The Burra Range

Betsy Jackes

The Burra Range is a popular wildflower area some 270 Km south-west of Townsville on the Flinders Highway. It forms part of the Great Dividing Range (alt. 460-610 m above sea level) between the small townships of Pentland and Torrens Creek. Here the plateaux are dissected with scarped margins associated with level and undulating surfaces. The sandstone is exposed on these escarpments, but elsewhere it is covered by shallow to deep sandy soils.

These soils are replaced to the east and west by soils referred to as 'Yellow Massive Sandy Earths', which are in turn replaced by 'Red Massive Loamy Earths'. These soils are porous, neutral to slightly acid, with texture increasing gradually with depth, so that sandy clays, sandy clay loams or even clays may be encountered at the base of the profile. Ironstone nodules, which frequently occur 20-30cm below the surface of the yellow sandy earths, are exposed in areas disturbed by road and rail construction, which lack topsoil.

Variation in topography, together with the resulting mixture of soils, have combined to produce a large diversity of plant species forming an assemblage unique in North Queensland. Low, open forests, which chiefly occur on the sandy soils and escarpments, are dominated by Acacia spp., together with Eucalyptus peltata (Rusty Jacket), E. shirleyi (Shirley's Silver-leafed Ironbark), E. melanophloia (Silver-leafed Ironbark) and Narrow-leafed Ironbarks. There is a well developed shrub layer, but grasses are relatively sparse.

The neighbouring yellow earths support a low open woodland where Eucalyptus melanophloia, E. papuana and Melaleuca nervosa are frequently dominant. As well, a well-developed grass layer is usually present. Melaleuca tamariscina is commonly associated with this community, particularly east of the Range. E. similis (Yellow Jacket) and E. whitei are the most common eucalypts on the red earths, although others may be locally dominant. Several species of Acacia petalostigma and Grevillea are prominent, particularly along the roadside and towards Bullock Creek. East of Prairie some Mitchell Grass communities often intergrade with other grassland communities to form a mosaic with the associated patches of woodland.

The booklet, "Guide to the Plants of the Burra Range", is an attempt to introduce visitors to the flora of the Burra Range, so that they may enjoy it without, at the same time, requiring an extensive botanical knowledge. Although related plants have frequently been grouped together and a basic key format has been used, a brief description as well as an illustration of most species has been provided. It should thus be possible to arrive at a probable identification by comparison of the illustration and the description.

All illustrations have been made directly from actual plant specimens, although the specimens chosen may not always be the most typical. Variations in height and leaf measurements are common, in some cases these will be covered by the description. Adult leaves should be used at all times when making measurements and comparing specimens, although juvenile material may he required for such information as "young tips pale and hairy".
Eucalyptus miniata. Family Myrtaceae


Several trees and shrubs have been included, which do not occur on the Burra Range, but are encountered en route. Since most visitors do not restrict their visit to this area, but usually drive further west to Torrens Creek or Bullock Creek, several of the most attractive plants in these areas have also been included. Most grasses, sedges, weeds and unobtrusive plants have been omitted, although some dominant grasses have been included, if only that you may say, "Oh, another Aristida", as you pull a wire grass seed from your socks or bedding!
Townsville Wattle
Acacia leptostachya Family Fabaceae.

Some species to be seen in the area are:
Acacia harpophylla (Brigalow), A. shirleyi, A. longispicata, A. ramiflora, A. uncifera, A. coriacea, A. leptostachya;
Bossiaea carinalis;
Capparis lasiantha, C. sp.;
Clerodendrum floribundum;
Comesperma sylvestre;
Dodonaea filifolia
Eucalyptus whitei, E. miniata;
Gastrolobium grandiflorum;
Grevillea decora, G. glauca, G. pteridifolia, G. sessilis;
Grewia retusa;
Hakea lorea;
Jacksonia ramosissima;
Melaleuca tamariscina;
Persoonia falcata;
Petalostigma banksii;
Triodia pungens
Acacia unciferab Family Fabaceae.

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