New South Wales Consolidated Regulations

BLUE MOUNTAINS LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL PLAN 2005 - SCHEDULE 5

SCHEDULE 5 – Significant vegetation communities

(Dictionary)

Note : In this Schedule some scientific names appear in either italics or bold and italics. Bold italics are used to denote rare, endangered or dominant species.
Significant vegetation communities, for the purposes of this plan, consist of the following naturally occurring plant communities in the City's area. These communities are based on the plant species composition, which is influenced by the specific topographic and edaphic (soil) characteristics present in the areas in which they grow. The structural formation of the plant communities follows the classification of Specht et al. (1974), cited in item 8 (References) of this Schedule. Descriptions of the vegetation communities in this Schedule have, in part, been adapted from Keith and Benson (1988), Smith and Smith (1998) and Douglas (2001) also cited in item 8.

1 - Tall closed forest/closed forest/low closed forest (rainforest)

(1A) Ceratopetalum apetalum-Doryphora sassafras Rainforest

Ceratopetalum apetalum-Doryphora sassafras (Coachwood-Sassafras) rainforest is found on sedimentary geology at upper and middle altitudes in the Blue Mountains. A variant, the "Montane Rainforest" also occurs on more fertile soils on the slopes of the basalt-capped mountains in the far north of the City. The rainforest on basalt can be very similar both structurally and floristically to rainforest on sedimentary rock where there is significant influence from alluvium derived from the basalt up-slope. As the basalt influence decreases and the sedimentary rock becomes more prominent due to erosion, the structure and floristics blend into typical Sydney Sandstone Gallery Rainforest, which tends to be less diverse than rainforest on basalt, particularly in the understorey.
These rainforest communities are replaced at lower altitudes by Backhousia myrtifolia-Ceratopetalum apetalum rainforest (described below). The upper and lower altitude communities intergrade in the Springwood area. Ceratopetalum apetalum-Doryphora sassafras rainforest occurs in sheltered, moist sites that are rarely, if ever, burnt.
The dominant tree species are usually (Coachwood) and/or (Sassafras). Other trees that are common in some stands are (Mountain Cedar Wattle), (Lilly Pilly), (Black Wattle), (Native Mulberry) and (Possumwood). (Grey Myrtle) is usually absent, although sometimes a minor component of the community. The vegetation structure is usually a closed-forest or low closed-forest. There may be a layer of emergent eucalypts above the rainforest canopy in these communities. Ferns, vines and epiphytes are usually prominent features of the community.
This community is generally characterised by the occurrence of and with the following assemblage of native plant species. Other species also occur, and not all of the following species are present in every stand of the community, but the list is indicative of the species composition of the vegetation.

(1B) Backhousia myrtifolia-Ceratopetalum apetalum Rainforest

Backhousia myrtifolia-Ceratopetalum apetalum (Myrtle-Coachwood) rainforest refers to the community found on sedimentary geology at lower altitudes in the Blue Mountains. It is replaced at middle and upper altitudes by Ceratopetalum apetalum-Doryphora sassafras rainforest. The two communities intergrade in the Springwood area. Backhousia myrtifolia-Ceratopetalum apetalum rainforest occurs on relatively fertile soils in sheltered, moist sites that are rarely, if ever, burnt.
(Grey Myrtle) is the dominant or co-dominant tree with (Coachwood) and/or (Lilly Pilly). Other trees that may be common are (Mountain Cedar Wattle), (Black Wattle) and (Turpentine). (Sassafras) is often present, but not as a dominant. The vegetation structure is usually a closed-forest or low closed-forest. There may be a layer of emergent eucalypts above the dense rainforest canopy in this community. Ferns, vines and epiphytes are usually prominent features of the community.
This community is generally characterised by the occurrence of Backhousia myrtifolia and Ceratopetalum apetalum along with the following assemblage of native plant species. Other species also occur, and not all of the following species are present in every stand of the community, but the list is indicative of the species composition of the vegetation.

2 - Tall open-forest/open-forest

(2A) Moist Basalt Cap Forest (Eucalyptus viminalis-E. blaxlandii-E. radiata)

The basalt caps of Mt. Wilson, Mt. Tomah, Mt. Bell, Mt. Banks, Mt. Caley and Mt. Hay have weathered to a fertile clay-loam soil. At high altitudes (800-1,000 metres), the summits and slopes of these areas support a tall open forest variously dominated by (Ribbon Gum), (Brown Stringybark) and subsp. (Narrow-leaved Peppermint). Other canopy species that may be encountered include (Monkey Gum), (Blue Mountain Ash) and (Brown Barrel).
The understorey of Moist Basalt Cap Forest generally has scattered shrubs including,,,, and with occasional tree ferns,. The ground cover includes numerous herbs and ferns.
The Moist Basalt Cap Forest community is generally characterised by the following assemblage of native plant species. Other species also occur, and not all of the following species are present in every stand of the community, but the list is indicative of the species composition of the vegetation.

(2B) Blue Mountains Shale Cap Forest (Eucalyptus deanei-E. punctata- Syncarpia glomulifera)

This community includes the Blue Mountains Shale Cap Forest (BMSCF) that is listed as an endangered ecological community in Part 3 of Schedule 1 to the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 .
Eucalyptus deanei-E. punctata-Syncarpia glomulifera open to tall open-forest incorporates the vegetation communities found on deep, shale-rich soils on ridges and upper slopes. Within the City, such vegetation occurs only in the lower altitudes whereas it extends to the higher altitudes in the adjoining Hawkesbury City.
Within the City, this community is characterised by (Mountain Blue Gum), which is dominant or co-dominant with (Grey Gum) and (Turpentine). The form of Blue Mountains Shale Cap Forest that occurs within the City is distinguished from the closely related Sydney Turpentine Ironbark Forest (STIF) by the presence of (Mountain Mahogany). Other tree species that may be present include (Sydney Red Gum), (Rough-barked Apple), (Sydney Peppermint) and (Grey Gum). E. piperita is associated with the edge of this community and a relatively low influence from the shale. The typical vegetation structure is tall open-forest, although this may vary depending on site conditions and history. It is generally a wet sclerophyll forest, with soft-leaved plants prominent in the understorey.
This community is generally characterised in the Blue Mountains by the occurrence of Eucalyptus deanei, E. punctata and Syncarpia glomulifera along with the following assemblage of native plant species. Other species also occur, and not all of the following species are present in every stand of the community, but the list is indicative of the species composition of the vegetation.

(2C) Sydney Turpentine-Ironbark Forest (Syncarpia glomulifera-Eucalyptus fibrosa-Eucalyptus crebra)

Sydney Turpentine-Ironbark Forest is listed as an endangered ecological community in Part 3 of Schedule 1 to the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 .
Within the Blue Mountains, this community represents a drier and generally lower altitude variant of Blue Mountains Shale Cap Forest. The primary difference is the general absence of Eucalyptus deanei and E. notablis, and the usual dominance of (Turpentine), sometimes along with ironbark species such as (Red Mahogany), (Broad-leaved Ironbark), (Narrow-leaved Ironbark), and (Beyer's Ironbark). These ironbarks can be absent or rare due to their extensive logging for fencing purposes. (Grey Gum), (Mountain Mahogany), (Grey Ironbark), (White Stringybark), and (Thin-leaved Stringybark) may also be present.
The original distribution of this community and the boundary between it and Blue Mountains Shale Cap Forest is unclear due to extensive clearing and/or modification of these vegetation types. The two communities are closely related and may intergrade extensively. In addition, this community intergrades with Shale/Sandstone Transition Forest (described below).
Sydney Turpentine-Ironbark Forest occurs on ridgetop caps of Wianamatta Shale. It may extend onto deeper areas of Hawkesbury Shale within the so-called Mittagong Formation.
Sydney Turpentine-Ironbark Forest is characterised in the Blue Mountains by the following assemblage of native plant species. Other species also occur, and not all of the following species are present in every stand of the community, but the list is indicative of the species composition of the vegetation.

(2D) Shale Sandstone Transition Forest (Syncarpia glomulifera-Eucalyptus punctata)

Shale Sandstone Transition Forest is listed as an endangered ecological community in Part 3 of Schedule 1 to the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 . Within the City, Shale Sandstone Transition Forest is within the scope of, but not limited by, the definition of Shale Sandstone Transition Forest in the Final Determination of the Scientific Committee to list the ecological community in Schedule 1 to the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 .
This community is present primarily on ridgetops but may occur elsewhere on unmapped remnant shale caps or lenses or immediately downslope of shale caps where the soils have been enriched by colluvium. Within the City, it is restricted to the lower altitudes and transitions between or within the Wianamatta and Hawkesbury Group of sediments.
Because it represents a transition from shale-based vegetation to that associated with sandstone environments, this community is inherently highly variable and difficult to define. Variations occur depending on the relative influence of the different geologies as well as due to differences in shelter and rainfall. Any vegetation that is associated with a transition from shale to sandstone is considered to be within the scope of this community, irrespective of the structure or floristics unless it can be shown to be part of another vegetation type described in this Schedule.
The Shale Sandstone Transition can have considerable affinities to Sydney Turpentine-Ironbark Forest but generally has a greater influence from sandstone-oriented species and less influence from those more affiliated with shale soils. Tree species that can occur in this community within the Blue Mountains include (Turpentine), (Grey Gum), (Red Mahogany), (Mountain Mahogany), (Narrow-leaved Ironbark), (Broad-leaved Ironbark), (Grey Ironbark), (Beyer's Ironbark), (White Stringybark), (Narrow-leaved Stringybark), (Thin-leaved Stringybark) and (Sydney Red Gum). The stringybarks, E. eugenioides and E. sparsifolia are generally diagnostic of the more sandstone-influenced form of this community.
The understorey can be highly variable depending on the extent of shale influence and proximity to the Cumberland Plain. Fire history and the effects of other forms of disturbance can also significantly affect both the structure and floristics of the understorey. It can range from grassy and herbaceous to densely scrubby. In areas close to the Cumberland Plain, the understorey may include species more typical of that environment such as Melaleuca nodosa, M. erubescens and M. thymifolia, especially in areas with slightly impeded drainage.
Shale Sandstone Transition Forest is characterised by the following assemblage of native plant species. Other species also occur, and not all of the following species are present in every stand of the community, but the list is indicative of the species composition of the vegetation.

(2E) Eucalyptus deanei-E. piperita Tall Open-forest

Eucalyptus deanei-E. piperita tall open-forest refers to a vegetation community of mixed tree species composition, including (Sydney Peppermint), (Mountain Blue Gum), (Turpentine), (Sydney Red Gum), (Rough-barked Apple), (Grey Gum) and (Narrow-leaved Ironbark). Not all of these species occur in every stand, except for E. deanei, whose presence is characteristic of the community.
The community is found in moist, sheltered sites on the talus slopes below the sandstone escarpments of the Jamison, Kedumba and Grose Valleys. It is replaced further west in the Megalong and Kanimbla Valleys by Eucalyptus cypellocarpa-E. piperita tall open-forest. The community also occurs in some moist, sheltered sites away from the escarpments. The typical vegetation structure is tall open-forest, although this may vary depending on site conditions and history. It is a wet sclerophyll forest, with soft-leaved plants prominent in the understorey.
Eucalyptus deanei-E. piperita tall open-forest differs from Eucalyptus deanei-Syncarpia glomulifera tall open-forest in that it occurs on different geology (Illawarra Coal Measures, Shoalhaven Group and Narrabeen Group) and E. deanei is less prominent.
This community is generally characterised by the occurrence of Eucalyptus piperita and E. deanei along with the following assemblage of native plant species. Other species also occur, and not all of the following species are present in every stand of the community, but the list is indicative of the species composition of the vegetation.

(2F) Eucalyptus cypellocarpa-E. piperita Tall Open-forest

Eucalyptus cypellocarpa-E. piperita tall open-forest is characterised by the presence of (Monkey Gum), occurring in association with one or more of (Sydney Peppermint), (Blue Mountain Ash) and subsp. (Narrow-leaved Peppermint).
The community is found in moist, sheltered sites on the talus slopes below the sandstone escarpments of the western Blue Mountains (Megalong and Kanimbla Valleys). The community also occurs in some moist, sheltered sites away from the escarpments, and may occur as far east as Woodford. The typical vegetation structure is tall open-forest, although this may vary depending on site conditions and history. It is a wet sclerophyll forest, with soft-leaved plants prominent in the understorey.
This community is generally characterised by the occurrence of Eucalyptus cypellocarpa and E. piperita along with the following assemblage of native plant species. Other species also occur, and not all of the following species are present in every stand of the community, but the list is indicative of the species composition of the vegetation.

(2G) Eucalyptus oreades Open-forest/Tall Open-forest

Eucalyptus oreades open forest/tall open-forest refers to those vegetation communities dominated by E. oreades (Blue Mountain Ash). A range of other Eucalypts may also occur, most commonly, (Sydney Peppermint), (Monkey Gum) and subsp. (Narrow-leaved Peppermint).
The characteristic vegetation structure is tall open-forest, however this can vary depending on site conditions and history. In some places the understorey is shrubby, while in moister sites a ferny understorey can be present. Although typically found in gullies or on sheltered slopes in the upper mountains (Bell to Wentworth Falls), this community also occurs in relatively exposed sites eg ridgetops, where suitable depth of shale provides more fertile conditions and better soil moisture.
E. oreades is extremely fire-sensitive, with individual trees readily killed in a major bush fire. Although the capacity of E. oreades to regenerate from seed after fire is indicated by even-aged stands of trees often found in this community, the species will be adversely affected or eliminated entirely by an inappropriate fire regime of frequent burning.
This community is relatively rare outside of the National Park estate and has apparently suffered significant loss to urbanisation and associated infrastructure, as well as being degraded by weed invasion, changed fire regimes, and stormwater run-off.
Eucalyptus oreades open-forest/tall open-forest is characterised by the following assemblage of native plant species. Other species also occur, but the list is indicative of the species composition of the vegetation.

(2H) Eucalyptus dalrympleana-E. piperita Tall Open-forest

Eucalyptus dalrympleana-E. piperita tall open-forest is characterised by the presence of (Mountain Gum), occurring in association with (Sydney Peppermint) and subsp. (Narrow-leaved Peppermint). In the City, this community appears to be restricted to one small stand at the upper end of Popes Glen Creek, Blackheath, where it occurs on a sheltered, south-facing slope of Narrabeen Group geology. The vegetation structure is variable within this disturbed stand, from tall open-forest to open-forest and woodland. It is a wet sclerophyll forest, with soft-leaved plants prominent in the understorey.
Eucalyptus dalrympleana-E. piperita tall open-forest is characterised by the following assemblage of native plant species. Other species also occur, but the list is indicative of the species composition of the community at Blackheath.

(2I) Sun Valley Cabbage Gum Forest (Eucalyptus amplifolia)

The Sun Valley Cabbage Gum Forest is listed as an endangered ecological community in Part 3 of Schedule 1 to the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 .
This community is dominated by (Cabbage Gum) that occurs on the diatreme at Sun Valley. An associated tree species is (Thin-leaved Stringybark). Although there is still good tree cover in the area (remnant trees and regeneration), the understorey of this community has been grossly altered through clearing and grazing. Remaining native understorey species include,, and, but the original composition of the understorey is difficult to assess. Attempts to restore this community at Sun Valley are certainly warranted.
Sun Valley Cabbage Gum Forest is characterised by the following assemblage of native plant species. Other species also occur, but the list is indicative of the species composition of the community at Sun Valley.

(2J) Montane Gully Forest (Eucalyptus fastigata-E. cypellocarpa-E. dalrympleana)

This community is associated with moderate to steep slopes and narrow gorges on the Narrabeen Group and Illawarra Coal Measures below the escarpments around Mount York and north to Bell. There is substantial intergradation with vegetation typical of the sandstone plateau close to the escarpments and with the Eucalyptus cypellocarpa/E. piperita tall open-forest communities between Blackheath and Mount Victoria. The boundary of this community approximates the lower distribution of E. fastigata, E. dalrympleana and E. blaxlandii, and the upper distributional limits of Angophora costata and Syncarpia glomulifera.
Tree species include (Brown Barrel), (Monkey Gum), (Mountain Gum) with (Blue Mountain Ash), (Blaxland's Stringybark), ssp. (Narrow-leaved Peppermint) and (Silvertop Ash). The understorey is moderately shrubby with,,, and occurring, together with grasses and ferns such as. was more common here than in any other parts of the study area. It appears that E. fastigata occurs primarily in the more sheltered sites with E. dalrympleana relatively common on the lower slopes where this unit blends into remnants of the vegetation found on the edge of the agricultural land around Little Hartley.
Montane Gully Forest is characterised by the following assemblage of native plant species. Other species also occur, but the list is indicative of the species most characteristic of this composition.

(2K) Blue Gum Riverflat Forest (Eucalyptus deanei)

The Blue Gum Riverflat Forest in the Blue Mountains is included within the Sydney Coastal Riverflat Forest listed as an endangered ecological community in Part 3 of Schedule 1 to the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 .
This community is restricted to terraces of deep alluvium along larger watercourses of the lower Blue Mountains. (Mountain Blue Gum) is dominant and maybe almost monospecific, with occasional Angophora floribunda (Rough-barked Apple) and a small tree layer which may contain large bipinnate wattles and infrequent Allocasuarina torulosa (She-oak). The understorey is open and often dominated by grasses and/or ferns with scattered mesic shrubs becoming denser in the immediate vicinity of the watercourse.
This community superficially resembles Blue Mountains Shale Cap Forest but the two occur in different positions in the landscape.
This community is generally characterised by the almost monospecific occurrence of E. deanei along with the following assemblage of native plant species. Other species also occur, and not all of the following species are present in every stand of the community, but the list is indicative of the species composition of the vegetation.

(2L) Casuarina cunninghamiana 'River Oak Forest'

The Casuarina cunninghamiana River Oak Forest in the Blue Mountains is included within the Sydney Coastal Riverflat Forest listed as an endangered ecological community in Part 3 of Schedule 1 to the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 .
Narrow bands of River Oak Forest occur on the alluvial banks of the Coxs River. This community also occurs in small, unmapped occurrences along the Hawkesbury-Nepean River. The dominant canopy species is subsp. (River Oak) with occasional subdominants being (Rough-barked Apple), (Ribbon Gum) and (Forest Red Gum), and rarely (Broad-leaved Apple). (Myrtle) can also occur on the sheltered fringes of this community. Along the larger tributaries to the east of the Coxs River, the understorey is often dominated by species. In these situations, and several sedges can dominate the ground layer.
The understorey is generally sparse because of the mobile nature of the substrate (mobile gravels, sands and large areas of bare granite). The surrounding lands have often been cleared for agriculture and these communities are often highly prone to willow and other weed infestation.
Casuarina cunninghamiana River Oak Forest is characterised by the following assemblage of native plant species. Other species may also occur, but the list is indicative of the species most characteristic of this composition.

(2M) Eucalyptus radiata subsp. radiata-E. piperita Open Forest

This community is only known from a small number of easterly-facing slopes in Katoomba and Leura but may occur elsewhere in the higher Blue Mountains. The dominant canopy trees are subsp. (Narrow-leaved Peppermint) and (Sydney Peppermint). is also present, particularly where this community grades into the common community which tends to occur upslope. subsp. can occur infrequently, particularly downslope towards adjoining swamp or riparian vegetation.
The understorey is a mix of dry and wet sclerophyll species and may contain species associated with Blue Mountains Swamps where these communities adjoin. The following list is indicative of some of the species characteristic of this community.

3 - Low Open-forest

Melaleuca linariifolia Low Open-forest

Melaleuca linariifolia low open-forest is found on sandy alluvial soils along certain creeks in the lower Blue Mountains, in which the low paperbark tree, (Snow-in-summer), dominates the vegetation. This creekline vegetation is associated with creeks on deep alluvial sand deposits, rather than the sandstone substrates more typical of Blue Mountains creeks. The typical vegetation structure is a narrow band of low open-forest or low closed-forest along the creek. Occasional emergent Eucalyptus or Angophora trees may be present above the Melaleuca canopy.
This community is generally characterised by the occurrence of Melaleuca linariifolia along with the following assemblage of native plant species. Other species also occur, and not all of the following species are present in every stand of the community, but the list is indicative of the species composition of the vegetation.

4 - Woodlands

(4A) Eucalyptus mannifera subsp. gullickii Alluvial Woodlands

These woodlands are found on alluvial soils along certain creeks in the upper Blue Mountains, in which Eucalyptus mannifera subsp. gullickii (Brittle Gum) is the dominant tree species or co-dominant with E. radiata subsp. radiata (Narrow-leaved Peppermint). The association of the community with creekside alluvium is a critical feature in its definition, since E. mannifera subsp. gullickii and E. radiata subsp. radiata may also be common species in other communities in the upper Blue Mountains. The vegetation structure is woodland or open-forest. E. mannifera subsp. gullickii occurs in some sites as a sparse tree layer (an open-woodland) over swamp vegetation, but such stands are better classified within the Blue Mountains swamp communities rather than as E. mannifera alluvial woodland.
Two forms of Eucalyptus mannifera subsp. gullickii alluvial woodland may be distinguished. At higher altitudes (Mount Victoria-Blackheath), E. mannifera subsp. gullickii is the main tree species and the community is termed E. mannifera woodland. At slightly lower altitudes (Katoomba-Leura), E. mannifera and E. radiata subsp. radiata are co-dominant and the community is termed E. mannifera-E. radiata woodland.
This community is generally characterised by the occurrence of Eucalyptus mannifera subsp. gullickii along with the following assemblage of native plant species. Other species also occur, and not all of the following species are present in every stand of the community, but the list is indicative of the species composition of the vegetation.

(4B) Eucalyptus sclerophylla Bench Woodland

Eucalyptus sclerophylla Bench Woodlands occur on dry sandy alluvial benches along certain creek systems in the lower Blue Mountains. This community may also occur on higher benches on a mix of alluvial and colluvial soils. (Hard-leaved Scribbly Gum) is the dominant tree species sometimes co-dominant with (Narrow-leaved Apple). The typical vegetation structure is woodland, although this may vary depending on site conditions and history. The association between this community and alluvial or colluvial soils is a critical feature in its definition, since E. sclerophylla is also the dominant tree species in another, more common vegetation community, with a different understorey, that occurs on northern and western aspects on sandstone geology in the middle and upper Blue Mountains. The E. sclerophylla trees in the latter community tend to be smaller than those in the E. sclerophylla Bench Woodland.
This community is generally characterised by the occurrence of Eucalyptus sclerophylla along with the following assemblage of native plant species. Other species also occur, and not all of the following species are present in every stand of the community, but the list is indicative of the species composition of the vegetation.

5 - Heath/scrub/sedgeland/fernland

(5A) Blue Mountains Heath and Scrub

Blue Mountains Heath and Scrub consists of a well-developed shrub layer, with no tree layer or only a sparse layer of scattered low trees, sometimes with a mallee habit (low, multi-stemmed shrub eucalypts). It occurs primarily in exposed sites with very shallow soils on Narrabeen Group and Hawkesbury Sandstone geology. Typical situations are cliff tops and high, rocky ridges, especially on the westerly aspect and with skeletal soils. The vegetation structure is typically an open-heath, less often a closed-heath, and may be interspersed with patches of open-scrub or closed-scrub formed by stands of mallees or species. It is also typically interspersed with areas of bare rock. It can occur on the fringes of or within so-called hanging swamps and in such situations it can also intergrade with vegetation of the Riparian Complex. There is also considerable intergradation between forms of woodland to open woodland with an canopy with Blue Mountains Heath and Scrub forming the understorey in such communities.
Blue Mountains Heath and Scrub has a mixed and variable species composition. Common shrub species include,,,,,,,, and. Common herb and sedge species include,,,,, and.
Two forms of Blue Mountains heath have been distinguished (Keith and Benson 1988, Smith and Smith 1995a-e): montane heath above about 850-900 metres elevation and lower Blue Mountains heath below this level. The two forms intergrade between Wentworth Falls and Katoomba. Montane heath is characterised by the presence of high altitude species such as, and, while lower Blue Mountains heath is characterised by the presence of low altitude species such as, and. However, most of the more common heath plants occur across the full altitudinal range.
It is also possible to distinguish two forms of lower Blue Mountains heath: a Hawkesbury Sandstone form at lower altitudes (chiefly in the Faulconbridge to Woodford area), and a Narrabeen Sandstone form at intermediate altitudes (Hazelbrook to Wentworth Falls). The Hawkesbury Sandstone form is characterised by species such as, and that are absent from heath on Narrabeen Sandstone.
In the prolonged absence of fires, the heath shrubs grow taller and thicker, transforming the vegetation from an open-heath to a closed-scrub, especially in relatively moist and sheltered sites. These communities may be floristically similar to the closed heaths described above but are structurally unique. Shrubs including,,,, and a range of species may all attain heights of up to 8 metres over a generally grassy, herbaceous understorey. In locally moist areas, the fern may become common in the ground stratum.
In the Megalong Valley, forms of heath occur which are floristically and geologically distinct from those others within the scope of the Blue Mountains Heath description. The majority of Megalong Valley Heath is associated with the Shoalhaven Group of sediments with a rare exception associated with the Carboniferous Granite. Dominant species of the heath include,,,,, and while the locally uncommon shrub, may also be present.
Only one example is known of heath occurring on granite within the Megalong Valley, however other examples are likely to occur outside the City, west of the Coxs River. This example is dominated by a relatively low-growing shrubby Acacia which was not able to be identified but is apparently related to Acacia floribunda.
Considered as a whole, Blue Mountains Heath and Scrub is characterised by the following assemblage of native plant species. Other species also occur, and not all of the following species are present in every stand of heath, but the list is indicative of the species composition of the vegetation.

(5B) Blue Mountains Swamps

A range of swamps occurs within the Blue Mountains. Swamp vegetation develops on poorly drained sites where the soil is waterlogged for prolonged periods. Several variants are recognised and are described below.
In the Blue Mountains, swamps occur, not only in low-lying sites on valley floors (
"valley swamps" ), but also in the headwaters of creeks and on steep hillsides (
"hanging swamps" ). Some swamps represent a combination of valley swamp and hanging swamp. The upper boundary of the swamp is often clearly defined by the outcropping of a layer of claystone. Groundwater seeps along the top of the impermeable claystone layer, reaching the surface where the claystone protrudes, thus forming a swamp on the hillside below. Other swamps receive their water supply from feeder streams rather than groundwater, or from a combination of the two.
Blue Mountains Swamps vary greatly in their structure and plant species composition, ranging from closed-sedgeland or closed-fernland to open-heath or closed-heath, sometimes open-scrub or closed-scrub. The shrub-dominated swamps are similar in vegetation structure to some of the forms of Blue Mountains Heath/Scrub, but they differ in species composition and ecological function, and are more appropriately classified with the sedge and fern-dominated swamps. However, in many instances the botanical boundary between Blue Mountains Swamp and Blue Mountains Heath/Scrub communities is unclear or can only be defined at a small scale as the two vegetation types can intergrade extensively.
Common shrubs in the Blue Mountains Swamps that occur on the sandstone plateaux include,,,,,,,, and. Common sedges include,, and. The main fern species is. The swamps of the plateaux include communities described by Keith and Benson (1988) and Benson and Keith (1990) as Blue Mountains Sedge Swamps and Newnes Plateau Shrub Swamps.
The Kurrajong Fault Swamps are valley swamps that occur in the lower Blue Mountains on sandy alluvial deposits associated with the Kurrajong Fault. Common shrubs are,,, and. Common species in the understorey are,, and.
The Coxs River Swamps are another variant encompassed by this community. These swamps occur on the clayey organic sediments derived from the Illawarra Coal Measures where creeks drain at the base of the escarpment. They support a simple flora dominated by, and with a dense ground cover of and spp.
The Megalong Valley Swamps occur under much the same circumstances as the Coxs River Swamps but differ considerably in both structure and floristics. The Coxs River Swamps tend to occur as scrub, open scrub and low open scrub to wet heath with a prominent sedge layer, whilst the Megalong Swamps are closed to tall closed scrub dominated by and with an undescribed shrub sp. Megalong Valley, and infrequent emergents of and.
Blue Mountains Swamps are characterised by the following assemblage of native plant species. Other species also occur, and not all of the following species are present in every swamp, but the list is indicative of the species composition of the vegetation.

(5C) Pagoda Rock Complex

Within the City, this community occurs only in the far northwest near Bell. It occurs primarily outside the City on the Newnes Plateau where it is exemplified in Gardens of Stone National Park.
Benson and Keith (1990) list three structural divisions within this Complex: open heath of,,, and; open mallee scrub of; and woodland of (Silvertop Ash), (Sydney Peppermint) and (Sandstone Stringybark). This mosaic of communities intergrades with the higher altitude variant of Blue Mountains Heath.
The following species typically occur within this complex. Other species may also occur, and not all of the following species are present in every stand of the community.

(5D) Lagoon Vegetation (Glenbrook Lagoon)

Lagoon Vegetation (Glenbrook Lagoon) is the wetland vegetation associated with Glenbrook Lagoon. This waterbody is the only naturally occurring upland lagoon in the City, although wetland vegetation has also developed around artificially created water bodies such as Wentworth Falls Lake and Woodford Lake. Glenbrook Lagoon consists of an area of open water with submerged aquatic vegetation, surrounded by extensive reedbeds dominated by the large sedges and. Fringing the reedbeds is a narrow band of low paperbark trees.
Native wetland plants recorded at Glenbrook Lagoon include the following species. Other species are also likely to be present.

6 - Blue Mountains Riparian Complex

Blue Mountains Riparian Complex refers to the narrow bands of vegetation found along perennial and non-perennial watercourses in the Blue Mountains. It applies to those sections of the creek where there are distinct differences between the creekside vegetation and the adjacent vegetation further from the creek. Riparian (creekline) vegetation can be diverse and variable in structure and composition. It typically consists of species that are restricted to the immediate creekside environment plus other species from the adjacent vegetation communities. Common shrubs and low trees characteristic of riparian vegetation in the Blue Mountains include,,,,,,, and. Ferns tend to be a major component of the riparian vegetation, and include,,, and. Common sedges and rushes include, and. Pockets of rainforest, swamp and moist cliffline (waterfall) vegetation are often present along the creeks and add to the floristic diversity of the riparian vegetation.

Blue Mountains Riparian Complex is characterised by the following assemblage of native plant species. Other species also occur, and not all of the following species are present along every creek, but the list is indicative of the species composition of the vegetation. The list does not include Eucalyptus species. Although a variety of eucalypts may occur along the creeks, they generally reflect the composition of the adjacent vegetation community rather than the riparian vegetation itself.

7 - Blue Mountains Escarpment Complex

Blue Mountains Escarpment Complex refers to the distinctive vegetation communities associated with moist, sheltered rock faces, the escarpments and other extensive outcroppings of sandstones in the Blue Mountains. The habitat of this vegetation varies from rock crevices, ledges, caves and the talus at cliff bases through to isolated rock outcrops. The vegetation consists of a diverse mixture of moist cliffline vegetation, heath, swamp, rainforest, mallee and forest communities that can vary on a very small scale.

Species found in the moist sites include,,,,,,,,,,, and. Where a tree canopy is present, it can contain elements of various communities but (Blue Mountain Ash) is by far the most common. (Sydney Peppermint), (Silvertop Ash) and a range of mallees, particularly the common (Mallee Ash), can also be locally prevalent.

Blue Mountains Escarpment Complex is characterised by the following assemblage of native plant species. Other species also occur, and not all of the following species are present in every stand of the community, but the list is indicative of the species composition of the vegetation.

8 - References

Benson, D.H. and Keith, D.A. (1990) The natural vegetation of the Wallerawang 1:100,000 map sheet. Cunninghamia, 2 (2): 305-336.

Douglas, S.M. (2001) Native vegetation of Areas 1 to 5 in Blue Mountains City local government area . Ecological Surveys and Planning P/L., Hornsby.

Keith, D.A. and Benson, D.H. (1988). The natural vegetation of the Katoomba 1:100,000 map sheet. Cunninghamia, 2: 107-44.

King, D.P. (1994). Soil landscapes of the Katoomba 1:100,000 sheet . Department of Conservation and Land Management, Sydney.

Smith, P. and Smith, J. (1995a). Flora and Fauna Study for Blue Mountains Environmental Management Plan--Study Area 1: Bell to Medlow Bath . P & J Smith Ecological Consultants, Blaxland.

Smith, P. and Smith, J. (1995b). Flora and Fauna Study for Blue Mountains Environmental Management Plan--Study Area 2: Katoomba to Wentworth Falls . P & J Smith Ecological Consultants, Blaxland.

Smith, P. and Smith, J. (1995c). Flora and Fauna Study for Blue Mountains Environmental Management Plan--Study Area 3: Bullaburra to Linden . P & J Smith Ecological Consultants, Blaxland.

Smith, P. and Smith, J. (1995d). Flora and Fauna Study for Blue Mountains Environmental Management Plan--Study Area 4: Faulconbridge to Hawkesbury Heights . P & J Smith Ecological Consultants, Blaxland.

Smith, P. and Smith, J. (1995e). Flora and Fauna Study for Blue Mountains Environmental Management Plan--Study Area 5: Warrimoo to Lapstone . P & J Smith Ecological Consultants, Blaxland.

Smith, P. and Smith, J. (1998). Significant Vegetation Units in the City of Blue Mountains . Unpublished report to Blue Mountains Conservation Society, Residents Against Improper Development, Coalition of Residents for the Environment, Springwood-Winmalee Action Group, Peter Dodd and Lyndal Sullivan. P & J Smith Ecological Consultants, Blaxland.

Specht, R.L., Roe, E.M. and Boughton, V.H. (1974). "Conservation of Major Plant Communities in Australia and Papua New Guinea". Australian Journal Botany . Supp. Series, No. 7. CSIRO Editorial and Publishing Unit, Melbourne.