The Nature walk this month was a plant regeneration survey within the strategic fuel break at Eumeralla.
The intention of this walk was to survey the area which was mulched along the Great Ocean Road and compare it to the track running parallel within the Great Otway National Park. We had a good turnout including 2 new members. We slowly walked along the lower track from the Eumeralla Scout Camp entrance noting the diverse plant life.
Gail pointed out the features of many species starting with Brown Stringybark.
Observing Brown Stringbark
Close to the start of the track Margaret’s sharp eyes noticed the basal leaves of a group of Bearded Greenhoods. Later we found lots of veined leaves of Fringed Hare Orchids and surprisingly, even a few late flowers.
Fringed Hare Orchid leaves and Sundew
We looked at the distinguishing features of Wire Rapier Sedge and the Clustered Sword-sedge. It was interesting to hear that the much-admired Tassle-rope Rush has generally many more male plants than female, and we observed a female plant that had single flowers and no tassles. Several interesting fungi were observed throughout the area.
Interesting fungi
When we crossed back towards the mulched road edge, we walked slowly back noting small plants appearing through the mulch and where the mulch had cleared away a little to allow the plants to grow.
Delicate flower of Rosy Baeckia
It was surprising to see quite a few little plants appearing – Twining Fringe-lily, Acacia sp., Eucalypts – Brown Stringybark looking quite unlike a Eucalypt, with raspy leaves – only the scent giving it away as a Eucalypt.
Brown Stringbark fruit
Brown Stringybark emerging from mulch
Some tiny seedlings we thought may have been Tea-tree will have to wait till next time to identify.
Seedlings appearing through the mulch
The leaves of the Hare Orchid were a pleasant surprise as we returned to our cars.
Dusty Miller flowers
It was a very successful morning and we finished with coffee and Gail’s special homemade biscuits back at Angair.
Alison Watson