Robertson Nature Reserve
34°35.5982′S 150°35.8122′E / 34.5933033°S 150.5968700°E Robertson Nature Reserve is a rainforest reserve near Robertson, New South Wales, Australien[1]. A remnant of the Yarrawa Brush, once 2,450 hectares in size[2]. This tiny reserve contains 4.5 hectares of original rainforest[3].
A 600 metre track through the forest is suitable to wheelchairs, with several signs with information on local plants and animals. The reserve is situated on the outskirts of town, at 750 metres above sea level, near the edge of the Illawarra Escarpment.
Despite the relatively rich basaltic soils, and 1600 mm[4] of average annual rainfall, the rainforest has a low 15 metre canopy, with only a few trees taller than 20 metres. Because of small size and isolation, the reserve is subject to weed attack. Chinese Privet and Glossy Privet[5], Holly and Himalayan Blackberry being particularly troublesome.
Categorised by A.G.Floyd as warm temperate rainforest[6], (not cool temperate). The canopy is dominated by warm temperate rainforest trees such as Golden Sassafras, Coachwood, Lilly Pilly, Native Daphne, Possumwood, Beefwood, Featherwood and Blackwood. Genuine cool temperate rainforest trees such as Pinkwood and Black Olive Berry are either absent or inconspicuous. A common tree species is the Brown Beech, usually associated with tropical or sub-tropical rainforests.
References
- ^ http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/NationalParks/parkHome.aspx?id=N0525
- ^ Rainforests of the Illawarra District Mills & Jakeman ISBN 064621506X page 36
- ^ A.G. Floyd Australian Rainforests of New South Wales volume 2, ISBN 0949324329 page 128
- ^ Native Trees of Central Illawarra, Fuller & Mills ISBN 095947112x page 50
- ^ A.G. Floyd Australian Rainforests of New South Wales volume 2, ISBN 0949324329 page 128
- ^ A.G. Floyd Australian Rainforests of New South Wales volume 2, ISBN 0949324329 page 128
- http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/NationalParks/parkHome.aspx?id=N0525
- A.G. Floyd Australian Rainforests of New South Wales volume 2, ISBN 0949324329 page 128
- Rainforests of the Illawarra District Mills & Jakeman ISBN 064621506X page 36
- Native Trees of Central Illawarra, Fuller & Mills ISBN 095947112x page 50
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