Vegetation

Western Australian rangelands are home to some very unique vegetation communities. Due to the ancient nature of the base rocks and soils, the native plants have adapted to be highly specific. Traditionally, WA rangelands were classified as shrublands, grasslands, woodlands and Savannah grasslands.

Introduced species

Since the 1880’s many introduced plants have firmly established themselves within the rangelands. Whilst some species have had harmful effects on native flora and fauna, others have permitted soil stabilisation and water and nutrient cycling in historically degraded and eroded areas. There are many mixed feeling about some of these introduced plant species, but appropriate balanced management is the key to the long term health of our rangelands.

Click here to see a map of the Vegetation Regions of Western Australia

Key resources for identifying Western Australia’s Rangelands plants:

MITCHELL, A. A. & WILCOX, D. G. (1994) Arid shrubland plants of Western Australia, Perth, University of Western Australia press.

PETHERAM, R. J. & KOK, B. (1983). Plants of the Kimberley Region of Western Australia, Perth, University of Western Australia Press.

Florabase website: www.florabase.calm.wa.gov.au