Acacia (wattle) species occur naturally locally, mostly as large shrubs and small trees. Their seeds and pods are sought after by rosellas and cockatoos with woody galls on the older trees attracting rarer visitors such as the Yellow-tailed black cockatoos (20.05.09.). Cootamundra wattles have acquired a weedy reputation but at least three other species join it in having pods and seeds for Superb parrots visiting Mt Rogers.
Ideally we’d only plant those species which occur naturally in our area, but in changing times, and with a drier climate, planting natives as sacrifice-species to help restore different layer of habitat is perhaps excusable. Melaleucas, Banksias, Hakeas and Grevilleas survive from the early seventies, the earliest plantings. Milton
Although its leaves are a bit yellowed now, the recent weather-pattern shows that Weeping grass Microlaena stipoides is gaining a reputation as an invasive grass. Luckily it’s a native and has been heralded as a valuable pasture-grass where it’s been encouraged to return to grasslands and farms in southern Australia
Most types of grasses grow in tussocks leaving bare spaces between them for small colourful forbs and reptiles (and originally the numerous species of small mammals that have become locally extinct as a result of our use of their habitat, and our insistence on introducing foxes and keeping cats). Weedy introduced species such as Capeweed, Pink Storksbill and Plantain readily take over these spaces but, in a few weeks’ time, they may provide food for the Apina callisto moth’s caterpillars. They are protected by a form of antifreeze in their bodies so their feeding on frosty mornings isn’t interrupted by the cold. They are also a bit hairy and blackish, which probably helps but are around too early to be confused with ‘spitfires’.
It is perhaps a paradox that we don’t seem to be infested with rabbits around here. Let’s keep it that way! Reserves such as the three mentioned above are in dire straits as rabbits dig under the soil for roots, tubers and corms once they’ve eaten out the grasses. Beautiful species such as ground orchids are threatened by this rabbit behaviour as they grow from tubers once rainfall and other optimal conditions trigger growth. A whole generation of germinating shrubs and young trees is at risk because rabbits nibble new shoots. Although government agencies have tried several programs including infection with viruses, baiting, rabbit-warren ripping and the use of farm dogs there is dismay at the overall lack of success in reducing rabbit numbers. There are programs such as Rabbit scan, which seek public help in surveying for rabbits.
There’s not much in flower just now. The hardy Urn heath has pale-yellow heather-like flowers along its spiny-leafed stems. To find these a detour into the grasslands is necessary. They seem to like growing amongst the rocks where there’s semi-constant temperature and retained moisture. A few Bluebells wait for the sun’s warmth before opening each day. Those we see are ‘cousins’ of the ACT’s Floral Emblem which grows in the High Country. Some main-road nature strips still have clusters of Wahlenbergia blooms. Has mowing ceased for the winter to spare them from city managers’ quest for neatness and tidiness?
Perhaps it is a bit late to find toadstools and mushroom-shaped fungi or maybe those that responded to the few millilitres of rain we had and subsequent warm days have already been eaten. When toadstools and mushrooms are visible we’re reminded that these are the ‘fruiting-bodies’ of the fungi.
Gills under the ‘cap’ produce thousands of spores which are blown away on the breeze. Under the ground there’s an amazing network of fungal threads or hyphae which, in some species, can extend across many hectares. The hyphae explore through the soil reaching out for decomposing matter which they can breakdown with enzymes. Fungi are vital in carbon recycling and therefore to soil health.* Some puffballs are only 1-2 millimetres across. Some truffles are also minute. There are hundreds of species of each of these fungi types in Australia
Lichens are more common and obvious after rain. Lichens are closely linked to fungi since they are associations of fungi and algae. They are able to respond to moisture and rainfall bringing subtle colours to rocks and bark surfaces almost instantly. The fungi in lichens produce enzymes which are able to decompose bark, tree stumps and branches thus returning nutrients from dead materials to the soil. Lichens hosted by rocks are able to dissolve the rock, creating fragments of soil. On the bare soil surfaces in grasslands or in Australia
Chinese pistachio have brought their glorious autumn colours to Mt Rogers in recent weeks though winds are gradually blowing the leaves off. They are a classic case of garden-escapees and yet they’ve not yet been recognized as weeds and removed from sale in local nurseries. Birds have brought their berries into the bush where the trees poach nutrients, water and space from native plants. Box elders are also increasingly obvious when their leaves turn yellow. These are classed as environmental weeds, but the fact was found out too late and many gardens host these otherwise attractive trees. I should probably have organised more weeding sessions to reach the berries on Cotoneaster, Pyracantha, Briar Rose and Privet but time has slipped away. We could have a wander and weed and cut off and bag their berries….
* Try the website on Australian fungi at http://www.anbg.gov.au/fungi/index.html
Rosemary Blemings, Convenor, Mt Rogers Landcare Group
Contact
Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000 for reporting motorcyclists illegally riding through Mt Rogers.
No comments:
Post a Comment