2DShale Sandstone Transition Forest (Syncarpia glomulifera-Eucalyptus punctata)

2D Shale Sandstone Transition Forest (Syncarpia glomulifera-Eucalyptus punctata)

(2D) Shale Sandstone Transition Forest (Syncarpia glomulifera-Eucalyptus punctata)

Shale Sandstone Transition Forest is listed as an endangered ecological community in Part 3 of Schedule 1 to the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995. Within the City, Shale Sandstone Transition Forest is within the scope of, but not limited by, the definition of Shale Sandstone Transition Forest in the Final Determination of the Scientific Committee to list the ecological community in Schedule 1 to the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995.

This community is present primarily on ridgetops but may occur elsewhere on unmapped remnant shale caps or lenses or immediately downslope of shale caps where the soils have been enriched by colluvium. Within the City, it is restricted to the lower altitudes and transitions between or within the Wianamatta and Hawkesbury Group of sediments.

Because it represents a transition from shale-based vegetation to that associated with sandstone environments, this community is inherently highly variable and difficult to define. Variations occur depending on the relative influence of the different geologies as well as due to differences in shelter and rainfall. Any vegetation that is associated with a transition from shale to sandstone is considered to be within the scope of this community, irrespective of the structure or floristics unless it can be shown to be part of another vegetation type described in this Schedule.

The Shale Sandstone Transition can have considerable affinities to Sydney Turpentine-Ironbark Forest but generally has a greater influence from sandstone-oriented species and less influence from those more affiliated with shale soils. Tree species that can occur in this community within the Blue Mountains include Syncarpia glomulifera (Turpentine), Eucalyptus punctata (Grey Gum), E. resinifera (Red Mahogany), E. notabilis (Mountain Mahogany), E. crebra (Narrow-leaved Ironbark), E. fibrosa (Broad-leaved Ironbark), E. paniculata (Grey Ironbark), E. beyeriana (Beyer’s Ironbark), E. globoidea (White Stringybark), E. sparsifolia (Narrow-leaved Stringybark), E. eugenioides (Thin-leaved Stringybark) and Angophora costata (Sydney Red Gum). The stringybarks, E. eugenioides and E. sparsifolia are generally diagnostic of the more sandstone-influenced form of this community.

The understorey can be highly variable depending on the extent of shale influence and proximity to the Cumberland Plain. Fire history and the effects of other forms of disturbance can also significantly affect both the structure and floristics of the understorey. It can range from grassy and herbaceous to densely scrubby. In areas close to the Cumberland Plain, the understorey may include species more typical of that environment such as , and , especially in areas with slightly impeded drainage.