined to Western Australia .... 5 . T. neglecta 3. Leaves unifoliolate or digitately to pinnately 3-5-foliolate 8. Leaves unifoliolate; petiole distinctly sulcate adaxially; lamina ovate to narrow- elliptic or obovate-oblong; flowers on pedicels up to 0.75 cm long 6. T. drummondii 8. Leaves unitoliolate or digitately to pinnately 3-5-foliolate; petiole not as above; leaflets linear-terete to filiform; flowers on filiform pedicels 2-2.5 cm long 7. T. hookeri Plant appearing leafless, the leaves reduced to scales up to 1 mm long 9. Stems terete 10. Slender shrub to 3 m high, branches lax, not terminating in pungent points; style slender, with a small stigma; pods 1.3-2. 6 x 0.6-1 cm; seeds 7.5-10(13.5) mm long, margin of aril frilly 9. T. egena 10. Compact divaricate shrub to 1.4 m high, branches rigid, intricately branched, ter- minating in pungent points; style short, thickened, with a large flattened stigma; pods 1 .2-1 .5 x 0.5-0.65 cm; seeds 4.8-5 mm long, margins of aril deeply incised .10. T. batlli 9. Stems distinctly flattened 1 1 . 7~. sulcata 1. Templetonia retusa (Vent.) R.Br. in Ait. f., Hort. Kew ed. 2, 4: 269 (1812); Ker in Edwards’s, Bot. Reg. 5: t. 383 (1819); Lodd., Bot. Cab. 6; t. 526 (1821); Sims in Curtis’s, Bot. Mag. 49: t 2334 (1822); Meissn. in Lehm., PI. Preiss. 1: 88 (1844-45); Benth., FI. Austr. 2: 169 (1864); Diels & Pritzel, Bot. Jahrb. 35: 264 (1904); J. M. Black, FI. S. Austr. ed. 2: 446 (1948). Rafnia retusa Vent., Jardin de la Malmaison 1: t. 53 (1804). Type: Herb. Ventenat (G, holo., MEF, photo!). 4 Templetonia glauca Sims in Curtis’s Bot. Mag. 46: 2088 (1819); Lodd., Bot. Cab. 7: t. 644 (1822); Ker in Edwards’s, Bot. Reg. 10: t. 859 (1825). Type: Curtis’s Bot. Mag. t. 2088 (iconotype!). Much-branched glabrous and sometimes somewhat glaucous shrub 0.3-4 m high or occasionally (fide B. L. Turner 5548) a tree to 6 m high; branches greenish- yellow to yellowish-brown, angular and sometimes slightly winged, unarmed. Stipules inconspicuous. Leaves simple, extremely variable in size and shape, broadly obovate to almost rotund to narrowly cuneate-oblong or oblanceolate, (0.5-) 1 .5-3.5 (-6) x (0.3-) 0.6-1. 4 (-2.6) cm, slightly to distinctly emarginate apically or minutely mucronatc, nearly sessile or articulating on a short thick petiole, thickly coriaceous, venation often fairly conspicuous on the lower surface, glabrous, sometimes glaucous, with a mass of fine dark glandular processes in the axils. Flowers 1 or 2 per axil, large and showy, red or occasionally white or yellow, on glabrous pedicels 0.6-2 cm long" the pedicels with a pair of ovate bracteoles up to 2.5 x 2 mm near or above the middle; bracteoles glabrous or with an apical fringe of hairs. Calyx 0.75-1. 15 cm long, the lobes much shorter than the tube, the upper much broader than the others, the lowest lobe longest, glabrous except for marginal cilia on the apices of the lobes. Standard elliptic, 2. 7-3. 4 cm long including a basal claw up to 0.5 cm long, 1-1 .8 cm wide, slightly emarginate apically; wings 2. 5-3. 3 cm long including a claw up to 0.4 cm long, 0.4-0.65 cm wide, auricled; keel petals lightly united, 2. 6-3. 3 cm long in- cluding a claw up to 0.45 cm long, 0.4-0.75 cm wide, auricled. Stamens up to 3.3 cm long, anthers alternately basifixed and dorsifixed but not as conspicuously as in most other species. Ovary up to 12 mm long, on a stipe up to 5 mm long, glabrous. Pods oblong, sometimes obliquely so, 3.5-8 x 0.95-1.6 cm, on a stipe up to 1 cm long which usually exceeds the persistent calyx, usually with a distinct apical or lateral beak, mostly 4-12-seeded, valves coriaceous, glabrous, compressed. Seeds elliptic, 5-7 x 3-4 x 2-2.8 mm, yellowish- to reddish-brown, separated by transverse frass-like partitions, the small hilum surrounded by a collar-like aril with a raised lateral lip (Fig. 1). T. retusa occurs in Western and South Australia (and on some of the off-shore islands) and is found most frequently on limestone or on sand or loam overlying limestone (Fig. 2). Representative Specimens Examined: Western Australia— Guilderton (mouth of Moore river), 2. vii. 1961 , /4.S. George 2615 (PERTH). 3.2 km SW. of 'Ml. Ragged, 6.xii. 1960, A.S. George 2061 (PERTH). Fitzgerald River Reserve, ±20 km N. of mouth of Fitzgerald river, 24. vii, 1970, G. J. Keighery 718 (PERTH). , South Australia- Flinders Range, Parachilna Gorge, 10 km W. of Blinman, 3.x. 196- 1-R.N- Lothian 1096 (AD 96312021). Eyre Peninsula, Kirton Point at Port Lincoln, 14. ix. 1970, B. J. Copley 3090 (AD 97137104). Fowlers Bay, 3.x. 1975, R. J. Chinnock 2736 (AD 97545040). Notes: T. retusa shows considerable variation in leaf size and shape. In habit it varies from a small to a large shrub 0.3-4 m high although one specimen, B. L. Turner 5548 (PERTH) from 128 km ENE. of Esperance, Western Australia, was described as a tree 8-20 feet high. T. retusa is widely cultivated on account of its attractive flowers. The corolla is usually red but an occasional white or yellow-flowered variant occurs irregulaily throughout the distributional range of the species. The red corolla with narrow interlocked wing and keel-petals suggests that the species is adapted to different pollinators than other members of the genus. Polhill (1976) suggested that the flowers are modified to at least facilitate facultative pollination by birds and careful field observations are required to confirm this. Information on the depredation of T. retusa by the larvae of Uresiphita ormth- opt era I is (Guenee) is given by Sims (1980). T retusa is probably the best known species in the genus and is easily distinguished from all except T. incana by its large red flowers. T. incana differs in 5 Fig. 1. Templetonia retusa. a-flowering twig, x 1; b-calyx opened out (upper lobe on left) x 1 A- c- standard, x 1 A; d- wing petal, x 1 A; e-keel petal, x 1 A; f- fruiting twig, x 1 ; g- internal view ot pod-valve showing transverse frass-like partitions separating the seeds, x 1; h-seed hilar.view x side view, x 5 a-e from M. E. Phillips (CBG 036928); f from R. L. Specht 2645 (AD 96109039); g-i from J. W. Wngley (CBG 036539). 6 Fig. 2. The known distributions of Teinpletonia incana and T. retusa. being densely clothed with a greyish-white spreading velvety indumentum, in having differently shaped corollas and leaves, large stipules and in several other ways. 2. Teinpletonia incana J. H. Ross, Muelleria 4: 247 (1980). Type: Western Australia, 30.4 km E.N.E. of Jupiter Well, 22° 46' S, 126° 51' E, 28.vii.1967, A. S. George 9065 (PERTH, holo.! AD!, CANB!, K!, MEL!, PERTH! iso.) T. incana is a very distinctive species which is readily distinguished from all others in the genus by the dense greyish-white velvety spreading indumentum on the young stems, leaves, stipules, pedicels, bracts, bracteoles and calyces, by the large simple leaves and the conspicuous stipules. A full account with detailed description and illustration is provided in Ross, loc. cit. 247-249, q.v. T. incana is fairly widely distributed in sandy soils in the Gibson, Great and Little Sandy Deserts in Western Australia. (Fig. 2). 3. Templetonia biloba (Benth.) Polhill, Bot. Syst. 1: 309 (1976). Bossiaea biloba Benth. in Htigel, Enum. PI. Nov. Holl. 36 (1837); Walp., Repert. Bot. Syst. 1: 578 (1842); Meissn. in Lehm., PI. Preiss. 1: 85 (1844-45); Benth., FI. Austr. 2: 160 (1864). Type: Western Australia, Albany, King Georges Sound, Htigel (W, holo.!). Bossiaea biloba var. stenophylla Meissn. in Lehm., PI. Preiss. 1: 85 (1844-45). Type: Western Australia, Swan River, Drummond 264 (MEL 92288!, W!). Small shrub or subshrub up to 0.5 m high with several simple or branched stems, the stems rigid, ± terete to slightly angular, mostly densely clothed with long villous hairs but sometimes only sparingly so, unarmed. Leaves simple, ± sessile, the basal articulation usually densely villous, very variable in size and shape from linear-cuneate or cuneate-oblong and up to 2.5 cm long x 0.7-1. 5 cm wide to linear or linear-oblong and up to 6 cm long x 0.4 cm wide, typically bilobed apically and the two lobes diverging somewhat or apex obtuse or only slightly emarginate, the midrib projecting slightly and forming a short mucro, margins revolute, mostly glabrous apart from hairs on midrib and margins but sometimes densely clothed with hairs above and/or below or ± glabrous throughout. Flowers 1 or 2 per axil, on sparingly to densely villous pedicels up to 9 mm long, the pedicels with a basal linear villous bract up to 3.5 mm long and an apical pair of linear villous bracteoles 7 Fig. 3. Templetonia biloba. a — flowering twig, x 1; b — leaf, x 2; c — side view of flower, x 2; d — calyx opened out (upper lobes on right), x 2; e- standard, x 2; f-wing petal, x 2; g-keel petal, x 2; h — staminal tube opened out, x 3; i — fruiting twig, x 1; j — seed, hilar view, x 4; k — seed, side view, x 4. a, c-h, from J. Seabrook 29 (PERTH); b from E. Pritzel 273 (PERTH); i-k from Lullfitz L 1807 (PERTH). 8 up to 2.5 mm long. Calyx 8-12 mm long, the two upper lobes united into a broad truncate-emarginate lip, the lower lobes lanceolate, the lobes longer than the tube, densely clothed outside with dark brown villous hairs which become greyish-white with age, silky pubescent within. Standard orbicular, 12-16 mm long including a claw up to 6 mm long, 9-12 mm wide, emarginate apically, pale yellow inside with a deep yellow basal horseshoe-shaped throat surrounded by a broad purplish-brown band; wings 10-15 mm long including a claw up to 3 mm long, 4-4.5 mm wide, auricled, pale yellow except for a purplish-brown area extending from the base; keel petals lightly united, 12-15 mm long including a claw up to 3 mm long, auricled. Stamens up to 16 mm long. Ovary subsessile or very shortly stipitate, up to 4.5 mm long, glabrous. Pods oblong, sometimes obliquely so, usually with an acute apical beak, 2.2-3 x 0.9-1. 2 cm, very shortly stipitate but stipe not exceeding the calyx, 3-5-seeded, with transverse septa between the seeds, valves coriaceous, glabrous. Seeds elliptic, 4-5 x 2. 5-3. 5 mm and up to 2.75 mm thick, chestnut-brown, the small hilum surrounded by a large cap-like aril (Fig. 3). T. biloba is confined to the Irwin and Darling Botanical Districts of the Southwestern Botanical Province of Western Australia as defined by Beard (1980) where it occurs on sandy soils or gravel (Fig. 4). Representative Specimens Examined: Western Australia— Swan River, 1843, Preiss 1061 (MEL 92286). Lake Matilda, King Georges Sound, Oldfield (MEL 92287). Midland Junction, 9. vii. 1 898, A. Morrison (MEL 92285). Serpentine, S. of Armadale on road to Pinjarra, v. 1901 , L. Diets & E. Pritzel (PERTH). Swan View (Perth), ix. 1 902, C. Andrews (PERTH). Darlington, 19. vi. 1949, R. D. Royce 3061 (PERTH). S. of Muchea, Geraldton Highway, 26. vii. 1959, A. S. George 47 (PERTH). N. of Geraldton, 29. vii. 1961, R. D. Rovce 6456 (PERTH). Bushmead, 1 .xii. 1962, F. Lullfitz L1S07 ( PERTH). Helena Valley, 3. vii. 1977, J. Seubrook 29 (PERTH). Notes: T. biloba was transferred from Bossiaea by Polhill (1976) as the species was found to have the anthers, seeds and flavonoid pattern of Templetonia and to be more satisfactorily accommodated within this genus. The cap-like aril with high sides in T. biloba approaches the form found in Bossiaea but is not hooded as is usually the case in Bossiaea, while the linear bract near the base of the pedicel and the similarly shaped bracteoles near the apex show an approach to the situation in Hovea. Leaf size and shape in T. biloba are variable but in their typical form the cuneate-oblong leaves with bilobed apices are very distinctive. Drummond 264, the type of Bossiaea biloba var. stenophylla Meissn., is a narrow-leaved variant in which the apices are mostly obtuse or only slightly emarginate and not conspicuously bilobed although a few of the basal leaves are cuneate-oblong and bilobed apically. Some of the basal leaves in the specimen of Drummond 264 housed in the Naturhistorisc-hes Museum Wien (W) are more distinctly bilobed apically than are those on the Drummond specimen in MEL. This mixture of basal cuneate-oblong leaves with emarginate apices and upper linear-oblong leaves can be seen also in other specimens, for example Royce 6456 (PERTH) from N. of Geraldton. There is a tendency for the narrow-leaved variant lacking conspicuously bilobed apices to oc- cur more frequently in the northern part of the species range, particularly in the Geraldton-Mullewa region, but it is not considered worthy of formal taxonomic recognition. T. biloba is readily distinguished from the other species in the genus by the leaves which are typically bilobed apically, the calyx with the upper lobes united into a broad truncate-emarginate lip and densely clothed with dark brown villous hairs outside, and the cap-like aril on the seeds. 4. Templetonia stenophylla (F. Muell.) J. M. Black, FI. S. Austr. ed. 1: 304 (1924); ed. 2: 446 (1948); Domin, Biblioth. Bot. 89: 728 (1925); Willis, Handb. PI. Viet. 2: 9 Fig. 4. The known distributions of Templetoniu biloba, T. neglecta and T. stenophylla. 281 (1973). Bossiaea stenophylla F. Muell., Fragm. Phyt. Austr. 1: 9 (1858). Type: Victoria, near Melton, M. Weidenbach (MEL 20338, holo.!). Templetonia mue/leri Benth., FI. Austr. 2: 169 (1864), nom. illegit. Syntypes: Queensland, Wide Bay, Bidwill (K-photo!), Leichhardt (MEL 1516495!). New South Wales, Hawkesbury river, R. Brown (BM-photo!); Cugeegong river, A. Cun- ningham (BM and K-photos!); New England, near Tenterfield, C. Stuart (K-photo! MEL 1516496! MEL 1516497! MEL 1516502!). Victoria, Murray river, Prince Paul Wilhelm (MEL 151650!); Wimmera river, Daltachy (K — photo! MEL 1516499! MEL 1516500! MEL 1516503!) and Mount Arapiles, near Lake Hindmarsh, Dallachy, (MEL 1516494!); Melton, near Port Phillip, Weidenbach (MEL 20338!). Small glabrous shrub or subshrub up to 0.6 m high with one to several simple or branched erect, prostrate or straggling stems, the stems ± terete to somewhat angular especially apically, faintly or distinctly longitudinally striate, unarmed. Stipules inconspicuous, up to 1 mm long, broad-triangular. Leaves simple, more or less sessile, articulated basally, the lower ones narrow-oblong or oblong and the up- per sometimes linear-oblong or linear, (0.8)1 .8-5(7) cm long, 0.2-0.55(0.7) cm wide, glabrous, apex obtuse or with a short recurved mucro, venation on lower surface sometimes fairly conspicuous, with a mass of fine dark glandular processes in the axils. Flowers 1 or 2 per axil, on glabrous pedicels 4-8 mm long (up to 13 mm long in fruit), the pedicels with a basal bract up to 1.5 mm long and a pair of ovate bracteoles 1.5-2. 5 x 1.2-2 mm at or above the middle of the pedicel; bracteoles glabrous or with an apical fringe of hairs. Calyx up to 8 mm long, the two upper lobes united except for the short acute apices, the lowest lobe slightly longer than the others, the lobes shorter than the tube, glabrous outside except for a fringe of hairs on the apices of the lobes. Standard orbicular, 10-15 mm long including the claw, 8-10 mm wide, emarginate apically, pale yellow inside with a deep yellow basal horseshoe-shaped throat surrounded by a purplish-brown fringe; wings up to 12.5 mm long including a claw up to 2.5 mm long, up to 4.5 mm wide, auricled, usually brown or purplish-brown throughout or pale yellow towards the apex; keel petals lightly united, up to 12.5 mm long including a claw up to 4 mm long, up to 5.5 mm 10 Fig. 5. Templetonia stenophylla. a — flowering twig, x 1; b — leaf, x l'/i; c — side view of flower, x 3; d — calyx opened out (lower lobe on left), x 3; e — standard, x 3; f— wing petal, x 3; g — keel petal, x 3; h — fruiting twig, x 1; i — seed, hilar view, x 6; j — seed, side view, x 6. a — g from A. C. Beauglehole 30912 (MEL 1516457); h from A. C. Beauglehole 39636 (MEL 1516456); i and j from J. L. Boorman (NSW 44608). 11 wide, auricled, usually brown or purplish-brown throughout or pale yellow towards the apex. Stamens up to 14 mm long. Ovary stipitate, up to 8 mm long, glabrous. Pods obliquely oblong-elliptic, narrowed to an acute lateral beak apically, 1.6-2. 6 x 0.85-1.05 cm, on a stipe up to 0.5 cm long which exceeds the calyx, 1-3-seeded; valves coriaceous, convex, glabrous. Seeds elliptic, 3. 6-4. 8 x 2-2.7 mm and up to 1.2 mm thick, reddish-brown, the small hilum surrounded by a collar-like aril with a raised lateral lip (Fig. 5). T. stenophylla is fairly widely distributed extending from south-east Queensland southwards through eastern and central New South Wales, central and western Victoria to the south-east corner of South Australia in the vicinity of Bordertown (Fig. 4). The species favours dry Eucalyptus forest, stream banks and open situations, often on poor grey loam. Representative Specimens Examined: South Australia- Bordertown, 22. viii . 1 940, J. B. Cleland s.n. (AD 966080577). ± 8 km NE. of Wolseley, ix. 1961 , K. Alcock 3 (AD 96204100). ± 16 km N. of Frances, 1.x. 1972, M. Beek 109 (AD 97244137). Queensland -Wide Bay Distr., ± 6 km S. of Kilkivan, Serpentine-Black Snake road, x.1959, W. F. Ridley QSC267 (BR1 32548). Burnett Distr., Burrandowan road (near Hodges Dip), 26. viii. 1975 Kingaroy Shire Council (BR1 197018). Darling Downs Distr., Kragra, ix. 1978^ G. Lithgow 40 (BR1 242638). New South Wales- Dubbo, xi. 1905, J. L. Boorman (NSW 44608). Wyalong, 22. ix. 1906, J. L. Boorman (NSW 44616). Warrumbungle National Park, near track to “Fans Horizon", 12. ix. 1977 M G Corrick 5891 (MEL 1516462). Victoria— Ironstone Hill, near Bendigo, ix.1920, D. J. Paton (MEL 92142). Mt. Arapiles, NW side, 6. ix. 1 969, A. C. Beauglehole 30912 (AD 97714008, MEL 1516457). Northern fringe of Little Desert township of Kiata, 2.ix. 1979, M. G. Corrick 6297 & B. A. Fit hrer (MEL 559337). Notes: The description of Bossiaea stenophylla F. Muell., the basionym of Temp/etonia stenophylla (F. Muell.) J. M. Black, was based on a specimen collected by Weidenbach from “Prope oppidulum Milton in vicinia portus Phillip” and this specimen, which is also a syntype of T. muelleri Benth. nom. illegit., is housed in MEL (MEL 20338). I have been unable to trace a locality called Milton in the vicinity of Port Phillip and the label on MEL 20338 suggests that the locality is Melton rather than Milton: there is no suggestion of a dot above the second letter of the name and it is probable that Milton is a typographical error. The closest recorded occurrence of T. stenophylla to Port Phillip is from the Djerriwarrh Creek some 46 km NW. of Melbourne and a few kilometres west of Melton. T. stenophylla appears to be most closely related to T. neglecta, a rare species with a restricted distribution in the Eyre Botanical District of the Southwestern Botanical Province of Western Australia as defined by Beard (1980), and from which it is separated by a large geographical discontinuity. Like T. neglecta , plants of T. stenophylla tend to be inconspicuous when not in flower. T. neglecta differs from T. stenophylla in that the leaves tend to be smaller, more congested on the stems and of a different shape and texture, the flowers are always solitary in the leaf axils, and the pods are oblong and on a stipe as long as or only just exceeding the persistent calyx. 5. Templetonia neglecta J. H. Ross, Muelleria 4: 390 (1981). Type: Western Aus- tralia, 11 km N.W. of Black Head, 34°31'S, 118°48'E, 6. viii. 1974, K. New bey 4273 (PERTH, holo.!). A full account of this species with detailed description and illustration is pro- vided in Ross, loc. cit. 390-392, q.v. T. neglecta shows no obvious affinity with any other Templetonia species in Western Australia although some sterile small-leaved specimens of T. retusa show a fairly close superficial resemblance to sterile specimens of T. neglecta. However, T. retusa is a very distinctive species which is readily distinguished from T. neglecta when in flower or fruit. T. neglecta appears to be most closely related to T. stenophylla from which it is separated by a large geographical discontinuity. The differences between T. neglecta and T. stenophylla are given under the latter. T. neglecta is a rare species with a restricted distribution in the Southwestern Botanical Province of Western Australia, being confined to the Eyre Botanical District as defined by Beard (1980). (Fig. 4). 6. Templetonia drummondii Benth., FI. Austr. 2: 169 (1864); Diels & Pritzel, Bot. Jahrb. 35: 265 (1904). Type: Western Australia, Drummond (K, holo., MEL, photo!). Small glabrous subshrub with several prostrate or ascending stems up to 30 cm long, stems faintly longitudinally striate and ± terete to distinctly angled especially apically, unarmed. Stipules up to 2 mm long, broad-triangular. Leaves unifoliolate, with a mass of fine dark glandular processes in the axils; petiole up to 5 mm long, articulated basally, distinctly sulcate adaxially, with a pair of subulate stipellae up to 2 mm long at the apex, the apices of the stipellae often diverging; lamina articulated basally, the lower leaves ovate to almost obovate and smaller than the upper leaves which are narrow-elliptic to elliptic- or obovate-oblong, (0.5)1 .5-3. 5(4. 8) x (0.4)0. 5-0. 8(1. 4) cm, glabrous, mucronate apically, venation on lower surface sometimes fairly conspicuous. Flowers solitary, axillary, on glabrous pedicels up to 7.5 mm long, the pedicels with a basal bract up to 1.5 mm long and a pair of ovate bracteoles up to 2.2 mm long at or above the middle, glabrous except for a fringe of apical cilia and with dark glandular processes in the axils. Calyx up to 5.5 mm long, the two upper lobes united except for the short acute apices, the lowest lobe slightly longer than the others, especially in fruiting material, glabrous outside except for a fringe of hairs on the apices of the lobes, pubescent within. Standard oblate, up to 14 mm long including a claw up to 3 mm long, 10-12 mm wide, emarginate apically, brownish- or purplish-yellow outside, yellow inside with a deep yellow basal horseshoe-shaped throat surrounded by a narrow brown or purplish-brown band; wings up to 10.5 mm long including a claw up to 2.5 mm long, up to 4.2 mm wide, auricled, yellow with brown to purplish-brown near the base; keel petals lightly united, up to 12 mm long including a claw up to 2.5 mm long, up to 3.5 mm wide, auricled, yellow with a purplish-brown tip. Stamens up to 12 mm long. Ovary almost sessile, up to 6 mm long, 4-6-ovulate, glabrous. Pods oblong, with an acute apical beak, 1.8-2. 8 x 0.85-1 cm, on a short stipe which does not exceed the calyx, mostly 4-5-seeded, valves coriaceous, glabrous, convex. Seeds elliptic, 4-4.5 x 3-3.2 x 2. 2-2. 5 mm, olive-brown, the small hilum surrounded by a collar-like aril with a raised lateral lip (Fig. 6). T. drummondii has a restricted distribution in the Southwestern Botanical Pro- vince of Western Australia being confined to the Drummond and Dale subdistricts of the Darling Botanical District as defined by Beard (1980) where it favours laterite or sandy-clay soil. Hartley & Leigh (1979) considered T. drummondii to be en- dangered and in serious risk of disappearing from its native habitat within one or two decades if present land use and other casual factors continue to operate (Fig. 7). Specimens Examined: Western Australia— Midland Junction, viii.1900, IV. V. Fitzgerald s.n. (PERTH). Parkerville, E. of Perth, ofTToodyay Rd., viii.1902, C. Andrews (PERTH). 68 mile peg on Geraldton Rd., I . viii. 1 952, R. D. Royce 3838 (PERTH). Corner of Pomeroy and Edward Rd., Lesmurdie, 16. viii. 1965, A. S. George 6770 (PERTH). Top of Welshpool Hill, 10. xi. 1965, A. S. George s.n. (PERTH). 66 mile peg, Gt. Northern Highway, 30. viii. 1966, A. S. George 7789 (PERTH). 26 km N. of Williams, Albany Highway, 18. xi. 1967, A. S. George 9231 (PERTH). Stanley Street, Glen Forest, 1 . ix. 1 978, J. W. Green 4894 (PERTH). Notes: A distinctive species which is readily distinguished by the unifoliolate leaves and the adaxially sulcate petioles with a pair of prominent apical stipellae. T. hookeri, the only other species in which the leaves are sometimes unifoliolate, has crowded linear-terete to filiform leaves, long filiform pedicels, a different distributional range, and differs in several other significant ways. 13 Fig. 6. Templetonia drummondii. a-flowering specimen, x 1; b-unifoliolate leaf showing stipules at base of petiole at point of attachment to stem and stipellae at apex, xl'A; c-adaxial view of petiole showing the conspicuous channel running down its length, the basal stipules and apical stipellae, x 4; d-abaxial view of petiole showing the points of articulation at the base of the petiole and the base ot the leaf, the basal stipules and apical stipellae, x 4; e-side view of flower, x 3; f-calyx opened out (upper lobes on left), x 3; g-standard, x 3; h-wing petal, x 3; i-keel petal, x 3; j-fruiting twig, x 1; k-seed, hilar view, x 5. 1-seed, side view, x 5. a-i from A. S. George 6770 (PERTH)- j-1 from A. S. George 9231 (PERTH). v \ 14 Fig. 7. The known distributions of Templetonia aculeata, T. drummondii and T. hookeri. T. drummondii is in some respects superficially similar to T. stenophylla but the latter differs in having simple more or less sessile narrow-oblong, oblong or linear- oblong leaves, pods on a stipe which exceeds the calyx, and a different distribution. 7. Templetonia hookeri (F. Muell.) Benth., FI. Austr. 2: 170 (1864). Nematophyllum hookeri F. Muell., Hook., J. Bot. & Kew Gard. Misc. 9: 20 (1857). Type: Northern Territory, Upper Victoria river and Sturt’s Creek, F. Mueller (MEL 1516623!, here selected as lectotype). Several-stemmed slender shrub up to 3 m high with smooth greyish-brown to greenish-yellow bark; branches greenish-yellow to yellowish-grey, terete, in- conspicuously sulcate, glabrous to fairly densely appressed-pubescent, unarmed. Stipules inconspicuous, up to 1 mm long. Leaves linear-terete to filiform, 1-foliolate or digitately to pinnately 3-5-foliolate, 1.8-11.5 cm long, usually rather crowded, with a pair of inconspicuous stipellae up to 0.6 mm long at the point of attachment of the leaflets, glabrous to sparingly pubescent, with a mass of fine dark glandular processes in the axils; leaflets linear-terete to filiform and typically with a short recurved tip, articulated at the point of attachment to the petiole or rhachis. Flowers usually 1 per axil, pale lemon-yellow, on glabrous to sparingly pubescent filiform pedicels 2-2.5 cm long (up to 4 cm long in fruit), the pedicels with a pair of ovate papery bracteoles up to 1.5 mm long towards the apex, the bracteoles glabrous ex- cept for a fringe of apical cilia or sparingly pubescent throughout. Calyx with 4 acuminate lobes, the upper lobe up to 10.5 mm long (up to 14 mm in fruit) and broader than the others, the two laterals up to 8.5 mm long, and the lowest up to 12 mm long (18 mm in fruit), the lobes longer than the tube, glabrous to sparingly pubescent . Standard orbicular, up to 18 mm long including the claw, 9-11 mm wide, emarginate apically; wings up to 12 mm long including a claw up to 2 mm long, up to 4.5 mm wide, auricled; keel petals up to 16 mm long including a claw up to 2.5 mm long, up to 6.5 mm wide, auricled. Stamens up to 16 mm long. Ovary up to 8 mm long, on a stipe up to 3.5 mm long, glabrous. Pods oblong, sometimes obliquely so especially when young, 2. 4-3. 7 x 0.95-1.3 cm, narrowed to an acute beak apically, mostly 3-4-seeded, valves yellowish-green when young but ripening to shiny brown, 15 ^ 4 9 „ Fi 8 i; '’ g irom j . H. ealaby Afc 364 (NT 38803); i, j from N. M. Henry 848 (NT 38778). 16 coriaceous, convex, glabrous. Seeds elliptic, 4. 5-6. 5 x 3-4 mm and up to 2.5 mm thick, dark brown, the small hilum surrounded by a collar-like aril with a raised lateral lip (Fig. 8). T. hookeri occurs in northern Western Australia (including some of the off-shore islands), the central and northern areas of the Northern Territory and the north-western corner of Queensland where it is found most frequently on sandstone or quartzite outcrops or in laterite or gravelly soils along creeks (Fig. 7). Representative Specimens Examined: Western Australia— Warralong, 20. v. 1941, N. T. Burbidge 813 (PERTH). Augustus Island, Bonaparte Archipelago, 16. v. 1972, >. C. Wilson 10812 (PERTH). Wood Island (North), 12.vii. 1973, P. G. Wilson 1 1522 (PERTH). Northern Territory— ± 70 km NE. of Maranboy Police Station, 6. iii . 1 965 , Laza rides & Adams 112 (BRI 157643, C'ANB 151794, MEL 1517029, NT 39498). 94 km N. of Tennant Creek, 25. xi. 1970, J. R. Maconochie (NT 29059). 1 .6 ktn W. of South Alligator crossing, El Sharana, 16. 1 .1973, J. H. Calabv AE 364 (BRI 16 3878, CANB 237655, NT 38803). Queensland— East Branch, Settlement Creek, viii.1922, L. Brass 173 (BRI 243361). 16 km SSE. of Morestone, 28. v. 1948, R. A. Perry 1054 (BRI 243363, NT 20238). Burke Distr., 26 km from Gunpowder on the Quamby Road, 23.x. 1972, G. W. Althofer 297 (BRI 149772). Notes: A distinctive species which is readily distinguished by the linear-terete to filiform 1-foliolate or digitately to pinnately 3-5-foliolate leaves and the long filiform pedicels. In addition, T. hookeri has a more northern distribution than the other species in the genus. T. drwmnondii is the only other species with unifoliolate leaves but the two species cannot be confused. 8. Templetonia aculeata (F. Muell.) Benth., FI. Austr. 2: 170 (1864); Moore & Betche, Handb. FI. N.S.W. 143 (1893); Diels & Pritzel, Bot. Jahrb. 35: 265 (1904); J. M. Black, FI. S. Austr. ed. 2: 446 (1948). Bossiaea aculeata F. Muell., Fragm. Phyt. Austr. 2 (15): 120 (1861). Type: Western Australia, near the Culjong River, A. Oldfield (MEL 20339, holo.! There is no type material of T. aculeata at Kew or the British Museum (Natural History)). Many-stemmed low subshrub or shrub up to 0.4 m high with simple or branched stems, the stems green or yellowish, ± terete, inconspicuously or con- spicuously ridged, sometimes somewhat zig-zagging, usually sparingly to densely pubescent with appressed or somewhat spreading hairs especially between the ridges but sometimes ± glabrous. Stipules spinescent, in pairs, up to 1 cm long, spreading or recurved. Leaves present or absent, simple, the lower ones obovate or obovate- oblong and the upper linear-oblong, 0.5-3 x 0. 1-0.8 cm, pungent-pointed, usually sparingly to densely pubescent especially on the upper surface but sometimes glabrous, sometimes with conspicuous venation on the lower surface, with a mass of fine dark glandular processes in the axils. Flowers 1 or 2 per axil, on pedicels up to 5 mm long, the pedicels glabrous to sparingly pubescent, with a very small in- conspicuous basal bract with fimbriate margins and a pair of ovate bracteoles up to 3.5 x 3.5 mm at about the middle of the pedicel which often overlap the base of the calyx; bracteoles glabrous to densely pubescent outside and within, with marginal cilia apically. Calyx up to 9 mm long, the 2 upper lobes united and slightly broader than the others, the lowest longest, the lobes shorter than the tube, sparingly to densely pubescent outside, the apices of the lobes with marginal cilia and often with a purplish tinge. Standard orbicular, 12-18 mm long including a claw up to 3 mm long, 10-13 mm wide, slightly emarginate apically, apparently usually yellow inside with a deep yellow basal horseshoe-shaped throat surrounded by a dark red or purplish fringe and with a dark red or purplish midvein extending to the emarginate apex, dark red or purplish outside with a yellow border; wings up to 14 mm long in- cluding a claw up to 2 mm long, up to 4.5 mm wide, auricled, mostly dark red or purplish throughout or yellow towards the apex; keel petals lightly united, up to 14 mm long including a claw up to 3.5 mm long, up to 5 mm wide, auricled, dark red or purplish. Stamens up to 14 mm long. Ovary shortly stipitate, glabrous. Pods ob- 17 ^ lg ' Temptetonw aculeata. a— flowering twig, x 1; b — leaf and paired stipular spines, x 2; c — side view ot flower, x 2; d-calyx opened out (upper lobe on left), x 3; e-standard, x 3; f-wing petal x 3- g-keel petal, x 3; h- fruiting twig, x.l; i-seed, hilar view, x 7; j- seed, side view, x 7. a- g from u 14,11 1/111 lAnKmim. u _j f rom M D Crjsp 1573 (AD 97709767). R. Hill 1411 (AD 96532156); h- 18 liquely oblong or oblong-elliptic, 1.5-2 x 0.6-0.75 cm, on a stipe up to 0.7 cm long which exceeds the calyx, narrowed to an acute beak apically, mostly 3-4-seeded; valves coriaceous, scarcely raised, glabrous. Seeds 2. 6-3. 9 x 1.4-2. 5 mm, separated by transverse frass-like partitions, the small hilum surrounded by a collar-like aril with a raised lateral lip (Fig. 9). T. aculeata has a disjunct distribution in Western Australia, South Australia and New South Wales, the populations in each State being widely separated from those in the adjacent State (Fig. 7). The species is usually found in deep sandy soil or rocky areas. Representative Specimens Examined: Western Australia — 78 km E. of Jerramungup, 24.viii. 1963, V. E. Sands 638.16.18 (PERTH). Coolgardie Distr., 32 km E. of Lake King township, 16. ix. 1964, P. G. Wilson 3243 (AD 96526258, PERTH). Helms Distr., ± 35 km W. of Plumridge Lakes, 8.5 km WNW. of Salt Creek airstrip, 15. ix. 1979, M. D. Crisp 5837, J. Taylor & R. Jackson (MEL 564747). South Australia — Northern Flinders Range, Arcoona Bluff Range N. of Arcoona Pound, ± 9 km E. of Owieandana Hut, 15. ix. 1956, Hj. Eichler 12615 (AD 95709111). Southern Flinders Range, Rail Reserve between Wirrabara and Yandiah, 5.xi.l969, B. Coplev 2485 (AD 97009188). ± 6 km W. of Gladstone, 10. ix. 1970, B. Copley 3072 (AD 97119340). New South Wales— 3.2 km E. of Matakana, 16. ix. 1972, G. M. Cunningham 433 & P. L. MUthorpe (NSW 127988). 37 km SW. of Nvngan on Bobadah Rd., 30.viii. 1974, G. M. Cunningham 2745 & P. L. Miltliorpe (NSW 143388). Western plains, Garoolgan turn-off, 22 km E. of Rankins Springs towards West Wyalong, 19. xi. 1975, M. D. Crisp 1573 (AD 97709767, CBG 66548). Notes: There is a sheet of T. aculeata in the Western Australian Herbarium, Perth, with a printed “National Herbarium of Victoria, Melbourne’’ label on which the following is written: “Templetonia aculeata Benth. Near the Culjong W.A. (Old.)”. The PERTH sheet consists of five separate twigs, two of which are sterile, and one detached flower and the remnants of another. The other three twigs have floral rem- nants attached. As the PERTH material appears to consist of a mixed gathering and does not match the holotype collection in MEL, it is not considered to be part of the type collection. Flower colour in T. aculeata requires clarification. Black (1948) described the standard as “white and purple” and the keel as “dark-purple”, while the flowers have been variously described by collectors as yellow and red, dark red and yellow, red, brown and yellow, and brown. The flower colour provided in the above description was taken from a colour transparency accompanying M. D. Crisp 5837 et al. It is not clear whether flower colour varies to the extent suggested by Black and by other collectors. T. aculeata is a very distinctive species which is readily distinguished from all others in the genus by the spinescent stipules and the pungent leaf apices. Amongst the material previously referred to T. aculeata is a sterile leafless specimen, C. W. E. Moore 5721 (BRI 174670, CANB 209396, NSW 143393) from “Tundulya”, ± 40 km S.E. of Louth, New South Wales. The specimen bears little resemblance to typical T. aculeata but its identity is not known. 9. Templetonia egena (F. Muell.) Benth., FI. Austr. 2: 170 (1864); Moore & Betche, Handb. FI. N.S.W. 144 (1893); J. M. Black, FI. S. Austr. ed. 2: 446, fig. 612 (1948); Willis, Handb. PI. Viet. 2: 281 (1973). Daviesia egena F. Muell., Trans. & Proc. Vic- torian Inst. Advancem. Sci. 1854-55: 118 (1855). Bossiaea egena (F. Muell.) F. Muell., Hook. J. Bot. & Kew Gard. Misc. 8: 43 (1856); Fragm. Phyt. Austr. 3: 94 (1862). Type: South Australia, “Murray-scrub Morundam versus”, F. Mueller, Feb. 1851 (MEL 20345 here selected as lectotype!). Many-stemmed leafless glabrous shrub up to 3 m high, often as wide as or wider than high; branches green or yellowish, ± terete, usually distinctly ridged, unarmed. Stipules absent. Leaves reduced to minute scales up to 1 mm long, with a mass of fine dark glandular processes in the axils. Flowers in lax terminal racemes, mostly 1 or 2 per axil, on glabrous pedicels up to 1.75 mm long which have a pair ot ovate 19 Fig. 10. Templetonia egena. a — flowering twig, x 1; b — side view of flower, x 4; c — calyx opened out (lower lobe on left), x 6; d — standard, x 6; e — wing petal, x 6; f — keel petal, x 6; g — gynoecium showing slender style and small terminal stigma, x 4; h - fruiting twig, x 1 ; i - seed, hilar view show- ing frilly margin to aril, x 4; j — seed, side view, x4. a- g from N. N. Donner 37 1 'S (MEL 1503343)- h from A. C. Beauglehole 57011 (MEL 1507639); i, j from H. U. Stauffer and P. G. Wilson 5424 (MEL 564627). 20 bracteoles up to 2 mm long near the apex, the bracteoles glabrous except for marginal cilia. Calyx up to 4 mm long, the lowest lobe longer than the others, the lobes shorter than the tube, glabrous except for a fringe of hairs on the apices of the lobes. Standard orbicular, 5.5-7 mm long including a claw up to 2 mm long, 5-7 mm wide, emarginate apically, with a dark yellow horseshoe shaped throat surrounded by a purplish-brown fringe, pale yellow on margins, deep purplish outside on margins when young but fading to paler purplish-brown and the margins becoming yellow, the purplish-brown zone surrounding a darker yellow inner area; wings 5-7 mm long including a claw up to 2 mm long, 2-2.5 mm wide, auricled, purplish- brown; keel petals lightly united, 4. 5-6. 5 mm long including a claw up to 2 mm long, 1.8-2. 5 mm wide, auricled. Stamens up to 7 mm long. Ovary ± sessile, glabrous; style slender, curved, with a small terminal stigma. Pods narrowly oblong-elliptic, often obliquely so, 1.3-2. 2(2. 6) x 0.6-1 cm, sessile, narrowed to an acute beak apically, 1-seeded, valves coriaceous, convex, glabrous, deep brown when mature. Seeds elliptic, 7.5-10(13.5) x 3. 5-4. 5(5. 5) x 2.5-3.25 mm, compressed, light brown, the small hilum surrounded by a collar-like aril with a frilly margin (Fig. 10). T. egena occurs in each mainland state and is the most widely distributed species in the genus (Fig. 11). Several apparent discontinuities exist in its distribu- tion, the largest being between the solitary Queensland record and the nearest populations in New South Wales. T. egena occurs most frequently in deep sandy soil or laterite. Representative Specimens Examined: Western Australia — Gordon Downs, 13. ix. 1950, R. D. Rovce 3332 (PERTH). Bilgarrie Cutarrie Bore, ± 215 km N. of Laverton, 28 . viii . 1 968, P. G. Wilson 7408 (PERTH). 14 km N. along Docker River road from Giles — Mulga Park road, 21 .vii. 1974, A. S. George 12051 (PERTH). Northern Territory — 73 km W. of Finke Town, 14.x. 1957, G.M. Chippendale (BRI 7829, MEL 564630, NSW 44524, NT 3972). 11 km S. of Lasseters Cave, Petermann Ranges, 3 .xi. 1 970, C. Dunlop 2028 (NT 28676). 24 km E. of Curtin Springs H.S., 23. viii. 1973, J. R. Maconochie 1816 (NT 40570). South Australia — Flinders Range, 14.4 km SW. of Carrieton, 27. xi. 1963, H. U. Stauffer & P. G. Wilson 5424 (AD 96827257, MEL 564627, NSW 99360). Lake Torrens Basin, Roxby Downs Station, ± 3 km E. of homestead, ± 100 km NNW. of Woomera, 1 9. viii. 1971 , B. Lay 394 (AD 97149224). ± 32 km S. of Yunta, 2.x. 1971, N. N. Donner 3715 (AD 97206168, MEL 1503343). 21 Queensland— Leichhardt Distr., 24 km SSE. of Blackwater Township, 6.ix. 1961 , M. Lazarides & R. Story 55 (CAN B 111976, MEL 1507638, NSW 1434032). New South H ate— Broken Hill, xii.1918, E. C. Andrews s.n. (NSW 44556). Moulamein, 9.x. 1970, W. E. Mulham (NSW 114018). "Urunda”, Hermidale, 26. ix. 1977, D. F. Thompson /§70(NSW 143394). Victoria— Robinvaie Distr., Wemen, viii.1960, A. R. Begg s.n. (MEL 564659). Hattah Lakes Na- tional Park, Hattah area, 10. ix. 1960, A. C. Beauglehole 39180 (MEL 564621). Meringur Bushland Reserve, 15 km E. of Morkalla, 31.x. 1977, A. C. Beauglehole 5701 1 (MEL 1507639). Notes: D. E. Symon 1115 (ADW 23586, NT 20242) from the S.W. corner of Com- monwealth Hill Station, ± 38.4 km NW. of Wynbring railway station, South Australia, is an unusually robust specimen of T. egena with large pods and seeds. The pods are slightly longer than usual (2. 2-2. 5 x 0.9-0.95 cm) and the seeds are the largest seen being up to 13.5 x 5.5 x 3.25 mm. Other isolated specimens with large pods similar to those of Symon 1115 occur infrequently throughout the range of the species, for example D. J. Nelson 98 (NSW 143401, NT 8489) from 14 km S. of Mount Wedge H.S., Northern Territory and A. Morris (NSW 44555) from Broken Hill, New South Wales, the two latter specimens having immature seeds. A. R. Begg, the collector of a specimen (MEL 564659) from Wemen, Robinvaie Distr., Victoria, comments that T. egena has “a peculiar scent when in flower (almost a perfume) which attracts many insects and moths, in particular one of the latter which is a brilliant iridescent blue.” Mueller (1892) reported that a woman from Darling River died one hour after drinking a cupful of an infusion of T. egena although, as indicated by Hurst (1942), this does not necessarily constitute proof of the poisonous properties of the species as the death may have resulted from the ailment which led to the infusion being taken. Everist (1974) makes no mention of T. egena being poisonous to humans or animals. T. egena is most closely related to T. battii which differs, however, in having shorter more rigid intricately branched pungent-tipped branches, shorter inflorescences, short thickened styles with larger stigmas than in T. egena, and smaller seed in which the collar-like aril has a small slightly raised lateral lip and more deeply incised margins. The ± terete slightly ridged stems readily distinguish T. egena from T. sulcata in which the stems are distinctly flattened. lO.Templetonia battii F. Muell., Chem. and Drugg. Australas. 2, 2: 31 (1 Feb. 1887); Bot. Centralbl. 30, 6: 180 (1887); J. M. Black, Trans. & Proc. Roy. Soc. S. Austr. 43: 33 (1919); J. M. Black, FI. S. Austr. ed. 2: 446(1948). Bossiaea battii (F . Muell.) R. Tate, FI. Extra-trop. S. Austr. 65 (1890). Syntypes: Western Australia, Eucla, J. D. Bait (MEL 564735!, MEL 564736!). Several-stemmed leafless glabrous divaricate shrub up to 1 .4 m high, sometimes as wide as or wider than high; branches rigid, intricately branched, ± terete, dis- tinctly but inconspicuously longitudinally ridged, terminating in pungent points. Stipules absent. Leaves reduced to minute scales up to 1 mm long, with a mass of fine dark glandular processes in the axils. Flowers in short terminal racemes, 1 or 2 per axil, yellow and brown, on short glabrous pedicels 0.5-1 .3 mm long, the pedicels with a pair of ovate bracteoles up to 1.5 mm long and 1.8 mm wide from near the middle to towards the apex, the bracteoles glabrous throughout or margins of lobes minutely ciliolate, overlapping the base of the calyx. Calyx up to 3.7 mm long, the lowest lobe longer than the others, the lobes shorter than the tube, glabrous throughout or apices of lobes minutely ciliolate. Standard slightly oblate, 5. 5-6. 5 mm long including a claw up to 1.5 mm long, 6-7 mm wide, emarginate apically; wings 4. 8-5. 5 mm long including a claw up to 2 mm long, up to 2.5 mm wide, auricled and infolded basally, usually slightly longer than the keel petals; keel petals lightly united, 4.5-5 mm long including a claw up to 1 .6 mm long, 1 .8-2.2 mm wide, auricled. Stamens up to 4.7 mm long. Ovary ± sessile, glabrous, up to 2.5 mm long; style short, thickened, curved, with a large terminal stigma. Pods narrowly oblong- elliptic, 1 .2-1.5 x 0.5-0.65 cm, sessile, narrowed to an acute beak apically, 1-seeded, 22 Fig. 12. Templetonia battii. a-flowering twig, x 1; b-side view of flower, x 4; c-calyx opened out (lower lobe on left), x 6; d — standard, x 6; e— wing petal, x 6; f— keel petal, x 6; g — gynoecium showing short thick style and large terminal stigma, x 4; h — fruiting twig, x 1 ; i — seed, hilar view, x 6; j — seed, side view, x 6. a, b from J. B. Cleland s.n. (AD 966080567); c— h from R. H. Ashby s.n. (AD 97551010); i, j from J. D. Batt (MEL 564736). 23 valves coriaceous, convex, glabrous, deep brown when mature. Seeds elliptic, 4.8-5 x 2. 5-2. 8 mm and ± 2 mm thick, compressed, the small hilum surrounded by a collar-like aril with a small slightly raised lateral lip, the margins frilly and more deeply incised than in T. egena (Fig. 12). T. battii is a rare species with a fairly restricted distribution between Lake King in Western Australia and Denial Bay, South Australia (Fig. 11), and is usually found growing in limestone. Representative Specimens Examined: Western Australia— Eucla, J. D. Bait (MEL 564730). 3 km SE. of Hatters Hill, ± 41 km NE. ot Lake King, 9.viii. 1980, K. Newbey 5466 (PERTH). 20 km WSW. of Ponier Rock, ± 78 km S. of Balladonia Motel, Eyre Highway, 14. ix. 1980, A. Newbey 7360 (PERTH). South Australia — Colona Homestead, 288 km E. of Eucla, 27.viii. 1947, J. H. Willis (MEL 564725, PERTH). Western Eyre Peninsula, Koonibba, ± 25 km NE. of Ceduna, 17. ix. 1957, J. B. Cleland s.n. (AD 966080567). ± i km N. of Denial Bay, 20 km W. of Ceduna, 10. ix. 1960, P. G. Wilson 1534 (AD 96134007). Denial Bay, 20 km inland from Ceduna, 26.vii.1969, B. Copley 2611 (AD 96937251). Near Nundroo Well, 31°45'S, 132°12'E, 15. xi. 1975, R. H. Ashby s.n. (AD 97551010). Notes: There are three sheets of T. battii collected by J. D. Batt in the National Her- barium of Victoria although none is accompanied by a label in Batt’s hand. MEL 564736 is a fruiting specimen with “Templetonia battii F. v. M.” written in Mueller’s hand and “Eucla, W. Aust. Jan. 1887 J. D. Batt” in another hand. MEL 564735 is a flowering specimen accompanied by a handwritten description of the flowers in Mueller’s hand, while MEL 564730 is a fruiting specimen with “Templetonia” writ- ten in Mueller’s hand and a pencilled label which reads “J. D. Batt West Australia” in another hand. Mueller’s description of T. battii, in Chem. and Drugg. Australas. 2, 2:31 (1887), was based on flowering and fruiting material so it is clear that at least two of the three MEL sheets are syntypes. Mueller described the pods in the protologue as “dark-greenish” which suggests that MEL 564730 is not a syntype as the pods in this specimen are pale yellowish brown in contrast to the dark pods in MEL 564736. J. D. Batt resided in the Eucla district for at least a decade (1886-1896) and would have had ample opportunity to collect further material subsequent to the publication of the species (Willis, 1959). There is no type material of T. battii at Kew or the British Museum (Natural History). T. Battii is most closely related to the widespread T. egena and the differences between the two are discussed under the latter. As in the case of T. egena, the ± terete stems readily distinguish T. battii from T. sulcata in which the stems are distinctly flattened. 1 1 .Templetonia sulcata (Meissn.) Benth., FI. Austr. 2:171 (1864); Moore & Betche, Handb. FI. N.S.W. 144 (1893); J. M. Black, FI. S. Austr. ed. 2:446 (1948); Willis, Handb. PI. Viet. 2:281 (1973). Bossiaea sulcata Meissn. in PI. Preiss. 1:81 (1844-45). Type: Western Australia, Avon River, York, Preiss 1028 (Kl, MEL!). Possible synonym: Bossiaea rossii F. Muell. Fragm. Phyt. Austr. 3:94 (1862). See discussion and lectotypification under notes below. Many-stemmed leafless shrub 0.5-3. 2 m high with numerous divaricate flattened branches, the branches green or yellowish, distinctly flattened, 2.5-6 mm wide, faintly or distinctly longitudinally striate, the margins notched at the nodes, often terminating in a short spine, glabrous or occasionally sparingly pubescent or puberulous. Stipules inconspicuous. Leaves reduced to minute scales up to 1 mm long, with a mass of fine dark glandular processes in the axils. Flowers mostly 1 or 2 per axil, on glabrous pedicels up to 2 mm long, the pedicels with a pair of ovate papery brown bracteoles 1.5-2. 5 x 1. 6-2.1 mm which overlap the base of the calyx, the bracteoles strongly convex outside, concave within, glabrous or with apical marginal cilia. Calyx up to 4.3 mm long, the lowest lobe often slightly longer than the others, the lobes ± as long as or shorter than the tube, glabrous outside except 24 Fig. 13. Templetonia sulcata, a- flowering twig, x 1; b-side view of flower, x 4; c- calyx opened out (lower lobe on left), x 5; d — standard, x 5; e — wing petal, x 5; f— keel petal, x 5; g — staminal tube, opened out, x 5; h — rear view of anthers showing attachment of filaments, x 10; i — gynoecium, x 5; j — fruiting twig, x 1 ; k — seed, hilar view, x 6; 1 — seed, side view, x 6. a — i from M. G. Corrick 6223 and B. A. Fuhrer (MEL 1515223); j from R. D. Royce 10168 (PERTH); k, 1 from Miss Cronin (MEL 92113). 25 Fig. 14. The known distribution of Templetonia sulcata. tor a fringe of hairs on the apices of the lobes, often pubescent within. Standard oblate, 5. 5-7. 5 mm long including a claw up to 1.5 mm long, 5. 5-6. 5 mm wide, emarginate apically, yellow inside on the margins with a deep yellow basal horseshoe-shaped throat surrounded by a purplish fringe, purplish-brown outside except for yellow towards the margins; wings up to 5.5 mm long including a claw up to 2 mm long, up to 2.3 mm wide, auricled, purplish-brown outside except for a faint yellowish tinge towards the margins; keel petals lightly united, up to 5 mm long including a claw up to 2 mm long, up to 2.3 mm wide, auricled. Stamens up to 4.5 mm long. Ovary subsessile or ery shortly stipitate, 2-6-ovulate, glabrous. Pods obliquely obovate or elliptic, narrowed to an acute lateral apical beak, of two distinct sizes, 0.75-2.5 cm long x 0.4-1. 4 cm wide x 0.2-0. 8 cm thick, sessile or very shortly stipitate, 1-2-seeded, valves coriaceous, convex, dark brown, glabrous. Seeds elliptic, of two distinct sizes, 4-14.5 x 2. 2-8. 5 mm, the small hilum surrounded by a collar-like aril (Fig. 13). The plants currently referred to T. sulcata are widely distributed in south- western New South Wales, north-western Victoria, south-central and south-eastern South Australia and south-western Western Australia, although the West Australian and South Australian populations are separated by a large geographical discon- tinuity (Fig. 14). Notes: In New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia the plants are relatively uniform small to medium sized shrubs having flowers with conspicuous brown scarious bracteoles up to 2.5 mm long which are sometimes almost as long as the calyx-tube, calyces typically with 4 acute lobes although sometimes the upper lobe is slightly emarginate or dentate apically, small pods 0.75-1.8 x 0.4-0.75 cm and seeds 4-5.5 x 2. 2-2. 7 mm in which the small hilum is surrounded by a collar-like, frilly- margined aril with a raised lateral lip. Flowever, in Western Australia the material traditionally referred to T. sulcata embraces two extremely closely related but different taxa which can only be distinguished with certainty when fruiting material is available. In addition to the small-podded taxon found in the eastern States, a large-podded taxon occurs which differs in having pods 1.4-2. 5 x 0.95-1.4 cm and seeds 10-14.5 x 6-8.5 mm which lack the distinctive frilly-margin on the aril. While there is overlap in pod length between the two taxa, there is an absolute discon- tinuity in pod width and in seed size and there are significant differences in seed shape which suggest that each taxon should be accorded formal taxonomic recogni- tion (Fig. 15). Flowever, in the absence of fruiting material the two taxa in Western Australia are often extremely difficult to distinguish with any degree of confidence as reliance has to be placed on floral and vegetative differential tendencies which to date have not proved to be particularly satisfactory. The taxon with large pods appears to grow as a large shrub and there is a suggestion that it has slightly different ecological preferences to the small-podded taxon, at least in the Wongan Hills- Lake Moore 26 Fig. 15. Ternpletonia sulcata: comparison of pod and seed sizes of the big-podded (a-d) and small- podded (e-h) taxa. a -seed, side view, x 2; b-seed, hilar view, x 2; c-pod, x 1; d- hilar view of aril, x 9; e-seed, side view, x 2; f-seed, hilar view, x 2; g-pod, x 1; h — hilar view of aril, x9. a — d from B. H. Smith (MEL 580089); e, f, h from Miss Cronin (MEL 92113); g from Miss Eaton (MEL 92110). area (B. H. Smith, in litt.), but it is not known whether the alleged differences in habit and habitat apply throughout the distributional range of “T. sulcata ” in Western Australia as most collectors regrettably make little or no mention in their notes of habit and habitat preferences. The flowers of the large-podded taxon have less conspicuous bracteoles which are much shorter than the calyx-tube, and the calyces typically have 5 short obtuse lobes and the ovaries often contain 4-6 ovules as opposed to the 2-4 usually found in the small-podded taxon. There do not appear to be any other significant floral or vegetative differences between the two taxa. While these apparent differences in floral characters do enable much of the flowering material in Western Australia to be sorted quite readily into two groups, the characters are inconsistent and a number of specimens cannot be placed with confidence, especially in the area where the distributions of the taxa overlap. The known distribution of the two taxa in Western Australia is shown in Fig. 16. The large-podded taxon occurs largely north of a line which approximates very roughly with the Great Eastern Flighway from Perth to Coolgardie, while the small- podded taxon occurs most frequently south of the Highway. However, the taxa oc- cur sympatrically over a fairly large area and apparently each can be expected in an area bounded very approximately by Wongan Hills and Koorda in the north and by York and Coolgardie in the south. Many of the flowering specimens from within this area are difficult to place with confidence. Unfortunately Preiss 1028, the type of T. sulcata, is a flowering specimen with very young pods collected near York from an area where both the small-podded and the large-podded taxa might reasonably be expected to occur. I have studied the type material repeatedly but at present am unable to match the type collection with flowering material of either the small-podded or the large-podded taxon with confidence. This inability to identify the type specimen as belonging to either the small-podded or the large-podded taxon with certainty places the correct application of the name T. sulcata in doubt. This is most unfortunate, but, until the identity of Preiss 1028 is established beyond doubt, it is proposed that the name T. sulcata con- tinue to be used in a broad sense for both taxa even although this is, of course, un- satisfactory. However, little advantage is seen in rejecting T. sulcata as a name of uncertain application at this stage and supplanting it with another name which may in time itself have to be replaced. Careful and detailed field studies are required in Western Australia in an endeavour to resolve this perplexing problem. Information is required on the varia- 27 Fig. 16. The known distribution of Templetonia sulcata in Western Australia. • — fruiting specimens with ‘big’ pods; O — fruiting specimens with ‘small’ pods; A — sterile and flowering specimens and specimens with immature pods which cannot be referred to either the big-podded or small-podded taxon with certainty. tion within and between populations, the flowering times, flower colour, habit and ecological preferences of the two taxa. If intensive field studies fail to establish the identity of Preiss 1028 then, and only then, is it considered appropriate to reject T. sulcata as a name of uncertain application. If Preiss 1028 proves to be a flowering specimen of the small-podded taxon, then T. sulcata will be the correct name for this taxon and a new name will be re- quired for the large-podded taxon. If, on the other hand, Preiss 1028 represents the large-podded taxon, then the name T. sulcata will have to be adopted for this taxon and the small-podded taxon will require another name. As it so happens, a name is available for the small-podded taxon, namely, Bossiaea rossii F. Mueli., Fragm. Phyt. Austr. 3:94 (1862), although a new combination in Templetonia would be necessary. Mueller based his description of B. rossii on specimens collected “In collibus arenosis et planitiebus apricis ad flumina Murray et Avoca, lacum Tyrrell versus”. Curiously there are no specimens in the National Herbarium of Victoria bearing the name Bossiaea rossii in Mueller’s hand, or in any other hand for that matter, and there is no type material of B. rossii at Kew or the British Museum (Natural History). There are in MEL only two specimens, each bearing a label in Mueller’s hand, which could conceivably represent type material, namely, MEL 565687 bear- ing the information “Templetonia sulcata Benth., Murray” and MEL 20342 with the information “Frutex 1-2' alt. In planitiebus apricis ad fl. Avoca, 4 Dec. 53, F. Mueller.” The label of MEL 565688 reads “Bossiaea sulcata Meissn., From the junc- tion of the Murrumbidgee to Lake Lalbert” but this specimen was cited by Mueller, Lragm. Phyt. Austr. 3: 168 (1863), which suggests that it was collected subsequent to the publication of the protologue of B. rossii and this, coupled with the fact that the locality does not accord with the localities cited in the protologue, makes it unlikely that the specimen is a syntype. MEL 20342 and MEL 565687 are regarded as syn- 28 types of B. rossii and MEL 20342 from “in planitiebus apricis ad fl. Avoca” is here selected as the lectotype. Mueller recognised that B. rossii was closely related to T. sulcata but distinguished his new species by its smaller stature, branches that lacked pungent tips and calyces which were quasi 4-lobed, the upper lobe being broad and shortly dentate or emarginate apically. Bentham, Fl. Austr. 2:171 (1864), regarded B. rossii as a synonym of T. sulcata and the two have since been considered conspecific. Representative Specimens of Taxon with Small Pods: Western Australia— Lake Wagin, 1891, Miss Cronin (MEL 92113). 19.2 km SW. of Mt. Ragged, 6. xi i . 1 960, A. S. George 2046 (PERTH). Manmanning Railway Dam Reserve, Avon location 25363, 4. xi . 1 980, B. H. Smith (MEL 580087). South Australia— Alawoona, ii. 191 3, J. B. Cleland (AD 97402057). Eyre Peninsula, Section 21, Hundred of Murlong, 8.xii. 1959, R. L. Specht & C. M. Eardtey 2053 (AD 97404431). Northern Yorke Peninsula, ± 5 km S. of Bute, 8.xi. 1 966, B. Copley 874 (AD 96708148). New South Wales— Pullet op Nature Reserve, 40 km NW. of Griffith, 30. ix. 1969, J. H. Willis (MEL 566292). 20 km W. of Balranald, 1 8 . viii. 1 977, W. E. Mu/ham 1222 (NSW 143404). 31 km W. of Euston along Sturt Highway towards Mildura, 18. viii. 1979, M. D. Crisp 5728 (MEL 577902). Victoria — Hattah Lakes National Park, 25. ix. 1969, G. W. Anderson (MEL 566290). 51.2 km NNW. of Underbool P.O., 28. ix. 1972, A. C. Beauglehole 40494 (MEL 528632). Speed, 27. viii. 1979, M. G. Corrick 6223 & B. A. Fuhrer (MEL 1515223). Representative Specimens of Taxon with Large Pods: Western Australia— Hines Hill, W. of Merredin, 6.xii. 1 961 , R. D. Royce 6773 (PERTH). Great Eastern Highway, near old Southern Cross cemetery, 19.i.x. 1963, J. H. Willis (MEL 566295). 1 1.2 km E. of Winchester, 25. xi. 1972, C. Chapman (PERTH). Koomberkine, 1 3 .xii. 1980, B. H. Smith (MEL 580089). The distinctly flattened stems distinguish T. sulcata from both T. egena and T. battii. The occurrence of the two very closely related leafless taxa with flattened stems that are currently referred to T. sulcata is reminiscent of the relationship that exists between T. egena and T. battii. EXCLUDED SPECIES Templetonia regina J. Drummond, J. Bot. & Kew Card. Misc. 5: 312 (1853); Ross, Muelleria 4: 389-390 (1981) = Brachysema aphyllum Hook., Curtis’s Bot. Mag. t. 4481 (1849). ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I am most grateful to Dr A. A. Munir, State Herbarium of South Australia, for answering a number of enquiries and for photographing several type specimens while serving as the Australian Botanical Liaison Officer at Kew Herbarium, Royal Botanic Gardens, England; to Mr A. S. George, Bureau of Flora and Fauna, Canberra (formerly of the Western Australian Herbarium, Perth) for assistance in several ways; to Miss A. M. Podwyszynski, National Herbarium of Victoria, for preparing the illustrations that accompany the text; to the Directors of Kew Her- barium, the Naturhistorisches Museum, Wien, and of the Australian herbaria for the loan of specimens; to the Bureau of Flora and Fauna, Dept, of Home Affairs and Environment, Canberra, for a grant under the Australian Biological Resources Study Participatory Programme for technical assistance; to Mrs M. A. Powell for assisting with the compilation of distribution maps and to Miss T. Munro for typing the manuscript. Finally, it is a pleasure to acknowledge the assistance received from Mr and Mrs B. H. Smith, Wongan Hills, Western Australia, who so kindly under- took field studies on my behalf and provided specimens, field observations and colour transparencies which permitted a better appreciation of the taxonomic complexity surrounding T. sulcata. 29 REFERENCES Beard, J. S. (1980). A new phytogeographic map of Western Australia. W. Austral. Herb. Res. Notes 3: 37-58. Bentham, G. (1865). Leguminosae. In G. Bentham and J. D. Hooker, ‘Genera Plantarum’ Vol. 1(2). (London). Black, J. M. (1948). ‘Flora of South Australia’, ed. 2. (Government Printer: Adelaide). Everist, S. L. (1974). ‘Poisonous Plants of Australia.’ (Angus & Robertson: Sydney). Hartley, W. & Leigh, J. (1979). Plants at risk in Australia. Austral. National Parks Wildlife Serv. Occas. Pap. No. 3: 1-80. Hurst, E. (1942). ‘The Poison Plants of New South Wales.’ (NSW Poison Plants Committee: Sydney). Hutchinson, J. (1964). ‘The Genera of Flowering Plants.’ Vol. 1. (Oxford University Press: Oxford). Mueller, F. J. H. (1892). Poisonous properties in the genus Templetonia. Card. Chron., ser. 3, 12: 16. Polhill, R. M. (1976). Genisteae (Adans.) Benth. and related tribes (Leguminosae). In V. H. Heywood (ed.) ‘Bot. Syst.’ 1: 143-368. (Academic Press: London). Sims, E. (1980). A Templetonia moth. S. Austral. Nat. 54: 36-39. Specht, R. L., Roe, E. M. & Boughton, V. H. (1974). Conservation of major plant communities in Australia and Papua New Guinea. Austral. J. Bot. Suppl. No. 7: 1-667. Willis, J. H. (1959). Notes on the vegetation of Eucla District, Western Australia. Muelleria 1: 92-96. Manuscript received 18 March 1981. THE NOMENCLATURE OF SOME AUSTRALIAN LICHENS DESCRIBED AS LECANORA AND PLACODIUM BY MULLER- ARGOVIENSIS by R. W. Rogers* ABSTRACT J. Muller ( Mull. Arg.) described a large number of lichens from Australia. When examining specimens in his herbarium it became apparent that some of the material he described as Lecanora and Placodium was in need of revision. Placodium flavostramineum Midi. Arg. is reduced to synonymy with Dirinaria applanala (Fee) Awasthi. Lecanora connivens Mull. Arg. and L. subirnmersa Midi. Arg. (non Vainio) are reduced to synonymy with L. atra (Huds.) Ach. while the varieties L. atra var. serialis Midi. Arg. and L. aira var. virens Mull. Arg. are considered unworthy of formal taxonomic recognition. The new combinations Candelariella xanthostigmoides (Mull. Arg.) R. W. Rogers, Lecidea gtaucoftavens (Mull. Arg.) R. W. Rogers, L. hyalinescens (Mull. Arg.) R. W. Rogers, Ochrolechia macrosperma { Mull. Arg.) R. W. Rogers, Cladonia glaucolivida (Mull. Arg.) R. W. Rogers, and Xylographa perminuta (Mull. Arg.) R. W. Rogers are made. Lecanora albellaria Mull. Arg. and L. gtebularis ( Midi. Arg.) Zahlbr. are presented as correct names for two common Australian taxa. INTRODUCTION In March 1978 most of the type specimens of the Australian lichens described by J. Muller (Miiller-Argoviensis) were examined in Geneva. When examining the many species of Lecanora and Placodium that Miiller-Argoviensis described it became apparent that some specimens were misplaced in those genera, that others were synonyms of well known lichens, and that others represented common Australian taxa for which no satisfactory name was currently in use. These taxa were typified and relevant details concerning the specimens noted. A copy of the notes is lodged in the National Herbarium of Victoria (MEL). The specimens discussed in this paper were borrowed from Geneva and examined microscopically. All but one were also examined by thin layer chromatography. TAXA REDUCED TO SYNONYMY Placodium flavostraminium Mull. Arg. ( 1 895 A:29) . Lecanora flavostraminea (Mull. Arg.) Zahlbr. (1928:621) Typification: Wilson 331, on quartz from Victoria (G, holotype). The specimen is a small, closely adnate thallus with marginal lobes. Chemistry: atranorin and divaricatic acid. There is no doubt that this is synonymous with Dirinaria applanala (Fee) Awasthi, in Awasthi & Agarwal (1970:135). Lecanora atra var. serialis Mull. Arg. (1895B:632). Typification: Knight 268, Thursday Island [Queensland] (G, holotype). The specimen is of scattered areoles mostly in the patterns of the rock surface. Chemistry: atranorin, alectoronic acid, a-collatolic acid, and phenolics. Culberson (1969, 1970) and Culberson et at. (1977) have documented the chemical variation of Lecanora atra (Huds.) Ach. (1810:344) and do not mention the presence of alectoronic acid. Alectoronic acid is similar to a-collatolic acid, and commonly co-occurs with it in other taxa. Such minor variation in chemistry is in- sufficient to justify formal taxonomic recognition. In addition, the holotype does * Botany Department, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland 4067. Muelteria 5(1): 31-34 (1982). c 31 32 not differ morphologically from Lecanora atra var. atra. There is no doubt that L. atra var. serialis cannot be maintained as a distinct variety, but must be placed in synonymy with Lecanora atra var. atra. Lecanora atra var. virens Mull.Arg. (1882:484) Typification: Kirton, lllawarra, N.S.W. on bark (G, lectotype here chosen. This is the only specimen in Geneva annotated by Mull.Arg. ). The grey-green colouration of the thallus is insufficient reason to accord varietal status. Chemistry: atranorin, alectoronic acid and phenolics. This taxon cannot be maintained as a distinct variety, for reasons discussed under L. atra var. serialis. It is synonymous with Lecanora atra var. atra. Lecanora connivens Mull.Arg. (1891:389) Typification: Bailey 435, corticolous, Queensland (G, holotype). Chemistry: atranorin, alectoronic acid, and phenolics. The apothecia are unusually concave in early stages, but later flatten to produce a slightly convex disk and slightly irregular margin, characters insufficient to justify taxonomic recognition. There is no doubt that this taxon is synonymous with Lecanora atra var. atra. Lecanora subimmersa Mull.Arg. ( 1 893 A: 1 24), non Lecanora subimmersa Vainio 1890. As the name L. subimmersa Mull.Arg. is a later homonym and therefore in- valid it was replaced by L. brisbanensis Zahlbr. (1928:400). Typification: Bailey 93, on bark, Brisbane (G, holotype). Chemistry: atranorin. The specimen has some of the apothecia partly immersed in the thallus, prob- ably due in part to the highly irregular surface on which the thallus is growing. It does not differ in any significant way from Lecanora atra. Both L. subimmersa Mull.Arg., nom. inval., and L. brisbanensis Zahlbr. must be placed in synonymy under L. atra var. atra. NEW COMBINATIONS Candelariella xanthostigmoides (Mull.Arg.) R. W. Rogers, comb. nov. Lecanora xanthostigmoides Mull.Arg. (1882:484) Candelaria xanthostigmoides (Mull.Arg.) Mull.Arg. (1893B:33) Typification: Woods, Parramatta N.S.W. (G, lectotype here chosen. This specimen is the more heavily annotated one of the two mentioned by Mull.Arg.); Sullivan, Grampians, Victoria (G, syntype). Description of Lectotype: Thallus a deep yolk-gold crust of scattered granules up to 0.3 mm diameter. Apothecia sessile, up to 0.25 mm diameter, with an initially prominent thalline margin which becomes thinner and less prominent, coloured like the thallus; disk more or less plane, deep yolk-gold; asci 8-spored; spores simple, hyaline, 12-15 x 3-4 gm. Lecidea glaucoflavens (Mull.Arg.) R. W. Rogers, comb. nov. Lecanora glaucoflavens Mull.Afg. (1893B:39) Typification: Wilson 457, Warrnambool, Victoria (G, lectotype here chosen. This is the more copious of the two collections mentioned by Mull.Arg.); Wilson 711, Warrnambool, Victoria (G, syntype). 33 Description of Lectotype: Thallus crustose, thin, yellow-green, granular, margin effuse. Apolhecia sessile, to 1.5 mm diameter, with a distinct pale proper margin when young, less prominent with age; disk flesh-coloured, usually epruinose, plane to slightly convex; paraphyses simple; asci 8-spored; spores simple, hyaline, 18-22 x 9-1 1 /im. Chemistry of Lectotype: isoarthothelin, thyringione. Lecidea hyalinescens (Mull.Arg.) R. W. Rogers, comb. nov. Lecanora hyalinescens Mull.Arg. (1882:484) Typification: White, Twofold Bay, on bark [N.S.W.] (G, holotype). Thallus dirty-white to grey, thin, ecorticate. Apothecia sessile to somewhat im- mersed, up to 1 mm diameter; margin white and prominent when young, becoming hyaline and disappearing with age, devoid of algae; disk initially concave, later somewhat convex, pale pinkish-brown to brown; asci 8-spored; spores simple, hyaline, 13-15 x 8-10 ^m. Chemistry: no lichen products were demonstrated by T.L.C. Ochrolechia macrosperma (Mull.Arg.) R. W. Rogers, comb. nov. Lecanora macrosperma Mull.Arg. (1893B:40) Typification: Wilson 366, on bark, Lakes Entrance [Victoria] (G, holotype). Thallus crustose, white or grey, thick, densely isidiate. Apothecia adnate to im- mersed, c. 1 mm diameter, thalline margin thick and isidiate; disk deeply sunken within the margin, brown, epruinose; paraphyses reticulately branched; asci 8-spored; spores 38-50 x 18-20 fim, simple, hyaline. Chemistry: perlatolic acid. Cladonia glaucolivida (Mull.Arg.) R. W. Rogers, comb. nov. Placodium glaucolividum Mull.Arg. (1891:388) Lecanora glaucolivida (Mull.Arg.) Zahlbr. (1928:624) Typification: Bailey 706, on soil, Queensland (G, holotype). Thallus of squamules up to 1.5 mm across, grey to yellow-grey, usually irregular, sometimes rosette-like, convex or with an ascending tip. Apothecia up to 2 mm diameter but usually much smaller, sessile or substipitate, with a well developed margin devoid of algae some- times disappearing with age; disk brown or pale pinkish-brown, plane becoming somewhat convex, algal layer well developed below the hypothecium; asci 8-spored; spores simple, hyaline, 10-12 x 5-7 ^m. Chemistry: merochlorophaeic acid, 4-0-methylcryptochlorophaeic acid, traces of boninic acid and 2-0-methyl sekikaic acid. The type specimen is small and poorly developed. However a recent collection (South Nobby, Qld [28°28'S, 153°30'E] on soil on a dry ridge close to the ocean, Rogers 2394) shows a fuller development. The short, hollow, corticate podetia could easily be mistaken for a thalloid exciple which would lead to placing the material in the genus Squamarina or in Lecanora. Xylographa perminuta (Mull.Arg.) R. W. Rogers, comb. nov. Lecanora perminuta Mull.Arg. (1893B:39) Typification: Wilson 1694, dead wood, Mt. Macedon [Victoria] (G, holotype). Thallus not detectable. Apothecia black or very dark brown, minute (0.1 -0.2 mm diameter), irregular, with a poorly developed thalline exciple, more or less adnate to the substrate; paraphyses simple; asci 8-spored; spores simple, hyaline, 6-12 x 4-5 H m. Chemistry: no lichen products were demonstrated by T.L.C. 34 SPECIES OF SPECIAL INTEREST Lecanora albellaria Miill.Arg. (1895B:632) Typification: Knight 423 , on bark, Queensland (G, holotype). Thallus white, thin, chinky to granular. Apothecia sessile; thalline margin well developed, thick’, pro- minent, entire or slightly irregular; disk sunken, flat to concave, pale pinkish-brown sometimes becoming hyaline; asci 8-spored; spores 5-7 x 10-13 pm, simple, hyaline’ Chemistry: atranorin, 2-0-methylperlatolic acid. Similar material is very common on mangroves on the eastern coast of Australia, from Cairns to Sydney. Lecanora glebularis (Miill.Arg.) Zahlbr. (1928:624). Placodium glebulare Miill.Arg. (1888:204) Typification: C. French , Lake Albacutya, Victoria, on soil (G, holotype). Thallus white, areolate, the areolae strongly convex. Apothecia 0. 5-1.0 mm diameter, solitary and sessile on the areoles; margin prominent, permanent, coloured like the thallus; disk plane or somewhat convex, black, epruinose; asci 8-spored; spores 6-8 x 7-10 pm, simple, hyaline. Chemistry: atranorin, 2-0-methylperlatolic acid. Similar material is widespread on soils in semi-arid Victoria, New South Wales and South Australia. All material treated as Lecanora atra by Rogers and Lange (1972) is L. glebularis. L. atra differs chemically (atranorin, alectoronic acid, a-collatolic acid) and also has much larger apothecia which are not born at the apex of almost globular areoles. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This work was greatly facilitated by a grant from the Australian Biological Resources Survey, and by the assistance of the staff of the cryptogamic herbarium in the Conservatoire et Jardin Botanique, Geneva. Dr. J. A. Elix, Chemistry Depart- ment, Australian National University, Canberra, determined the chemistry of the type material. REFERENCES Acharius, E. (1810). ‘Lichenographia Universalis’. (Dankwerts: Gottingen). Awasthi, D. D. & Agarwal, J. (1970). An enumeration of lichens from the tropical and subtropical regions of Darjeeling district, India. J. Indian Bot. Soc. 49: 122-136. Culberson, C. F. (1969). ‘Chemical and Botanical Guide to Lichen Products’. (University of North Carolina Press: Chapel Hill). ‘Chemical and Botanical Guide to Lichen Products’. Bryologisl Culberson, C. F. (1970). Supplement to 73: 177-377. Culberson, C. F., Culberson, W. L. & Johnson, A. (1977). ‘Second Supplement to “Chemical and Botanical Guide to Lichen Products”.’ (American Bryological & Lichenoloaical Society: St. Louis). Muller- Argoviensis, J. (1882). Lichenologische beitrage XVI. Flora, Jena 65: 483-490, 499-506, 515-519. Miiller-Argoviensis, J. (1888). Lichenologische beitrage XXIX. Flora, Jenal\\ 195-208. Muller- Argoviensis, J. (1891) Lichenes Brisbanensis. Nuovo Giorn. Bot. Bat. 23: 385-404. Miiller-Argoviensis, .1. (1893A). Lichenes exotici II. Hedwigia 32: 120-136. Muller- Argoviensis, J. (1893B). Lichenes Wilsoniani. Butt. Herb. Boiss. 1: 33-65. Miiller-Argoviensis, J. (1895A). Lichenes exotici III. Hedwigia 34: 27-38. Miiller-Argoviensis, J. (1895B). Lecanoreae et Lecideae Australianses, novae. Butt. Herb. Boiss. 3: 632-642. Rogers, R. W. & Lange, R. T. (1972). Soil surface lichens in arid and sub-arid south-eastern Australia. 1. Introduction and floristics. Aust. J. Bot. 20: 197-213. Zahlbruckner, A. (1928). Catalogus Liehenum Universalis \ ol. 5. (Borntraeger: Leipzig). Manuscript received 18 May 1981. NEW AUSTRALIAN SPECIES OF NYMPHOIDES SEGUIER (MENYANTHACEAE) by Helen I. Aston* ABSTRACT Nymphoides montuna, N. planosperma, N. quadrUoba, N. spongiosa and N. subacutu are described as new species from Australia. Full descriptions and illustrations, together with notes on distribution, habitat and diagnostic features are provided. TAXONOMY This paper is a precursor to a revision of Nymphoides Seguier in Australia. All five species described have the following characteristics in common: Attached, emergent, glabrous, aquatic herbs. Leaf blades floating. Pedicels erect to semi-erect and emergent when in flower, recurved and submerged when in fruit. Flowers regular, bisexual, heterostylous, either long- or short-styled. Calyx divided almost to the base. Corolla sympetalous, c. 2-2.5 times as long as the calyx (3 times as long in N. montana and N. subacuta). Corolla lobes alternate to the calyx lobes, induplicate-valvate in bud, spreading at maturity, ± emarginate, each lobe consisting of a lanceolate mid-section with a transverse fringe of long fine papillae just above its base and with two broad side-wings. Corolla tube < calyx, with a cluster of short papillae on the midline between the filament bases. Stamens as many as the corolla lobes, inserted on the corolla tube at the junction of the lobes; filaments short; anthers bilocular, dorsifixed, dehiscing introrsely by longitudinal slits, the locules of each anther united by a ± fleshy dorsal connective along their distal half to four-fifths, free but ± appressed basally. Ovary superior (almost so in N. montana and N. subacuta), unilocular with parietal placentation, with small, ob- tuse, hair-tipped nectaries projecting from the base of the ovary wall opposite the midlines of the corolla lobes. Style simple, apical. Stigmas as many as the placentas. Fruit a capsule surrounded by the persistent calyx, usually indehiscent and ripening underwater. Each species is placed in either a “geminata group” or an “indica group” of species. These two groups are readily distinguished by both corolla colour and inflorescence although the distinction based on corolla colour is not infallible out- side Australia (Ornduff, 1969; Ornduff and Mosquin, 1970). Corolla yellow to orange; inflorescence indeterminate, lateral or terminal, typically lax and floating with a pair of pedicellate flowers and two semi- amplexicaule bracts at each node, the bracts of each pair ± opposite, with one subtending the two pedicels and the other clasping the stem “geminata group” (N. montana ; TV. subacuta ) Corolla white pinkish or mauve, yellow only in the throat; inflorescence a dense cluster of pedicels arising unilaterally at the junction of a long petiole-like stem and a true petiole, the true petiole either resembling a short continuation of the stem or else minute and apparently absent, the floating leaf blade then sessile at the inflorescence “indica group” (TV. planosperma; TV. quadriloba; TV. spongiosa) * National Herbarium of Victoria, Birdwood Avenue, South Yarra, Victoria 3141. Muelleria 5(1): 35-51 (1982). 35 36 Nymphoides montanu H. I. Aston, sp. nov. Nymphoides geminata sens. Aston (1973:111), non (R.Br.) Kuntze. Nymphoides sp. nov. “G”, Aston in litt. Plantae perennes. Stolones fluilantes ad 2 m longi. Laminae foliorum ± circulares, iniegrae, profunde cordatae, latissime obtusae, (2.5-)4-l 1 x (2.5-)4-10.5 cm. tnflorescentia laxa, binis floribus pedicellatis binisque bracteis ad nodos; internodis ad 5(- 1 0) cm longis. Flores heterostyli, 5(6)-partiti. Corolla 23-38 rom diametro, flava; lobae alis lateralibus latis perlaciniatis, fimbriaque transversa prope lobae basin papillarum tenuium liberarum formata, praeditae. Capsula ellip- soidea, (5.5-)6-9 x (3-)4-5 mm. Semina 42-90 per capsulam, ellipsoidea valde autem compressa, 1.1-1.55 x 0.8-1.15 x 0.5-0. 7 mm (longitudo latitudine sesquilongior, crassitie duplolongior), nigrescentia ad nigra maturitate, nitentia, laevia; caruncula basalis circularis, pallida, tenuis, inconspicua. Stoloniferous perennial. Stolons long and floating with roots suspended from the nodes on plants in water, becoming rooted to the substrate when waters evaporate; stolons in deeper waters to 2 metres long x 1.5-4 mm diam. with inter- nodes c. 10-60 cm long, mostly few-noded and forked once to thrice; stolons on stranded plants often reduced to a single node 1-2 cm long. Basal leaves several; petioles slender, cylindrical, to 70 cm long; blades ± circular in outline, usually a little longer than broad, occasionally a little broader than long, rarely very broad- ovate, deeply cordate (the lobes mostly 30-45% of the total blade length and separated by a sinus of 0°-40° (-70°) or rarely slightly overlapping), very broad- obtuse, often somewhat emarginate, entire or rarely slightly crenate, (2.5-)4-ll x (2.5-)4-10.5 cm. Cauline leaves from the stolon nodes similar, becoming progres- sively smaller and shorter-petioled toward the stolon extremities, those on stranded plants reduced in size (sometimes < 1 cm) and varying from reniform to elliptic and from cordate to truncate to tapered at the base. Inflorescence as for the “geminata group”, the internodes few-11 in number, each 2-50(- 1 00) mm long; bracts lanceolate-ovate, 4-7(-10) mm long; pedicels 20-80(- 1 25) mm long. Flowers 5(6)-partite. Calyx lobes lanceolate to narrow-ovate, thick-textured with narrow translucent margins, (5-)6-8(- 1 0) mm long. Corolla 23-38 mm span, “bright lemon yellow” to “bright yellow”. Corolla lobes broad-elliptic; mid-section glabrous except for the conspicuous transverse fringe of fine papillae near its base and sometimes a few similar papillae along its midline above the fringe; side-wings broad, undulate, strongly laciniate, extending from the apex of the lobe almost to the base. Corolla tube papillae free within the cluster, sessile. Stamens with filaments c. 0.6 and 1 .7 mm long in long-styled and short-styled flowers respectively; anthers ± linear-ovate, c. 2. 5-3. 5 times as long as broad, 2. 4-3. 5 mm long. Gynoecium (long-styled flower) c. 10.5 mm long; ovary free except at the base, ± linear-conical, gradually tapered into the style; placentas 2, long, extending down at least the central half of the ovary wall; ovules c. 90-170; style c. 2. 5-3. 5 mm long; stigmas 2, each a broad-rhomboid, shortly-papillate, laciniate, erect wing c. 3.5 x 2.75 mm. Gynoecium (short-styled flower ) c. 6 mm long; style c. 1.5 mm long; stigmas c. 2 x 2.5 mm, condensed, deeply-lobed and undulate thus obscuring the basic wings. Capsule ellipsoid, equal to or a little longer than the calyx, (5.5-)6-9 x (3-)4-5 mm, often breaking free in the water by decay of the pedicel before the seeds are released. Seeds (23-)42-90 per cap- sule; body of seed ellipsoid but strongly laterally compressed, 1.1-1.55 mm long x 0.8-1.15 mm wide x 0.5-0. 7 mm thick, dark grey-black to black when mature, shining, smooth; basal caruncle present, circular, pale, thin and generally inconspicuous. Type Collection: Lake Hill, south-west of Nunniong Plains, East Gippsland, Victoria, grid W6(-3), 20. i. 1971, Beauglehole & Finck ACB36345 (Holotype: MEL 1504963. Isotypes: BRI, CANB, MEL 1504964-965, 'NSW). Paratype: Morass Creek, about 9 km north of Benambra, at crossing of the Omeo to 37 \ Nymphoides montana. a-bud, x 3; b-flower, x 1.5; c-portion of short-styled flower showing ,^ v . e P ro P° rt ions ot stamen and gynoecium, x 4; d- capsule and persistent calyx, x 3; e- calyx x 3 t L.S. ot ovary showing its partially-intenor structure and long parietal placentas x 5- g-T S ? h ^ 1-Pap.I'ae from the transverse fringe on the corolla lobe, x 12; i-seed, face view x 1-, j seed, edge view, x 15; k - habit, x 0.4; 1- stamen from long-styled flower, edge view showing the dor sal connective, *4; m- nectary, lateral view, x 8; n- portion of long-styled flower ^4 o stigma trom long styled flower, face view, x 4. AM from Aston 1852 (MEL). 38 Corryong road, 36°52'S, 147°42'E, Victoria, 12.iii. 1975, Aston 1852 (MEL 1504989-999, NSW). Selected Specimens Examined (total 37): New South Wales— Delegate River, c. 0.7 km west of Delegate, 37°3I'S, 148°55'E, 19. ii. 1975, Aston 1819 (CANB, MEL 1504984-88, NSW), Umaralla River, c. 1 km upstream from Newmeralla, 36°11'S, 149°21'E, 20. ii. 1975, Aston 1821 (MEL 1504947-51, NSW). Blaek Bobs Creek, c. 13 km direct line SSW. of Nerriga, 35°13'S, 150°01'E, 24. ii. 1975, Aston 1823 (BRI, CANB. MEL 1504938-42, NSW). Ner- rinunga Creek, c. 40 km SSE. of Goulburn, 35°05'S, 149°53'E, 24. ii. 1975, Aston 1824 (MEL 1504975-77, NSW). Wingecarribee River, between Bowral and Moss Vale, 34°32'S, 150°23'E, 25. ii. 1975, Aston 1827 (MEL 1504971-74). Dumaresq Dam, 30°25'S, 151°36'E, 1 .iii.1975, Aston / 536 (MEL 1 504978-83, NSW). Waleha district, xii.1898, Betche s.n. (NSW 136699). Upper Shoalhaven River near Kain, 27.xii.1965, Briggs s.n. (NSW 91535). Wingecarribee swamp, c. 10.4 km ENE. of Moss Vale, 26. ii. 1969, Coveny 898 (MEL 1504953-54, NSW). Australian Capital Territory — Smokers Gap, Tidbinbilla Range, 19. ii. 1967, Adams 1678 (CANB 166808-09). Paddys River on Tidbinbilla road, 6. iv. 1955, Burbidge 3965 (CANB 251843). "Booroomba", 9-iii. 1954, Moore 2889 (NSW). Victoria— Little River, on Rockbank Station, c. 6 miles north of Wulgulmerang P.O., 274.1965, Aston 1335 (MEL 1504927-30). About 1 mile west of Wulgulmerang-Suggan Buggan road, on K. C. Roger’s property [Rockbank Station], 74.1970, Beauglehole, Rogers & Finck ACB 33364 (MEL 1504961). Sailors Lake, c. 2 miles SW. of Wulgulmerang P.O., 124.1971, Beauglehole & Rogers ACB 36047 ( ACB, MEL 1504955-57). Bentleys Plain, 23.ii.1971, Beauglehole ACB 36998 (MEL 1504966-67, NSW). Bentleys Flat, below Ml. Nugong, c. 12 miles NNE. of Ensay, 264.1953, Melville 3124 & Wakefield (MEL 1504924, NSW). Morass Creek, near The Brothers, Benambra, 314.1946, Willis s.n. (MEL 1504937). Distribution: Mid-altitude plains and Tableland regions of eastern Victoria and eastern New South Wales, including the Australian Capital Territory, from about Omeo (Vic.) to Armidale (N.S.W.). Most frequent through the Benambra — Ensay — Wulgul- merang— Bonang area of Victoria and the Southern Tablelands of New South Wales, continuing north to about Bowral — Moss Vale and Yerranderie, then re- appearing in the Northern Tablelands around Armidale — Waleha. Altitudinal range c. 600-1300 (-1400) metres. EIabitat: Typically edging creeks and rivers in slow-flowing, fresh, clear water to one metre deep or in still backwaters or river pools; occasionally in still clear swamps or briefly surviving on saturated soil following a fall in water level. Persistent in creeks flowing through long-established grazing lands. Mostly in sand or light gravel, occa- sionally soft mud. FI. and Fr. recorded December — 6 April. Notes: Readily recognised as a member of the “geminata group” by the yellow flowers and open inflorescence with twinned pedicels. Its smooth, ellipsoid but strongly compressed seeds (length equals about one and a half times the width and twice the thickness) are quite different to the highly-sculptured, ± globular and only slightly compressed seeds of all other species of that group except N. crenata (F. Muell.) Kuntze. The latter species has compressed-ellipsoid seeds which are only slightly smaller than those of N. montana and which, in some populations, are smooth, but they lack a caruncle. In other characters N. crenata is quite distinct. The epithet montana is selected because of the typically montane distribution. Of two collections which purport to have originated from lowland regions of Vic- toria near Orbost, one (MEL 1504908), although with seed which confirms its iden- tity as N. montana , is of doubtful locality and the other (MEL 1504917-919) lacks seed and is of both doubtful identity and doubtful locality. Fully-formed seeds are at first cream- to straw-coloured then darken through grey-browns to black. Because older capsules frequently become detached through pedicel decay mature black seeds are often missing from collections. As seeds pro- vide the chief diagnostic distinctions of N. montana I have chosen as type collection the only one available which has enough mature seeds to provide isotypes for 39 distribution and to withstand the ravages of time. However, this collection (ACB 36345) is deficient in other respects, particularly in having only small, thin-textured leaves, some of which (including two on the holotype) are atypically deeply emarginate. I have cited, therefore, a paratype (Aston 1852) which complements the type collection by illustrating the typical large thick-textured leaves, the stoloniferous habit and elongated inflorescences of deepwater plants and also the reduced state of plants on mud. Collections from the Bentley Plains, Victoria (ACB 36998; Melville 3124) show a slight tendency towards a tuberculate seed. This is more pronounced in the latter collection where the external surfaces of some of the seed cells form semi-circular domes and a very few form small tubercles about once to twice as long as broad. These extrusions are confined to the seed edges and only noticeable under magnification. At some localities both long- and short-styled flowers are found on intermingled stolons but at others only one style type is present over an extensive area or throughout the population. The latter situation is possibly due to the stoloniferous nature of the species and the consequent vegetative spread and formation of large clones. Nymphoides planosperma H. I. Aston, sp. nov. Nymphoides sp. nov. “R”, Aston in litt. Planlae annuae. Laminae foliorum sagittata, ± ovate-triangulares, 8-17 x 9-16 mm, sino profundo acutoque (ad 60( -70%) totae folii longitudinis), lobae basales elongatae, angustae, 2-6 mm latae; laminae infra spongiosae rugosaeque, stellatis trichomis furcatis in cavernulis aeriis. Infloreseentia fasciculus pedicellarum densus, ad basin sinu folii ortus. Flores heterostyli, 5-partiti. Corolla 6-10 mm diametro, alba, tauce fiavo; lobae cum alis latis lateralibus in distali V1-V3, atque fimbria sparsa transversa papillarum tenuium prope lobae basin; alae laterales undulatae ad apiceni laciniatae alibi integrae. C'apsula ellipsoidea ad late ovoidea, ad Wi longior quam calyx, 1.5-2. 5 x 1.5-2 mm; placentae duae, subapicales, minutae. Semina 1-4 per capsulam, anguste-ellipsoidea sed valde com- pressa, (I-) 1 .42-2.25 x (0.5-) 0.8-1.05 x (0.35-) 0.45-0.6 mm (longitudo latitudine diplolongior, crassitic 3-4 plo longior) nigra maturitate, typice cum superficiebus ± laevibus, cumque margine in- crassata, obtusituberculata, rotundata; caruncula crassa, semicircularis, conspicua, in margine seminis circa /> longitudinis ab apice. Annual. Petiole-like stems few to many, arising from the plant base, flexuose, threadlike, 7-34 cm long x < 0.5 mm diam., with scattered, flat, often dark callosities; true petiole minute or absent. Leaf blades ± ovate-triangular in outline with slightly convex, straight, or slightly concave edges and a usually deep and acute basal sinus; sinus (30-)50-60(-70)<7o of total blade length, of 50°-100° (-125°) angle, the basal lobes ± elongated and narrow, 2-6 mm wide; blades 8-17 mm x 9-16 mm,’ widest across the basal lobes close to their extremities, spongy and rugose beneath with deep air cavities and with ± stellate/forked clear-translucent trichomes projecting into the cavities from the inside of the upper leaf surface. Inflorescence as for the “indica group”; true petiole apparently absent; pedicels subtended by broad- obovate to ± rounded, white-translucent, membranous bracts to 2 mm lone. Pedicels 5-12, emerging erect through the sinus when in flower, very slender, 5-18"x c. 0.2 mm, with scattered flat callosities. Flowers 5-partite. Calyx lobes linear- lanceolate to narrow elliptic-lanceolate, slightly mucronate, membranous, 1 -nerved, remaining closely appressed to the capsule, with 1-several flat, often dark, callosities particularly along the nerve, 1-1 .5(1 .9) mm long. Corolla 6-10 mm span, 3-5 mm long, white with a yellow throat. Corolla lobes distally broad-elliptic, basally linear; mid-section glabrous except for a sparse transverse fringe of fine papillae'near its base; side-wings broad, undulate, laciniate at the apex but otherwise entire, extend- ing from the apex down the distal half to two-thirds of the lobe. Corolla tube papillae clustered at the apex of a pronounced common stalk. Stamens with filaments c. 0.3-0. 5 and 1.2 mm long in long-styled and short-styled flowers respec- tively; anthers versatile, ± broad-oblong, only slightly longer than broad, c. 0.45-0.5 mm long. Gynoecium ( long-styled flower) c. 2.5-3 mm long; ovary globular-obovoid, contracted ± abruptly into the style; placentas 2r’minute 40 Fig. 2. Nvmphoides planosperma. a-leaf, showing spongy rugose undersurface, x 2; b-leaf, T.S. showing air cavities and trichomes, x 3; c-trichome from leaf cavity, x 200; d-capsule and persis- tent calyx, x 9; e — seed, face view, x 8; f— seed, edge view, x 8; g — seed, caruncular area, x 16; h — seed in situ in torn capsule, showing funicle extending from the near-apical placenta to the lateral caruncle, x 12; i-habit, x 1; j-calyx, x 10; k-portion of short-styled flower showing relative positions of stamen and gynoecium, x 8; 1 — ovary, opened distal portion showing one ot the near-apical placentas with its two ovules, x 14; m — portion ot long-styled flower, x 8; n — anther, dorsal view, showing connective and versatile attachment, x 16. All from Craven 6607 (MEL). 41 parietal but near-apical; ovules 2-4, i.e. 1-2 per placenta; style c. 1-1.5 mm long; stigmas 2, each a broad, papillate, irregularly-shaped, somewhat laciniate wing c. 0.4-0. 5 mm long. Gynoecium ( short-styled flower ) c. 1 .4-1.5 mm long; style c. 0.2 mm long; stigmas c. 0.2-0. 3 mm long, condensed. Capsule ellipsoid to broad- obovoid, distorted when the ovules of one placenta fail to develop, from a little longer than to one and a half times as long as the calyx, 1 .5-2.5 x 1 .5-2 mm. Seeds 1-4 per capsule; body of seed narrow-ellipsoid, strongly laterally compressed, ( 1 -) 1 .42-2.25 mm long x (0.5-)0.8-l .05 mm wide x (0.35-)0.45-0.6 mm thick, black when mature, typically with ± smooth and slightly convex faces and a thickened, tuberculate, ± round-edged perimeter, the perimeter projecting laterally to almost the same plane as the centre-face and thereby giving an impression of flatness to the seed; tubercles short and blunt; caruncle pale, thick, semicircular, positioned on the seed edge about one-third of the seed length from the apex; seed about as long as the capsule, attached by a short straight funicle; typical edges not always developed and seeds then smooth and wholly biconvex. Type Collection: Northern Territory, Kakadu National Park, c. 22 km north-east of Jabiru, 12°3TS, 132°58.5'E, 30. iii . 1 98 1 , Craven 6607 (Holotype: MEL 1520239. Isotypes: MEL 1520238, also (not seen) at CANB and to be distributed). Specimens Examined: Northern Territory -Kakadu National Park (stage 2 of park not gazetted at time of collecting), c. 15 km NNE. of Jabiru, 12°31.5'S, 132°55'E, 22. iii. 1980, Craven 6544 (CANB (not seen); MEL 1520373). Jabiluka Outlier, “Cannon Rock” Creek, pool number 1, 30.iii.l980, Sanderson 9635 (Univ. New South Wales). Ibidem, pool number 2, 30. iii. 1980, Sanderson & Waterhouse 9634 (Univ. New South Wales). Just north of “Cannon Rock”, Jabiluka Outlier, 23. iii. 1980, Sanderson & Waterhouse 9574 (Univ. New South Wales). Distribution: Northern Territory- Known only from an area of about 6-10 kilometres width just north and north-north-east of Jabiru and west of the East Alligator River. Possibly widespread but uncollected over the escarpments of Arnhem Land. Habitat: Temporary seasonal freshwaters of shallow rockpools on the exposed plateaus of rocky sandstone escarpments. In water to 25 cm deep. Notes: Readily recognised as a member of the “indica group” by the white flowers (yellow only in the throat) and the clustered inflorescence arising from the apparent petiole against the leaf blade. It differs from all other species of that group in its distinctive seed characters (elongated and ± flattened; length approximately twice the width and 3 to 4 times the thickness; caruncle lateral instead of basal) and in the placentas being near-apical and minute rather than centrally-positioned and ± elongated down the length of the ovary wall. The spongy and rugose (not smooth) leaf undersurface is distinct from that of all species except N. minima (F. Muell.) Kuntze. However, the leaf of N. minima is ± ovate, cordate, and broad-obtuse whereas that of N. planosperma is more arrow-shaped with a deeper basal sinus, longer narrow spreading basal lobes, and narrow-obtuse apex. Some of the more concave-sided leaves of N. planosperma are similar in shape to those of N. fur- culi folia Specht. The very few ovules and seeds of N. planosperma and the ± stellate/forked hairs within the leaf cavities should also be noted. The epithet planosperma is chosen because of the comparative flatness of the typical seeds in relation to those of other Australian species. The impression of flatness is greatest when the thick rounded edges are developed to the maximum ex- tent (type collection) and it is quite absent where the seed edges fail to develop {Sanderson & Waterhouse 9634). 42 Although I have only dissected long-styled and short-styled flowers N. T. Sanderson and J. T. Waterhouse report (pers. comm.) three style types from held observations — long, medium and short. Medium-styled plants only were found in one pool and both long- and short-styled plants were found together in another. The medium-styled plants produced 3 or 4 of the smallest known seeds per capsule whereas the long- plus short-styled population produced 1 or 2 larger seeds per cap- sule. Observed populations are insufficient to determine if this distinction is constant. Nymphoides quadriloba H. I. Aston, sp. nov. Nymphoides sp. nov. “P”, Aston in litt. Plantae annuae vel ?perennes. Laminae saepe foliorum hippocrepiformes vei late sagittiformes (l-)3-9.5(-l 1) x (0.8-)2-8 cm, late ellipticae ad ± rotundae vel late deltoideae sed cum sino basali plerumque lato convexoque; lobae basales obtusae, marginibus interioribus vulgo concavis. Inflorescentia fasciculus pedicellorum densus, ad basin sinus folii ortus. Flores heterostyli, 4(5 )-parl i t i . Corolla (6-)l 1-1 7(- 19) mm diametro, vel alba vel pallide erubescens vel pallide malvinus-erubescens, fauce flavo; lobae cum duabus alis latis lateralibus profunde laciniatis, ab apice paene usque ad basin, atque cum carina verticali lata laciniata, longitudinali in superficie in- teriore; carina plerumque ab apice ad 'A- 2 A lobae longitudinem, nonnumquanr valde deminuta; loba et cum fimbria conspicua proxime super basin papillarum tenuium. Capsula ellipsoidea ad late-ellipsoidea, 2.5-5 x 1.7-3 trim. Semina (5-)10-44(-6i ) per capsulam, paene globosa sed com- pressa (typice superficiebus laevibus convexis cum protuberatione centrali, marginibus dense tuber- culis brevibus obtusis velatis; tubercula nonnumquam desunt, nonnunrquam aulem et in superficiebus lateralibus et in marginibus tubercula adsunt), 0.67-1.02 x 0.6-0.95 x 0.35-0.57 mm (longitudo latitudinem ± aequans, crassitie duplolongior), straminea ad atrofusca vel nigra maturitate; caruncula basalis, circularis, plerumque tenuis inconspieuaque. Annual, perhaps perennial where water persists. Petiole-like stems few to many, arising from the plant base, slender, flexuose, 7 cm (plants on mud) to 85 cm (plants in water) long x 1 mm or less diam.; true petiole c. 1-3 mm long. Leaf blades very variable, typically horseshoe- or broad arrow-shaped, obtuse to rounded, entire-margined, broad-elliptic to ± broad-deltoid in outline but with a shallow to deep, often broad, generally convex basal sinus (sinus mostly (25-)40-60To of the total blade length and of (30°-) 55°-100°(-130°) angle); basal lobes obtuse, their in- ner margins generally concave, their outer margins a continuation of the convex curve of the whole leaf edge; leaves ( 1 -)3-9.5(- 1 1) cm long x (0.8-)2-8 cm wide, (length = ,>, or < width) green and shining above, not spongy. Juvenile leaves sometimes present on mature plants, submerged, near-sessile at the plant base, very thin-textured, deltoid to rhomboid. Inflorescence as for the “indica group”. Pedicels (8-)14-25(-35), emerging erect through the sinus when in flower, very slender, 17-52 x <0.5(-l) mm. Flowers 4(5)-partite. Calyx lobes lanceolate to narrow-ovate, acute, thin-textured, greenish or purplish with translucent margins, outcurved at the apex in fruit, 2. 5-4. 5 mm long. Corolla (6-) 11-1 7(- 1 9) mm span, white or very pale pink or pale mauve-pink except for a yellow throat; colours also grading (see notes below). Corolla lobes broad-elliptic, emarginate; mid-section with a broad, laciniate, ver- tical keel on its upper surface and with a conspicuous transverse fringe of fine papillae just above its base; keel extending longitudinally down the distal one- to two-thirds of the lobe length and continuing proximally as a line of individual fine papillae, but sometimes (even on the same flower) reduced to a very small keel on the distal or near-central portion of the lobe; side-wings broad, undulate, deeply- laciniate, extending from the apex almost to the lobe base. Corolla tube papillae short, ± thick and blunt, free and sessile or arising from the apex of a short thick common stalk. Stamens with filaments c. 0.5-0.75 and 1.2-1. 3 mm long in long- styled and short : styled flowers respectively; anthers ± broad-linear to elliptic, c. 1 .5 times as long as broad, 0.7-1. 3 mm long. Gynoecium (long-styled flower) c. 3-4.5 mm long; ovary ellipsoid to broad-ellipsoid, contracted into the style but not abruptly so; placentas 2, about one-quarter to one-third of the capsule length, posi- tioned centrally down the ovary wall; ovules c. (16-)23-50(-62); style c. 1.5-1. 8 mm long; stigmas 2, each a broad, papillate, irregularly-shaped and moderately laciniate wing c. 1 mm long. Gynoecium (short-styled flower) c. 2-3 mm long; style c. 0.3-0. 6 43 Fig. 3. Nvmphoides quadriloba. a — seed, face view, x 22; b — seed, edge view, x 22; c — calyx, x 4; d-bud, x 4; e-capsule and persistent calyx, x 4; f-leaf, horseshoe-shaped, x 0.7; g-porti’on of short-styled flower showing relative positions of stamens and g.ynoecium, x 11; h- habit, plant with ± arrow-shaped leaves, x 0.7; i — cluster of papillae from corolla tube, x 25; j — anther, dorsal view showing connective, x 16; k-portion of long-styled flower, x 11. f from Aston 1944 (MEL)- remainder from Aston 1898 (MEL). 44 mm long; stigmas 0.2-0.65 mm long, condensed, rather lobed and undulate. Capsule ellipsoid to broad-ellipsoid, from a little < to a third as much again as the calyx, 2.5-5 x 1.7-3 mm. Seeds (5-)10-44(-61) per capsule, shaped as described below, 0.67-1.02 mm long x 0.6-0.95 mm wide x 0.35-0.57 mm thick, cream-straw to brown-black or black when mature, with a circular basal caruncle. Seed from typical populations near-globose but moderately laterally-compressed with the faces smooth and convex and with a pronounced central bulge, the edges densely covered with short obtuse tubercles which are directed diametrically outwards and together give a ± square-cut appearance to the edge; may be modified by absence of the tubercles to give a fully-smooth seed or by greater spread of the tubercles so that they cover the side-faces (rarely also the centre-faces) as well as the edges; caruncle ± thin and inconspicuous. Seeds from Carpentaria populations (see distribution and notes) have faces uniformly biconvex instead of centrally-bulged; tubercles mostly moderately to densely placed over the whole surface but variously reduced in extent, sometimes almost absent thus giving smooth seeds; caruncle usually thick and conspicuous. Type Collection: About 3 miles NNE. of Katherine, Northern Territory, 10. iv. 1967, Adams 1747 (Holotype: CANB 172340. Isotypes: CANB 172339, K, NSW, NT 39334, also (not seen) at A, E, L, US). The locality on the K and NT sheets, and probably also on the unseen isotypes, is given as about 2 miles north of Katherine, but this has been cor- rected on the CANB sheets to that cited above. The location is on the property of L. J. Phillips (Adams, pers. comm.). Paratype: Property of L. J. Phillips, about 5-8 km NNE. of Katherine, c. 14°25'S, 132°18'E, Northern Territory, 7.V.1976, Aston 1898 (BRI, CANB, MEL 1505244-45, PERTH). Selected Specimens Examined (total 27): Western Australia— Lake Gilbert, North Beverley Springs Homestead, West Kimberley, 16°35'S, 125°29'E, 1 .ix. 1974, Kenneally 2193 (PERTH). Northern Territory — Arnhem Highway, 10 km ESE. of its junction with the Stuart Highway, 12°36'S, 131 ° 1 l'E, 18. v. 1976, Aston 1940 (MEL 1505242-43, NT). Survey Creek, lO.iii. 1970, Byrnes 1818 (DNA 2767, NT 24449). 2.5 miles SW. of Fountain Head, 1 7 . iii . 1961, Chippendale 7697 (MEL 1505250, NT 7697). 12°36'S, 133°15'E, 19. ii. 1973, Craven 2286 (CANB 240521-22, MEL 537848). Lagoon west of Round Billabong, Kapalga study area, 12°27'S, 131°19'E, 1 .vii. 1977, Craven 4511 (CANB 271651). Cox River Station, lagoon near Arnold River, 15°49'S, 134°36'E, 30. vi. 1977, Henshall 1567 (MEL 521380, NSW, NT 52204). Arnhem Highway, 2 km east of Mary River, 12°39'S, 131 °50' [ ? 40'] E, 5. iii. 1978, Hen- shall 1938 (NT 54816). 4 km west of Fogg Creek Dam, 12°18'S, 131° 16'E, 30. v. 1974, Jacobs 1771 (MEL 1505248, NSW), c. 12 miles NE. of Edith River Siding, 9. iii. 1965, Lazarides & Adams 122 (CANB 160506, NT 39416). Queensland— About 40 km from Normanton on the Croydon road, c. 17°55'S, 141°20'E, 19. iv. 1975, Craven 3308 A (CANB: MEL 1519900). Corinda, 17°53'S, 138°35'E, 6. v. 1974, Jacobs 1484 (MEL 565162, NSW). Distribution: Typical populations occur in the Northern Territory from the Darwin to Mary River region south to the Daly River and Katherine, with an eastern record from the vicinity of the East Alligator River. Six populations from areas south of the Gulf of Carpentaria, from the Arnold River, Northern Territory, to the Norman- ton/Croydon region, Queensland, are somewhat different from the typical. Ken- neally 2193 from West Kimberley, Western Australia, agrees with those from the Gulf country. Six other widespread Kimberley collections are at present only doubt- fully referable to N. quadriloba. See under notes, also seed descriptions. Habitat: Lagoon edges and ephemeral swamps, in still shallow freshwaters; once re- corded from irrigation channels of rice bays and once from clear, slow-flowing water 45 in a creek. On sand and sandy-humus substrates; rarely grey mud or grey clay. Flowers and fruits well in water 5-50 cm deep and where stranded on saturated soil. FI. and Fr. recorded 31 January-20 July, with one record 1 September. Notes: Readily recognised as a member of the “indica group” by the white/pale pink/pale mauve flowers (yellow only in the throat) and the clustered inflorescence arising from the apparent petiole close against the leaf blade. It differs from all other species of that group in having keeled corolla lobes and in the characteristic seed of typical populations. The mostly 4-partite flowers, the deeply laciniate margins of the corolla-lobe wings and keel, the varied leaf shape with convex basal sinus and, when present, the pale pink or mauve colour of the corolla are also important characters. The epithet quadriloba refers to the four-lobed corolla which is very noticeable in the field. Corolla colour varies between and within populations and there is sometimes intergrading of colours on the same flower. Corollas of Aston 1944 were wholly white except for the yellow throat, while those of the paratype population were “very pale pink grading to deeper mauve-pink at base of lobes and upper throat; yellow in the throat. Occasionally the deeper mauve-pink absent and corolla then very very pale pink (or almost white) with yellow throat”. In edge view the seed of typical populations from the Northern Territory is top- shaped and distinctive. That of Carpentaria populations (see distribution, also seed descriptions) is broadly and evenly biconvex in cross-section and, together with the larger caruncle, often similar to seed of N. spongiosa. There is some gradation be- tween the two seed types of N. quadriloba and the regional distinction may prove more apparent than real when further fully-adequate collections are available. Several collections from the Kimberleys which have seeds with more clustered, dome-based tubercles possibly belong to N. quadriloba but material seen is inade- quate for conclusions. Nymphoides spongiosa H. I. Aston, sp. nov. Nymphoides sp. nov. “M”, Aston in litt. Plantae annuae. Laminae foliorum ellipticae-oblongae ad late ovatae, integrae, profunde cordatae, ( 1 -)2-5 .5 x (0.8-) 1 .5-4.5 cm, infra spongiosae sed laeves (baud rugosae). Inflorescentia fasciculus pedicellorum densus, ad basin sinus folii ortus. Flores heterostyli, (4)5(6)-partiti. Corolla (7-) 10-1 8(-20) mm diamelro, alba, fauce tlavo; lobae late ellipticae, alis lateralibus undulatis integris, fimbriaque transversa proxime super basin lobae papillarum tenuium formata, praeditae. Ovarium ± globosum, in stylam abrupte contractum. Capsula latissime ellipsoidea ad ± globosa, 2.25-4 x 1.75-3 mm. Semina (5-)8-14(-25) per capsulam, ± globosa, parce compressa, tuberculis convexis brevissimis dense velata (vel tubercula nonnisi in marginibus seminum) 0.65-1.1 x 0.6-0.97 x 0.35-0.7 mm (longitudo latitudinem ae- quans, crassitie sesquilongior ad duplongior), straminea ad pallide cinereo-fusca maturitate: caruncula basalis, circularis, typice crassa conspicuaque. Apparently annual. Petiole-like stems few to many, arising from the plant base, slender, flexuose, 3 cm (plants on mud) to 90 cm (plants in water) long x 1 mm or less diam.; true petiole minute or apparently absent. Leaf blades elliptic-oblong to broad-ovate in outline, deeply cordate (the lobes mostly (30-)40-50% of the total blade length and separated by a sinus of 40°-70°(-90° angle), obtuse, entire, ( 1 -)2-5 . 5 x (0. 8-) 1 .5-4.5 cm, green and shining above, white-translucent and spongy beneath; spongy tissue thickest at the centre and grading to thin or absent at the blade edges, smooth-surfaced, not rugose. Inflorescence as for the “indica group”; pedicels subtended by ± ovate, membranous, translucent bracts 3-6 mm long. Pedicels (10-) 12-30, emerging erect through the sinus when in flower, very slender, (8-) 1 4-40 x < 0.5 mm. Flowers (4)5(6)-partite. Calyx lobes lanceolate, acute, mem- branous, mostly purplish-translucent, usually slightly outcurved at the apex par- ticularly in fruit. Corolla (7-) 10-1 8(-20) mm span, white with a yellow throat. Cor- olla lobes broad-elliptic; mid-section glabrous except for a conspicuous transverse fringe of fine papillae just above its base; side-wings broad, undulate, entire (1-few 46 Fig. 4. Nymphoides spongiosa. a — portion of corolla, x 4.5; b — leaf, T.S. showing spongy underside, x I; c — capsule and persistent calyx, x 5; d — capsule, L.S. showing the position of one of the short placentas, x 5; e — cluster of papillae from corolla tube, x 25; f-anther, dorsal view, showing con- nective and versatile attachment, x 14; g— portion of short-styled flower showing relative positions of stamen and gynoecium, x 14; h — habit, x 0.7; i — calyx, x 5; j — bud, x 6; k — seed, edge view, x 14; I — seed, face view, x 14; m — portion of long-styled flower, x 14. a, e — g, and m from Aston 1903 (MEL); b-d, and h— j from Aston 1936 (MEL); k-1 from Must 1123 (BRI). 47 laciniae at the apex), extending from the apex of the lobe almost to its base. Corolla tube papillae clustered at the summit of a short common stalk. Stamens with filaments c. 0.3-0. 6 and 1-2.4 mm long in long-styled and short-styled flowers respec- tively, strongly incurved above the stigma in short-styled flowers; anthers versatile, ± broad-linear to elliptic, c. 1.5 times as long as broad, c. 0.5-0. 7 mm long’ Gynoecium (long-styled flower) c. 3-3.2 mm long; ovary ± globose, abruptly con- tracted into the style; placentas 2(-3), very short, less than one-quarter of the capsule length, positioned centrally down the ovary wall; ovules c. (5-)l l-28(-37); style c. 0.8-1. 5 mm long; stigmas 2(-3), each a broad, papillate, irregularly-shaped’, usually strongly laciniate, semi-spreading wing c. 0.7 mm long. Gynoecium (short-styled flower) c. 1.5 mm long; style c. 0.2-0.45 mm long; stigmas c.' 0.2-0. 5 mm long, con- densed, rather lobed and undulate. Capsule very broad-ellipsoid to globose, from a little less than to equal to the calyx, 2.25-4 x 1.75-3 mm. Seeds (5-)8-l 4(-25) per cap- sule; body of seed very broad-ellipsoid, near-globose but slightly to moderately laterally compressed, 0.65-1.11 mm long x 0.6-0.97 mm wide x 0.35-0.7 mm thick, cream-straw to light brown-grey when mature, densely covered with very short con- vex tubercles or else having the faces smooth with the tubercles present only on and close to the seed edges and gradually diminishing in length from the edge towards the face, basal caruncle present, circular, pale, typically thick and conspicuous, sometimes thin. (Seeds ot many capsules are shallowly pitted, the pits consisting of incipient tubercles not yet extruded. It is often difficult to locate capsules with seeds showing the maximum degree of tubercle development for the population concerned.) Type Collection: About 6 km east of the Howard River crossing of the Howard Springs to Koolpinyah road, 12°26'S, 131°08'E, Northern Territory, 17. v. 1976, Aston 1936 (Holotype: MEL 1505146. Isotypes: CANB, MEL 1505145, NT). Selected Specimens Examined (total 14 ): NE : ° f the Jim Jim Creek crossir >g of the Pine Creek to Oenpeili road, 2 27 S ’ 122 24 E - 9. v. 1976, Aston 1903 (MEL 1505142-43, NSW, NT). Yellow Waterhole at Jim Jim ^Coomda) Camp 12°55'S ,132°32'E, 9.V.1976, Aston 1905 (BR1, MEL 1505144) GeorgetoZ (L MR l’wi'S? SyStem ’ C - c km SE - of Jabiru - 12 ° 42 ' s - 132°56'E, 10. v. 1976, Aston 1912 V^ MhL 1505 147-49, NSW). Lagoon near South Alligator River, 12°56'S, 132°24'E 4 vii 1977 Cmvpn 4 \ 633 ’ MEL 537853 ’ NT 56386). Overflow of “Mudginbarry” Lagoon’ 12°35'S 132°52'E Nourlangie Rock area, 23.V.1973, Must 1123 (Br! 169980, CANB 244197’ DINA ooUo, INI 41699). Distribution: t u N ° r i h , e T- Territory Prolific in the Jim Jim Creek -Nourlangie- JabTu-Mudgmbcur-y region between the South and East Alligator Rivers and also recorded from the Howard River — Koolpinyah area east of Darwin. Habitat: Seasonal swamps, lagoons and backwaters of creeks, in still shallow treshwaters. On sandy-humus, sandy-mud and heavy clay substrates. Flowers and truits well in water 5-60 cm deep and where stranded on saturated soil. FI. and Fr. recorded 8 April — 21 July, with one collection in November. Notes: Readily recognised as a member of the “indica group” by the white flowers (yellow only in the throat) and the clustered inflorescence arising from the apparent pe lole against the leaf blade. It differs from all other species of that group in its spongy but smooth underleaf surface and in its corolla lobes (side-wings entire broad, extensweE The mostly 5-partite flowers, the lack of keels on the corolla lobes, the ± globose ovary abruptly contracted into the style, the shortness and position of the placentas and the seed characters should also be noted D 48 The epithet spongiosa refers to the leaf sponginess which is very noticeable in the field and also discernible in dried collections. Nymphoides subacuta H. I. Aston, sp. nov. Nymphoides sp. nov. ‘D\ Aston in litt. Planlae annuae vet ?perennes. Laminae foliorum angustissime ad late ovatae. aliquando quasi- circulares, integrae, protunde cordatae. acutae vel late obtusae, (l-)3-ll x (0.5-)2-9 cm. Petiolus compressus, in sectione oblongus. Inflorescentia laxa, binis floribus pedicellatis binisque bracteis ad nodos; internodis 0.2-5(-9) cm longis. Flores heterostyli, (4)5(6)- partiti. Calyx projecturis labifor- mibus, incrassatis minutis ad lobarum juncturas praeditus. Corolla (20-)26-40(-45) mm diametro, flavo-aurantiaca; lobae alis lateralibus latis perlaciniatis fimbriaque transversa prope lobae basin papillarum tenuium liberarum f'ormata praeditae. Papillae liberae, vel in fasuculis ad basin in- crassatis semi-connatae, in medium marginemque fimbriam. Capsula ellipsoidea-ovoidea, 3-6 \ 2.5-4 mm. Semina 2-8 per capsulam, ± globosa, leviter autem compressa, 1.4-1. 9 x 1 .3-1.7 x 1-1.4 mm (longitudo latitudinem aequans, crassitie l'/r-l'/r longior), nigrescentia-atrolusca maturitate, tholiformibus-projecturis velata; tholi de tuberculis tenuibus obtusis densi-apprcssis formal i , depressiones inter tholis tuberculis similaribus brevioribus vestitae; caruncula basalis, circularis, pallida, crassa, conspicua. Annual, perhaps perennial where water persists. Branches several from the plant base, slender, fle.xuose, floating, simple or forked once or twice, to 70 cm long, their terminal portions developing the inflorescences. Basal leaves several; petioles slender, compressed, oblong in cross-section, to 75 cm long; blades narrow- to broad-ovate or occasionally near-rounded in outline, deeply cordate (the lobes mostly 30-40 a /o of the total blade length and separated by a sinus of 12°-40° (-60°) angle or rarely slightly overlapping), acute to broad-obtuse, entire, ( 1 -)3- 1 1 x (0.5-)2-9 cm. Cauline leaves similar, becoming progressively smaller and shorter- petioled toward the inflorescence. Inflorescence as for the “geminata group”, the m- ternodes 2-50(-90) mm long; bracts lanceolate-ovate, c. 2-7 mm long, one bract ot the lower node often replaced by a leaf; pedicles 20-70(-100) mm long. Flowers (4)5(6)-partite. Calyx lobes narrow-ovate, (3.5-)5-6 mm long, thick-textured with narrow translucent margins and basally with a minute, thickened, lip-like projection formed at each junction of contiguous lobes. Corolla (20-)26-40(-45) mm span, “oranee-yellow” to “deep bright golden-orange Corolla lobes broad-elliptic, mid- section glabrous except for a conspicuous transverse fringe of fine papillae at its base and sometimes a few papillae along its midline above the fringe; fringe papillae c. 1-2.5 mm long, all free or else some partially-united to form thick-based clusters of shorter (sometimes hair-tipped) papillae, the clusters 1-several at the edges and centre of the fringe; side-wings broad, undulate, strongly-laciniate, extending from the apex of the lolre almost to the base. Corolla tube papillae tiee within the cluster and sessile, or else arising from a common stalk. Stamens with filaments c. 0.3 and 1 3 mm long in long-styled and short-styled flowers respectively; anthers ± linear- ovate c 1 5-2 times as long as broad, i. 5-1. 75 mm long. Gynoecium (long-stylecl flower) c. 7.5 mm long; ovary free except at the base, ± linear-conical, gradually 'tapered into the style; placentas 2, short, extending down perhaps one-quarter ot the length of the ovary wall; ovules c. 10; style c. 1 .5 mm long; stigmas 2, each a broad, lobed, papillate, ± semicircular, erect wing c. 3 x 3.5 mm, the lobes sometimes deep-cut and undulate and simulating additional stigmas. Gynoecium (short-stylecl flower) c. 3.5 mm long, style c. 0.75 mm long; stigmas c. 1.25 x 1.8 mm, condensed, deeply-lobed and undulate thus obscuring the basic wings. Capsule ellipsoid-ovoid, equal to or a little longer than the calyx, 3-6 x 2.5-4 mm, opening irregularly under- water or sometimes (on plants stranded on mud) becoming dry and chartaceous and splitting at the summit into usually 4 recurved valves. Seeds 2-8 per capsule, body ot seed ± globose but slightly laterally compressed, 1.4-1. 9 mm long x 1.3-1. 7 mm wide x 1.1-1. 4 mm broad, dark brown-grey-black when mature, covered with regular dome-like projections, each dome consisting of closely-appressed slender ob- tuse tubercles, the inter-dome depressions densely covered with shorter non- appressed but otherwise similar tubercles; basal caruncle present, circular, pale, thick and conspicuous. 49 Fig. 5. Nvmphoides subacuta. a-liower, long-styled, x 1.5; b-leaf undersurface, x 0.3; c-portion of short-styled flower, x 4; d -calyx, showing basal projections, and enclosing a semi-mature capsule, x 2; e — ovary, L.S. showing its partially-inferior structure and short parietal placentas, x 8; f — ovary, transverse section, x 8; g — habit, x 0.3; h — bud, x 3.5; i — calyx, showing basal projec- tions, x 2, j dehisced capsule from plant stranded on mud, the valves recurved, calyx persistent but spread, x 2.5; k — seed, tace view, x 12; 1 — seed, edge view, x 12; m — stigma from long-styled flower edge view, x 4; n-stamen, lateral view, x 7; o-portion of long-styled flower, x 4 All from Aston 1935 (MEL). 50 Fig. 6. Nymphoides subacuta. Papillate fringe of the corolla lobe, semi-diagrammatic, showing some clustering, x 8. From Aston 1935 (MEL). Type Collection: McMinns Lagoon, approximately 30 km ESE. of Darwin city centre, 12°31'S, 131 °05'E, Northern Territory, 20. v. 1976, Aston 1954 (Holotype: Long-styled plant 1954A (MEL 1505123). Isotype: CANB. Paratypes: Short-styled plant 1954B (DNA); Short-styled plant 1954C (MEL 1505122 and 124); Style unspecified, leaves only, showing variation (MEL 1505125). All plants of Aston 1954 collected within 3 metres of each other. Selected Specimens Examined (total 12): Northern Territory— Lagoon 10 miles from Darwin, v. 1922, Allen 539 (NSW). Adelaide River, 1890, Anonymous 1117 (MEL 1505126-28). Point Stuart road, 11 km south of Jimmys Creek, 12°39'S, 131 °48'E 13 v 1976, Aston 1930 , (CANB, K, MEL 1505119-21). Knuckeys Lagoon, 12°27'S, 130°57'E, 17 v 1976 Aston 1935 (CANB, MEL 1505109 and 111-115, NSW, NT). Scotch Creek, 12°41'S, 131°28'E, 19 v 1976’ Aston 1948( DNA, MEL 1505116). Point Stuart, [12° 1 5'S, 131 °55'E], 5. v. 1967, Byrnes 265 or 265a (AD 96942177, DNA 1070, NT 14169). Port Darwin, 1885, M. Holtze 485 (MEL 1505130). Koongarra, 12°53'S, 132°50'E, 19. iv. 1979, Rankin 2030 (MEL 558461! DNA n.v.). Distribution: Northern Territory — recorded only from the region between Darwin and the East Alligator River. Frequent from near Darwin east to Jimmy’s Creek and Point Stuart, with one outlying record from south-east of Nourlangie Rock. Habitat: Seasonally flooded still, shallow, freshwater swamps, backwaters, or roadside depressions; once recorded from a permanent lagoon. On sandy, sandy-loam or sandy-humic substrate; once recorded from black soil plain. Flowers and fruits well in water 2-50 cm deep and where stranded on saturated soil. FI. and Fr. recorded 19 April— 18 July. Notes: Readily recognised as a member of the “geminata group” by the yellow-orange flowers and open inflorescence with twinned pedicels. It differs from all other species of that group in its more pointed leaf blades, its compressed petioles, the presence of the small protruberances at the junctions of the calyx lobes and in the very dis- tinctive seeds. . . The epithet subacuta refers to the comparatively pointed and sometimes quite acute apex of the leaf blades. This feature is conspicuous in the field and allows at least tentative identification of a population of the species at first glance. Individuals (Aston 1930 ) from only 2-7 cm water in a temporarily-flooded tabledrain exhibited the smallest, most acute leaves of any plants seen. Many blades were only 1-2 cm long (maximum 3.5 cm) whereas those on a nearby plant from 20 cm water were 3.5-7 cm long. In Aston 1935 the corolla span of both long- and short-styled flowers on stranded plants was (20-)28-32(-35) mm while that of flowers developed on adjacent plants in water was (28-)32-40(-45) mm. These examples illustrate the reduction in size of both vegetative and floral parts where they develop 51 in very shallow water or on plants stranded on saturated soil. This reduction is noticeable in Nymphoides species as well as in other aquatic genera. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Mr C. R. Dunlop, Darwin Herbarium, Department of Primary Production, Darwin, and Mr B. P. M. Hyland, Queensland Research Station, CS1RO, Atherton, provided invaluable assistance and support during my field work on Nymphoides in 1976 in the Northern Territory and Queensland respectively. Mr L. G. Adams, Her- barium Australiense, CS1RO, Canberra, provided material of N. quadriloba with the suggestion that it could be a new species and directed me to what is now its type location. Mr L. A. Craven, also of Herbarium Australiense, has been consistently helpful over several years in gathering good collections from the Northern Territory and in alerting me to the presence of N. planosperma. Messrs N. T. Sanderson and J. T. Waterhouse, School of Botany, University of New South Wales, Sydney, have forwarded their own collections and field notes, those of N. planosperma being par- ticularly appreciated because of the few collections yet made of this species. Drs B. R. Jackes (JCT), S. W. L. Jacobs (NSW) and R. C. Carolin (SYD) have all made special collections for my examination. Dr. G. A. M. Scott, Botany Department, Monash University, Melbourne, has kindly prepared all latin descriptions and Miss A. Podwyszynski of the National Herbarium of Victoria has provided the illustra- tions. 1 am very grateful to all these people for the great assistance they have given. Full acknowledgement to herbaria for the loan of specimens and the use of facilities will be given in the subsequent generic revision. REFERENCES Aston, H. I. (1973). ‘Aquatic Plants of Australia’. (Melbourne University Press: Melbourne). Ornduff, R. (1969). Neotropical Nymphoides (Menyanthaceae): Meso-American and West Indian species. Brittonia 21: 346-352. Ornduff, R. and Mosquin, T. (1970). Variation in the spectral qualities of flowers in the Nymphoides indica complex (Menyanthaceae) and its possible adaptive significance. Canad. J. Bol. 48: 603-605 t.l. Manuscript received 27 July 1981. VEGETATION OF EAST GIPPSEAN1) by S. J. Forbes, N. G. Walsh and P. K. Gullan* ABSTRACT East Gippsland, Victoria, was surveyed between June 1979 and May 1980, employing a llorisl ics- based, quadrat-sampling technique. Data from 590 quadrat sites were analysed via a computer-based, numerical sorting and classification procedure to determine the major floristic vegetation types within the area. These types were then arranged into 21 floristic ‘ communities' , each of which is comprised of one or more floristically distinct ‘sub-communities’. The sub-communities and their distribution are outlined in this paper, and include alpine and coastal heathlands, montane and lowland closed-forest, open-forests and saltmarsh vegetation. INTRODUCTION This paper presents the results of a vegetation survey of East Gippsland. It’s purpose is to define and describe the major floristic vegetation types of the study area, and to outline the distribution and environmental range of each. THE STUDY AREA East Gippsland is defined as all land in Victoria east of 148°00'00"E (fig. la) (Leeper, 1969). This definition was adopted for the present survey, but with the ex- clusion of land north of 36°35'00"S. Major topographical features include the Cob- beras (north-west), the Nunniong Plateau (west), the Errinundra Plateau (central) and Mt. Tingaringy (north-central). The highest peak is Mt. Cobberas No. 1 (1820m.) and is situated on the Great Dividing Range. The upper Murray River catchment is enclosed north of the Divide, whilst major rivers south of the Divide are (from west to east): the Snowy, Bemm, Cann, Thurra, Mueller, Wingan and Genoa Rivers (figure lb). Of these only the Genoa and Snowy Rivers have any of their catchment outside the study area. The Snowy River is dammed at Lake Jin- dabyne in N.S.W. to supply water to a major hydro-electric scheme. The study area is approximately 1,360,000 hectares (about 5.5% of Victoria), of which about 85% is public land. The main controlling authorities for this land are the Forests Commission, the National Parks Service and the Department of Crown Lands and Survey (L.C.C., 1977). The remaining 15% is private land, about two- thirds of which has been cleared for agriculture (mostly grazing). Orbost is the largest town and is surrounded by the most extensive farmlands of the study area. Other agricultural regions include the Buchan district, the area north of Buchan through Gelantipy to the Wulgulmerang Plateau, the Deddick River valley, Bonang, Bendock and the Cann River valley north of Cann River. THE SURVEY Method Field Work The procedure followed was the same as outlined in Gullan el al. (1981). Four sites, each approximately 1000m 2 , were sampled within a rectangle of 5 minutes latitude and 5 minutes longitude. Each site sampled constituted a single uniform habitat, and was, where possible, environmentally distinct from each other site within the rectangle. Sampling intensity was occasionally increased in rectangles with a wide diversity of vegetation types. * National Herbarium of Victoria, Birdwood Avenue, South Yarra, Victoria 3141. Muelleria 5(1): 53-1 13 (1982). 53 54 147 45 00 363506' 1495959 + o I •» 363500 > iooo m 375500 o+, LAKES 14745 00 ENTRANCE 37%5'00" 15 10 5 0 15 + 149°5959" Fig. 1 . a — Location of the study area. Hatching represents the area actually sampled, b — The study area. Different hatching represents different altitude ranges. 148 00 ' 00 ' 36 35 ' 00 ' 149 59 ' 59 ' 36 35 ' 00 ' 148 00 ' 00 ' 36 35 ' 00 ' 149 59 ' 59 ' 36 35 ' 00 ' Fig. 2. The 5' latitude x 5' longitude grid Fig. 3. Distribution of sample sites within system superimposed on a map of the the study area, study area. The study area included 194 rectangles (fig. 2), of which 158 were sampled with a total of 590 sites (fig. 3). The remaining 36 rectangles were not sampled due to in- accessibility and time constraints. Data were collected during 9 field trips, each of 12 days duration. Each trip has been allotted an identifier from 12 (first trip) to 20 (last trip). Sample sites on each trip were numbered sequentially. Thus site 14049 indicates site 049 of trip 14. The base camps for each trip were as follows: 12. Croajingalong 15. Deddick 18. Gelantipy 13. Mario 16. Errinundra 19. Cobberas 14. Orbost 17. Mallacoota 20. Coopracambra 55 Plant Identification Where possible, all species were identified and recorded on site. Material that required more thorough examination and comparison with reference material was collected and identified at the National Herbarium. Nomenclature follows that of Willis (1970, 1972) with amendments by Todd (1979). The determination of certain suites of species posed particular difficulties, and for these nomenclatural qualifica- tions have been made. These groups are outlined here but for further discussion of the taxonomic difficulties see Gullan et al. (1981): Eucalyptus rubida and E. dalrympleana — v/exc recorded as E. rubida Geranium potentilloides, G. solanderi and C. retrorsum (where non-fertile)- recorded as C. potentilloides Gnaphalium spicatum and Gamochaeta purpurea— recorded as G. spicatum Hydrocotyle hirla, H. laxiflora and H. algida (where non-fertile) — recorded as H. hirta Juncus spp. (sect. Genuini)- recorded as Juncus spp. Luzula spp. — recorded as L. campestris spp. agg. Plantago varia group — recorded as P. varia Poa australis group — recorded as P. australis spp. agg. Ranunculus lappaceus and R. pachycarpus (where non-fertile) -recorded as R. lappaceus Rubus fruticosus group — recorded as R. fruticosus spp. agg. Data Storage and Analysis Information from each site (floristics, locality, altitude and sampling date) was stored permanently on magnetic disk. These data were assessed and manipulated via a numerical, classificatory computer program. Presentation of the analysis was by two-way tables which were successively refined using a hand-sorting procedure (Gullan, 1978). In excess of 1000 species of vascular plant were recorded during the study. Only a portion of these are presented on two-way tables, as most species occur in less than 10% of sites, and add little to the overall vegetation description, (for full explana- tion of the two-way tables see Gullan et al. 1981). Terminology Terminology associated with the vegetation classification follows that of Gullan et al. (1981). Specific terms are discussed briefly here. Sub-community — is a group of sample sites which have a similar floristic com- position ( = “nodum” Poore, 1955). It is the basic unit of vegetation used in this paper. Community — is one or more sub-communities which have floristic and en- vironmental affinities. The community may represent a floristic continuum along which arbitrary divisions have been made to form sub-communities. It may also represent a collection of sub-communities which are considered to be temporal phases of one vegetation after different disturbances (e.g. fire, grazing). Character Species — are determined as follows: where F = frequency of species in a sub-community and Q = number of sample sites in the sub-community, if Q55% are characteristic if Q>or = 50, then those species where F>35% are characteristic if Q>10 or <50, then those species where F> or = (55-(Q-10)/2)% are characteristic. This definition is explained further in Gullan et al. (1981). Standard use of the term is detailed in Mueller-Dombois & Ellenberg (1974). Community Names — have been designed to convey, in commonly used terminology, an impression of the vegetation. Where appropriate the same community names as in Gullan et al. (1981) have been applied (e.g. Wet Sclerophyll Forest, Mon- tane Sclerophyll Woodland). 56 Opportunistic Species — are those species whose cover value increases dramatically as a result of disturbance. Shrubs, especially members of the Papilionaceae (e.g. Pultenaea spp., Daviesia spp.) and Asteraceae (Cassinia spp., Olearia spp.) and many herbs (Tetrarrhena juncea, Senecio spp.) commonly exhibit this characteristic. The cover value of such species is usually low in undisturbed torest, but may be as great as 100% after disturbance. Fire, forestry operations and clearing for agriculture are the main agents of this disturbance. Limitations and Qualifications Floristics As each quadrat was sampled only once, ephemeral species were often not in evidence (see previous remarks on Plant Identification). Distribution of Vegetation Types The distribution maps provided in the RESULTS section show sites where a sub-community is present. They should not be interpreted as vegetation maps. Weed Problem Substantially native vegetation was always chosen for quadrat sites. Thus the index of introduced species generally understates the weed problem of a district. RESULTS Information is displayed in an accessible form, viz.: Two-way Tables Tables 1 to 6 present the salient information from the survey and show: a. the quadrats comprising each community and sub-community. b. the species characterising communities and sub-communities. c. the relationships and differences between communities and sub- communities. d. the variation within communities and sub-communities. e. the distribution of common, although generally not characteristic, species within communities. f. the cover-abundance of each species in each quadrat. Community Descriptions Twenty-one communities, representing the major, extant vegetation types, are defined for East Gippsland. It is probable that other communities existed prior to the rather intensive utilisation of land in certain areas. Some communities (and almost certainly some sub-communities) of very restricted or isolated occurrence may not have been encountered during the study (e.g. the Eucalyptus J'raxinoides dominated tall open-forests of the eastern Howe Range). Other vegetation may have been sampled with insufficient frequency to enable satisfactory delineation. The absence of 53 sites (out of 590 sites sampled) from the two-way tables is partly at- tributable to this factor. Sites of heavily disturbed vegetation also contribute to this deficit. Gross disturbance, usually as a result of forestry operations or recent fire, promotes a vegetation which is species-poor and consequently, impossible to ac- curately assign to a community. The following is a brief description of each of the major communities: EG Community 1: Alpine Wet Heathlands (2 sub-communities; 19 sites). Closed-heath to low woodlands of plains and damp depres- sions in the high country from the Cobberas to Mt. Bowen. EG Community 2: Montane Riparian Forest (1 sub-community; 5 sites). Closed-scrub to open-forest along gullies and stream margins in the high country. 57 EG Community 3: Montane Forest (1 sub-community; 6 sites). Tall open-forest of sheltered sites in high country from the up- per reaches of the Snowy River to the Cobberas. EG Community 4: Snow Gum Woodlands (1 sub-community; 18 sites). Low woodland of subalpine ridges throughout the study area. EG Community 5: Montane Sclerophyll Woodland (3 sub-communities; 29 sites). A woodland community typical of montane skeletal soils with low effective rainfall. EG Community 6: (2 sites). Insufficient sites have been sampled to adequately describe this vegetation type. Field experience suggests this is a subalpine variant of sub- community EG 11.1. This subalpine rocky outcrop scrubland is characterised by the mallee-like Eucalyptus glaucescens and a closed shrub layer. EG Community 7: Cool Temperate Rainforest (1 sub-community; 8 sites). Closed-forest of wet montane gullies and sheltered slopes within the area bounded by Bonang, Mt. Ellery and Mt. Coopracambra. EG Community 8: Wet Sclerophyll Forest (4 sub-community; 52 sites). Tall open-forest of well-watered slopes of the eastern ranges, from near Mt. Bowen through to Mt. Coopracambra. EG Community 9: Dry Sclerophyll Forest (4 sub-communities; 42 sites). Open-forest or woodland of foothills throughout the area. EG Community 10: Box-Ironbark Woodland (1 sub-community; 10 sites). This woodland is typical of dry slopes and ridges with skeletal soils in lowland Victoria, but is of sporadic occurrence within the study area. EG Community 11: Rocky Outcrop Open-scrubland (1 sub-community; 11 sites). This community has a diversity of sub-communities in the field. However, further sampling would be necessary to represent these adequately. Mallee forms of a number of eucalypts above a variable shrub layer are characteristic. Concentrated in the upper Snowy River area. EG Community 12: Warm Temperate Rainforest (1 sub-community; 23 sites). Closed-forest of gully-heads and streamsides in lowland to foothill country. Rare to the west of the Snowy River but scattered throughout the remaining lowlands. EG Community 13: Riparian Forest (3 sub-communities; 73 sites). Floristically rich, open-forest of wet slopes and riversides of all major waterways in the area. A tall shrub layer of mesophytic species is common within this community. EG Community 14: Rain-shadow Woodland (3 sub-communities; 23 sites). A woodland of dry, gravelly sites of the north-east, especially in the vicinity ot the Snowy River at the New South Wales border. Eucalyptus albens and Callitris columellaris are the common trees, but shrub and ground layer plants are sparsely distributed. EG Community 15: Banksia Woodland (1 sub-community; 30 sites). Woodland scattered on coastal lowlands from the Snowy River to the Victoria-New South Wales border. Although inland from full oceanic influence, it rarely extends far from the coast. EG Community 16: Lowland Sclerophyll Forest (5 sub-communities; 106 sites). Open-forest of coastal lowlands throughout the study area. It is the best represented community in East Gippsland. EG Community 17: Coastal Heathland (4 sub-communities; 32 sites). Open- and closed-heathlands distributed throughout the damp, lowland plains to 20 km inland. Xanthorrhoea hastilis and Casuarina 58 paludosa dominate two distinct sub-communities which may form extensive, treeless stands. EG Community 18: Coastal Sclerophyll Forest (1 sub-community; 29 sites). A mixed-eucalypt open-forest distributed throughout the low- land regions but at lower elevations than Community 15. Particularly well- developed around Mallacoota and Orbost districts. EG Community 19: Coastal Banksia Woodland (1 sub-community; 6 sites). A woodland of wet, sheltered sites, fringing near coastal waters such as Ewing Marsh, Tamboon Inlet and other estuaries. Dense thickets of Gahnia clarkei and Melaleuca ericifolia are characteristic of this community. EG Community 20: Primary Dune Scrub (1 sub-community; 6 sites). Primary dune or seaclifF community containing sand-accreting grasses, herbs and low shrubs. Taller shrubs occur on the leeward slopes and swales. EG Community 21: Saltmarsh (1 sub-community; 3 sites). A community generally dominated by the tussock-rush Juncus kraussii, fringing estuarine waters of Sydenham, Tamboon, Wingan and Mallacoota Inlets. Salt-tolerant samphire plants frequent in other saltmarsh communities (low shrubland) are less common but may contribute significantly to the species composition. Sub-community Summary Sheets Distribution Maps A diagrammatic representation of the distribution of all sites sampled has been produced for each sub-community. The distribution of all its constituent sites has been superimposed on a map of the study area together with major rivers and features. Character Species Tables In these tables, only those species which are characteristic of a sub-community are listed. The ranking of the species in these tables is in order of their frequencies in the sub-communities. These values are listed along with the average cover- abundance values of the species. This order allows ready assessment of individual sub-communities. The two-way table presentation however, enables the interrela- tionships between sub-communities and communities to be more easily interpreted. Sub-community Descriptions and Annotations A simple description outlining distribution, environment and any special features has been made for each sub-community. Included with these descriptions are details of altitude, vegetation structure, floristic richness and weed composition. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This project was carried out in conjunction with the survey team of the Fisheries and Wildlife Division. The authors are indebted to all members of that team for assistance in almost every aspect of the fieldwork. Able field and laboratory assistance from within the National Herbarium was provided by Harm van Rees, Anne Opie, Diane Jenkins, Richard Barley, Suzanne Goodchild and David Cooke. Dr. David Churchill and Dr. Jim Ross were both encouraging professionally and helpful administratively throughout the course of this project. Amy Parkes capably typed the manuscript. Two of us (N.G.W. and S. J.F.) received financial support from the Ministry for Conservation during this work. 59 REFERENCES Gullan, P. K. (1978). Vegetation of the Royal Botanic Gardens Annexe at Cranbourne, Victoria. Proc. Roy. Soc. Viet. 90: 225-240. Gullan, P. K., Walsh, N. G., and Forbes, S. J. (1981). Vegetation of the Gippsland Lakes catchment. Muelleria 4: 333-383. Kirkpatrick, J. B. (1977). Studies on some presumed hybrid populations in Eucalyptus. Proc. Rov. Soc. Viet. 89: 199-206. Land Conservation Council (1977). ‘Final Recommendations East Gippsland Study Area’. (L.C.C.: Melbourne). Leeper, G. W. (edit.) (1969). East Gippsland Symposium. Proc. Roy. Soc. Viet. 82: 3-147. Mueller-Dombois, D. and Ellenberg, H. (1974). ‘Aims and Methods of Vegetation Ecology.’ (Wiley & Sons: New York). Poore, M. E. D. (1955). The use of phytosociological methods in ecological investigations. II Practical issues involved in an attempt to apply the Braun-Blanquet system. J. Ecol. 43: 245-269. Todd, M. A. (1979). A conspectus of new records and nomenclature for vascular plants in Victoria dur- ing the period 1970-1977. Muelleria 4: 173-199. Willis, J. H. (1970, 1973). ‘A Handbook to Plants in Victoria’. Vols 1 (ed. 2.) and 2. (Melbourne Uni- versity Press: Melbourne). Manuscript received 29 January 1981. s 09 Table 1. Two-way table of Communities 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6. Cover-abundance symbols: 61 H a; o K> H £ o k SD »5 a> n o 3 3 c -J D Q. oo iH3>xo]>nc'nx‘ & c -j n r*- 3 K- 1/1 ssssrsisz- J CU -} r+ H-- - 3 3 O. fl) " 3 0/ Oi Hi G K- K -• 3 : Ifi i-+ Qi Hi ►*• • i C i - H-- H-- i-t- -+-. T3 Oi 2 7T H) & * »*■ 2 ^ 1 -c 3 ^ s Si -K S "S s i- rs k in Oj - Hi B i— “ 1 Cj cr < G a. Hi •— ■ h- fD if: ~ h- -h 3 n c- i/i in o £ S' 3 g <-► “ 3 3 s * III S3- 3 S S % ? S S !5 !Si .+ Ci J J li r+ T 7? 1-35SSS8 S' “■ £ 3- S I S S 2 3 % ‘, D, SI al-’ISIl! 332 3=35 2.S Si IS >-■ C O Hi h- Ei H- Cj in I- ■+. ►-' >-► CL o § B 5 3 "3 I I n 3 3 ? s s. 5 S 1 3 1 Z S = 3 S S 3 3 S 5 3 £ 5 5 5 2 3 3H| li .HI5K.Hl!|'3S- 5-333:5 3-5 ?§ S3 S'SrS SI 33? i S ?“■ §•?«, ?l £' B £'£?,! S'S * I ?3 ■c 11 3 H# c c 3 3 in Oi 0? U» 3 3 If H- if c ifo< if 3 us o ro if Tj n t: 19 n "o ® 3 -J N K-«0 3 J3 3 rl- s IT O' 03 4* (= ■« .2 H -ri LTi G O U> C -=-> 01 O 03 03 ■+- C- C- Li 3 G i- 3^3 ■rt-rtgGtfGG*-e>-«M-.-iG*- G G O 3 o c. _a H 3 03 G G G u t- i-1 3 £- 3 3 03 3 03 G -h G L0 — i cl ct g -h m c m Gi in tf ^i u 03 Gi — O Cl 03 jC ffl IB £- "3 3 S G> -*-> 03 O C. S-n i/i Li ti •" +J 03 GI -!-< 3 £ £ 03 G^rOJH+irtL^+JGilJiO aaiammss-H-Ti — id h £ Q- rt 3 g “ “ " oflHfiiiiueo^^i8 CL cn O O 0! HV" 9 * 01 3 C- 4> . 0 ° £2 3 2 t ~ 5 1 GG£GGGGXU4--i- : G a g O'-'- Cl 4- 03 L. "3 JO 01 03 X -h -ri G) 03 a I e o j. : s xc S’ -3 03 o ? ■r* 03 g-s O’ > Q * 4* t- q Gi 03 U 1 J= O 3 1 o § & ? GJ 3 • G -Q CL W a Gi J= an G 01 O cl m -h -ri o' ill 51 ri H 15 i! !3 H -n H = O : l 1H ill 13 O H CLJ o O Cl s ■-< -Ti Hi c j : L 1 H H H C l u ; o H r U O X -I H O O G u jt £ X u r-i i=.-H03t-uitlC-030Jir , 01t->-ir_0!O03M-£-+ J dinu-H0iO0!" 330!Si03Ci&i-i''SLJ"HgaiCr-HU / iLi IDIl)ijaH!i!a'!i!0!OUIiili!Laii)iiiHU4J-Tia!'Jl ! lg33HLiJi5>LagHN+/U3'lil!:iI!3Ll!i!HXL£iS!L3 l O Li -i-' O -rt -H 3 u G O r-i r-l X 3 Gi £ -h ^ ^h O Gi X 3 Gi 03 Li 03 O X O G; 3 O 3 03 r—i O U GJ 3 >—i Gi iL 03 -03 -i- 1 Gi G; iG C G c in rt G -rt Is S 3 S 3 2 U o 5 1 G £ £ u G G G 3 -rt ci i/i x in c i m > -a u m g mgcmciGOG 1 3 C O 3 in rrt Q. -rt I L G D'-rt' £ X "rt Q. i/I • o a 3 l £ g i 2 g.x 5 ^ ri in o £ a. -i ’irsr GGGGXUM- •rt jc O C c_ yi 4- JZ T3 JZ G G GCUPUi— 1 »— li — I C C_ LI i _ ___ _ ; 2 £!= 35 !&:gSS!li 3 !L 2 f ^2 s c. 1 c 0 s 1 i _j E Hyp X X X X T3 TD i o n -i in rn c n r- OJ Os =-= X — — 0 f+ c, c 0 ; < ■ i gi 3> m : Os n "c r “ Qj Os t- =s n ■= m :=> co 05 ” x ■ - n 0 0 ~ : n 6 ■Si Oj ,-i- 2 CT - c n W- - H- - 0 T3 =r n . c 0: =. X £ 5 5 c as -c s 0 c ~ ~ : X - ~ Qj - Ei O IS 'J! 3 ^ h ; - O X - H~ 0; : H" -h~ : H-- Q "3 I n 0 r+ n H-- : =r - c ~ _c Qj 0 03 I/I 0 c 03 ~0 ' if: Qj C.~ G. C 0 C - “ X ~ i/S < G ■ '2? ■X 0; r> n ■ x 03 a 03 0 >-■ L- 03 * ’ I ’ 3 w ! CL 03 ' : sr 3 3 si n .g 03 c 1 a c ai 3 H- 03 03 sG t+ 0 * a; i» 5 Iri t?9 Table 3. Two-way table of Communities 9, 10 and 1 1 . 65 03 X So £ I 8 03 03 •- US 5/! G ~ X. 13 i= rH • 03 c_ x 03 *+• jz g o -ri _c St 03 G vft £- u G G -h O C- i= G 3 • ■ -£i i= jz a. i OS -C £3 4- Cl U G i=G_ := L- G O G 1 03 D Cl ' i Q 1 u i 03 £ U i/i 03 ?s u G G G 03 -h u -Tt O Q € I • . 3 G i uj z: c - £ 03 G 03 . S i/i 1 ^ T-: . JZ X T- i/I C_ g o 03 G 03 03 G ■- f- z <2 lli o : 5 is-ir G w U! e G G C_ H- ! h- 1 G . Cl G. Cl - ~ = S= G G *- 03 u G G G U_ iZ- LU 03 03 h-- i u u cl t G G G ? LU LU _i _ i X 03 I -H x i CO CD s ? •- -a S £ i/i G G G £ -a 03 — 03 G G G cr= G O -h. X £- G h jj a. g r r o £j V U H !ij s OS G X-H G C_ C_ - 0 ! 03 -G 1 « 3 Cm + + t — i Cm r-i + Cm -r-: + Cm 4- -f ^ t-: 4 £j ” t . r — 37 Cm + 4 4- 4 TH Cm 4 -i -i- 4 Cm th +> 03 03 £ 4- y t 03 i-i G — Ui 4- £ ru 03 ~ L r G 's 8 . J 03 h - 1 -G G G cn C - Cl Cl Cl 4- — V X X i/4 -h £ iT O C G H' i G ry CD 03 G n- Clt 03 G G G Cl G>r-i x 0i L-GGGGOSOJ-gx _j cg ; Cl C. 05 G G X. G JZ G G G 03 ft !c •■* !-( G 03 X Q_ tr •3 S ? 5 = n o o o 3 3 c 3. S' 99 — i — Li 67 ~T + + ^\+ ^ - X X s t. zTZz ~TZZ^ z.i "7ii ■ * V I s t ; 33 : j§g •"“HiT; ^:- : : + ■'* ; TT 5 “^ ft 7 + i ■ : .- t ^ _. ft „ ?! - + + + + + ■+ Cl~ ■^T L=1 rr - + . + + ?• rs Cl " ft ■~iyM z-.llz.lzlz-l- ' ' :: ZU ZZi* : 5 7 ,' * : i * ? ■ " ; T -r T ; ? T T a Li_* "t. ft. : _ r }jl *:y : ft + ; ft + ft " I : ■ + + + ~y + + Fftft: ? : ft i * - _ ft? : - : : " ; + + 89 Table 5. Two-way table of Communities 15 and 16. 69 u M 2 I 5 I- S , 2 „i 22 tSSt 5 .US S, sl-HH 2Sj, ic? its I! I !iH,»|i urn ,«s a s n*HhVt 2 ; ,c|S-'3-SS.SJ5- , 'S;s°S8t2“3*2'’l!Sr!? Qi III ?ii| ; : || “^1 1; : :i t i n:s *i * !Z!$ £22 !!r {3 E »££::&£! :?{Sii1it;SH ummrmnnnnmimnnn - ~ + + r ‘ !: \?:P - ^ M - : J s :ss v"- ~ ’ * - - i l Z-- : + 7 + 4 : + I * . + '* * i + X **_ + *._* *-' + '-* + T-i f z + ^r, (M + + — + + 1 ” : x : : ! ;v: : !l:: 4 . ” M ~ :i-;i ,„r „r* i- = *„TDsi* T : P& + r-i rl + v n -- -* ♦V *- + J w + + it v :{ V V: ~~X V :|; f, * A - : '■ : l * + - + ; + + „ + + * + + - x - + ~ + ^ X = ir ~ ++ + ~~~~ „ „ + * X rl i + + - + + 1 + 7 + ’ * * + ♦ , 2 1 T + + -r* r -4 * * ’ I ■ I + ^I ~t ” + + : *: + + ♦ " . - * |s * ! : I — ± ±-±_± ±L i ? d ? 2j ? ? £ ip ? 2 2 * £ ;? ? d ?? :> c ? - a-5 - | ,-• l -c - - c - - a a 3 :- 3 x x - = r- - 3 - - - a a = -3 c a c .- s a - 1 ’d f - X d ? r ^ | a < - -i - a a ~ i- z £ =■ d h £ x x a a ~ - z ■=■ r 6 § a 1 : -x S Six 3 1 S % f 7= 1 &S S 3 3 1? 25 7b 3 x i i , , : S 3 S ISjrS 3 ibixisr;if|S 2 ^|is las 8 3 IS = 3 i Sx 3 ? X STS 1 ; 3 X - S s x.? SS t: rib =.i t In ^ - ,.•• -. - x O < X a - x. - ^ C - n - C C r - it - ^5 7 t - * IT 1 -i ? G c -a -i—i a - c -i 3 - a - ' i v - -r rr^-r-Z" *“ .-• c- a v s - a a * a m a a ^ ^ a r r r - - : ^ 7 ? - a = d a r -• h a - rr c x k- a -h a a s a - a c. c - = ^ r: x- 3 c a 3 a — t- o t-x o — c ^ x - 3 m — tu ■■ t i a a h o * h- a 0 a ^ a c a c = - g. >*■ **• >-■ = a ft a a a \ ^ \ r \ 5 \ o \ s \ *■ IV ni \ n \ H \ rn \ CD \ w 5 ! n G 3 3 2 H H K 0 - 3 3 Z H H K -* " + - 1 X d “ S § T I r 1 r* M 4- - - - -*- *4 * X 10 !4 4 4 4 + i - 1 — + + - — 4- — 4- 4. 4- H-4- 4- i-4 4- f-J + 4- •*■ + 4- i - 1 + + 4- S-i -•- 4-4- + iisi x r o o o fo “ o s id 1 ro ^ d d d “ + - x rj x — + + + U -j- + d -i- + 4. i_4 i_4 4- :_4 :-4 4- t-4 + i-4 4. ■i- 4- 4- 4- t-4- ::“*J i + - t - r.j 4 - + d • "^g + : „ T + I ./ 4- + 4- ^ w fi s y i 2 ; gif - 1 ,: £ § a a sillE O C.< : O C>J - 1 w 4. i-4 i-4 r-* i-^ + _4 t ^ ^ t -i- -J IvH i-> 4- :— M 4- 4- 4- i-4 -?- 4- -b - t 4- 4- ro + t + 4. 4-4- a - os o o x deed *o - K H- r J 4- — 4-4- :-4 4- 4- + f-J 4- 4- 4- + 4- + r o xi o xi I - 1 III 2 lies x o o a- — Z~ i-* o ro x X O C 4 lies in X O X i- 1 !ji On d X -4 cn bn o x I-*. CD f-J O 3- -* a- an o u -4 S 5 1 | 1 i-i CD 4- >- -!- 4- + i - 1 Sid gill x -- o ro — r* 'C r ■; 0 r* w - :r'S- = Xx:— — = - 5 - — C.G.I ■ ?vf ? r 9 ffg’S’S'r., . ...._ ........ w _. "E7lE.-|:-r = sf 5^4? *r - 2 r ! I — iC a if -x ■! O. is is ifi c- H !! ,i !*■ < ” ■: “ a a r — £ »D ~ «D x: X 0: 2; i— • - it ~ ~ C 2 a 3 — C -< - C - '1: 3 .': !•• c 3 - C - C. ? _ - I d t s a a a ' -fe X i— • 2j !t 3 C 3 * K- & 4 - :% %■ II b 5 s - 1 v a t* 3 SJ H-- 3 «• £ _ ? „ 1 » „ i - 1 f '- ■ - - - v - I : ; ; ^ “ d 1 s “ - - » i s 2. - - - 3 0 ~ — a ~ — ? S : ip ® a ciiiKjFOsr, - :— a •t vC C 2.1 n- C “• 3 H-.C c «-• It 3 t 3 - ,:• - 3 1 C n. ' H c >*• 3 < H .,' - - 43 ■+> G H i— V C C. - -O I/! It •&. C 3 r- - a.' +. I- ' < **• s •-*■« a o c •- c a >*• 3 !« n — .-• it ■? - >*• n it- — o c a. a ■+> a - — 3 — • 4 .!•• ~ 4 * ,-■ 4 - C- C r- rr it - ili it 1 I >- 4 - — 4 - - -E “ S 3 : a a — i'E ~ I * : 0L Table 6. Two-way table of Communities 17, 18, 19, 20, and 21 . i ■wwrv.li s', , ■ , 71 ^ I i £ £ r ' i r = r = - * ", % '? ' ~ ■ 0 ! 3 O Ti -j-> •H :— ! C - O b 13 _ 2 - * " ; = j J 2 5 5 “ .? S - ? = r - - - lit S '- - - - ^ - " ? i ~i 5 b -i 1 a. SH.? t :>; t -5 ^ Oi •:= • -. sr rj ~ b -d % - O - --0 •- x a. o* b :j _ o — ^ ^ - 3 b S'- >= -T-. O 03 -O - j c u .-: = b b.~ - 1. - - b ;"2 5 H t I t i : ?■ - - - ^ x £ c5 Lu a = ! U -H — 1:^1 3 - s >u I in S I " ^ ^ 1 s t a " .? 3 03 -C G. 0 :i -i Cb x tU cj < c. a, r- -J l u jc b "3 ■= - b JZ £ ru ! _ _ r U_b- 3 -^ 3 b : ? ^ - b _ D. 3 - b -? S rr- : w b r- Cl ._ b b rt i£i _c 3. 3. ^ S b I t o s r ^ "S ^ ? 2 ■" f T. - E: - - : E 1 2- " - ^ x b 5 ^ 2 2 b o 2 ji = *SSS^ 3 |;^zr - - I :r ! §| r !^;s b ‘i CD w Q Ll! UJ bb h r_D rUiCiiJSJChb Cl. CtC <1 di -* ? g* = ~ ^ CL 2 = ■S b x b r; b ■- r b Cl j= H b b ^ b U UH £. b U 'TI b O b b b c = O 0] •" 3=3: El Er |1 5 „ -5 5 JIlJ 3.3!’ Hi :'2 At -M j 5 ^ 3 imiifl! 33«*lif#iii|ii,s?|J4in.i; illir? liliiim iij? .,.. EL r t •; - r ~ Tj ~ w h ^ij > ijn ' y b 3. ■ j ui u - -2 D ^ ~ — : ' 0 * ^ ^ ^ -£ " - b o =1} b a. b ^ 3 ~ P ^ b 1 T" .2 P b - P ■= “ 5 5 -' r r -a r -? ■•" -= ~ o c 5 b ui ^ - b b b ^ - m 3 11 :~ ~ - - 2 . ^ 2 :•' - = b u- ^ s 3 . g :> o . 3- -2 _ - ., = o 5 - - C J T p- ,r - " - - . b 3 c b ^b~-b-^b~ = 3 •■’?-= J u .- r _ ^ K to b b o - >: v: ; ; c :bb- i -- Z -. s ? b » = x - ^ ;j = 5 ^ 1 -3 3 1 .5 4 3 1 b,; itS5*?-St|4'»35?-&t'2-'-'»'= V 'S'S'S = 2.? k ???[> S H C n 15 C 2K njGj-Crr-H---CC <0 **• r 1 c - s i*- h- n -j o o n m c r- 3 4 ? 1 3 IX X CL: C & O & c =.C ifi 'O - ! * **■ C H- C c ■ in c r+ n 3 C & *-3 ! -> fc Q» ? In' in < £ CO o 3 3 0 s as 2 S n Oi Qs ■ + + + ^ ^ + ^ + + + -r + * r::t + i " *-*■ ro 4- ->- + *-*■ w h* + 4. ^ + + “ + + !-*!-■. f O =-*!-►-* i -5- 4- f O + + >-*■ i- 1 4- 4- i-* ^ +4- ro + + ►■*+ + + fO H 4 fO fO ? “ ff S? S’ ? ft? ? £ 2 ? 4 f a s? S? ? ? ? l4|4gSff4 3S;S4;l424rS:E, Sr S S S' = 5 ~ 3 ** ? ~ ”■ r - c n f - ' = “ - 1 ^ ~ - c C n o o r, 3 — r*- -h O ^ -• - :.:• - 1 — O fi| c I,': ; ® ® O Q? £ -c - - — if, " m X 0; O “ in in n ^ ^ ~ x 3 G X 0; O ST & r c c ~ ~ c o 3 >- & - ^ i-r a, 3 3 o - G 3 - O 2.. C n — O Q. = C - c - ; ; - ^ ^ ^ C H ^ c : 3 ^ ^ c S £. 3 7 ■? 5 o. IS i* 0> - - 8j r+ i.n S - o .-• 2 iCSi *'2 8iitSDiHCHC ~ -• in r> ~ 3 e c “■* I .a * 2.t s US'® < ■ c o' 5- ZL 73 CHARACTER SPECIES % FREG C/A CHARACTER SPECIES % FREQ C/A CHARACTER SPECIES % FREQ C/A Agropyron scabrum 100 1 Epacris brevi flora 80 1 Ranunculus lappaceus 60 + Carex appressa 100 1 Epacris microphylla 80 1 Baeckea util is 60 1 Carex gaud ichaudi ana 100 1 Epilobium gunnianum 80 + Blechnum pennamarina 60 1 Eucalyptus stellulata 100 1 Gratiola peruviana 80 1 Brachycome scapigera 60 + Gnaphalium japonicum 100 1 Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides 80 + Callistemon sieberi 60 1 *Holcus lanatus 100 1 *Juncus acutiflorus 80 + Empodisma minus 60 1 Hypericum japonicum 100 1 Leptospermum myrtifolium 80 1 Carex longebrachiata 60 1 #Hypochoeris radicata 100 1 Oreomyrrhis ciliata 80 1 Craspedia glauca 60 + Poa australis spp. agg. 100 2 Ranunculus pimpinellifolius 80 1 Deyeuxia quadriseta 60 + Prunella vulgaris 100 1 Restio australis 80 1 Dichelachne micrantha 60 + Rubus parvifolius 100 1 Rumex brown ii 80 + Epilobium cinereum 60 1 Acaena anserinifolia 80 1 Blechnum minus 60 + Geranium antrorsum 60 + Geranium potentilloides 80 + Eucalyptus camphora 60 1 Gonocarpus micranthus 60 + Stellar ia pungens 80 1 Ranunculus rivularis 60 1 Oreomyrrhis eriopoda 60 + *Trifolium repens 80 1 Asperula gunnii 60 + Scleranthus biflorus 60 + Asperula scoparia 80 1 #Cerastium glomeratum 60 + Theineda australis 60 1 *Cirsium vulgare 80 + Leucopogon suaveolens 60 1 Juncus spp. 60 1 Dichondra repens 80 1 Myriophyllum propinquum 60 1 NO. OF SITES: DISTRIBUTION: ENVIRONMENT: 5 (0.8% of total) Upper Murray and upper Buchan River catchments. Surrounds of meandering streams on subalpine plains, commonly with strong peat development and associated poor drainage ALTITUDE: Mean - 1092 m, Highest = 1200 m, Lowest = 1000 m. STRUCTURE: Low open-woodland to Closed-heath MEAN FL0RISTIC RICHNESS: 68 species per site MEAN WEED COMPOSITION: 13% of species, 11% of cover NOTES: Occasional eucalypts above a varied understory of grasses, sedges and forbs give this sub-community an open park-like appearance. Scattered clumps or swathes of small-leafed sclerophyllous shrubs are also present. Eucalyptus stellulata and E, camphora are typical of poorly drained, sheltered subalpine plains; the latter being most common where perennial standing water is found. Hydrophytes including Myricphyllum propinquum and Ranunculus rivularis grow in this free water. Disturbance of the sites of this sub-community through cattle grazing is reflected by the consistent occurrence of ruderal species (e.g. Holcus lanatus. Trifolium repens and Cirsium vulgare) . The majority of herbs occurring in 80% or more quadrats are cosmopolitan, riparian species. 74 CHARACTER SPECIES % FREQ C/A CHARACTER SPECIES % FREQ C/A CHARACTER SPECIES % FREQ C/A Asperula gunriii 93 + Gonocarpus micranthus 79 1 Acaena anserinifolia 57 1 Epacris microphylla 93 1 Oreomyrrhis ciliata 79 1 Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides 57 Poa australis spp. agg. 93 1 Stylidium graminifolium 71 1 Scirpus merrillii 57 Restio australis 93 1 Craspedia glauca 71 + Baeckea gunniana 57 2 Empodisma minus 86 1 Leptospermum grandifolium 64 1 Comesperma retusum 57 1 Hypericum japonicum 86 1 Hakea microcarpa 64 1 Eucalyptus pauciflora 57 1 Luzula campestris spp. agg. 86 + Brachycome scapigera 64 1 Eucalyptus stellulata 57 1 Cotula alpina 86 1 Callistemon sieberi 64 1 Leptospermum myrtifolium 57 1 Epacris breviflora 86 1 *Hypochoeris radicata 64 + NO. OF SITES: DISTRIBUTION: 14 (2.4% of total) Upper Murray, upper Buchan and Delegate River catchments about the Cobberas, Mt. Nunniong and northern Errinundra Plateau. ENVIRONMENT: ALTITUDE: STRUCTURE: MEAN FLORISTIC RICHNESS: [TION: Open alpine and subalpine plains, commonly with strong peat development and associated poor drainage Mean r 1259 m, Highest - 1520 m, Lowest = 870 m. Low open-woodland to Closed-heath 49 species per site 3% of species, 2% of cover Although classed as a closed wet heath occasional eucalypts may be present above the small-leafed sclerophyllous shrub layer. Sphagnum spp. generally form a carpeting ground layer. In contrast to sub-community 1.1, this sub-community has little evidence of disturbance. 75 14745 00 MONTANE RIPARIAN FOREST Ed COMMUNITY 2 : SUB-COMMUNITY 1 CHARACTER SPECIE S % FREQ C/A CHARACTER SPECIES % FREQ C/A CHARACTER SPECIES % FREQ C/A Acaena anserinifolia 100 1 Carex appressa 100 2 Gnaphalium japonicum 100 + Lagenifera stipitata 100 1 Leptospermum grand i folium 100 2 Poa australis spp. agg. 100 1 Blechnum pennamarina 80 1 Tasmannia lanceolata 80 1 Geranium potentilloides 80 + Leucopogon suaveolens 80 1 Scirpus. merrillii 80 1 Stellaria pungens 80 + Cotula filicula 80 + Deyeuxia brachyathera 80 1 Dianella tasmanica 80 1 Mentha laxiflora 60 + Asperula scoparia 60 + Epilobium gunnianum 60 + Gaultheria appressa 60 1 Juncus sarophorus 60 1 Olearia megalophylla 60 + Olearia phlogopappa 60 + Pultenaea juniperina 60 1 Acacia dealbata 60 1 Blechnum minus 60 1 Blechnum nudum 60 1 Polystichum proliferum 60 1 NO. OF SITES: 5 (0.8% of total) DISTRIBUTION: ENVIRONMENT: ALTITUDE: STRUCTURE: Mt. Misery area (upper Murray River) and Errinundra Plateau. Streamsides of subalpine and montane valleys Mean - 1270 m, Highest = 1520 m, Lowest = 870 m. Woodland to Tall open-forest MEAN FLORISTIC RICHNESS: 43 species per site MEAN WEED COMPOSITION: 4% of species, 3% of cover NOTES: Although no eucalypts are character species of sub-community 2.1, Eucalyptus delegatensis , E. rubida or E. pauci flora are sometimes present. Leptospermum g rand i folium often forms a closed-scrub on stream margins, but doesn't extend to drier sites. The understory consists of a mixture of small-leafed sclerophyllous species (e.g. Leucopogon suaveolens , Pultenaea juniperina) and broad-leafed species (e.g. Gaultberia appressa, Tasmannia lanceolata) . The herb layer includes a range of ferns ( Blechnum spp., Polystichum proliferum) and sedges (Carex appressa , Scirpus merrillii ) . 76 147 45 00 RES'] : - 1495959 CHARACTER SPECIES % FREQ C/A CHARACTER SPECIES % FREQ C/A CHARACTER SPECIES % FREQ r/A Acacia dealbata 100 1 Stellaria pungens 83 1 67 Coprosma hirtella 100 1 Viola betonic.ifolia 83 1 Eucalyptus delegatensis 100 2 Polystichum proliferum 67 1 67 Viola hereracea 100 1 Arthropodium milleflorum 67 1 67 Acaena anserini folia 83 1 Eucalyptus pauciflora 67 1 *Picris hieracioides Asperula scoparia 83 1 Gonocarpus tetragynus 67 1 67 Clematis aristata 83 + Helichrysum acuminatum 67 1 Pultenaea juniperina 67 2 Craspedia glauca 83 1 Luzula campestris spp. agg. 67 + Ranunculus plebeius 67 Geranium potentilloides 83 + Cotula filicula 67 1 Helichrysum scorpioides 83 1 Danthonia pilosa 67 1 Wahlenbergia gloriosa 67 1 NO. OF SITES: DISTRIBUTION : ENVIRONMENT: ALTITUDE: STRUCTURE: 6 (1.0% of total) Mt. Misery, Mt. Nunniong and Mt. Gelantipy districts. Montane and subalpine moist sheltered valleys and south facing slopes Mean _ 1328 m, Highest = 1460 m, Lowest = 1200 m. Tall open-forest MEAN FLORISTIC RICHNESS: 41 species per site MEAN WEED COMPOSITION: 3% of species, 2% of cover NOTES. Montane forest generally has a sparse shrub layer, however fire or windfalls may encourage dense growth in limited areas. The herb layer usually approaches complete cover. The introduced species, Picris hieracioides is frequent in alpine and subalpine communities, and is often considered naturalized within them. Eucalyptus delegatensis is an important timber species, and in this sub-community virgin stands are presently being exploited. The open park-like understory and tall trees within this sub-community make it an attractive and imposing vegetation. 77 CHARACTER SPECIES % FREQ C/A CHARACTER SPECIES % FREQ C/A CHARACTER SPECIES % FREQ Eucalyptus pauciflora 100 2 Asperula scoparia 83 1 Carex breviculmis 61 Helichrysum scorpioides 100 1 Viola betonicifolia 72 + Luzula campestris spp. agg. 61 Poa australis spp. agg. 100 2 Epilobium cinereum 67 1 Olearia erubescens 61 Stellaria pungens 94 1 Acaena anserini f o] ia 67 1 Arthropodium milleflorurn 61 Craspedia glauca 89 1 Danthonia pilosa 67 1 *Hypochoeris radiata '6 Leucopogon suaveol ens 89 1 Pultenaea juniperina 67 1 Brachycome aculeata 89 1 Daviesia ulicifolia 61 1 St.ylidium gramini fol ium 56 NO. OF SITES: DISTRIBUTION: ENVIRONMENT: ALTITUDE: STRUCTURE: 18 (3.0% of total) Mt. Misery, Mt. Nunniong and Cobberas districts with an isolated occurrence near Mt. Tingaringy. Subalpine ridges and adjacent slopes often with granite outcrops, well-drained soils Mean = 1467 m, Highest = 1620 m, Lowest = 1320 m. Woodland MEAN FLORISTIC RICHNESS: MEAN WEED COMPOSITION: 37 species per site 3% of species, 2% of cover NOTES: Ihis snow gum (or white sallee) woodland is the predominant vegetation of the subalpine region. The sparse, low shrub layer is often dominated by a member of the Papilionaceae (e.g. Daviesia ulicifolia Pultenaea juniper ina ) but Leucopogon suaveolens is more consistently present. The dominant ground cover species is Poa australis spp. agg. (tussock grass), which has been able to survive and capitalize on repeated burning and grazing. In many districts seasonal burning has been undertaken by cattlemen to increase "green pick" for cattle. 78 147 45 00 363500 ■' :.TA;a; oCLlrophyll woodland lx 14959 ' 59 " + o 36 3500 ’ - >iooom L— 5oo-iooom 200- 500m □ < 200 m 37%5 00 " 0 + , „ 149 5959 CHARACTER SPECIES % FREQ C/A CHARACTER SPECIES % FREQ C/A Eucalyptus dives 100 1 Gonocarpus tetragynus 88 1 Poa australis spp. agg. 88 2 Pteridium esculentum 88 1 Lomandra longifolia 75 1 Eucalyptus rubida 75 1 Hydrocotyle hirta 75 1 Viola hederacea 75 1 Cassinia longifolia 63 1 Acacia dealbata 63 1 Luzula campestris spp. agg. 63 + CHARACTER SPECIES % FREQ C/A Pultenaea juniperina 63 1 Geranium potentilloides 63 1 Stellaria pungens 63 + Eucalyptus obliqua 63 1 *Hypochoeris radicata 63 + NO. OF CITES: DISTRIBUTION: ENVIRONMENT: ALTITUDE: STRUCTURE: MEAN FLORISTIC RICHNESS: MEAN WEED COMPOSITION: NOTES: 8 (1.4% of total) Mt. Nunniong, Mt. Tingaringy and Mt. Canterbury districts. Skeletal soils on slopes, particularly of northern aspect Mean = 996 m, Highest = 1150 m, Lowest - 840 m. Woodland to Open-forest 34 species per site 3% of species, 2% of cover The understory consists of opportunistic shrubs and herbs common throughout the high country. Sub- community i.l is the highest altitude sub-community in which Pteridium exulentum is a character species. 79 14745 00 MONTANE SCLEROPHYLL WOODLAND EG COMMUNITY 5 : SUB-COMMUNITY CHARACTER SPECIES % FREQ C/A CHARACTER SPECIE S % FREQ C/A CHARACTER SPECIES % FREQ C/A Daviesia ulicifolia 100 1 Pultenaea juniperina 80 2 Tetratheca bauerifolia 70 1 Monotoca scoparia 100 1 Dichelachne micrantha 80 1 Brachycome aculeata 60 + Poa australis spp. agg. 100 1 Eucalyptus dives 70 1 Dianella tasmanica 60 1 Stylidium graminifolium 100 1 Gonocarpus tetragynus 70 + Epacris impressa 60 1 Eucalyptus pauciflora 90 1 Acacia dealbata 70 1 Helichrysum scorpioides 60 + Lomandra longifolia 90 1 Eucalyptus rubida 70 1 Olearia erubescens 60 1 NO. OF SITES: 10 (1.7% of total) DISTRIBUTION: Wombargo, Cobberas and Mt. Misery districts with an isolated occurence near Combienbar. ENVIRONMENT: Impervious soils, on slopes especially of northern aspect ALTITUDE: Mean = 1157 m, Highest = 1360 m, Lowest = 840 m. STRUCTURE: Woodland MEAN FLORISTIC RICHNESS: 32 species per site MEAN WEED COMPOSITION: 3% of species, 2% of cover NOTES: The majority of character species in this sub-community are widespread, although a few of the woody species are typically found in the highlands (e.g. Eucalyptus pauciflora, Olearia ecubescens , Tetratheca bauerifolia) . This sub-community has many similarities with community 9 from which it has been differentiated by altitude. The dominant species in the shrub layer are members of the Papilionaceae (e.g. Daviesia ulicifolia and Pultenaea juniper ina) . The high cover values for one or both of these opportunistic species may reflect a high frequency of fire. This sub-community has the lowest number of character species within community 5', which reinforces fire as a significant factor. FI 80 CHARACTER SPECIES % FREQ C/A CHARACTER SPECIES % FREQ C/A CHARACTER SPECIES % FREQ C/A Eucalyptus rubida 100 1 Hibbertia obtusifolia 82 1 Danthonia pilosa 64 1 Gonocarpus tetragynus 100 1 Themeda australis 82 1 Exocarpos strictus 64 1 Poa australis spp. agg. 100 1 Hypericum gramineum 73 1 Danthonia racemosa 55 Acrotriche serrulata 91 1 Pultenaea juniperina 73 2 Dichelachne micrantha 55 1 Eucalyptus pauci flora 82 1 Eucalyptus dives 73 1 Acacia dealbata 55 1 Lomandra longifolia 82 1 Platylobium formosum 73 1 Dianella revoluta 55 Brachyloma daphniodes 82 1 *Hypochoeris radicata 64 + Stylidium graminifolium 55 1 ^Centaurium pulchellum 82 + Acaena anserinifolia 64 + NO. OF SITES: 11 (1.9% of total) DISTRIBUTION: ENVIRONMENT: ALTITUDE: STRUCTURE: Cobberas, Mt. Wombargo and Mt. Misery districts with an isolated occurrence near Mt. Delegate. Impervious skeletal soils, usually north facing slopes Mean = 989 m, Highest = 1160 m, Lowest = 900 m. Woodland MEAN FLORISTIC RICHNESS: 38 species per site MEAN WEED COMPOSITION: 7% of species, 4% of cover NOTES: Although Eucalyptus pauci flora and E. rubida are typical highland species the understory is comprised of foothill and lowland species. This sub-community has the lowest mean altitude of this community and affinities with community 9 are apparent. Opportunistic members of the Papilionceae ( Pultenaea juniperina and Daviesia ulicifolia) are prominent in the understory. The complement of these two species cover values is generally high, implying disturbance by fire. The presence of two introduced species, Centaurium pulchellum and Hypochoeris radicata is a further indication of disturbance. Community 5 is the only sub-community with Themeda australis as a character species. 81 14745 00 3635'od | Hi >iooom a 50o-iooom ran 200 - 500 m □ < 200 m 1495959 4 - o , .i 36 3500 37% 50 O' o + , ,| 149 5959 CHARACTER SPECIES % FREQ C/A CHARACTER SPECIES % FREQ C/A CHARACTER SPECIES % FREQ C/A Acacia obliquinervia 100 1 Eucalyptus pauciflora 100 1 Poa australis spp. agg. 100 1 100 1 Grevillea victoriae 100 2 Stellaria pungens Dianella tasmanica 100 1 Luzula campestris spp. agg. 100 + Veronica perfoliata 100 Eucalyptus glaucescens 100 1 Phebalium ozothamnoides 100 2 NO. OF SITES: DISTRIBUTION: ENVIRONMENT: ALTITUDE: STRUCTURE: 2 (0.3% of total) Mt. Tingaringy. Rocky north-facing slopes with skeletal soils Mean = 1429 m, Highest = 1448 m, Lowest = 1410 m. Tall shrubland to Closed-scrub MEAN FLORISTIC RICHNESS: 25 species per site MEAN WEED COMPOSITION: 3% of species, 1% of cover NOTES: The eucalypts in this "community" generally have a mallee habit, forming a tall shrubland above a closed-scrub of Grevillea victor iae and Phebalium ozothamnoides . Many of the character species are only characteristic of this community within the study area (e.g. Daviesia mimosoides, p. ozothamnoides. Eucalyptus glaucescens) , and a number of significant species are peculiar to this area. E. glaucescens (Tingaringy gum) has gained it's common name from the mountain on which this community is -found. 82 CHARACTER SPECIES % FREQ C/A CHARACTER SPECIES % FREQ C/A CHARACTER SPECIES % FREQ C/A Atherosperma moschatum 100 2 Uncinia tenella 88 1 Asplenium bulbiferum 75 1 Biechnum fluviatile 100 + Dicksonia antarctica 88 4 Clematis aristata 75 1 Biechnum wattsii 100 1 Histiopteris incisa 88 + Fieldia australis 75 1 Elaeocarpus holopetalus 100 2 Pittosporum bicolor 88 1 Viola hederacea 75 Grammitis billardieri 100 1 Polyphlebium venosum 88 1 Prcstanthera lasianthos 63 + Telopea oreades 100 1 Acacia dealbata 75 1 Acacia frigescens 63 2 Eucalyptus nitens 88 1 Tasmannia lanceolata 75 1 Australina muelleri 63 1 Pclystichum proliferum 88 1 NO. OF CITES: 8 (1.4% of total) DISTRIBUTION: ENVIRONMENT: ALTITUDE: STRUCTURE: Vicinity of Mt. Ellery, the Goonmirk Range and the Coast Range. Sheltered gullies and slopes within a high altitude, high rainfall (approx. 1300 mm per annum) region Mean = 998 m, Highest - 1200 m, Lowest = 760 m. Closed-forest MEAN FL0RISTIC RICHNESS: 31 species per site MEAN WEED COMPOSITION: 0% of species, 0% of cover N0TES: Cool-temperate closed-forests of the mainland occur only in this region, Strezelecki Ranges, the Central Highlands and the Otway Ranges. The latter three regions support forests dominated by Nothofagus cunninghamii , a species absent from East Gippsland. Atherosperma mcschatum , a tree occurring frequently with n. cunninghamii , is the dominant species of sub-community 7.1 and very large trees of Elaeocarpus holopetalus form the subsidiary canopy element. Ferns particularly Dicksonia antarctica and Biechnum spp. dominate the lower strata and several species (Polgphlebium venosum, Asplenium bulbiferum and Grammitis billardieri) are common epiphytes. Extensive bush fires have not occurred within this region since European settlement and until recently access has been very limited. As a result this sub-community comprises some very old examples of this restricted kind of vegetation. 83 CHARACTER SPECIES % FREQ C/A CHARACTER SPECIES % FREQ C/A CHARACTER SPECIES % FREQ C/A Dicksonia antarctica 94 2 Acacia dealbata 76 1 Pittosporum bicolor 59 1 Histiopteris incisa 94 1 Poa australis spp. agg. 76 1 Olearia phlogopappa 53 1 Polystichum proliferum 94 2 Eucalyptus nitens 65 1 Elaeocarpus holope talus 53 1 Telopea oreades 88 1 Notelaea ligustrina 65 + Olearia argophylla 53 1 Stellaria flaccida 82 1 Clematis aristata 65 + Olearis lirata 53 1 Blechnum wattsii 82 1 Dianella tasmanica 65 1 Pteridium esculentum 53 + Tasmannia lanceolata 76 1 NO. OF SITES: DISTRIBUTION : ENVIRONMENT: ALTITUDE: STRUCTURE: 17 (2.9% of total) Scattered between Bonang and near Buldah, but most aburrdant on the Errinundra Plateau and the Coast Range. Sheltered sites, either south facing slopes or gullies within high-rainfall highlands Mean = 1022 m, Highest = 1160 m, Lowest = 720 m. Tall open-forest MEAN FLORISTIC RICHNESS: 28 species per site MEAN WEED COMPOSITION: 1% of species, 1% of cover NOTES: This sub-community is transitional between the cool-temperate closed-forest of 7.1 and the tall open-forest of 8.2. Leucopogon maccraei and Persoonia silvatica are more abundant in this ecotonal forest than any other of the study area. The largest trees of Eucalyptus nitens and e . fastigata in Victoria occur in this sub-community and are currently being utilised for sawlog production. 84 147 45 00 JCLEHOPHYLL FORES'i . : . . : -COMMUN 1495959 CHARACTER SPECIES % FREQ C/A CHARACTER SPECIES % FREQ C/A CHARACTER SPECIES % FREQ C/A Bed ford ia arborescens 87 1 Clematis aristat.a 70 1 Eucalyptus cypellocarpa 57 1 Eucalyptus obliqua 83 1 Pclystichum proliferum 67 1 Dicksonia antarctica 53 1 Alsophila australis 83 1 Dianella tasmanica 67 1 Blechum wattsii 53 Pteridium esculentum 77 1 Smilax australis 67 1 Tylophora barbata 53 1 Coprosma quadrifida 77 1 Tetrarrhena juncea 67 1 Geranium potentilloides 50 1 Pomaderris aspera 77 1 Stellaria flaccida 63 1 Poa australis spp. agg. 50 Olearia argophylla 77 1 Olearia lirata 60 1 Acacia dealbata 47 1 Viola hederacea 70 + NO. OF SITES: DISTRIBUTION: ENVIRONMENT: ALTITUDE: STRUCTURE: 26 (4.4% of total) Widespread throughout montane areas between Mt. Coopracambra , Mt. Delegate and the Nunniong Plateau. Cool, wet slopes, generally of southerly aspect. Also gullies bounded by drier forest types Mean = 717 m, Highest = 1020 m, Lowest r 540 m. Tall open-forest MEAN FLORISTIC RICHNESS: 36 species per site MEAN WEED COMPOSITION: 0% of species, 0% of cover NOTES: This sub-community is floristically and structurally comparable to montane tall open-1 orests elsewhere in Victoria. However, East Gippsland endemics such as Eucalyptus fastigata, Smilax australis and Tylophora barbata are lacking from the latter. Dicksonia antarctica ubiquitous throughout the more sheltered sub- communities 7.1 and 8.1, is less common in 8.2 than is Alsophila australis (another tree fern). Other ferns, particularly Blechnum spp. are absent and epiphytic species are rare in this sub-community. 85 14745 00 3635 00 £! oCLEROPHYLL FOREST EG COMMUNITY 8 : SUB-COHMUHITY 3 37 55 00 o+, ^ 14745 00 181 > iooo m □ 500-iooom muni 200 - 500 m □ < 200 m 14959 59 + o , „ 36 3500 37%50(f o + , „ 1495959 CHARACTER SPECIES % FREQ C/A CHARACTER SPECIES % FREQ C/A CHARACTER SPECIES % FREQ C/A Clematis aristata 100 + Helichrysum bracteatum 80 . Acaena anserinifolia 60 . Cotula filicula 100 + Leucopogon suaveolens 80 1 Bed ford ia arborescens 60 2 Dianella tasmanica 100 1 Luzula campestris spp. agg. 80 + Cassinia aculeata 60 + Eucalyptus radiata 100 1 Olearia argophylla 80 + Coprosma quadrifida 60 1 Hydrocotyle hirta 100 + Olearia phlogopappa 80 1 Alsophila australis 60 + Stellaria flaccida 100 + Pteridium esculentum 80 1 Dicksonia antarctica 60 1 Viola hederacea 100 1 Acacia mucronata 60 1 Eucalyptus cypellocarpa 60 1 Lagenifera stipitata 80 1 Daviesia ulicifolia 60 1 *Hypochoeris radicata 60 + Poa australis spp. agg. 80 1 Helichrysum scorpioides 60 + Olearia lirata 60 1 Acacia melanoxylon 80 1 Lomandra longi folia 60 1 Polystichum proliferum 60 1 Eucalyptus obliqua 80 1 Poranthera microphylla 60 + Senecio linearifolius 60 1 Geranium potentilloides 80 1 Pultenaea juniperina 60 2 Veronica calycina 60 + Gonocarpus tetragynus 80 1 NO. OF SITES: DISTRIBUTION : ENVIRONMENT: ALTITUDE: STRUCTURE: 4 (0.7% of total) Localised to the north of the Errinundra Plateau between Bonang and Bendock. Broad open gullies usually containing minor watercourses Mean - 955 m, Highest = 1000 m, Lowest = 930 m. Tall open-forest MEAN FLORISTIC RICHNESS: 50 species per site MEAN WEED COMPOSITION: 3% of species, 2% of cover NOTES: This sub-community shares floristic affinities with lower-altitude forests. The absence of many species characteristic of the wetter sub-communities 7-1, 8.1, 8.2 and the presence of such species as Pultenaea juniperina , Acacia mucronata and Daviesia ulicifolia indicate 8.3 is a drier forest. An abundance of the latter species is indicative of vegetation which has been previously burnt. Several other character species of this sub-community are indicative of disturbance. 86 147 45 00 T GCLEROPHYLL FOREST SO COMMUNITY 8 : SUB-COMMUNITY A 149 59 59 CHARACTER SPECIES % FREQ C/A CHARACTER SPECIES % FREQ C/A CHARACTER SPECIES % FREQ C/A Acacia dealbata 100 1 Eucalyptus radiata 80 2 Dicksonia antarctica 60 1 Dianella tasmanica 100 1 Leucopogon suaveolens 80 1 Tasmannia lanceolata 60 3 Eucalyptus viminalis 100 1 Luzula campestris spp. agg. 80 + Drymophila cyanocarpa 60 + Geranium potentilloides 100 + Stellaria flaccida 80 1 Gahnia sieberana 60 1 Poa australis spp. agg. 100 1 Coprosma quadrifida 60 1 Helichrysum scorpioides 60 + Lagenifera stipitata 80 + Gonocarpus tetragynus 60 + Lomandra longifolia 60 + Polyscias sambucifolius 80 1 llelichrysum bracteatum 60 + Persoonia silvatica 60 1 Acacia melanoxylon 80 1 Stellaria purigens 60 + Polystichum proliferun. 60 1 Acaena anserini folia 80 + Blechrium nudum 60 1 Pteridium esculentum 60 1 Clematis arist.ata 80 + Carex appressa 60 1 Viola hederacea 60 + Cotula filicula 80 + NO. OF SITES' DISTRIBUTION ENVIRONMENT: ALTITUDE: : MEAN FLORISTIC RICHNESS: MEAN WEED COMPOSITION: NOTES: 5 (0.8% of total) Confined to the Errinundra Plateau, Bonang area arid slopes near the Snowy and Rodger Rivers. Near permanent, high-altitude waterways which drain forests such, a:; sub-communities 8.1, 8.2 and 8.3 Mean = 92A m, Highest = 960 Lowest - 880 m. Tall open-forest A2 species per site 2% of species, 1% of rover Eucalyptus viminalis , usually a slender tree of riversides, in this sub-community nominates a more Particularly large specimens occur in this vegetation up to 60 in with unusual buttressed bases (to 2.5 m diameter). Leucopogon suaveolens, a common . low shrub of alpine woodlands and heathlands is common in this sub-community as a tall (up to m) erect shrub. 87 14745 00 " TiV SCLEROPHYLL FOREST EG COMMUNITY 9 : SUB-COMMUNITY 1 149 ° 59 ' 59 " CHARACTER SPECIES % FREQ CVA CHARACTER SPECIES % FREQ C/A CHARACTER SPECIES % FREQ C/A Eucalyptus sieberi 100 2 Dianella caerulea 83 Pteridium esculentum 67 1 Veronica calycina 100 + Lomandra longi folia 83 1 Cassinia longifolia 67 1 Dianella tasmanica 83 1 Viola hederacea 83 1 Hypericum gramineurn 67 + Eucalyptus globoidea 83 1 Clematis glycinoides 67 + Lepidosperma laterale 67 1 Poa australis spp. agg. 83 1 Gonocarpus teucrioides 67 1 Oxalis corniculata 67 + Pultenaea juniperina 83 2 Coprosma quadrifida 67 1 Wahlenbergia quadrifida 67 + Acacia dealbata 83 1 NO. OF SITES: 6 (1.4% of total) DISTRIBUTION: ENVIRONMENT. ALTITUDE: STRUCTURE: Upper Snowy and Timbarra River catchments. Ridges on foothills, often rocky, soils siliceous sands or clay Mean : 633 m, Highest = 800 m, Lowest = 540 m. Open- forest to Woodland MEAN FLORISTIC RICHNESS: 33 species per site MEAN WEED COMPOSITION: 2% of species, 1% of cover NOTES: Eucalyptus sieberi and e. globoidea grow with a quite different suite of species in the foothills compared to the lowlands. The shrub layer is mostly made up of opportunistic species such as Pulter.aea juniperina, Cassinia long! folia and Acacia dealbata , whilst the ground layer consists of a sparse cover of herbs. Although Dianella tasmanica is usually associated with wet environments, it grows in this dry environment as a rupestral plant, and in this situation effective rainfall may be relatively high. 88 147 45 00 DRY SCLEHOPHYLL FOREST EG COMMUNITY 9 : SUB-COMMUNITY 149 5959 CHARACTER SPECIES % FREQ C/A CHARACTER SPECIES % FREQ C/A CHARACTER SPECIES % FREQ C/A Cassinia longifolia 100 1 Dichelachne micrantha 88 + Astroloma humifusum 75 1 Gonocarpus tetragynus 100 1 Hibbertia obtusifolia 88 1 Helichrysum scorpioides 63 1 Lomandra longifolia 100 1 Diane 11a tasmanica 75 + Danthonia pallida 63 1 Poa australis spp. agg. 100 1 Epacris impressa 75 1 Hardenbergia violacea 63 + Acrotriche serrulata 88 1 Acacia dealbata 75 1 Hypericum gramineum 63 1 Pultenaea juniperina 88 2 Tetratheca baueri folia 75 1 Indigofera australis 63 1 NO. OF SITES: DISTRIBUTION : ENVIRONMENT: ALTITUDE: STRUCTURE: 8 (1.4% of total) Upper Snowy and Timbarra River catchments. Ridges and slopes of northerly aspect, on well drained heavy soils Mean = 727 m, Highest = 980 m, Lowest - 600 m. Open- forest to Woodland MEAN FLORISTIC RICHNESS: 38 species per site MEAN WEED COMPOSITION: 2% of species, 2% of cover NOTES : Although no eucalypt is characteristic, one or a number of species including Eucalyptus cypellocarpa, E. dives, E. globulus, E . globoidea, E. sieberi and E. macrorhyncha are present. E. globulus, a species often associated with mesic environments, occurs in quite xeric situations on ridges leading down to the Snowy River. Cassinia longifolia and leguminous species ( Indigofera australis, Pultenaea juniperina and Acacia dealbata) provide a sparse shrub layer over a ground layer of herbs and semi-shrubs common on ary slopes. The three characteristic species of Epacridaceae provide a nectar resourse- Epacris impressa, flowering through winter and spring is bird pollinated, whilst Astrclowa humifusum (autumn-winter) and Acrotriche serrulata (spring) are pollinated by insects. 89 CHARACTER SPECIES % FREQ C/A CHARACTER SPECIES % FREQ C/A CHARACTER SPECIE S % FREQ C/A Lomandra longi folia 94 1 Danthonia pallida 76 1 Dichelachne micrantha 65 + Poa australis spp. agg. 94 1 Dianella revoluta 76 1 Epacris impressa 65 1 Dianella caerulea 88 1 Astroloma humifusum 71 1 Oxalis corniculata 59 + Leucopogon lanceolatus 88 1 Acrotriche serrulata 71 1 Hydrocotyle hirta 53 + Hypericum gramineum 88 + Acacia mucrcnata 65 1 Microlaena stipoides 53 + Pteridium esculentum 82 1 Gonocarpus tetragynus 65 1 Eucalyptus cypel locarpa 53 1 Eucalyptus globoidea 76 2 Hibbertia obtusifolia 65 1 Exocarpos strictus 53 + Helichrysum scorpioides 76 + Lepidosperma lateral e 65 1 Persoonia linearis 53 1 NO. OF SITES: 17 (2.9% of total) DISTRIBUTION: Scattered through foothills of entire study area. ENVIRONMENT: ALTITUDE: STRUCTURE: Clays on slopes and ridges Mean r 373 m, Highest = 640 m, Lowest = 170 m. Open-forest to Woodland MEAN FL0P.I3TIC RICHNESS: 46 species per site MEAN WEED COMPOSITION: 1% of species, 1% of cover NOTES: In contrast to other sub-communities of this community, a few shrubs other that! the opportunistic species are significant. These include Leucopogor lanceolatus , Persoonia linearis and Exocarpos strictus. The ground layer consists of semi-shrubs and herbs common on dry slopes. 90 14745 * 00 " DRY SCLEROPHYLL FOREST EG COMMUNITY 9 : SUB-COMMUNITY 4 149 ° 59 ' 59 " CHARACTER SPECIES % FREQ C/A CHARACTER SPECIES % FREQ C/A CHARACTER SPECIES % FREQ C/A Eucalyptus globoidea 100 1 Gonocarpus teucrioides 78 1 Epacris impressa 56 + Poa australis spp. agg. 100 1 Lomandra longifolia 78 1 Lepidosperma laterale 56 + Viola hederacea 89 + Pteridium esculentum 78 1 Clematis aristata 56 + Cassinia longifolia 89 1 Eucalyptus cypellocarpa 67 1 Eucalyptus sieberi 56 1 Dianella caerulea 89 + Persoonia linearis 67 1 Tetrarrhena juncea 56 2 NO. OF SITES: DISTRIBUTION : ENVIRONMENT: ALTITUDE: STRUCTURE: 9 (1.5% of total) Buchan, Buldah and Nungatta districts. Siliceous sands on ridges and slopes of foothills Mean = 351 m, Highest = 600 m, Lowest = 180 m. Open- forest to Woodland MEAN FLORISTIC RICHNESS: 40 species per site MEAN WEED COMPOSITION: 1% of species, 1% of cover NOTES: The characteristic species of this sub-community are widespread through eastern Victoria. An absence of dry slope semi-shrubs makes this sub-community structurally unusual amongst the foothill vegetation types. Although Clematis aristata , a characteristic species of this dry environment is usually a climber of wet environments, it's wind-borne, plumose seeds disperse it widely. The seedlings usually don't persist for more than a few years on dry slopes. 91 147 45 00 B0X-IH0NBAHK WOODLAND EG COFMUNITY 10 : JUB-C - 14959 59 CHARACTER SPECIES % FREQ C/A CHARACTER SPECIES % FREQ C/A CHARACTER SPECIES % FREQ C/A Cassinia longifolia 100 1 Eucalyptus sideroxylon 70 1 Wahlenbergia quadrifida 60 Poa australis spp. agg. 100 1 Eucalyptus globoidea 70 1 60 1 Acacia falciformis 90 1 Oxalis corniculata 70 + 60 1 Exocarpos cupressiformis 90 1 Lomandra longifolia 70 + Microlaena stipoides 60 1 Lepidosperma laterale 90 + Billardiera scandens 60 + Notelaea venosa 60 1 Eucalyptus polyanthemos 80 1 Hibbertia obtusifolia 60 + NO. OF SITES: 10 (1.7% of total) DISTRIBUTION: ENVIRONMENT: ALTITUDE: STRUCTURE: Scattered in the Snowy and Timbarra River catchments. Skeletal soils on dry, often north facing ridges and slopes. Mean = 239 m, Highest = 400 m, Lowest _ 100 m. Woodland MEAN FLORISTIC RICHNESS: 48 species per site MEAN WEED COMPOSITION: 1% of species, 0% of cover Other than the small trees Acacia falciformis and Notelaea venosa , the character species of this sub- community are widespread through Victorian foothills. Eucalyptus polyanthemos and E. sideroxylon are common on dry slopes in Central Victoria but are only occasional in East Gippsland. The ground layer consists of shrubs and herbs common on dry slopes. A surprising character species is Notelaea venosa which shows optimal development in Victoria in warm temperate rainforest. 92 147 45 00 3635'od : . - : . : . in > iooo m 5oo-iooom m 200 - 500 m □ < 200 m 375500 G + 14745 00 149 59 59 "P 0 1 •! 36 3500 =1 37 % 500 " 15 10 5 0 15 + 149 ° 5959 " CHARACTER SPECIES % FREQ C/A CHARACTER SPECIES % FREQ C/A CHARACTER SPECIES % FREQ C/A Platysace lanceolata 91 1 Brachyloma daphnoides 64 1 Cassinia longifolia 55 + 73 1 Olearia iodoc.hroa 64 1 Eucalyptus macrorhyncha 55 Eriostemon trachyphyllus 73 1 Tieghemopanax multifidus 64 + Eucalyptus sieberi 55 2 Exocarpus cupressiformis 73 1 Acacia silvestris 55 1 Persconia confertiflora 55 1 Helichrysum obcoroatum 73 1 Eucalyptus smithii 55 1 Danthonia pallida 55 Danthonia longi folia 64 1 NO. OF SITES: DISTRIBUTION: riTU : STRUCTURE : 11 (1.9% of total) Confined to upper Snowy River district. Rocky escarpments and exposed slopes with skeletal soils Mean ^ 740 m, Highest = 900 m, Lowest r 600 m. Tall shrubland to Closed-scrub MEAN FLORISTIC RICHNESS: 32 species per site MEAN WEED COMPOSITION: 0% of species, 0% of cover • OTES : Thickets without euc.alypts may be characterised by Eriostemcn trachyphyllus (locally "blackthorn scrub") or Acacia xilvestris. In areas where this cover is unbroken, the number of species at a site may be as low as 8. Where eucalvpts are present mallee, or low-branching, spindly forms of Eucalyptus saxitilis, E. smithii, E. vimiralis and E. glaucescens predominate. E. smithii in this sub-commuriity is generally that referred to by Kirkpatrick (1977) as E. aff. smithii. Cover may vary from very low values for all strata to being complete in the shrub layer. . ■; his sub-community is often found on rock crags with spectacular views. Significant species include Ila 1 oragodendron baucrlenii, Phebalium lamprophyllum , Acrotriche divaricata, Boronia ledifolia , Dampicra purpurea, Oahnia micrcstachya and Goodcnia heterophylla and are almost restricted to this community. It's inhospitable environment and lack of commercial value has precluded exploitation. 93 CHARACTER SPECIES % FREQ C/A Coprosma quadrifida 100 1 Eugenia smithii 100 2 Blechnum cartilagineum 91 1 Eustrephus latifolius 91 1 Smilax australis 91 1 Alsophila australis 87 2 Marsdenia rostrata 87 1 Pomaderris aspera 87 1 cissus hypoglauca 83 1 Fieldia australis 83 1 Viola hederacea 83 Dicksonia antarctica 83 1 Pandorea pandorana 83 1 Lastreopsis acuminata 78 1 NO. OF SITES: 23 (3.9% of total) CHARACTER SPECIES Tetrarrhena juncea Notelaea venosa Bedfordia arborescens Olearia argophylla Blechnum nudum Geranium potentilloides Elaeocarpus reticulatus Blechnum patersonii Gahnia melanocarpa Tylophora barbata Acacia melanoxylon Clematis glycinoides Polystichum proliferum Rubus hillii % FREQ C/A CHARACTER SPECIES % FREQ C/ 78 1 Eucalyptus cypellocarpa 61 1 74 + Clematis aristata 61 1 74 1 Rubus rosifolius 61 74 1 Scirpus inundatus 61 1 74 1 Sigesbeckia orientalis 57 + 70 + Microsorium scandens 57 1 70 1 Morinda jasminoides 57 1 70 1 Parsonsia brown ii 57 1 70 + Polyphlebium venosum 57 1 65 1 Prostanthera lasianthos 57 1 65 1 Blechnum wattsii. 52 1 65 1 Culcita dubia 52 1 65 1 Eucalyptus obliqua 52 1 61 + Tristania laurina 52 1 DISTRIBUTION: ENVIRONMENT: ALTITUDE: STRUCTURE: Of restricted distribution west of the Snowy River but more common in the lowlands east to the Howe Range. Sheltered gullies and alluvial flats associated with most river systems and their tributaries Rich humic soils and rocky outcrops are common features Mean = 234 m, Highest = 480 m, Lowest = 40 m. Closed-forest MEAN FLORISTIC RICHNESS: 58 species per site MEAN WEED COMPOSITION: 2% of species, 1% of cover N0TE: r dminated by eucai ^ ts - — hgpoglaupa, Morsdenia ro strata, Smilax austtaUs f FeS are S tangled with lian « (e. £ . cissus arborescent forms (any of Victoria's 5 tree ferns) around beoeath the car ‘°Py including Lustreopsis acuminatum ) and epiphytes (Microsorium\r*nri 0 ~ e! ^ ns J Blechnum wattsi ^ f cartilagineum. These forests are near the southern limit of a veaetatinn tv " lversifollu,,, > Polyphlcbium vcnosum) . A feature of the tropical rainforests however is a hi hi srecies'S'hT" > extenslve within tropical regions, morcyhan 100 species per acre (Specht. W 0) (e.f. rare^S IZVjr 94 147 ° 45 ' 00 ” : 1 PARIAN FOREST EG COMMUNITY 13 : SUB-COMMUNITY 1 149 ° 59 ' 59 ” CHARACTER SPECIES % FREQ C/A CHARACTER SPECIES % FREQ C/A CHARACTER SPECIES FRFO C/A Tetrarrhena juncea 86 1 Smilax australis 68 1 Poa australis spp. agg. 57 1 Pteridium esculentum 82 1 Elaeocarpus reticulatus 64 1 Pomaderris aspera 54 1 Clematis aristata 75 1 Goodenia ovata 64 1 Leucopogon lanceolatus 54 1 Eustrephus latifolius 71 + Coprosma quadrifida 61 1 Eucalyptus obliaua 50 2 Tylophora barbata 71 1 Blechnurn cartilagineum 61 1 Culcita dubia 46 Eucalyptus cypellocarpa 71 1 Alsophila australis 61 1 Dianella caerulea 46 1 Viola hederacea 71 + Gonocarpus teucrioides 57 1 Eucalyptus muelleriana 46 1 NO. OF SITES: 26 (4.4% of total ) DISTRIBUTION: Rare west of the Snowy River but frequent in the lowlands and foothills east to the Howe Range. ENVIRONMENT: Wet, south-facing slopes and gullies of lowland and foothills ALTITUDE: Mean = 298 m, Highest = 480 m. Lowest 40 m. STRUCTURE: Open-forest MEAN FL0RI5TIC RICHNESS: 48 species per site MEAN WEED COMPOSITION: 0% of species, 0% of cover NOTES: This sub-community has strong floristic. affinities with 12.1 and the lowland wet-sclerophyll forests (13.2). In certain this represents a true ecotOne between two vegetation types, but in areas which are occasionally burnt (particularly the lowlands), a "temporal ecotone" may exist in which the vegetation is in a successions! state from sclerophyll-forest to Eugenia smithii closed- forest. 95 14745 00 RIPARIAN FOREST EG COMMUNITY 13 : SUB-COf-MJlJITY 2 3635 Oof 149 5959" + „ f 36 3500 > iooo m 500 -looo m 200- 500m □ < 200m 37%5’OOT CHARACTER SPECIES % FREQ Pomaderris aspera 85 Coprosma quadrifida 79 Lomandra longifolia 79 Pteridium esculenturr. 79 Blechnum nudum 79 Viola hederacea 76 Oxalis corniculata 76 Stellaria flaccida 76 Microlaena stipoides 76 Scirpus inundatus 76 Acacia melanoxylon 76 Adiantum aethiopicum 74 Poa australis spp. agg. 71 Acaena anserinifolia 71 *Hypochoeris radicata 71 Prostanthera lasianthos 68 C/A CHARACTER SPECIES 1 Geranium potentilloides 1 Clematis aristata 1 Gratiola peruviana 1 Gnaphalium japonicum 1 Carex appressa + Hydrocotyle hirta + Tetrarrhena juncea 1 Leptospermum phylicoides 1 Pimelea axiflora 1 Dianella tasmanica 1 Cassinia aculeata 1 Bursaria spinosa 1 Eucalyptus cypelloc.arpa + Culcit.a dubia + Alsophila australis 1 #Rubus fruticosus spp. agg. , FREQ C/A CHARACTER SPECIES 68 + Juncus plantifolius 68 + Acacia dealbata 68 1 Prunella vulgaris 68 + Cassinia longi folia 65 1 Tristariia laurina 62 + Gooden ia ovata 62 1 Senecio 1 inearifol ius 62 1 Dicksonia antarctica 59 1 *Cirsium vulgare 56 1 Blechnurn minus 56 + Lepidosperma laterale 56 1 Eucalyptus viminalis 53 1 Goodia lotifolia 53 1 Lomatia myricoides 53 1 Olearia lirata 53 1 NO. OF SITES: 33 (5.6% of total) % FREQ C/A 53 + 50 1 50 1 50 1 50 1 47 1 47 1 44 1 44 + 44 1 44 1 44 1 44 + 44 1 44 + DISTRIBUTION: ENVIRONMENT: ALTITUDE: STRUCTURE: Common throughout regions more than 20 km inland but not in the alps, subalps or the rainshadow area of the upper Snowy River. Gently falling, mid-altitude waterways. Alluvial soils and granitic sands interspersed with boulders generally comprise the substrate Mean = 292 m, Highest = 700 m, Lowest _ 80 m. Open-forest MEAN FLORISTIC RICHNESS: 67 species per site MEAN WEED COMPOSITION: 7% of species, 6% of cover N0TES: Hi S h floristic richness is a feature of riparian vegetation and this sub-community has the highest mean number of species per site of any encountered in the study. Soil nutrients are concentrated in river valleys and water availability is rarely a limiting factor to plants of this environment. Seeds of plants, including weeds, are also concentrated near rivers, and moderately high numbers of weeds are not necessarily indicative of disturbance near the sampled site. 13.2 is an example of this process. 96 147 45 * 00 * R I PA HI AN FOREST EG COMMUNITY 13 : SUB-COM 149 ° 59 ’ 59 " CHARACTER SPECIES % FREQ C/A CHARACTER SPECIES % FREQ C/A CHARACTER SPECIES % FREQ C/A Lomandra longifolia 100 1 Poa australis spp. agg. 67 1 *Holcus lanatus 60 + *Hypochoeris radicata 93 1 Prunella vulgaris 67 1 Hypericum japonicum 60 + *Rubus fruticosus spp. agg. 73 1 Acaena anserinifolia 67 1 Pomaderris aspera 53 1 Acacia melanoxylon 73 1 Carex appressa 67 1 Epilobium cinereum 53 1 *Centaurium pulchellum 73 1 Agrostis avenacea 67 + *Rosa rubiginosa 53 1 Geranium potentilloides 73 + Leptospermum phylicoides 67 1 *Trifolium repens 53 1 Gratiola peruviana 73 1 Lomatia myricoides 60 1 Cyperus lucidus 53 1 Acacia dealbata 67 1 Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides 60 1 Polygonum hydropiper 53 + Carex gaudichaundiana 67 1 Rumex brown ii 60 1 Juncus spp. 53 1 Gnaphalium japonicum 67 1 NO. OF SITES: DISTRIBUTION: ENVIRONMENT: ALTITUDE: STRUCTURE: MEAN FLORISTIC RICHNESS MEAN WEED COMPOSITION: 14 (2.6% of total) Along the banks of the upper-Snowy and Buchan Rivers with one site Wangarabell. Banks of rivers flowing through dry, open-forest areas. Seasonal in some areas. Granite or sandstone boulders are common features Mean = 329 m, Highest = 760 m, Lowest = 160 m. Woodland 60 species per site 13% of species, 13% of cover beside the Genoa River near flooding forms banks of alluvial sands of these shores NOTES: A riparian vegetation-type of drier, more open areas than 13.2. Many areas in the vicinity of this sub- community have been converted to agricultural land and this influence is responsible for the high weed numbers of 13.3. 97 RAIN-SHADOW WOODLAND EG COMMUNITY 1A : SUB-COIMUNITY 1 1495959 CHARACTER SPECIES % FREQ C/A CHARACTER SPECIES % FREQ C/A CHARACTER SPECIES % FREQ C/A Acacia boormanii 100 1 Lissanthe strigosa 75 1 *Conyza bonariensis 75 1 *Hypochoeris radicata 100 + Acacia dealbata 75 1 Eucalyptus blakelyi 75 1 Leptospermum phylicoides 100 2 Arthropodium milleflorum 75 + Gnaphalium luteoalbuin 75 + #Verbascum thapsus 100 + Calytrix tetragona 75 1 *Hirschfeldia incana 75 + Acacia mearnsii 75 1 Cheilanthes tenuifolia 75 1 *Petrorhagia velutina 75 + Dodonaea viscosa 75 1 NO. OF SITES: DISTRIBUTION : ENVIRONMENT: ALTITUDE: STRUCTURE: A (0.7% of total) Restricted to the upper Snowy River, but common from the border downstream to near New Guinea. Coarse alluvial sands beside the river. Sites sampled are within the north-eastern rainshadow area (mean annual rainfall less than 800 mm). Flooding of the river is a common occurrence Mean = 170 m, Highest = 210 m, Lowest = 100 m. Woodland MEAN FL0RISTIC RICHNESS: 5A species per site MEAN WEED COMPOSITION: 32% of species, 27% of cover NOTES: Short-lived species, particularly weeds ( Verbascum tbapsus, Petrorhagia velutina, Hirschfeldia incana ) , capable of completing their life-cycle between flood periods, are common in this sub-community. Other woody species ( Leptospermum phylicoides , Calytrix tetragona. Eucalyptus blakelyi) are often contorted by successive flooding of the river. Above the flood-prone section of the bank species characteristic of the surrounding woodlands are common. 98 CHARACTER SPECIES % FREQ C/A CHARACTER SPECIES % FREQ C/A CHARACTER SPECIES % FREQ C/A Agropyron scabrum 100 1 Aristida ramosa 75 1 Hardenbergia violacea 75 Cheilanthes tenuifolia 100 1 Cheilanthes distans 75 + Lissanthe strigosa 75 Eucalyptus albens 100 1 Danthonia racemosa 75 1 i-ielichrus urceolatus 75 1 Poa australis spp. agg. 100 1 Dichanthium sericeum 75 + Oxalis corniculata 75 Clematis microphylla 75 1 Dichelachne crinita 75 + Stellaria pungens 75 1 Cymbopogon refractus 75 1 Dichondra repens 75 + Themeda australis 75 Lomandra longifolia 75 + Dodonaea angustissima 75 + Vittadinia triloba 75 1 Acacia itnplexa 75 1 Enneapogon nigricans 75 1 NO. OK oITEO : ? (0.7% of total) DIDTRIBUTION : Areas surrounding the upper Snowy Hiver ana it's tributaries; particularly near Willis, Suggan Duggan ENVIRONMENT: ALTITUDE: STRUCTURE: Dry, often steep slopes (mean annual rainfall less than 700 mn) of gravelly soils with frequent granite outcrops y Mean = ‘->90 ni, Highest - 800 rn, Lowest r 320 m. Grassy low-woodland MEAN FLORIST I C RICHNESS; 4A species per site MEAN WEED COMPOSITION: y% of species, 7% of cover A unique vegetation type in eastern Victoria which includes grasses common in the Central and Northern , lain V. '■ Arist f d ‘ i ramosa, Dichanthium scriccum, Enneapogon nigricans) but which are not frequent in ippsland. opecies other than grasses possess physical and physiological adaptations to the dry, nutrient-poor environment such as small sclerophyllous foliage (e.g. the heaths Nelichrus urceoJatus, issanthe strigosa ) and an ability to rapidly respond to sporadic rains (e.g. CheiJanthos tcnuitolia a resurrection fern). The extent and floristic integrity of this sub-community has been severely reduced as a result of grazing. 99 1495959 CHARACTER SPECIES % FREQ C/A CHARACTER SPECIES % FREQ C/A CHARACTER SPECIES Clematis microphylla Eucalyptus albens Lissanthe strigosa Poa australis spp. agg. *Centaurium pulchellum 100 93 93 87 73 1 2 1 1 1 Agropyron scabrum Cymbonotus preissianus Astroloma humifusum Dichondra repens Senecio quadridentatus 73 67 67 60 60 1 + 1 1 1 Cheilanthes tenuifolia Brachychiton populneus Hydrocotyle hirta Callitris columellaris Geranium potentilloides 60 60 53 53 53 1 + + 1 1 15 (3.9% of total.i and a Tubbut? Un ' Iiin ^ Upper ^ nowy ^ iver and it's tributaries, particularly near Willis, Su Dry, gravelly sites within a range 500 it, laterally ana 150 ra vertically Iron, the river Mean = 403 in, Highest - 600 m. Lowest - 120 in. Woodland SITES: DISTRIBUTION: ENVIRONMENT: ALTITUDE: STRUCTURE: MEAN FLORISTIC RICHNESS: MEAN WEED COMPOSITION: 35 species per site 12% of species, 11% of cover NOTES: li P 3 pes have dlverted agricultural interest from these botanically iuterestinr colonel Isris woodlands. Historic exploitation of the Callitrls trees his I® ; ndavIduals - Regeneration of these conifers is at risk due to erasing by dense rabbit populations winch also remove most ol the softer ground-layer species. Grounu cover is scant annuals I-aencLio quadridentatus ) and short-lived weeds ( Centaur ium pulchellum) comprise most of thi<= stratum Li.santhe stngosa is ubiquitous and frequently the or.. neath the op< r 100 14745 00 L :.i V 1. : - v I 149 ° 59 ’ 59 " CHARACTER SPECIES % FREQ C/A CHARACTER SPECIES % FREQ C/A CHARACTER SPECIES % FREQ C/A Banksia serrata 93 1 Xanthosia pilosa 83 1 Patersonia glabrata 60 1 Epacris impressa 90 1 Leptospermum juniperinum 83 1 Anisopogon avenaceus 60 1 Amperea xiphoclada 87 1 Dillwynia glaberrima 80 1 Leucopogon collinus 57 1 Dampiera stricta 87 1 Lomandra longifolia 77 1 Tetratheca pilosa 57 1 Aotus ericoides 87 1 Acacia terminal is 77 1 Monotoca scoparia 53 + Pteridiurn esculentum 87 1 Correa reflexa 73 1 Leptospermum attenuatum 53 1 Cassytha glabella 87 1 Lepidosperma concavum 70 1 Platylobium formosum 50 1 Ricinocarpos pinifolius 83 1 Acacia suaveolens 63 1 Burchardia umbellata 47 + Gonocarpus teucrioides 83 1 Pimelea linifolia 63 1 Selaginella uliqinosa 47 1 NO. OF SITES: DISTRIBUTION: . IT: ALTITUDE: STRUCTURE: MEAN FLORISTIC RICHNESS: MEAN WEED COMPOSITION: 30 (5.1% of total) Coastal lowlands from the Snowy River east to the Victoria-N.S.W. border. Inland from full oceanic influence, on siliceous sands Mean = 61 m, Highest _ 180 m, Lowest - 0 m. Woodland 42 species per site 0% of species, 0% of cover 3: Although no single species of eucalypt occurs in more than 30% of these sites, one or more species are usually present (e.g. Eucalyptus globoidea , E. gummil'era , E. sicberi, E. considcniana , E. muelleriana or botryoides ) . E. gummifcra has it's most southerly occurrence in far East Gippsland, and is Victoria's only member of the bloodwood group. A diverse shrub layer of small-leafed, sclerophyllous species is present (e.g .Epacris improssa, Leptospermum jurtiperinium ) above a ground layer of monocotyledons (e.g. Lepidosperma concavuni , Ariisopogon avcnaceus) and semi-shrubs (e .^.Dampiera stricta, Amperea xiphoclada) . Areas of restricted drainage are indicated by the presence of selaginella uliqinosa and Melaleuca sguarrosa in some quadrats. This woodland has little presently merchantable timber.' 101 14745 00 363500 LI ... . MMUMITY 16 : SUB-COM-il 149 59 59" 4- „ , 36 3500 > iooom ! 1 500-iooom 200- 500m CZD < 200m 37%500" CHARACTER SPECIES % FREQ C/A CHARACTER SPECIES % FREQ C/A CHARACTER SPECIES % FREQ C/A Acacia terminalis 100 1 Eucalyptus globoidea 86 1 Poa australis spp. agg. 64 1 Pteridium esculentum 100 1 Lomandra longi folia 86 1 Hibbertia empetri folia 64 1 Tetratheca pilosa 100 1 Xanthosia pilosa 86 1 Leptospermum juniperinum 64 1 Epacris impressa 93 1 Tetrarrhena juncea 79 1 Patersonia glabra ta 64 1 Platylobium formosum 93 1 Anisopogon avenaceus 79 1 Platysace lanceolat.a 64 1 Amperea xiphoclada 93 1 Dillwynia glaberrima 79 1 Ricinocarpos pinifolius 64 1 Aotus ericoides 93 1 Persoonia linearis 79 1 Billardiera scandens 57 + Banksia serrata 93 1 Pimelea linifolia 79 1 Lomatia ilicifolia 57 1 Dampiera stricta 93 1 Cassytha glabella 71 + Scaevola ramosissima 57 + Dianella caerulea 93 1 Eucalyptus sieberi 71 2 Eucalyptus cons ideni ana 57 1 Gonocarpus teucrioides 93 1 Lepidosperma laterale 71 1 Leptospermum attenuatum 57 1 NO. OF SUES: DISTRIBUTION: ENVIRONMENT: ALTITUDE: STRUCTURE: 14 (2.4% of total) Coastal lowlands and foothills from the Snowy River east to the Victoria-N.S.W. border. Siliceous sands Mean = 91 m, Highest - 200 m, Lowest : 40 m. Open-forest MEAN FLORISTIC RICHNESS: 46 species per site MEAN WEED COMPOSITION: 0% of species, 0% of cover NOTES: Sub-community 16.1 is floristical ly intermediate between sub-communities 15.1 and 16.2. The sub- community is grouped with Lowland Sclerophyllous Forest because of it's structural affinities with that community (i.e. a high cover and consistent occurrence of eucalypts). 102 SCLEROPHYLL FOREST EG COMMUNITY 16 : SUB-COMMUNITY 1495959 + o , „ 36 3500 > iooom soo-iooom 200- 500m □ < 200m 375500 o+ 14745 00 15 10 5 0 15 37^50 O" „ + , „ CHARACTER SPECIES % FREQ C/A CHARACTER SPECIES % FREQ C/A CHARACTER SPECIES % FREQ C/A Epacris impressa 93 1 Lepidosperma laterale 81 1 Patersonia glabrata 59 1 Gonocarpus teucrioides 93 1 Tetratheca pilosa 78 1 Lomandra longifolia 59 Persoonia linearis 93 1 Banks ia serrata 74 1 Anisopogon avenaceus 56 + Platylobium formosum 93 1 Poa australis spp. agg. 70 1 Cassytha phaeolasia 56 1 Amperea xiphoclada 89 + Acacia terminal is 67 1 Pimelea humilis 56 + Dianella caerulea 89 1 Eucalyptus globoidea 67 1 Banks ia spinulosa 56 Lomatia ilici folia 89 1 Acacia my rti folia 67 1 Leptospermum juniperinum 52 + Eucalyptus sieberi 85 2 Lindsaya linearis 63 + Danthonia pallida 52 1 Pteridium esculentum 85 1 Hakea sericea 63 1 Correa reflexa 48 + Dampiera stricta 85 1 Scaevola ramosissima 63 1 Lycopodium deuterodensum 48 1 85 1 Billardiera scandens 63 + Eucalyptus consideniana 48 1 Caustis flexuosa 81 1 Burchardia umbel lata 63 + Xanthosia tridentata 48 + Hibbertia empetrifolia 81 1 NO. OF SITES: DISTRIBUTION: ENVIRONMENT: ALTITUDE: STRUCTURE: 27 (A. 6% of total) Coastal lowlands and foothills of Mallacoota and Cann River districts, also an isolated occurrence near Tostaree Siliceous sands Mean = 137 m, Highest = 320 in, Lowest : 60 m. Open-forest MEAN FLORISTIC RICHNESS: 50 species per site MEAN WEED COMPOSITION: 0% of species, 0% of cover NOTES: The understory of this sub-community forms an open scrub above a shrub layer typical of Lowlana Sclerophyllous Forest. The scrub is mostly comprised of members of the Proteaceae. These are significant for nectiferous animals, supplying nectar through much of the year. Banks ia spinulosa is winter flowering, Hakea sericea flowers in spring, whilst B. serrata and Persoonia linearis i lower in summer. Monocotyledons and semi-shrubs, including showy-flowering species such as Dampiera stricta and Scaevol a ramosissima make up the ground layer. Of the four species of grass, the scrambling wire grass, Tetrarrhena juncea , and the broad-leafed oat spear grasses Danthonia pallida and Poa australis spp.'agg. may be confused with each other. Lycopodium deuterodensum may grow to 1 m and has the appearance of a small pine tree. It is a member of the primitive Lycopodiinae, a group with few extant species. The opportunistic species, Platylobium formosum, Pteridium esculentum and T. juncea examined in conjunction have significant cover values, and disturbance probably by fire is implied. 103 CHARACTER SPECIES % FREQ C/A CHARACTER SPECIES Dianella caerulea Gonocarpus teucrioides Dampiera stricta Tetratheca pilosa Epacris impressa Lepidosperma laterale Persoonia linearis Pteridium esculentum Deyeuxia quadriseta Eucalyptus sieberi Burchardia umbellata Tetrarrhena juncea 9 4 1 Billardiera scandens 94 1 Poa australis spp. agg 88 1 Patersonia glabrata 88 1 Entolasia marginata 88 1 Lomandra longi folia 88 1 Hibbertia empetri folia 88 1 Viola hederacea 88 1 Gahnia sieberana 82 + Xanthorrhoea minor 82 1 Acacia myrtifolia 76 + Platylobium formosum 76 1 Lomatia ilicifolia NO. OF SITES: 16 (2.9% of total) % FREQ C/A CHARACTER SPECIES 76 1 Scaevola ramosissima 76 1 Goodenia ovata 71 1 Hypericum gramineum 71 1 Leptospermum juniperinum 71 1 Lomandra filiformis 71 1 Acrotricne serrulata 71 1 Lindsaya linearis 65 1 Pimelea humilis 65 1 Eucalyptus muelleriana 65 1 *Hypochoeris radicata 65 1 Eucalyptus globoidea 65 + % FREQ C/A 65 + 65 + 65 + 65 1 59 1 59 + 59 1 59 + 59 1 53 + 53 1 DISTRIBUTION: ENVIRONMENT: ALTITUDE : STRUCTURE: Coastal lowlands, in Mario and Mallacoota districts. Siliceous sands and clay-loains Mean = 84 m, Highest = 200 m, Lowest = 0 m. Open-forest MEAN FLOPISTIC RICHNESS: MEAN WEED COMPOSITION: 57 species per site 1% of species, 1% of cover NOTES: similar appearance. tangled with Entolasia marginata, a species of quite G 104 14745 00 363500 LOWLAND 3CL.ER0PHYLL FOREST EG COMMUNITY 16 : SUB-COMMUNITY 4 DU > iooo m 5oo-iooom [MU 200- 5oom □ < 200 m 1495959 + o , 36 3500 37 ^ 500 " CHARACTER SPECIES % FREQ C/A CHARACTER SPECIES % FREQ C/A CHARACTER SPECIES % FREQ C/A Epacris impressa 100 1 Poa australis spp. agg. 76 1 Helichrysum scorpioides 59 + Gonocarpus teucrioides 9A 1 Tetratheca pilosa 76 1 Billardiera scandens 53 + Dianella caerulea 88 1 Dampiera stricta 71 1 Cassytha phaeolasia 53 1 Lepidosperma laterale 88 + Acacia terminalis 71 1 Platysace lanceolata 53 + Lomandra longi folia 82 + Persoonia linearis 71 1 Leucopogon lanceolatus 53 + Pteridium esculentum 82 1 Tetrarrhena juncea 71 1 Patersonia glabrata 53 Eucalyptus globoidea 82 1 Viola hederacea 65 + Platylobium formosum 53 1 Hibbertia empetrifolia 76 + Amperea xiphoclada 59 + Scaevola ramosissima 53 + Eucalyptus sieberi 76 1 NO. OF SITES: DISTRIBUTION: ENVIRONMENT: ALTITUDE: STRUCTURE: 17 (2.9% of total) Coastal lowland and foothills, from the Snowy River east to the Victoria-N.S.W. border. Siliceous sands Mean = 140 m, Highest = 280 m. Lowest = 0 m. Open-forest MEAN FLORISTIC RICHNESS: 50 species per site MEAN WEED COMPOSITION: 0% of species, 0% of cover NOTES: As in all other sub-communities of community 16, Eucalyptus sieberi and E. globoidea are the major tree species. A floristically rich shrub layer (e.g. Epacris impressa , Acacia botryocephala ) is developed over a range of semi-shrubs (e.g .Tetratheca pilosa, Hibbertia empetri folia) and monocotyledons (e.g. Dianella caerulea , Lepidosperma laterale ) . Cassytha phaeolasia , a leafless parasitic twiner confined in Victoria to East Gippsland grows in tangles over host species. 105 14745 00 LOWLALD SCLEHOPHYLL FOREST EG (XH'IUKITY lb : SUB-COMMUNITY •• 149°59’59" CHARACTER SPECIES % FREQ C/A CHARACTER SPECIES % FREQ C/A CHARACTER SPECIES % FREQ C/A Tetrarrhena juncea 94 2 Gonocarpus teucrioides 94 1 Pteridium esculentum 90 1 Dianella caerulea 90 1 Viola hederacea 87 + Billardiera scandens 81 + Goodenia ovata 81 1 Cassytha phaeolasia 77 1 Eucalyptus sieberi 77 2 Hierochloe rari flora 77 1 Tetratheca pilosa 77 1 Eucalyptus globoidea 77 1 Epacris impressa 74 1 Persoonia linearis 74 1 Hibbertia empetrifolia 71 1 Leucopogon lanceolatus 71 1 Acacia mucronata 68 1 Lepidosperma laterale 68 1 Poa australis spp. agg. 61 1 Gahnia sieberana 61 1 Correa reflexa 58 1 Platylobium formosum 58 1 Amperea xiphoclada 55 + Blechnum cart.ilagineum 55 1 Alsophila australis 55 + Lomatia ilicifolia 55 1 Lomandra longi folia 52 1 Eucalyptus obliqua 52 1 Cassinia longi folia 48 + Tylophora barbata 48 1 Daviesia ulicifolia 48 1 Culcita dubia 45 1 Pul£enaea daphnoides 45 1 NO. OF SITES: DISTRIBUTION: ENVIRONMENT: ALTITUDE: 31 (5.3% of total) Coastal lowland and foothills, from the Snowy River east to the Victoria-N .S.W. border. Siliceous sands and sandy - loams , often in minor gullies Mean = 207 m, Highest = 440 m, Lowest = 40 m. STRUCTURE: Open-forest to Tall open-forest MEAN FLORISTIC RICHNESS: 48 species per site MEAN WEED COMPOSITION: 1% of species, 0% of cover NOTES: The occurrence of Eucalyptus Obliqua in this cub-community, along with the ferns Culcita dubia, Alsophila tZli i 1 / tartulagineum, suggest a relationship with the higher altitude forests such as PteridfuJ e 3 '1 a '’ 6 3hrUb l3yer " aS 3 sl ff> iflcant complement of opportunistic species (e.g. Pteridium esculentum, Coodenia ot rata. Acacia mucronata, Platylobium formosum, Cahnia sieberana, Cassinia ODerafinn- “tt®" f CCUr Wlth hlg " cover value = su Sg estin S disturbance as a result or Tire or forestry r°h' s T attractive, coumann-scented grass, uierochloe tariflora and the robust, tangled wire- grass Tetrarrhena juncea may also form unbroken swards after disturbance. 106 147 45 00 363500 COASTAL HEATHLAND EG COMMUNITY 17 : SUB-CORMUNITY 1 mm >iooom [ : _J 500-iooom [Mm 200- 500m □ < 200 m 37 5500 o+, , 14745 00 1495959 + O 1 M 36 3500 1 5™0 s' 0 15 ^37% 5 0 o" 149°5959 CHARACTER SPECIES % FREQ C/A CHARACTER o PEC I EC % FREQ C/A CHARACTER SPECIES % FREQ C/A Acacia myrti folia 100 + Linasaya linearis 100 1 Pimelea lini folia 67 1 Banksia marginata 100 + Patersonia glabrata 100 1 Poa australis spp. agg. 67 1 Bossiaea prostrata 100 + Scaevola ramosissima 100 + Stipa nervosa 67 Burchardia umbellata 100 1 Gchoenus apogon 100 + Stipa semibarbata 67 1 Cassytha glabella 100 1 Schoenus brevifolius 100 1 Acrotriche serrulata 67 1 Casuarina paludosa 100 1 Schaerolobium vimineum 100 1 Amperea xiphoclada 6 ( + Dampiera stricta 100 + Themeda australis 100 1 Empodisma minus 67 1 Danthonia pilosa 100 1 Thysanotus juncifolius 100 + Comesperma ericinum 67 1 Dillwynia sericea 100 1 Xanthosia pus ilia 100 + Gahnia radula 6 1 Entolasia marginata 100 + Anisopogon avenaceus 67 2 Gooden i a ovata 67 Epacris impressa 100 1 Astroloma humifusum 67 1 Hibbertia empetrifolia 6 1 1 Gompholobium huegelii 100 1 Chamaescilla corymbosa 67 1 Platysace heterophylla 67 1 Gonocarpus teucrioides 100 1 Cyathochaeta diandra 67 1 Platysace lanceolata 67 1 Helichrysuin scorpioides 100 + Drosera auriculata 67 + Schoenus tenuissimus 67 Laxmannia sessiliflora 100 + Euphrasia collina 67 1 Selaginella uliginosa 61 Lepidosperma neesii 100 1 Lomandra filiformis 67 + Xanthosia dissecta 61 + Leptospermum juniperinum 100 1 Opercularia varia 6 ! + NO. OF SITES: 3 (0.5% of total) DISTRIBUTION : Restricted to near-coastal plains between Betka River and Seal Creek. ENVIRONMENT: Cliff-top plateau within 1 km of the sea. Buffered from strong, salt-laden winds by sea clilf and a dense band of shrubland vegetation (such as 19-1 and 20.1) ALTITUDE: Mean = 30 m, Highest = 40 in, Lowest : 20m. STRUCTURE: Open-heath MEAN FL0RI3TIC RICHNESS: 44 species per site MEAN WEED COMPOSITION: 0% of species, 0% of cover MOTES: Grasses, sedges and lilies form an unusually high proportion of the species in this coastal heath sub- community. Character species, Cyathochaeta diandra and Thysanotus juncifolius, are rare in Victoria and restricted to this region. spyridium cinereum , a species of very disjunct distribution, is found only here and in the north-eastern Grampians. 107 147°45 00 " COASTAL HEATHLAND EG COMMUNITY 17 : SUB-COMMUNITY 2 149 ° 59 ’ 59 " CHARACTER SPECIES % FREQ C/A CHARACTER SPECIES % FREQ C/A CHARACTER SPECIES % FREQ C/A Selaginella uliginosa 100 1 Epacris impressa 73 1 Lindsaya linearis 64 1 Xanthorrhoea hastilis 100 2 Burchardia umbellata 73 + Gahnia clarkei 56 1 Dampiera stricta 91 1 Epacris obtusifolia 73 1 Banksia serrata 55 1 Melaleuca squarrosa 91 2 Dillwynia glaberrima 64 1 Comesperma ericinum 55 1 Leptospermum juniperinum 91 1 Gonocarpus teucrioides 64 + Lepidosperma filiforme 55 2 Empodisma minus 82 1 Gahnia sieberana 64 1 Sprengelia incarnata 55 1 Cassytha glabella 82 1 Aotus ericoides 64 + NO , OF SITES : DISTRIBUTION: ENVIRONMENT: ALTITUDE: STRUCTURE: 10 (1.7% of total) Frequent between Mario and Little Ram Head and up to 20 km inlands with an outlying occurrence west of the Genoa River near Wangarabell. Depressions and poorly drained plains within undulating, near-coastal regions. Soil:: are generally peaty sands Mean = 89 m, Highest - 120 m, Lowest = 20 rn. Closea-heath MEAN FL0R1STIC RICHNESS: 42 species per site MEAN WEED COMPOSITION: 0% of species, 0% of cover NOTES: This distinct vegetation type, restricted in Victoria to East Gippsland,is widely known as "grass-tree plain" and dominated by Xanthorrhoea hastilis (Spear Grass-tree). This sub-community lacks any arborescent plants and is often extensive. Despite frequent burning and seasonal grazing, many ephemeral species and orchids persist in this sub-community (e.g. Drosera, Utricularia and Prasophyllum spp.). 108 CHARACTER SPECIES % FREQ C/A CHARACTER SPECIES % FREQ C/A CHARACTER SPECIES % FREQ C/A Xanthorrhoea hastilis 100 2 Burchardia umbellata 75 + Xyris operculata 67 1 Casuarina paludosa 92 1 Cassytha glabella 75 + Lindsaya linearis 67 Leptocarpus tenax 92 1 Dampiera stricta 75 + Gonocarpus teucrioides 58 Leptospermum juniperinum 92 1 Hakea teretifolia 75 1 Gahnia sieberana 58 Ernpodisma minus 83 1 Lepidosperma filiforme 75 1 Patersonia fragilis Restio complanatus 83 1 Epacris impressa 67 1 Tetraria capillaris 58 Selaginella uliginosa 83 1 Sprengelia incarnata 67 1 Tetrarrhena distichophylla 58 NO. OF SITES: DISTRIBUTION: ENVIRONMENT: ALTITUDE: STRUCTURE: 13 (2.2% of total) Near-coastal plains between Mario and Bemm River, but extending to 30 km inland near Genoa. Damp depressions within near-coastal plains. Soils are of peaty sands or deep siliceous sand on hardpan base Mean - 80 m, Highest = 160 m, Lowest - 40 m. Closed-heath MEAN FL0RISTIC RICHNESS: 43 species per site MEAN WEED COMPOSITION: 0% of species, 0% of cover NOTES: A version of grass-tree plain in which both Casuarina paludosa and xanthorrhoea hastilis constitute the major species. This vegetation type occupies wetter sites than those supporting sub-community 1/S 2 a feature reflected in the presence of C. paludosa and other wetland species such as xy ns opercu.lata, Patersonia fragilis and Sprengelia incarnata. 109 147 45 00 363500 AJ'i'AL HEATHLAND EC- COMMUNITY If : CUB-COM-iUKITY □ Km]] □ 14959’59" + o 1 .. 36 3500 > iooo m 5oo-iooom 200- 500m < 200 m 375500 o+, 14745 00’ 37%5 , 00” CHARACTER SPECIES % FREQ C/A CHARACTER SPECIES % FREQ C/A CHARACTER SPECIES % FREQ C/A Epodisma minus 100 1 Epacris lanuginosa 83 1 Lindsaya linearis 67 1 Cassytha glabella 100 + Lomandra longifolia 83 1 Callistemon citrinus 67 1 Casuarina paludosa 100 1 Amperea xiphoclada 67 + Hakea teretifolia 67 1 Leptospermum juniperinum 100 1 Anisopogon avenaceus 67 + Hypericum gramineum 67 1 Selaginella uliginosa 100 1 Burchardia umbellata 67 + Lepidosperma neesii 67 + Banksia serrata 83 1 Eucalyptus globoidea 67 1 Sphaerolobium vimineum 67 1 Dampiera stricta 83 1 Gonocarpus teucrioides 67 1 NO. OF SITES: DISTRIBUTION: ENVIRONMENT: ALTITUDE: STRUCTURE: 6 (1.0% of total) Uncommon from Mario to Cape Conran and scattered between Cann River. Genoa and Mallacoota. Near Mario, immediately leeward of the foredunes, otherwise in damp depressions of the near-coastal plains Mean = 76 m, Highest = 120 m, Lowest : 40 m, Closed-heath MEAN FLORISTIC RICHNESS: 56 species per site MEAN WEED COMPOSITION: 0% of species, 0% of cover NOTES: This sub-community, dominated by Casuarina paludosa, replaces the grass-tree plain vegetation in wetter areas of deep sandy soils. Sub-community 17.4 has greater floristic affinities with the surrounding open-forest than do 17.1, 17.2 or 17.3. Banksia serrata, Gonocarpus teucrioides , Lomandra longifolia and Pteridium esculentum are some of the species shared with the forest. On exposed, sea-facing slopes the height of the tallest plants of this vegetation may not exceed 0.5 m, but sheltered sites, such as dune swales, may support much taller (to 1.5 m) vegetation. 110 147 ° 4500 " COASTAL SCLEROPHYLL FOREST EG COMMUNITY 18 : SUB-COMMUNITY 1 149 ° 59 ’ 59 " CHARACTER SPECIES % FREQ C/A CHARACTER SPECIES % FREQ C/A CHARACTER SPECIES % FREQ C/A Pteridium esculentum 90 1 Microlaena stipoides 59 . Glycine clandestina 48 1 Viola hederacea 79 + Poa australis spp. agg. 59 1 Dianella caerulea 48 1 Loinandra longi folia 76 1 Tylophora barbata 55 1 Echinopogon ovatus 48 + Gonocarpus teucrioides 69 1 Geranium potentilloioes 52 + Galium gaudichaudii 48 + Eucalyptus botryoides 66 1 Dichondra re pens 52 + NO. OF SITES: DISTRIBUTION: ALTITUDE: STRUCTURE: 28 (A. 9% of total) Common in near-coastal regions and around the lower reaches of the Snowy, Cann, Bemm and Genoa Rivers. Moist, sheltered sites throughout the lowlands Mean : 32 m. Highest = 80 m, Lowest = 0 m. Open-forest MEAN FLORISTIC RICHNESS: 47 species per site MEAN WEED COMPOSITION: 4% of species, 3% of cover NOTES: This riparian sub-community also contains elements of heathland and coastal oper.-f'orest communities. i his feature is indicative of the environment of this sub-community . Riparian lowland vegetation in Victoria lias largely uisappoareu in the wake of agricultural pursuits. This sub-community although comprising few rare or restricted species, is therefore an example of a diminishing vegetation type within the state. Ill 14745’ oo" COASTAL BANKSIA WOODLAND LG COMMUNITY 19 : SUB-COPMUNITY 1 149 ° 59 ’ 59 " .-.'-'A:-: species Banksia iritegri folia Dianella tasmanica Elaeocarpus reticulatus Lomandra longifolia Cassytha phaeolasia Gahnia clarkei Monotoca elliptica Flatylobium formosum FREQ C/A CHARACTER SPECIES % FREQ C/A CHARACTER SPECIES % FREQ C/A 100 1 Eucalyptus botryoides 86 1 Lepidosperma concavum 71 1 100 + Pteridium esculentum 86 1 Melaleuca ericifolia 71 1 100 1 Banks ia serrata 71 1 Amperea xiphoclada 1 + Ricinocarpos pinifolius 71 + Gooaenia ovata 86 + Acacia longifolia 71 1 Melaleuca squarrosa 57 1 86 upacris impressa 71 1 Tetrarrhena juncea 86 1 Pultenaea uaphnoides 71 + Dianella caerulea 86 + Gonocarpus teucrioides 71 1 Poa australis spp. agg. 67 1 NO. OF SITES: DISTRIBUTION : ENVIRONMENT: ALTITUDE: STRUCTURE: 7 (1.3% of total) Recorded only between Tamboon Inlet and the mouth of the Thurra River but probably more widespread than sampling indicates. Areas of drainage or inundation with a strong coastal influence but sheltered from direct ocean winds Mean = 36 m, Highest = AO m, Lowest : 10 m. Woodland MEAN FLORISTIC RICHNESS MEAN WEED COMPOSITION: 90 species per site 4% of species, 3% of cover NOTES: S.iM ketS f ericifolia, h. square csa and Gahnia clarkei are a constituent of this Banksia C ' r UC r T' US botri>oldes “OOdland. Within these thickets, species numbers are low and a large complement of the species at any site are those which occur 1 vegetation. ■ more commonly within the surrounding COMMUNITY JO : SUB-COMMUNITY 1 363500 14959’59" + o t .. 36 3500 > iooo m 5oo-iooom 200- 500 m □ < 200m 37%5 00" g_l_AhACTL-:h SPECIES % FREQ C /A CHARACTER SPECIE Carpobrotus rossii 100 1 Myoporum insulare Helichrysurn paraliurn 100 1 Leptospermum laevigatum 100 1 Calocephalus brownii 83 1 Olearia axillaris Banksia integrifolia 83 1 Actites megalocarpui NO. OF SITES: 6 (1.0% of total) % FREQ C/A CHARACTER SPECIES % FREQ C/A 83 1 Spinifex hirsutus 67 1 83 + Acaena anserinifolia 67 1 67 2 Correa alba 67 1 67 1 Oxalis corniculata 67 + 67 + Scirpus nodosus 67 1 DISTRIBUTION: ENVIRONMENT: ALTITUDE: STRUCTURE: Along the coast throughout the study area. Exposed foredunes or seacliffs with substrates, respectively, of pure calcareous sand or sedimentary rock Mean - 20 m, Highest = AO m, Lowest = 0 m. Low-shrubland MEAN FLORISTIC RICHNESS: 27 species per site MEAN WEED COMPOSITION: 4% of species, 2% of cover NOTES: Hus is a floristically depauperate sub-community but one which is well-adapted to the exposed, seafront is V largely Unaltered “ ldespread al0ng the Uictorlan coastline throughout which range the species compositi Iherhizomatous growth habit of some, ano extensive root systems of most species of sub-community 20.1 afi’TvST t ?u th r im P° rtant 1 unction of dune stabilization. The protection from strong, salt winds at lorded by the foredunes is essential for the maintenance of communities further inland. 113 L : SUB-COMMUN 375500 o+, 14745 00 ill > iooo m □ 5oo-iooom imrni 200 - 500 m □ < 200 m 149 5959 + o I •« 36 3500 37%5’OCf 15 10 5 0 15 + 149°5959 CHARACTER SPECIES % FREO C/A CHARACTER SPECIES % FREQ C/A CHARACTER SPECIES % FREQ C/A Juncus kraussii 100 2 Melaleuca ericifolia 67 2 Carpobrotus rossii 67 + Samolus repens ICO 1 Apium prostratum 67 1 Salicornia quinqueflora 67 2 Selliera radicans 100 + *Aster subulatus 67 1 Suaeda australis 67 1 Baumea juncea 67 2 NO. OF SITES: 3 (0.5% of total) DISTRIBUTION: ENVIRONMENT: ALTITUDE: Restricted to the estuaries of the Bemm, Cann, Mueller, Wingan arid Genoa Rivers. Alluvial muds or silts bordering sheltered shallow waters of variable salinity 0 m. STRUCTURE: Tussock-grassland and intersecting herbland MEAN FLORISTIC RICHNESS: Id species per site MEAN WEED COMPOSITION: 8% of species, 4% of cover NOTES: This sub-community, dominated by Juncus kraussii occupies the same zone as the saltmarsh communities (i.e. between shorefront ana Melaleuca ericifolia shrubland) common elsewhere in Victoria. Shrubby plants (particularly Arthrocnemum spp.) dominate the latter communities but are absent from 21.1. However, most species characteristic of 21.1 ( Apium prostratum, Samclus repens, Sellieru radicans, Salicornia quinqueflora , Suaeda australis) are common in saltmarsh vegetation. A NEW AUSTRALIAN LICHEN: CLADONIA SULCATA by A. W. Archer* Psoromic acid is a relatively uncommon /3-depsidone in the lichen genus Cladortia. About 5% (14 out of 276) of the species and varieties of Cladonia of which the chemistry is known (Culberson 1969, 1970; Culberson, Culberson and Johnson, 1977) contain psoromic acid and of these 14 only three contain psoromic acid and atranorin. These are C. norrlinii Vain. (Vainio, 1922) from north America (Thomson, 1967) and Europe (Ahti, 1977), C. subconistea Asah. from Japan (Asahina, 1941) and Taiwan (Ahti and Lai, 1979) and C. dahliana Kristinsson reported to occur in Iceland, Greenland and Baffin Island (Kristinsson, 1974). A re- cent chemical examination of material from Victoria and Tasmania, tentatively identified as C. diffissa (F. Wils.) F. Wils. (Wilson, 1889, 1889a), showed some specimens to contain atranorin and psoromic acid, in contrast to the atranorin and norstietic acid found in C. diffissa. The specimens containing atranorin and psoromic acid were not referable to C. norrlinii, C. subconistea or C. dahliana and are here differentiated as a separate species. DESCRIPTION Cladonia sulcata A. W. Archer, sp. nov. Thallus primarius squamulis, 1-3 mm longis, 0.3-1. 5 mm latis, supra cinero-glaucescentibus, infra albis, nullis sorediis. Podetia ascendentia squamulis, 10-20 mm ahum, nullis scyphis, parte supra ramosa, superficebus sulcatis et subfindescentia, cortice continuo subgranularescenti. Apotheciis ad apices podetiorum, fuscis, convexis, 0.3-0. 6 mm diam. Ascosporae non videt. Thallus K+ flavescens, C-, Pd+ flavus. Atranorinum et acidum psoromicum continens. Primary thallus with squamules, 1-3 mm long, 0.3-1 .5 mm wide, upper side pale green, below white, esorediate. podetia arising from the squamules, 10-20 mm tall, lacking scyphi, grooved and becoming somewhat split; cortex continuous, becoming somewhat granular; apothecia on the tips of the podetia, dark brown, convex, 0. 3-0.6 mm diam.; ascospores not seen. Thallus K+ weak yellow, C-, Pd + yellow; containing atranorin and psoromic acid. The presence of atranorin and psoromic acid was demonstrated by thin-layer chromatography and the identity of the compounds confirmed by co- chromatography with authentic samples of the two compounds. Type Collection: Australia, Victoria, 8 km east of Tawonga, on soil by side of Trapper’s Creek Road, approximately 147°15'E, 36°41'S, altitude ca 700 m, 22. xi. 1979, Archer 803 (Holotype: MEL 1031486; Isotype: H, COLO). Also Examined: Victoria — ca 2 km north of holotype collection site, 22. xi. 1979, Archer 860A (MEL 1031487). Tasmania — 1 km north-east of Derwent Bridge, on soil by side of track near Cynthia Bay, Lake St. Clair, approximately 146°10'E, 42°7'S, altitude ca 700 m, 2.iii. 1980, Archer 889 (MEL 1031488). DISCUSSION The specific epithet sulcata refers to the grooved appearance of the podetia. Typical specimens are illustrated in figure 1. * Division of Analytical Laboratories, P.O. Box 162, Lidcombe, NSW 2141. Muelteria 5(1): 115-117 (1982). 115 116 Fig. 1 . Cladonia sulcata. Typical specimens showing podetia with apothecia. Scale in millimetres. Cladonia sulcata is a member of the C. cariosa group and thus differs from the two Australian Cladonia species reported as containing psoromic acid. These are C. staufferi des Abb. (des Abbayes, 1966), a scyphose species hrst reported from Mt. Baw Baw, Victoria and an undescribed scyphose sub-alpine species ( Cladonia sp. B, Dahl, 1970). The new species differs from the superficially similar C. diffissa by the presence of psoromic acid and also in possessing less fissured podetia which, by exposing less of the white internal medullary hyphae, give C. sulcata a greenish appearance com- pared to the greyish-white appearance of C. diffissa. This latter feature is particu- larly noticeable when the two species are seen growing side by side as at the type location. Psoromic acid also distinguishes C. sulcata from C. corymbescens Nyl. ex Leighton, which may occur in south-east Australia with C. diffissa but which con- tains atronorin and fumarprotocetraric acid. The smaller squamules of C. sulcata distinguish this species from C. dahliana of the northern hemisphere and also from a chemical variety of C. symphycarpa (Ach.) Fr., containing atranorin and psoromic acid, reported from the Great Lakes region of North America (Harris, 1975). The esorediate fissured podetia of C. sulcata pro- vide a morphological distinction from the chemically similar but sorediate C. norlinii and from C. subconistea, an esorediate scyphose species. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The author is grateful to Dr J. A. Elix of the Australian National University for a gift of psoromic acid and to the Director, Division of Analytical Laboratories, Health Commission of New South Wales, for permission to publish this paper. REFERENCES Ahti, T. (1977). Cladonia , sub. gen. Cladonia in ‘Bestimmungsschlusse! Europaischer Flechten’, J. Poelt and A. Vezda, eds., p. 66. (J. Cramer: Vaduz). Ahti, T. and Lai, M.-J. (1979). The lichen genera Cladonia, Cladina and Claclia in Taiwan. Ann. Bot. Fennici 16: 228-236. Asahina, Y. (1941). Chemismus der Cladonien unter besonder Berucksichtigung der japamschen Arten. J. Jap. Bot. 17: 1-7. 117 Culberson, C. F, (1969). ‘Chemical and Botanical Guide to Lichen Products’ (University of North Culberson! AC ML (1970). Supplement to ‘Chemical and Botanical Guide to Lichen Products , Brvologisl CulbersoJ'c 7 F„ Culberson, W. L. and Johnson, A. (1977). Second Supplement to ‘Chemical and Botanical Guide to Lichen Products’ (Missouri Botanical Garden: St. Louis). Dahl F (1970) ‘Keys to Australian Lichens’, mimeographed, Cladonia, p. l. Des Abbayes, H. (1966). Sur quelques Cladonia (Lichens) exotiques, nouveaux ou peu connus. Rev. Flar^i7!°R. e C.\T975) 0 Vidien^of^the Mackinac Straits region. 1. The Cladonia cariosa group. Michigan Kri^nsson! H. tt 974) . Two new Cladonia and one Cetraria species from Iceland. Lichenologisl 6. Thomson! T W. (1967). ‘The Lichen Genus Cladonia in North America’, p. 92. (University of Toronto: Toronto). , „ ^ r c ->. Vainin F (1922). Cladonia norrlinii. Acta Soc. F. rl. renn. S3. oo. , Wilson F R M (1889). A description of forty-one Victorian lichens new to science. Viet Na . . Wilson', F. R. M. (1889a). Notes on lichens in New South Wales. Proc. Roy. Soc. Queensl. 6. 8.-93. Manuscript received 10 August 1981. V CONTENTS A revision of the genus Templelonia R.Br. (Papilionaceae) — J. H. Ross The nomenclature of some Australian lichens described as Lecanora and Placodium by Miiller-Argoviensis — R. W. Rogers New Australian species of Nymphoides Seguier (Menyanthaceae) — Helen I. Aston Vegetation of East Gippsland -S. J. Forbes, N. G. Walsh and P. K. Gullan A new Australian lichen: Cladonia sulcata — A. W. Archer ISSN 0077-1813 F. D. Atkinson, Government Printer, Melbourne