Giant Gippsland Earthworm
All photographs © Dr. Beverley Van Praagh, Invert-Eco unless otherwise stated. No image may be saved, copied, reproduced or distributed without prior permission from the copyright owner.
The majority of Giant Gippsland Earthworm (GGE) habitat in the Strzelecki Ranges has been cleared for agriculture. GGE can survive well under pasture but
need protection from threats such as changes in the soil moisture, soil compaction and pugging by cattle. Revegetation of dense, high water-usage species
can dry out GGE habitat. One of the aims of this project is to protect GGE habitat while demonstrating the planting of indigenous vegetation adjacent to
colonies that once grew in the south- western Strzeleckis before European settlement. This is achieved by fencing GGE habitat to protect them from grazing
pressures such as compaction and pugging and creating a buffer around the colonies where a modified planting method is used in different buffer zones.
This includes lower planting densities and selection of specific lifeforms from the appropriate Ecological Vegetation Class (EVC).
EVC is a classification system used as a basis for plant selection for revegetation projects across Victoria. An EVC consists of one or a number of floristic
communities that appear to be associated with a recognisable environmental niche. Each EVC is described by a combination of its structure, floristics, life-
form and reproductive strategy features, and through an inferred fidelity to particular environmental parameters.
The descriptions below are general descriptions for the EVCs but the species lists have been refined and are specific to the south-western Strzeleckis where
the GGE is found. The modified planting design is characterized by the creation of three zones, each of which requires different planting regimes chosen from
the appropriate EVC (species composition and density). Broadly, the three most commonly found EVCs in GGE habitat (pre-European settlement) are
Wet/Damp Forest, Swampy Riparian Woodland and Warm Temperate Rainforest. To simplify the modified planting guidelines in Giant Gippsland Earthworm
habitat, the EVC revegetation species lists and planting densities have been combined for some of the landforms.
Modified Ecological Vegetation Class (EVC) Planting Lists and Density Recommendations for Giant
Gippsland Earthworm (GGE) Habitat
GULLIES AND CREEKBANKS
MAJOR
STREAM TERRACES
STEEP
SLOPES
Steep,
protected
gullies
Broad drainage
lines with
slight gradients
Peripheral edges
of river terraces
Terracettes often
associated with
underground
springs
Landslips
(mid to lower
slopes)
Damp Forest /
Wet Forest
(mid to upper
gully slope)
Riparian Forest
Damp Forest / Wet Forest
Warm
Temperate
Rainforest
(bottom of
gully)
Bioregion: A landscape-scale approach to classifying the environment using a range of attributes such as climate, geomorphology, geology, soils and
vegetation. There are 28 bioregions identified within Victoria and the Giant Gippsland Earthworm habitat is within the Strzelecki Ranges bioregion.
Ecological Vegetation Class (EVC): The standard unit for classifying vegetation types in Victoria. EVCs are described through a combination of floristics,
lifeforms and ecological characteristics, and through an inferred fidelity to particular environmental attributes. Each EVC includes a collection of floristic
communities (i.e. lower level in the classification) that occur across a biogeographic range, and although differing in species, have similar habitat and
ecological processes operating.
For further information on bioregions and EVCs, please refer to the link below to the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA)’s website:
https://www.environment.vic.gov.au/biodiversity/bioregions-and-evc-benchmarks
Glossary:
(above flood level)
EVC:
EVC:
EVC:
What Habitat Is Your GGE Colony Located In?
Click on relevant EVC box below
Minor creeks
in gently
undulating
landscapes
Swampy
Woodland /
Swampy
Riparian
Woodland
EVC:
EVC:
Damp Forest /
Wet Forest
Riparian Forest
Ecological Vegetation Class (EVC)
![[x]](index_htm_files/close.png "Close")
Swampy Woodland / Swampy Riparian Woodland
Ecological Vegetation Class (EVC)
Warm Temperate Rainforest
Damp Forest / Wet Forest
Ecological Vegetation Class (EVCs)
Damp Forest / Wet Forest
Ecological Vegetation Class (EVC)
Damp Forest / Wet Forest
Ecological Vegetation Class (EVC)
Riparian Forest
Riparian Forest is a tall forest of river banks and alluvial terraces of larger streams. It is
dominated by tall eucalypts such as Manna Gum (Eucalyptus viminalis subsp. viminalis),
Strzelecki Gum (Eucalyptus strzeleckii) and Mountain Ash (Eucalyptus regnans), but also has a
secondary tree layer of variable density including Silver Wattle (Acacia dealbata) and Blackwood
(Acacia melanoxyon) with scattered dense patches of shrubs as well as ferns, grasses and herbs.
The Giant Gippsland Earthworm colonies are found on the periphery of Riparian Forest in areas
containing moist to wet soils but not inundated by floods.
A number of intact and semi-intact Riparian Forest sites occur throughout the Strzeleckis, one
such example being at Bass River, Loch where major revegetation works are occurring at
present.
Mountain Ash growing on Bass River
terrace within Riparian Forest, Loch.
Weeds sprayed and site ready for
revegetation.
Mature Riparian Forest, Central Highlands
Swampy Woodland / Swampy Riparian Woodland
Swampy Riparian Woodland is similar in many characteristics to Swampy Woodland but occurs
in the riparian zone of low gradient streams, including levees and wetland systems associated
with the verges of channels and ponds. In intact examples it includes a wide range of riparian
elements such as reeds, sedges, rushes, tussock grasses and aquatic herbs. For revegetation
purposes for the GGE, it has been included within the Swampy Woodland revegetation species
list as most GGE habitat is on the very periphery of this EVC.
Most of the Swampy Woodland and Swampy Riparian Woodland EVCs have been cleared for
agriculture in the south-western Strzeleckis. An example of a degraded remnant is the lowland
flats of the Powlett River (though mostly cleared).
Swampy Woodland occurs on seasonally waterlogged wet flats, extending into valley floors in
wet areas to the rear of stream levees. This waterlogging is caused by seepage or surface run-
off but in the case of Swampy Riparian Woodland inundation of active floodplains. As the vast
majority of these habitats have been drained and cleared for agriculture, the original floristics
are often obscured.
Swamp Gum (Eucalyptus ovata) is usually the dominant overstorey species. Messmate
(Eucalyptus obliqua), Narrow-leaved Peppermint (Eucalyptus radiata), Manna Gum (Eucalyptus
viminalis subsp. viminalis) can also be present, particularly on more marginal sites. Swamp
Paperbark can occur in stands in the understorey with rushes and sedges often being
conspicuous in the ground layer. This EVC is uncommon due to vast areas being drained and
cleared for agriculture in the past.
Swampy Woodland can be found in low gradient, shallow gullies immediately north and south
of the Warragul/Drouin area and the southern lower slopes of the south-western Strzeleckis
adjacent to the coastal plain.
Intact, higher rainfall version of
Swampy Woodland, Shady Creek
Degraded Swampy Riparian
Woodland, largely cleared
and dominated by Willows,
Brandy Creek.
Warm Temperate Rainforest
Strzeleckis Warm Temperate Rainforest occurs in steep, protected, gullies and is entirely
restricted to the lowland valleys of the Strzelecki Ranges in South Gippsland. It is closely
associated with Damp Forest (upslope) within GGE habitat in the south-western Strzeleckis.
This rainforest community would have been much more widespread in this area prior to
agricultural clearing and today only a few scattered indigenous species remain in the mostly
cleared gullies. Eucalypt species would have been incidental and mainly overhanging the
gullies.
The canopy is mainly dominated by Blackwood (Acacia melanoxylon), Sweet Pittosporum
(Pittosporum undulatum), Mutton-wood (Myrsine howittiana) and Djelwuck (Hedycarya
angustifolia). (It is not recommended that Sweet Pittosporum be planted as it tends to grow
outside the range of its original habitat, mainly due to seed dispersal by birds). In more intact
examples, the canopy can be covered with vines such as Twining Silkpod (Parsonsia brownii)
and Forest Clematis (Clematis glycinoides).
Scattered shrubs present in the understorey include Dusty Daisy-bush (Olearia phlogopappa),
Prickly Currant-bush (Coprosma quadrifida), White Elderberry (Sambucus gaudichaudiana), and
Kangaroo Apple (Solanum aviculare). Where light is able to penetrate, a number of herbs such as Hairy Pennywort (Hydrocotyle hirta),
Kidneyweed (Dichondra repens) and Scrub Nettle (Urtica incisa) are found in the ground layer. Ferns can dominate the ground layer and
include species such as Sickle Fern (Pellaea falcata), Tender Brake (Pteris tremula) and Mother Shield-fern (Polystichum proliferum).
There are no intact remnants with the majority of gullies having been cleared for agriculture with only an occasional weed infested
remnant to be seen today such as at Ness Creek Reservoir, Korumburra; and Bass Gorge, Glen Forbes.
Strzeleckis Warm Temperate
Rainforest dominated by
Muttonwood, Cape Liptrap area
Recommended Modified Planting Densities within GGE Habitat for EVCs:
Damp Forest / Wet Forest / Warm Temperate Rainforest
ZONES
LIFEFORM
MODIFIED GGE
EVC BENCHMARK
- PLANTS / HA
APPROXIMATE
SPACING (m)
NOTES
Zone 1
1
Trees
0
n/a
No planting
1
Understorey trees / shrubs
0
n/a
No planting
1
Medium shrubs / small shrubs
0
n/a
No planting
1
Graminoids
1000
3
On occasion, you may choose to do limited planting in Zone 1 for
the following reasons:
- To prevent soil erosion
- If you are worried about weed issues in the future or the need to
maintain the site
- If the colonies are close together (less than 30 m apart)
If planting in Zone 1, only plant from the graminoid lifeform found
(tussock grasses/sedges/rushes).
Zone 2
2
Trees
0
n/a
No planting
2
Understorey trees / large shrubs
40
15
In Zone 2, on steep slopes, only plant Acacia dealbata and Acacia
melanoxylon on the outer edges of the slope. Also, no planting of
these species at the top of a soak in this zone.
2
Medium shrubs / small shrubs
600
4
Plant taller, medium-sized shrubs such as Correa lawrenceana,
Cassinia trinerva, Acacia verticillata and Prostanthera lasianthos
towards outer edge of Zone 2.
2
Graminoids
800
3.5
Zone 3
3
Trees
200
7
3
Understorey trees / large shrubs
150
8
3
Medium shrubs / small shrubs
1000
3
3
Graminoids
400
5
Zone 1:
GGE Habitat plus 10 m buffer
Zone 2:
From Zone 1 boundary out 30 m
Zone 3:
From Zone 2 boundary to outer edge of revegetation site
Recommended Modified Planting Densities within GGE Habitat for EVCs:
Damp Forest / Wet Forest
ZONES
LIFEFORM
MODIFIED GGE
EVC BENCHMARK
- PLANTS / HA
APPROXIMATE
SPACING (m)
NOTES
Zone 1
1
Trees
0
n/a
No planting
1
Understorey trees / shrubs
0
n/a
No planting
1
Medium shrubs / small shrubs
0
n/a
No planting
1
Graminoids
1000
3
On occasion, you may choose to do limited planting in Zone 1 for
the following reasons:
- To prevent soil erosion
- If you are worried about weed issues in the future or the need to
maintain the site
- If the colonies are close together (less than 30 m apart)
If planting in Zone 1, only plant from the graminoid lifeform found
(tussock grasses/sedges/rushes).
Zone 2
2
Trees
0
n/a
No planting
2
Understorey trees / large shrubs
40
15
In Zone 2, on steep slopes, only plant Acacia dealbata and Acacia
melanoxylon on the outer edges of the slope. Also, no planting of
these species at the top of a soak in this zone.
2
Medium shrubs / small shrubs
600
4
Plant taller, medium-sized shrubs such as Correa lawrenceana,
Cassinia trinerva, Acacia verticillata and Prostanthera lasianthos
towards outer edge of Zone 2.
2
Graminoids
800
3.5
Zone 3
No modified planting
3
Trees
200
7
3
Understorey trees / large shrubs
150
8
3
Medium shrubs / small shrubs
1000
3
3
Graminoids
400
5
Zone 1:
GGE Habitat plus 10 m buffer
Zone 2:
From Zone 1 boundary out 30 m
Zone 3:
From Zone 2 boundary to outer edge of revegetation site
Recommended Modified Planting Densities within GGE Habitat for EVCs:
Damp Forest / Wet Forest
ZONES
LIFEFORM
MODIFIED GGE
EVC BENCHMARK
- PLANTS / HA
APPROXIMATE
SPACING (m)
NOTES
Zone 1
1
Trees
0
n/a
No planting
1
Understorey trees / shrubs
0
n/a
No planting
1
Medium shrubs / small shrubs
0
n/a
No planting
1
Graminoids
1000
3
On occasion, you may choose to do limited planting in Zone 1 for
the following reasons:
- To prevent soil erosion
- If you are worried about weed issues in the future or the need to
maintain the site
- If the colonies are close together (less than 30 m apart)
If planting in Zone 1, only plant from the graminoid lifeform found
(tussock grasses/sedges/rushes).
Zone 2
2
Trees
0
n/a
No planting
2
Understorey trees / large shrubs
40
15
In Zone 2, on steep slopes, only plant Acacia dealbata and Acacia
melanoxylon on the outer edges of the slope. Also, no planting of
these species at the top of a soak in this zone.
2
Medium shrubs / small shrubs
600
4
Plant taller, medium-sized shrubs such as Correa lawrenceana,
Cassinia trinerva, Acacia verticillata and Prostanthera lasianthos
towards outer edge of Zone 2.
2
Graminoids
800
3.5
Zone 3
No modified planting
3
Trees
200
7
3
Understorey trees / large shrubs
150
8
3
Medium shrubs / small shrubs
1000
3
3
Graminoids
400
5
Zone 1:
GGE Habitat plus 10 m buffer
Zone 2:
From Zone 1 boundary out 30 m
Zone 3:
From Zone 2 boundary to outer edge of revegetation site
Recommended Modified Planting Densities within GGE Habitat for EVCs:
Swampy Woodland / Swampy Riparian Woodland
ZONES
LIFEFORM
MODIFIED GGE
EVC BENCHMARK
- PLANTS / HA
APPROXIMATE
SPACING (m)
NOTES
Zone 1
1
Trees
0
n/a
No planting
1
Understorey trees / shrubs
0
n/a
No planting
1
Medium shrubs / small shrubs
0
n/a
No planting
1
Graminoids
400
5
On occasion, you may choose to do limited planting in Zone 1 for
the following reasons:
- To prevent soil erosion
- If you are worried about weed issues in the future or the need to
maintain the site
- If the colonies are close together (less than 30 m apart)
If planting in Zone 1, only plant from the graminoid lifeform found
(tussock grasses/sedges/rushes).
Zone 2
2
Trees
0
n/a
No planting
2
Understorey trees / large shrubs
40
15
No planting of Acacia dealbata and Acacia melanoxylon in Zone 2.
2
Medium shrubs / small shrubs
200
7
Plant taller, medium-sized shrubs such as Prostanthera lasianthos
and Acacia verticillata towards outer edge of Zone 2.
2
Graminoids
1500
2.5
Zone 3
No modified planting
3
Trees
200
7
3
Understorey trees / large shrubs
200
7
3
Medium shrubs / small shrubs
800
3.5
3
Graminoids
2000
2
Zone 1:
GGE Habitat plus 10 m buffer
Zone 2:
From Zone 1 boundary out 30 m
Zone 3:
From Zone 2 boundary to outer edge of revegetation site
Recommended Modified Planting Densities within GGE Habitat for EVC:
Riparian Forest
ZONES
LIFEFORM
MODIFIED GGE
EVC BENCHMARK
- PLANTS / HA
APPROXIMATE
SPACING (m)
NOTES
Zone 1
1
Trees
0
n/a
No planting
1
Understorey trees / shrubs
0
n/a
No planting
1
Medium shrubs / small shrubs
0
n/a
No planting
1
Graminoids
600
4
On occasion, you may choose to do limited planting in Zone 1 for
the following reasons:
- To prevent soil erosion
- If you are worried about weed issues in the future or the need to
maintain the site
- If the colonies are close together (less than 30 m apart)
If planting in Zone 1, only plant from the graminoid lifeform found
(tussock grasses/sedges/rushes).
Zone 2
2
Trees
0
No planting
2
Understorey trees / large shrubs
100
10
No planting of Acacia dealbata and Acacia melanoxylon in Zone 2.
2
Medium shrubs / small shrubs
600
4
Plant taller, medium-sized shrubs such as Bursaria spinosa and
Polyscias sambucifolia towards outer edge of Zone 2.
2
Graminoids
1000
3
Plant Carex and Juncus species only on terraces and break of
slope.
Zone 3
No modified planting
3
Trees
200
7
3
Understorey trees / large shrubs
150
8
3
Medium shrubs / small shrubs
800
4
3
Graminoids
1000
3
Plant Carex and Juncus species only on terraces and break of
slope.
Zone 1:
GGE Habitat plus 10 m buffer
Zone 2:
From Zone 1 boundary out 30 m
Zone 3:
From Zone 2 boundary to outer edge of revegetation site
NB: Riparian Forest may rarely extend beyond the 30 m buffer
zone of Zone 2. If this is the case, then please refer to the species
list for the adjacent EVCs, Damp Forest.
Revegetation Species List for EVCs: Damp Forest / Wet Forest / Warm Temperate Rainforest
SCIENTIFIC NAME
COMMON NAME
NOTES
Overstorey Trees
Eucalyptus cypellocarpa
Mountain Grey-gum
Eucalyptus globulus
Blue Gum
Eucalyptus regnans
Mountain Ash
Eucalyptus strzeleckii
Strzelecki Gum
Eucalyptus viminalis
Manna Gum
Understorey trees / large shrubs
Acacia dealbata
Silver Wattle
Acacia melanoxylon
Blackwood
Bedfordia arborescens
Blanket Leaf
Correa lawrenceana
Mountain Correa
Hedycarya angustifolia
Djelwuck
Lomatia fraseri
Tree Lomatia
Myrsine howittiana
Mutton-wood
Olearia argophylla
Musk Daisy-bush
Pittosporum bicolor
Banyalla
Pomaderris aspera
Hazel Pomaderris
Zieria arborescens
Stinkwood
Medium / small shrubs
Acacia verticillata
Prickly Moses
Cassinia aculeata
Common Cassinia
Cassinia trinerva
Three-nerved Cassinia
Coprosma quadrifida
Prickly Currant-bush
Goodenia ovata
Hop Goodenia
Olearia lirata
Snowy Daisy-bush
Olearia phlogopappa
Dusty Daisy-bush
Ozothamnus ferrugineus
Tree Everlasting
Pimelea axiflora
Bootlace Bush
Polyscias sambucifolia
Elderberry Panax
Prostanthera lasianthos
Victorian Christmas-bush
Sambucus gaudichaudiana
White Elderberry
Solanum aviculare
Kangaroo Apple
Tasmannia lanceolata
Mountain Pepper
Graminoids
Carex appressa
Tall Sedge
wetter areas
Juncus gregiflorus
Green Rush
wetter areas
Juncus pauciflorus
Loose-flower Rush
wetter areas
Juncus procerus
Tall Rush
wetter areas
Dianella tasmanica
Tasman Flax-lily
Poa labillardierei
Common Tussock-grass
Poa tenera
Slender Tussock-grass
Herbs
optional
Acaena novae-zelandiae
Bidgee-widgee
Geranium potentilloides
Soft Crane's-bill
Hackelia latifolia
Forest Hound's-tongue
Hydrocytle hirta
Hairy Pennywort
Stellaria flaccida
Forest Starwort
No eucalypt planting in the bottom of the gully - plant understorey trees /
shrubs instead from the list below.
Revegetation Species List for EVCs: Damp Forest / Wet Forest
SCIENTIFIC NAME
COMMON NAME
NOTES
Overstorey Trees
Eucalyptus cypellocarpa
Mountain Grey-gum
Eucalyptus globulus
Blue Gum
Eucalyptus regnans
Mountain Ash
Eucalyptus strzeleckii
Strzelecki Gum
Eucalyptus viminalis
Manna Gum
Understorey trees / large shrubs
Acacia dealbata
Silver Wattle
Acacia melanoxylon
Blackwood
Bedfordia arborescens
Blanket Leaf
Correa lawrenceana
Mountain Correa
Lomatia fraseri
Tree Lomatia
Myrsine howittiana
Mutton-wood
Olearia argophylla
Musk Daisy-bush
Pittosporum bicolor
Banyalla
Pomaderris aspera
Hazel Pomaderris
Zieria arborescens
Stinkwood
Medium / small shrubs
Acacia verticillata
Prickly Moses
Cassinia aculeata
Common Cassinia
Cassinia trinerva
Three-nerved Cassinia
Coprosma quadrifida
Prickly Currant-bush
Goodenia ovata
Hop Goodenia
Olearia lirata
Snowy Daisy-bush
Ozothamnus ferrugineus
Tree Everlasting
Pimelea axiflora
Bootlace Bush
Polyscias sambucifolia
Elderberry Panax
Prostanthera lasianthos
Victorian Christmas-bush
Solanum aviculare
Kangaroo Apple
Tasmannia lanceolata
Mountain Pepper
Sambucus gaudichaudiana
White Elderberry
Graminoids
Carex appressa
Tall Sedge
wetter areas
Juncus gregiflorus
Green Rush
wetter areas
Juncus pauciflorus
Loose-flower Rush
wetter areas
Juncus procerus
Tall Rush
wetter areas
Dianella tasmanica
Tasman Flax-lily
Poa labillardierei
Common Tussock-grass
Poa tenera
Slender Tussock-grass
Herbs
optional
Acaena novae-zelandiae
Bidgee-widgee
Geranium potentilloides
Soft Crane's-bill
Hackelia latifolia
Forest Hound's-tongue
Hydrocytle hirta
Hairy Pennywort
Stellaria flaccida
Forest Starwort
Revegetation Species List for EVC: Riparian Forest
SCIENTIFIC NAME
COMMON NAME
NOTES
Overstorey Trees
Eucalyptus globulus
Blue Gum
Eucalyptus regnans
Mountain Ash
Eucalyptus obliqua
Messmate
Eucalyptus strzeleckii
Strzelecki Gum
Eucalyptus viminalis subsp. viminalis
Manna Gum
Understorey trees / large shrubs
Acacia dealbata
Silver Wattle
Acacia melanoxylon
Blackwood
Hedycarya angustifolia
Djelwuck
Pomaderris aspera
Hazel Pomaderris
Medium / small shrubs
Bursaria spinosa
Kurwan
Cassinia aculeata
Common Cassinia
Gynatrix pulchella
Hemp Bush
Melicytus dentatus
Tree Violet
Olearia lirata
Snowy Daisy-bush
Ozothamnus ferrugineus
Tree Everlasting
Polyscias sambucifolia
Elderberry Panax
Prostanthera lasianthos
Victorian Christmas-bush
Graminoids
Carex appressa
Tall Sedge
wetter areas
Poa labillardierei
Common Tussock-grass
Poa tenera
Slender Tussock-grass
Scramblers/climbers
Rubus parvifolius
Small-leaf Bramble
Herbs (optional)
Acaena novae-zelandiae
Bidgee-widgee
Geranium potentilloides
Soft Crane's-bill
Hackelia latifolia
Forest Hound's-tongue
Hydrocytle hirta
Hairy Pennywort
Stellaria flaccida
Forest Starwort
Revegetation Species List for EVCs: Swampy Woodland / Swampy Riparian Woodland
SCIENTIFIC NAME
COMMON NAME
NOTES
Overstorey Trees
Eucalyptus cypellocarpa
Mountain Grey-gum
Eucalyptus obliqua
Messmate
Eucalyptus ovata
Swamp Gum
Eucalyptus strzeleckii
Strzelecki Gum
Understorey trees / large shrubs
Acacia dealbata
Silver Wattle
Acacia melanoxylon
Blackwood
Melaleuca ericifolia
Swamp Paperbark
Melaleuca squarrosa
Scented Paperbark
Pomaderris aspera
Hazel Pomaderris
Medium / small shrubs
Acacia verticillata
Prickly Moses
Coprosma quadrifida
Prickly Currant-bush
Goodenia ovata
Hop Goodenia
Leptospermum continentale
Prickly Tea-tree
Ozothamnus ferrugineus
Swamp Paperbark
Polyscias sambucifolia
Elderberry Panax
Prostanthera lasianthos
Victorian Christmas-bush
Graminoids
Carex appressa
Tall Sedge
Carex fascicularis
Tassle Sedge
Dianella tasmanica
Tasman Flax-lily
Gahnia sieberiana
Red-fruit Saw-sedge
Juncus gregiflorus
Green Rush
Juncus pauciflorus
Loose-flower Rush
Juncus procerus
Tall Rush
Poa labillardierei
Common Tussock-grass
drier areas
Damp Forest / Wet Forest
Damp Forest grows mainly on southerly and easterly aspects, and often on steep slopes and
long, shallow gullies within Giant Gippsland Earthworm habitat of the south-western Strzelecki
Ranges. It is dominated by a tall eucalypt layer over a layer of broad-leaved shrubs shared with
Wet Forest and mixed with shrubs representative of drier forest types such as Lowland Forest.
Wet Forest is only a minor occurrence in GGE habitat and is mainly in higher elevation and
higher rainfall areas of the Strzelecki Ranges such as Mount Worth and Tarra Bulga National
Park. Some of the broad-leaved species of Wet Forest associated with more protected gullies
that are also found in Damp Forest have been included in the Damp Forest revegetation
species list.
The canopy can include a number of Eucalypt species such as Mountain Ash (Eucalypt regnans),
Strzelecki Gum (Eucalyptus strzeleckii), Manna Gum (Eucalyptus viminalis), Blue Gum (Eucalyptus
globulus), and Mountain, Grey-gum (Eucalyptus cypellocarpa) with tall understorey trees such as
Blackwood (Acacia melanoxylon) and Silver Wattle (Acacia dealbata).
Remnant Damp Forest site, Trida
The ground layer includes forbs and grasses as well as moisture-dependent ferns such as Common Ground-fern (Calochlaena dubia),
Tender Brake (Pteris tremula) and Mother Shield-fern (Polystichum proliferum). Tree-ferns including Rough Tree-fern (Cyathea australis)
and Soft Tree-fern (Dicksonia antarctica) are also often present. However, GGE habitat is not normally found in areas dominated by
ferns.
Various stages of Damp Forest revegetation, Bena
The understorey consists of a combination of broad-leaved shrubs such as Blanket Leaf (Bedfordia arborescens), Hazel Pomaderris
(Pomaderris aspera), Musk Daisy-bush (Olearia argophylla), together with narrow-leaved shrubs including Common Cassinia (Cassinia
aculeata) and Prickly Moses (Acacia verticillata).
