Plains Grasslands

The drier plains areas in the north of the region were once dominated by Plains Grasslands but these areas have been reduced to less than 1% of their original distribution through conversion to agriculture, particularly cropping. Generally, this vegetation occurs on Tertiary and Quaternary alluvial deposits of silts and clays in areas receiving 300-500 mm rainfall per annum. Plains Grasslands are characterised by a very low density or complete absence of trees and shrubs, although occasional trees such as Buloke Allocasuarina luehmannii may be present. The ground layer is dominated by perennial grasses, including Spider Grass Enteropogon acicularis, Wallaby Grasses Austrodanthonia spp., Spear grasses Austrostipa spp. and perennial herbs such as composites (daisies) and chenopods (saltbushes). A large number of annual herbs are also a feature of this vegetation type. Plains Grassland is now mostly restricted to roadsides and some minor occurrence on private land. They are very poorly reserved and in urgent need of further protection and reservation. EVCs: Plains Grassland Plains Grassy Wetland Freshwater Lignum Shrubland

Spider Grass Enteropogon acicularis Photograph is the property of Viridans Biological Databases (external link) Buloke Allocasuarina luehmannii Photograph is the property of Viridans Biological Databases (external link)

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