Themeda grassland

Themeda grassland on seacliffs and headlands
Ecology
RealmAustralasia
BiomeTemperate grasslands, savannas, and shrublands
BordersEastern Suburbs Banksia Scrub
Geography
Area1.46 km2 (0.56 sq mi)
CountryAustralia
Elevation20–70 metres (66–230 ft)
Coordinates33°44′30″S 151°18′55″E / 33.74167°S 151.31528°E / -33.74167; 151.31528
GeologySandstone, shale
Climate typeHumid subtropical climate (Cfa)
Oceanic climate (Cfb)
Soil typesSand

Themeda grassland, or Themeda grassland on seacliffs and headlands, is an endangered tussock-grassland that is found on the immediate coast in southeastern Australia, which may also be an open shrubland or heathland with a grassy enclosure between shrubs.[1]

Vegetation

Themeda australis is the predominant grass species in the area with interspersed shrubs such as Pimelea linifolia, Banksia integrifolia, Hibbertia vestita, Pultenaea maritima, Westringia fruticosa, Acacia sophorae and Acacia myrtifolia, with some having dwarf forms.[1]

Grasses such as Zoysia macarantha and Cynodon dactylon can also be found. Poa poiformis is mostly present closer to the sea. Herbs include the creeping Polymeria calycina, the succulent Apium prostratum, Senecio pinnatifolius subsp. pinnatifolius and Xerochrysum bracteatum.[2]

Range

The ecological community is observed in the NSW North Coast, Sydney Basin and South East Corner bioregion on ancient sand dunes above cliffs. The community is most prominently found in Long Reef Headland, Narrabeen Headland, Botany Bay National Park, Turimetta Headland and Mona Vale Headland.[1]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c Themeda Grassland on Seacliffs and Headlands by Northern Beaches Council. Retrieved 29 January 2023.
  2. ^ Themeda grassland on seacliffs and coastal headlands in the NSW North Coast, Sydney Basin and South East Corner Bioregions - profile by Department of Planning and Environment. Retrieved 29 January 2023