Vines are sometimes overlooked amongst the grandeur of giant trees and splendour of birdlife at Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve. They humbly weave the rainforest ecosystem together, bridging the distance between understorey and canopy.
There are a remarkable 60 different species of vine recorded in the Reserve. In fact, the name of the main vegetation community in this remnant is 'complex notophyll vine forest' or CNVF. This is the richest type and most complex form of sub-tropical rainforest in Australia.
Barung Landcare's nursery manager, Cam Burton is passionate about vines and in this Thursday iteration of Cairncoss Conversations - he wants you to understand how special and important they are.
Rainforest vines perform important ecosystem functions. Starting life on the shady rainforest floor or in gaps of light caused by tree falls, their search for light sees them become a significant volume of the rainforest canopy and edge. This vegetation mass provides cover, nesting sites and food for many rainforest animals.
In this presentation, Cam will share some the key identification features to look for in telling them apart. He will also discuss how particular species are important breeding plants for moths and butterflies, some of which have co-evolved with these animal species to become specific host plants. Cam is particularly passionate about the endangered Southern Pink Underwing Moth which depends on one vine for survival: Carronia multisepalea.
Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve is one of only a few recorded remaining breeding sites in Queensland for the Southern pink underwing moth, and Barung Landcare has been propagating Carronia and leading community education about it's conservation.
Come along and learn about vines of the Blackall Range with Cam Burton on 5th September.
Registration is essential. Book here.