20 Messmate Lowland Forest (EVC 16)

Community structure 

Open forest or woodland to 25m high dominated by a mixture of eucalypts including Eucalyptus obliqua (Messmate), E. radiata  (Narrow-leaf Peppermint), E. sieberi (Silvertop Ash) and E. dives (Broad-leaved Peppermint). A sparse middle storey to 3m high contains a diverse range of species, especially narrow-leaf shrubs. The ground storey is dense but lacks diversity, dominated by wire grass, tussock grasses and sedges.  

This community tends to grade into many neighbouring communities depending on soil fertility, moisture levels, soil and rock types and protection on the slopes. It is now badly fragmented due to urban and agricultural development and remnants are weed-prone. 

Distribution 

This is a widespread community along the central southern boundary of the Shire on relatively fertile, moderately well-drained to dry soils in areas of relatively high rainfall. It tends to be at low altitudes to 250m on the lowland plains and lower foothill slopes from Woori Yallock Creek to McMahons Creek. 

Typical suburbs/areas occurring in this EVC are:  Macclesfield, Hoddles Creek, Gladysdale, Kurth Kiln area, north of Mt. Beenak, Big Pats Creek, McMahons Creek, narrow band to the north of the Yarra /O'Shannassy Rivers from McMahons Creek. 

Plant Listings