Botanic Gardens Trust, Sydney, Australia

Swamps

There are two swamp classifications in the Vegetation types from the Western Blue Mountains.

Long narrow valleys drain the main plateau and form the upper catchments of the Wolgan river, Carne Creek, the Wollangambe and Farmers Creek. In long low-slope reaches of these valleys sediment and peat have accumulated over the last 10,000 years or so forming permanently moist shrubswamps. These are characteristically permanently moist with vegetation zones dominated by shrubs and sedges.

 

 

Newnes Plateau Shrub Swamp

This vegetation group has been classified as an Endangered Ecological Community in New South Wales.

Key identifying features

  • Moderately dense shrub layer (sometimes opened by fire), and very dense understorey of sedges.
  • Semi-permanently saturated soils, high in organic matter.
  • Found at the lower parts of the landform (lowest footslopes, broad valley floors and alluvial flats).

Common plant species

For OEH detailed description see the report of the Vegetation of the Western Blue Mountains

Swamp

 

Birds rock swamp west

Newnes Plateau Hanging Swamp

Key identifying features

  • A low, dense, fern-dominated community usually perched on a hillside, often with a small drop immediately below the community.
  • Few trees, with those present often stunted.
  • Groundwater dependent - needs to have continuous seep of water from the rock to sustain the community.

Common plant species

For OEH detailed description see the report of the Vegetation of the Western Blue Mountains
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