06 Mountain Ash Wet Forest - Dandenongs (EVC 30)

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Community structure 

Tall open forest dominated by an upper storey of Eucalyptus regnans (Mountain Ash) to 50m high in higher rainfall areas. E. obliqua(Messmate), E. cypellocarpa (Mountain Grey Gum) and E. viminalis (Manna Gum) may also be present, the latter especially along watercourses. Blackwoods and Silver Wattles dominate in eucalypt-free areas. The middle storey has a dense layer of tall broad-leaved trees and shrubs and tree ferns. Coprosma quadrifida (Prickly Currant Bush) is prevalent. The moist shaded ground layer is usually dominated by ferns with sedges, wire grass and herbs. The climber Clematis aristata is usually present.

Undisturbed examples of this community are rare due to major weed invasion and residential development. 

Distribution 

Scattered through the Dandenong Ranges from 300-500m altitude on fertile, well-drained loamy soils where rainfall and humidity is high. It is restricted to protected sites and gullies, especially on the southern sides of the mountain, often in small localised pockets. 

Typical suburbs/areas occurring in this EVC are:  

Sherbrooke Forest, Olinda, Sassafras, Ferny Creek, Kallista, Menzies Creek

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