Flora of the. Barwon River. (Ring Road to Breakwater) Sponsored by:

Flora of the Barwon River (Ring Road to Breakwater) Sponsored by:

General Disclaimer This booklet is designed and compiled for the wider community to increase knowledge and awareness of indigenous plants along the Barwon River. Whilst all due care has been taken at the time of publication in providing correct information, we take no responsibility for any errors of content. The information provided relating to the Aboriginal use of plants for food, items or medicinal purposes has been approved by the Wathaurung People. References and Further Research Corangamite Catchment Management Authority website (CCMA) Barwon through Geelong Management Plan www.ccma.vic.gov.au Victorian Flora website www.victorianflora.wmcn.org.au Department of Sustainability and Environment www.dse.vic.gov.au Ecological Vegetation Class (EVC s) EVC s are a way of classifying plant communities according to floristics, habit and position. More information about EVC s can be found on the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) website. The Ecological Vegetation Classes of the Barwon River are 55 Plains Grassy Woodland 56 Floodplain Riparian Woodland 104 Lignum Swamp 538 Brackish Herbland 641 Riparian Woodland 653 Aquatic Herbland 656 Brackish Wetland 851 Stream Bank land 947 Brackish Lignum Swamp Vegetation with no EVC has been allocated as: Costermans L, 1981 Native trees and shrubs of South Eastern Australia, Reed New Holland. Society of Growing Australia Plants Maroondah Inc, 1991 Flora of Melbourne, Hyland Publishing Pty Limited, South Melbourne. Cover photo: Near Balyang Sanctuary Back cover photo: Near Balyang Sanctuary Page 2 Page 3

The booklet is organised into sections based on the growth habit of plants. Plants within each section are listed alphabeticall using Botanical name, Common name and Family name. Aquatic Plants that require partial or complete submersion in water to survive. Groundcovers and Climbers Groundcovers are low spreading plants that grow across the ground. Climbers sprawl or scramble over and through other plants or objects. Herbs These plants produce fleshy rather than woody stems and are usually up to a metre in height. Grasses and Sedges Grasses and sedges have narrow leaves that arise from the base of the plant to form a tuft. s Plants with many woody stems arising from near the base of the plant. s have no distinct trunk. Trees Woody plants over three metres in height with branches developing above a distinct trunk. EVC 653 Aquatic Herbland Azolla filiculoides Pacific Azolla Azollaceae A free floating fern Dies back in cold weather Can be green or red in colour Spores are produced, rather than flowers and fruits Good cover for fish Found in still corners of the Barwon River Flower colour: No flowers Flowering: None Aquatic 1.5 cm (h) 2-3 cm (w) Page 4 Page 5

Phragmites australis Common Reed Poaceae Aquatic Up to 3 m Triglochin procerum Water Ribbons Juncaginaceae Aquatic Plant 20-50 cm (w) EVC 56 Floodplain Riparian Woodland EVC 641 Riparian Woodland EVC 653 Aquatic Herbland EVC 656 Brackish Wetland EVC 947 Brackish Lignum Swamp Semi-aquatic, fast growing perennial grass Flower-heads have a fluffy-feathery appearance Habitat for birds such as the reed warbler, coot and swamphens Aboriginal use: Leaves were used to weave baskets. Rhizomes were eaten roasted. Flower colour: Green to purplish Flowering: All year round EVC 56 Floodplain Riparian Woodland EVC 641 Riparian Woodland EVC 538 Brackish Herbland EVC 653 Aquatic Herbland EVC 656 Brackish Wetland Located in shallower areas, confined to the edges of the river or wetlands Leaves are fleshy and ribbon-like, erect or floating Flower spikes are erect above the water Black Swans feed on the fleshy shoots and use the leaves for nesting Aboriginal use: The tuberous roots were roasted. Part of the stem was eaten like celery. Flower colour: Greenish Flowering: Most of the year Page 6 Page 7

Typha domingensis Cumbungi Typhaceae Aquatic 1-3 m (h) 10 m (w) Acaena novae-zelandiae Bidgee-widgee Rosaceae Ground Cover Prostrate 1-4 m (w) EVC 653 Aquatic Herbland EVC 656 Brackish Wetland EVC 56 Floodplain Riparian Woodland EVC 641 Riparian Woodland EVC 947 Brackish Lignum Swamp Typha orientalis (Broad-leaf Cumbungi) is another similar species Distinct velvety-brown flower spike Good for frog habitat Aboriginal use: Baskets were made from long leaves and fibres. The roots were cleaned, steamed and roasted or eaten raw like potatoes. Flower colour: Greenish Flowering: All year round EVC 641 Riparian Woodland EVC 851 Stream Bank land A spreading plant, with burrs covered in hooks that attach to clothing and animal fur The early settlers used the leaves as a tea substitute Fruit are sphere-shaped and covered with small red spines Aboriginal use: Bidgee-widgee was used as a medicine to aid digestion. Flower colour: Greenish white Flowering: Oct - Jan Page 8 Page 9

Clematis microphylla Small-leaved Clematis Ranunculaceae Climber 4 m (h) Einadia nutans Nodding Saltbush Chenopodiaceae Ground Cover Prostrate 1-2 m (w) EVC 175 Grassy Woodland Feathery fruits are dispersed by wind Masses of cream cross-shaped flowers Leaves are dull green 130 mm in length Male and female flowers are borne on separate plants Found around Buckley Falls car park Flower colour: Cream Flowering: July - Nov EVC 175 Grassy Woodland Small nodding succulent triangular leaves Small flowers and tiny red berries are produced during summer months Fruits are great food for lizards and birds Aboriginal use: Ripe berries were eaten but are poisonous if picked too early. Flower colour: Green Flowering: Dec - March Page 10 Page 11

Enchylaena tomentosa Ruby Saltbush Chenopodiaceae Ground Cover 0.1-1 m (h) 1-1.5 m (w) Tetragonia implexicoma Bower Spinach Aizoaceae Ground Cover Prostrate 2 m (w) Succulent bluish-green cylindrical or linear leaves Small green flowers Berries ripen to orange and red Fruits are food for small lizards and birds such as Silvereyes Aboriginal use: Berries were eaten when ripe and a dye can be made from the berries. Flower colour: Green Flowering: Sept - March Red berries are produced and ripen to black Leaves are succulent Small four petalled flowers Earlier voyagers to Australia used this plant to help fight scurvy Aboriginal use: The leaves and juvenile shoots were cooked and eaten like spinach. Berries were also eaten when ripe. Flower colour: Yellow Flowering: Aug - Sept Page 12 Page 13

Chrysocephalum apiculatum Common Everlasting Asteraceae Herb Prostrate 1-2 m (w) Lythrum salicaria Purple Loosestrife Lythraceae Herb 1 m (h) 1 m (w) A perennial herb Silver grey foliage Flowers attract butterflies Flower colour: Yellow Flowering: Sept - Dec Semi-aquatic perennial herb Flowers on tall stems Adapted to most soils Flower colour: Purple Flowering: Nov - March Page 14 Page 15

Senecio quadridentatus Cotton Fireweed Asteraceae Herb 40-90 cm (h) 50-90 cm (w) Vittadinia cuneata Fuzzy New Holland Daisy Asteraceae Herb 10-30 cm (h) 10-30 cm (w) EVC 56 Floodplain Riparian Woodland EVC 538 Brackish Herbland EVC 947 Brackish Lignum Swamp Perennial herb Stems and leaves are covered in wispy hairs, giving a greyish look Small yellow flower-heads attract butterflies Found at upper Buckley Falls car park Flower colour: Green to yellow Flowering: Oct - March It is difficult to identify the many different species of Vittadinia. The fruit is the main distinguishing feature A small perennial herb or sub-shrub Mauve-coloured daisy flowers on leafy stalks Found on cliff tops around Buckley Falls Flower colour: Mauve to blue Flowering: Sept - Dec Page 16 Page 17

Wahlenbergia gracilis Sprawling Bluebell Campanulaceae Herb 10-50 cm (h) Austrodanthonia spp. Wallaby Grasses Poaceae Grass 20-40 cm (h) 20-40 cm (w) EVC 641 Riparian Woodland Delicate perennial tufted herb Flowers have five petals Fruit contains small black seeds Flower colour: Pale blue Flowering: Sept - Nov EVC 55 Plains Grassy Woodland EVC 104 Lignum Swamp EVC 175 Grassy Woodland EVC 653 Aquatic Herbland Leaves are blue-green in colour, can be hairy or hairless, flat or rolled in appearance Many different species, difficult to distinguish between species. All have fluffy flower heads Mature flower spikes are creamy white colour Aboriginal use: Seeds were collected and ground to make flour for damper. Flower colour: Brownish Flowering: Oct Dec Page 18 Page 19

Carex tereticaulis Hollow Sedge or Poong ort Cyperaceae (aboriginal name) Tuft 1 m (h) 1 m (w) Dianella revoluta Black-anther Flax-lily Liliaceae Tuft 50-70cm (h) 0.3-2 m (w) Perennial grass-like sedge with rhizomes Narrow hollow stems, almost triangular in cross section Found at Balyang Sanctuary Aboriginal use: The leaves were used by the Wathaurung people for basket weaving and for string. Flower colour: Brown Flowering: Aug - April EVC 56 Floodplain Riparian Woodland Flowering stems grow taller than the leaves Produces small dark berries Berries are food for skinks and other lizards Similar but not as common as Dianella brevicaulis which is found along Wal Whiteside Walk Aboriginal use: Berries were eaten when ripe and used to make dyes. The leaves were made into string and baskets. Flower colour: Blue Flowering: Aug - May Page 20 Page 21

Ficinia nodosa Knobby Club-sedge Cyperaceae Tuft 0.5-1 m (h) 0.6-2 m (w) Juncus spp. Rushes Juncaceae Tuft 0.5-2 m (h) 0.3-2 m (w) EVC 851 Stream Bank land A hardy plant with creeping rhizomes Flowers in sphere shaped clusters near top of the stem Useful for frog habitat Found at Balyang Sanctuary Aboriginal use: The strong, wiry leaves were used for basket weaving. Flower colour: Reddish-brown Flowering: Most of the year EVC 56 Floodplain Riparian Woodland EVC 104 Lignum Swamp EVC 656 Brackish Wetland There are many different species of Juncus Juncus can tolerate moist to wet soils Rhizomatous perennial rush Good plant to help stabilise river banks Useful for frog and bird habitat Found along banks of the Barwon River Aboriginal use: The long, strong cylindrical leaves were used for basket weaving. Flower colour: Browns to yellows Flowering: Nov - March Page 22 Page 23

Lomandra longifolia Spiny-headed Mat Rush Laxmanniaceae Tuft 0.5-1 m (h) 0.5-1 m (w) Poa labillardierei Tussock Grass Poaceae Grass 30-80 cm (h) EVC 56 Floodplain Riparian Woodland EVC 851 Stream Bank land Large, tuft-forming perennial Crowded flower spikes Hard brown seed along flower spike Leathery strap-like leaves, toothed ends to the leaves Male and female flowers are on separate spikes Good nesting site for Superb Fairy-wrens and Brown Thornbills Aboriginal use: The leaves were used for basket making. Roots were usually eaten roasted. Seeds were collected and ground to make flour for damper. Flower colour: Yellow to white Flowering: Sept - Dec EVC 851 Stream Bank land Purplish green flowers which turn a pale straw color at maturity Flowers on tall erect stems above the foliage Colours of leaves can vary from green, greyish to blue green Can be seen planted in mass along the river Found around Breakwater Aboriginal use: Seed was collected then ground to make flour. Flower colour: Purplish green Flowering: Oct - Feb Page 24 Page 25

Themeda triandra Kangaroo Grass Poaceae Grass 40-75 cm (h) 1-1.5 m (w) Bursaria spinosa subsp. spinosa Sweet Bursaria Pittosporaceae 3-6 m (h) 2-3 m (w) EVC 55 Plains Grassy Woodland A soft erect or sprawling perennial tussock Adapted to many soils, however cannot tolerate overly wet or waterlogged soil Distinctive black awns on purplish brown seed heads Very sensitive to grazing pressure and fertilisers Once covered large areas over much of Australia Found on cliff tops above Bunyip s Pool, Buckley Falls Aboriginal use: The Wathaurung collected the seeds to make a type of flour cake. Flower colour: Brown Flowering: Sept - Feb EVC 56 Floodplain Riparian Woodland EVC 175 Grassy Woodland EVC 641 Riparian Woodland Bunches of fragrant flowers at the ends of the branches Clusters of bronze seed capsules follow flowering Occasionally has spines along branches An important shrub for butterflies, including the Eltham Copper Butterfly Leaves contain a chemical that can be useful as a sun block Located at Wal Whiteside Walk Flower colour: White to cream Flowering: Dec - March Page 26 Page 27

Callistemon sieberi River Bottlebrush Myrtaceae 3-10 m (h) 2-6 m (w) Correa reflexa Common Correa Rutaceae 1-3 m (h) 1-3 m (w) EVC 851 Stream Bank land Leaves are glossy and narrow, around 2-3 cm long New growth is silky and silvery Flowers are arranged in spikes, usually 3-5 cm long, 2-2.5 cm wide Each flower produces a small woody fruit containing hundreds of tiny seeds Fruits are small, cup shaped capsules clustered along the stem and persist for many years on the plant Located at Wal Whiteside Walk Aboriginal use: Flowers were soaked in water to make a sweet type of cordial to drink. Flower colour: Pale pink to cream Flowering: Dec - March Hairy branches and stems Nectar producing flowers attract many bird species, especially honeyeaters Long tubular flowers hanging between two leaves Another similar species is Correa glabra but it is less hairy and has pale green flowers Aboriginal use: Flowers were picked and sucked for their nectar. Flower colour: Yellow-green/Red and green Flowering: May - Oct Page 28 Page 29

Dodonaea viscosa subsp. spatulata Sticky Hop-bush Sapindaceae 1-3 m (h) 1-3 m (w) Goodenia ovata Hop Goodenia Goodeniaceae 2-4 m (h) 1.5-3 m (w) Ranges in habit from an open dense shrub Fruit is a red to brownish papery three-winged capsule Fruit is more distinctive than the flowers Can be found at the lower car park at Buckley Falls and at Wal Whiteside Walk Flower colour: Red Flowering: Aug - Dec Bright green ovate leaves with toothed margins Bright yellow flowers have 5 petals; 2 upper and 3 lower Fruit is a narrow cylindrical capsule Grows under a variety of conditions Distinctive sharp, pleasant scent, especially when weather is damp Located at Breakwater Road Aboriginal use: This plant was used to help children sleep on long journeys. Flower colour: Bright yellow Flowering: Sept - Feb Page 30 Page 31

Deviation Rd Aberdeen St Geelong Station Buckley Falls HIGHTON Queens Park Queens Park Rd Shannon Ave NEWTOWN West Fyans St Pakington St Latrobe Tce GEELONG Moorabool St Ryrie St McKillop St South Geelong Station Sydney Pde Ormond Rd EAST GEELONG Geelong Ring Road Scenic Rd Mt Pleasant Rd Barrabool Rd Balyang Sanctuary Barrabool Rd Mt Pleasant Rd Fyans St SOUTH GEELONG Carr St Roslyn Rd Belmont Common Barwon Heads Rd Barwon River Major Roads WANDANA Railway Line HEIGHTS Walking Track Thornhill Rd South Valley Rd BELMONT High St Settlement Rd Wal Whiteside Walk Breakwater Rd Fellmongers Rd BREAKWATER p Produced using Parks Victoria s ParkView Mapping System ursday, 5 November 2009 at 7:52:51 AM Page 32 Page 33

Gynatrix pulchella Hemp Bush Malvaceae 2-4 m (h) Indigofera australis Austral Indigo Fabaceae 1-2.5 m (h) 1-2 m (w) Very showy when flowering Capsules are hairy A distinctive spotting characteristic is the yellowing of leaves Heart-shaped leaves up to 10cm long and covered in fine hairs Small and highly fragrant flowers Located at Breakwater Road Aboriginal use: String was made from the fibres, and the leaves and wood were used for their oil. Flower colour: Greenish white Flowering: Aug - Oct Bluish compound leaves Mauve pea-like flowers, followed by narrow cylindrical pods Good plants to attract butterflies Aboriginal use: Leaves were crushed and added to water to kill or stun fish or eels. Pods were eaten like beans at certain times of the year. Flower colour: Mauve Flowering: Aug - Dec Page 34 Page 35

Leptospermum lanigerum Woolly Teatree Myrtaceae 2-5 m (h) 1-3 m (w) Leptospermum obovatum River Teatree Myrtaceae 2-3 m (h) 1.5-2 m (w) EVC 851 Stream Bank land Five celled furry capsules are attached to branches Mature foliage greyish in colour with under side surface silvery and hairy Juvenile foliage is green in colour and hairy on both sides Found at Wal Whiteside Walk Aboriginal use: The flowers were used for body decorations and the wood for spears, digging sticks and fire sticks. Flower colour: White Flowering: Sept - Jan Leaves aromatic, narrow to broad, wider towards the blunt tip Flowers have five white petals and their nectar attracts insects and birds Aboriginal use: Flowers were used for body decorations. The wood was used for fire sticks. Flower colour: White Flowering: Nov - Jan Page 36 Page 37

Melicytus dentata syn. Hymenanthera dentata Tree Violet Violaceae 2-4 m (h) 1.5-3 m (w) Muehlenbeckia florulenta Tangled Lignum Polygonaceae 1-2.5 m (h) 1-2 m (w) EVC 175 Grassy Woodland Upright straggly to dense shrub with spiny branches Provides excellent habitat for birds Leaves are dark green in colour, oblong with toothed margins, under side of leaf is a paler green Masses of tiny fragrant, cream bell flowers along the branches Fruits are small pale green to purple berries Found at Breakwater and on the walk to Buckley Falls from the lower car park Flower colour: Cream Flowering: Sept - Nov EVC 56 Floodplain Riparian Woodland EVC 641 Riparian Woodland EVC 653 Aquatic Herbland EVC 656 Brackish Wetland EVC 947 Brackish Lignum Swamp Provides an excellent safe nesting site for small birds The plant is made up of thin branchlets that are grey-green in colour Leaves are thin and fall early Flowers are small and highly scented, sometimes with a pinkish tint Found all along the river Aboriginal use: Small fishing nets were made from the long branchlets. Flower colour: Pale yellow green Flowering: Sept - Dec Page 38 Page 39

Myoporum insulare Common Boobialla Myoporaceae 1-6 m (h) 2-5 m (w) Myoporum sp 1 syn. Myoporum viscosum Sticky Boobialla Myoporaceae 0.5-2 m (h) All species of Myoporum have small, white, star like flowers with spotted hairy petals Myoporum spp. are useful fire retardant plants Fruits are bright purple and attract birds Leaves are thick and waxy Found at Wal Whiteside Walk Flower colour: White Flowering: Oct - Nov EVC 56 Floodplain Riparian Woodland Leaves are sticky Fruits are yellow and bird attracting Leaves are smaller and thinner than Myoporum insulare, with finely toothed edges Found at lower picnic area, Buckley Falls Flower colour: White Flowering: Sept - Dec Page 40 Page 41

Plectranthus parviflorus Cockspur Flower Lamiaceae 10-70 cm(h) Rhagodia candolleana Seaberry Bush Chenopodiaceae 2 m (h) 1-2 m (w) Leaves opposite, somewhat hairy Flowers are pale blue to violet blue often hairy 6-11mm long Restricted to the Leigh and Barwon River areas in Western Victoria Two similar exotic species exist; not known to be naturalised locally, both are aromatic with slightly larger flowers, usually white or purplish Found at the rocky area around Bunyip s Pool at Buckley Falls Flower colour: Pale blue Flowering: Sept - July Semi-succulent plant Small red berries are produced in autumn and are eaten by lizards and birds Found locally in coastal and salt marsh areas Found at Buckley Falls upper car park Flower colour: Whitish Flowering: Dec - April Page 42 Page 43

Rhagodia parabolica Fragrant Saltbush Chenopodiaceae 0.8-2 m (h) 0.5-1.5 m (w) Rubus parvifolius Small-leaf Bramble Rosaceae 0.5-1 m (h) 0.5-2 m (w) A rare plant of state significance in Victoria, restricted to rocky areas from Sunbury to Geelong Inconspicuous white, mealy flowers are followed by small red berries, which are often eaten by lizards and birds Widely planted and very common along the Barwon River Found from Breakwater to Buckley Falls Flower colour: White Flowering: Nov - Jan EVC 641 Riparian Woodland Similar to Blackberry, the exotic weed, but less vigorous A scrambler that has hooked thorns along its branches Leaves are green and wrinkled above, whitish below Easily distinguished from Blackberry by its bright pink flowers and ripeningred fruits. (Blackberry has white flowers and ripening-black fruits) Found along the riverside track from the lower car park to Buckley Falls Also know as the Native Raspberry Aboriginal use: The fruit was eaten much like raspberries. Flower colour: Pink Flowering: Oct - Dec Page 44 Page 45

Solanum laciniatum Large Kangaroo Apple Solanaceae 1-3 m (h) 1-3 m (w) Acacia dealbata subsp. dealbata Silver Wattle Mimosaceae Tree 6-20 m (h) 5-10 m (w) Fruit is large and fleshy shaped like a small egg Immature green fruit ripens to orange 30 seeds are held within each fruit Stems are smooth, except for minute hairs on young growth Leaf shape varies - lobed or smooth edged Found at Wal Whiteside Walk, and on the track to Bunyip s Pool at Buckley Falls Aboriginal use: Fruit were eaten when ripe by the Wathaurung people, unripe fruits are poisonous. Flower colour: Purple Flowering: Sept - March EVC 56 Floodplain Riparian Woodland EVC 641 Riparian Woodland Short lived tree, prone to borer attack Leaves bipinnate and usually bluish-grey in colour Distinguishing characteristic is one gland between each set of leaflets along the central leaf axis Juvenile foliage is host to the Imperial Blue Butterfly caterpillar Found along the riverside track from the Buckley Falls lower car park Aboriginal use: The Wathaurung people gathered seeds and ground them into flour. The gum was eaten and used as medicine and the wood was used for tools. Flower colour: Bright yellow Flowering: July - Oct Page 46 Page 47

Acacia implexa Lightwood Mimosaceae Tree 4-8 m (h) 4-6 m (w) Acacia mearnsii Black Wattle Mimosaceae Tree 5-15 m (h) 6-10 m (w) EVC 641 Riparian Woodland Fast growing, open crowned tree Pods are curved or twisted, 25cm long Seed stalks are fleshy and white Crescent shaped green phyllodes Found on tops of cliffs on way from lower car park to Buckley Falls Aboriginal use: Seeds were ground to make flour. Bark was used for tanning. Flower colour: Cream Flowering: Dec - Mar EVC 641 Riparian Woodland Green bark on younger stems Leaves are bi-pinnate and dark olive green in colour Glands are irregularly spaced along the central leaf axis Europeans used the bark for tanning leather Found at upper car park Buckley Falls and Wal Whiteside Walk Aboriginal use: Some parts of the tree were used for dyeing items. The gum was used for food and traded; it was very valuable to the Wathaurung people. Flower colour: Pale yellow Flowering: Oct - Dec Page 48 Page 49

Acacia melanoxylon Blackwood Mimosaceae Tree 6-30 m (h) 4-15 m (w) Acacia paradoxa Hedge Wattle Mimosaceae Tree 2-4 m (h) 2-5 m (w) EVC 56 Floodplain Riparian Woodland EVC 641 Riparian Woodland Small to large upright tree with rough bark. Phyllodes are dull green and rigid, 4-16 cm long Distinctive bright red seed stems The wood is highly prized for furniture making Found at Wal Whiteside Walk Aboriginal use: The seeds were gathered and ground for flour. Flower colour: Pale creamy yellow Flowering: Aug - Oct EVC 56 Floodplain Riparian Woodland EVC 641 Riparian Woodland A dense, thorny shrub with a weeping growth habit Provides excellent habitat and protection for nesting birds Pods are furry Sphere shaped flower heads are produced on slender stalks Found near the lower picnic area at Buckley Falls Aboriginal use: Seeds were collected and ground to make flour. Flower colour: Deep golden yellow Flowering: Aug - Nov Page 50 Page 51

Acacia pycnantha Golden Wattle Mimosaceae Tree 3-8 m (h) 2-5 m (w) Acacia retinodes var. uncifolia Coast Wirilda Mimosaceae Tree 2-6 m (h) 2-3 m (w) EVC 56 Floodplain Riparian Woodland EVC 641 Riparian Woodland Australia s National Floral emblem A slender tree with large, waxy, green curved phyllodes This acacia has a distinctive gland on the edge of the phyllode, 2cm from the base Thin straight pods Can be found near lower picnic area at Buckley Falls Aboriginal use: Seeds were grounded into flour. Flower colour: Golden yellow Flowering: Aug - Oct Phyllodes are long and narrow with an abrupt tip Flowers are sphere shaped heads, 18-30 per head Branchlets are angular and often reddish Pods to 15cm, seed stems are reddish Can be found near the low level bridge at Breakwater Flower colour: Light yellow Flowering: Oct - Feb Page 52 Page 53

Acacia verticillata subsp verticillata Prickly Moses Mimosaceae Tree 2-6 m (h) 3-5 m (w) Allocasuarina verticillata Drooping Sheoak Casuarinaceae Tree 4-11 m (h) 3-6 m (w) EVC 175 Grassy Woodland Fine prickly phyllodes up to 20mm long Provides excellent habitat and protection for small birds Can endure periods of water logging Found at Breakwater Aboriginal use: Wathaurung people made fishing lines from the fibres. Flower colour: Yellow Flowering: Jun - Dec EVC 175 Grassy Woodland Male and female flowers are borne on separate plants Male plants have yellow-brown flower spikes (upper right photo) Female flowers are red and sphere shaped (lower right photo) Branchlets drooping, grey-green, to 40 cm long The seeds are a food source for cockatoos Cylindrical or barrel-shaped woody cones 20-50 mm long, 17-30 mm in diameter Found at the Wal Whiteside Walk and Breakwater Aboriginal use: The Wathaurung used the gum/resin to join many things. Seeds were ground for flour; leaves were used in smoking ceremonies and medicines. Flower colour: Brown/Orange-red Flowering: All year round Page 54 Page 55

Banksia marginata Silver Banksia Proteaceae Tree 1-10 m (h) 1-5 m (w) Callitris glaucophylla White Cypress Pine Cupressaceae Tree 7-20 m (h) 5-10 m (w Provides nectar for Honeybees, native Carpenter Bees, Ringtail and Pygmy Possums, many insects and nectar-eating birds Flowers form yellow spikes 40-100mm long Underside of leaves are silver in colour Aboriginal use: Flowers were collected and then soaked in water to make cordial or sweet water. Flower colour: Yellow Flowering: Sept - April Upright tree Wind pollinated seed, bears both male and female cones Male cones are tiny at the ends of the branchlets, female cones are sphere shaped, to 2cm, in groups or solitary Termite resistant wood Found at Breakwater near the low level Bridge and at Buckley Falls Aboriginal use: Seeds were roasted and ground to make flour; the sap was used for joining tools. Leaves were used in smoking ceremonies and medicine. Flower colour: No flower Flowering: None Page 56 Page 57

Eucalyptus camaldulensis River Red-gum Myrtaceae Tree 12-45 m (h) 15-35 m (w) Eucalyptus ovata var. ovata Swamp Gum Myrtaceae Tree 8-30 m (h) 8-20 m (w) EVC 56 Floodplain Riparian Woodland EVC 641 Riparian Woodland Bark smooth, mottled, white to yellow and grey, becoming rough around the base Adult leaves are dull green in color and narrow to 25cm long Juvenile leaves are bluish-green in colour Flower buds and fruits are distinctive Aboriginal use: River Red Gum wood was used to make canoes, tools and paddles. Leaves were used in smoking ceremonies and medicine. Flower colour: Cream to yellow Flowering: Nov - March EVC 56 Floodplain Riparian Woodland EVC 175 Grassy Woodland Broad, wavy-edged leaves Seed capsules are funnel shaped with a flat top Leaves lack typical eucalyptus scent Grows best on poorly drained sites Aboriginal use: Leaves were used in smoking ceremonies and medicines. The gum was as an adhesive, and chewed like chewy and was not swallowed. Flower colour: White to cream Flowering: Mar - Jan Page 58 Page 59

Eucalyptus viminalis Manna Gum Myrtaceae Tree 10-50 m (h) 8-15 m (w) Melaleuca lanceolata Moonah Myrtaceae Tree 1-8 m (h) 3-8 m (w) EVC 175 Grassy Woodland Koalas favour the leaves of this eucalypt as a food source Bark is shed in ribbons This tree is used extensively for timber, pulp and honey production Found at lower Buckley Falls and Queens Park Juvenile leaves (shown above) are opposite and tapering Aboriginal use: Lerp insects are found on the tree in summer months. These are tiny, sucking insects that produce a sugary shell. This was known as nature s fairy floss which the Wathaurung children would enjoy. Flower colour: White Flowering: Jan - May Distinctive dense heavy limbed tree when mature Small lance-shaped leaves Small white flowers are arranged in dense spikes along the stems Flowers are followed by woody capsules that encircle the stems Found at Balyang Sanctuary and at Buckley Falls Aboriginal use: Leaves were used for smoking ceremonies and medicines. Bark was used to support broken bones, wrapped tightly around the break. Flower colour: White to cream Flowering: Oct - March Page 60 Page 61

Index Index (cont.) BOTANICAL NAME COMMON NAME PAGE Acacia dealbata ssp. dealbata Silver Wattle 47 Acacia implexa Lightwood 48 Acacia mearnsii Late Black Wattle 49 Acacia melanoxylon Blackwood 50 Acacia paradoxa Hedge Wattle 51 Acacia pycnantha Golden Wattle 52 Acacia retinodes Wirilda 53 Acacia verticillata ssp. verticillata Prickly Moses 54 Acaena novae-zelandiae Bidgee-widgee 9 Allocasuarina verticillata Drooping She-oak 55 Austrodanthonia spp. Wallaby grasses 19 Azolla filiculoides Pacific Azolla 5 Banksia marginata Silver Banksia 56 Bursaria spinosa ssp. spinosa Sweet Bursaria 27 Callistemon sieberi River Bottlebrush 28 Callitris glaucophylla White Cypress-pine 57 Carex tereticaulis Basket Sedge 20 Chrysocephalum apiculatum Clustered Everlasting 14 Clematis microphylla Small-leaved Clematis 10 Correa reflexa Common Correa 29 Dianella revoluta Black-anther Flax-lily 21 Dodonaea viscosa ssp. spatulata Wedge-leaf Hop-Bush 30 Einadia nutans Nodding Saltbush 11 Enchylaena tomentosa Ruby Saltbush 12 Eucalyptus camaldulensis River Red Gum 58 Eucalyptus ovata var. ovata Swamp Gum 59 Eucalyptus viminalis ssp. viminalis Manna Gum 60 Ficinia nodosa Knobby Club-sedge 22 Goodenia ovata Hop Goodenia 31 Gynatrix pulchella Hemp Bush 34 Indigofera australis Austral Indigo 35 Juncus spp. Rushes 23 Leptospermum lanigerum Woolly Tea-tree 36 Leptospermum obovatum River Tea-tree 37 Lomandra longifolia Spiny-headed Mat-rush 24 Lythrum salicaria Purple Loosestrife 15 Melaleuca lanceolata Moonah 61 Melicytus dentata (syn. Hymenanthera dentata) Tree Violet 38 Muehlenbeckia florulenta Tangled Lignum 39 Myoporum insulare Common Boobialla 40 BOTANICAL NAME COMMON NAME PAGE Myoporum sp1. syn. Myoporum viscosum Sticky Boobialla 41 Phragmites australis Common Reed 6 Plectranthus parviflorus Cockspur Flower 42 Poa labillardierei Common Tussock-grass 25 Rhagodia candolleana Seaberry Saltbush 43 Rhagodia parabolica Fragrant Saltbush 44 Rubus parvifolius Small-leaf Bramble 45 Senecio quadridentatus Cotton Fireweed 16 Solanum laciniatum Large Kangaroo Apple 46 Tetragonia implexicoma Bower Spinach 13 Themeda triandra Kangaroo Grass 26 Triglochin procerum Water Ribbons 7 Typha domingensis Narrow-leaf Cumbungi 8 Vittadinia cuneata Fuzzy New Holland Daisy 17 Wahlenbergia gracilis Sprawling Bluebell 18 Glossary Awns: bristle-like projection on grass seeds Bi-pinnate: a leaf twice divided Capsules: dry fruit, which splits open to release seeds Cylindrical: tubular shape Lance-shaped: leaves tapering to a point like the tip of a spear Leaflets: part of a divided leaf Linear: long and narrow Lobed: leaf with indented margins Ovate: wider below the centre of a leaf Perennial: a plant that lives for more than two years Phyllodes: flattened leaf stalk Rhizome: underground stem Spike (Flower): a flowering structure with many small flowers clustered around a central stem Spines: sharp pointed part of a plant Spores: dust like reproductive unit Succulent: fleshy water holding leaves or plants Tuberous root: enlarged water holding root such as potatoes or beetroot Page 62 Page 63

Acknowledgements We would like to acknowledge the following people who contributed to this publication. Melissa Gunn, Jane Sutherland, Amanda May, Irene Perkins, Andrew McKinnon, Tim Solly, Andrew Quick, Beth Ross, Trevor Pescott, Rebecca Bond, Tony Woolford, Joan Lindros, Friends of the Bluff, David Tournier, Matt Crawley, Joanne Heatlie, Rebecca Bond and thank you to the following agencies for their contributions. COR ANGAM I TE CM A Page 64