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]
| Themeda grassland on seacliffs and headlands | |
|---|---|
.jpg) | |
| Ecology | |
| Realm | Australasia |
| Biome | Temperate grasslands, savannas, and shrublands |
| Borders | Eastern Suburbs Banksia Scrub |
| Geography | |
| Area | 1.46 km2 (0.56 sq mi) |
| Country | Australia |
| Elevation | 20–70 metres (66–230 ft) |
| Coordinates | 33°44′30″S 151°18′55″E / 33.74167°S 151.31528°E |
| Geology | Sandstone, shale |
| Climate type | Humid subtropical climate (Cfa) Oceanic climate (Cfb) |
| Soil types | Sand |
Vegetation
editThemeda 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
editThe 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
editReferences
edit- ^ a b c Themeda Grassland on Seacliffs and Headlands by Northern Beaches Council. Retrieved 29 January 2023.
- ^ 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