Forest 2 - Local eucalypts and native grasses


Local eucalypts and native grasses

Forest 2 is a mix of remnant and planted eucalypts, shrubs and grasses native to the local area, including patches of Yellow box-Red gum grassy woodland, listed as a national critically endangered ecological community.

Eucalyptus blakelyi tree at Forest 2 non Arb Eucalyptus melliodora adult tree at Forest 2 non Arb

Other common names

Eucalypts, gum trees

Origin of species name

Eucalyptus is from Greek eu kalyptos, meaning well-covered, referring to the cap that covers the buds, which lifts off as the flowers open.

Family

Myrtaceae

Dates planted

Most of the trees were planted in the 1980s, after major road works at the nearby Glenloch Interchange. A few older trees remain from the original bushland.

Eucalyptus melliodora bark at Forest 2 non Arb

General description

A large area of indigenous flora with an ecology similar to local bushland areas. The gum trees provide an open canopy sheltering a variety of native grasses and bushes which provide ideal habitat for birds, frogs, insects and other living things.

Much of this forest includes the tree species of Yellow Box/Red Gum Grassy Woodland, namely Eucalyptus melliodora (yellow box), E. blakelyi (Blakely's red gum), and E. bridgesiana (apple box). Other eucalypts include E. viminalis (Ribbon gum/Manna gum), E. mannifera ssp. maculosa (Brittle gum), and E. pauciflora (Snow gum).

Importantly, there are three areas of remnant native grassland which include Themeda australis (Kangaroo grass) and Bothriochloa macra (Redgrass). Other native grasses include: Austrodanthonia spp. (Wallaby grass/white top), Austrostipa spp. (Speargrasses), Chloris truncata (Windmill grass), Dichelachne spp. (Plumegrasses), Panicum effusum (Hairy panic/blow- away grass), Poa spp. (Poa tussock/river tussock), and Sporobolus creber (Slender rat's tail grass).

Other native plants include: Chrysocephalum apiculatum (Common everlasting) and Juncus usitatus (Common rush).

Natural distribution and habitat

The eucalypts in Forest 2 are native to the local area of the Arboretum, including nearby Black Mountain Reserve and along the Molonglo River, part of which now forms Lake Burley Griffin. One of the E. melliodora trees is approx. 30 m tall. It provides daytime shelter sites for possums and hollows and nesting sites for many birds and animals. Melliodora means 'honey-scented' and the flowers have a sweet smell. Sugar gliders eat the flowers and honeyeaters feed on the nectar. It is an essential habitat tree for threatened woodland birds.

Conservation status

Yellow Box/Red Gum Grassy Woodland has national listing as a critically endangered ecological community.

Uses

Eucalypts have been used for timber, fuel, gum, honey, fibre, oils and medicinal purposes.