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The mallee

Belah Woodland (Photo: P.Sandell)

1 year ago from Parks Victoria

Location: The mallee

Desert Baeckea (Photo: Mark Antos)

1 year ago from Parks Victoria

Location: The mallee

Bandy Bandy (Photo: J.Tscharke)

1 year ago from Parks Victoria

Location: The mallee

Wyperfeld. Photo: Mark Antos

1 year ago from Parks Victoria

Location: The mallee

Bluebush, Murray-Sunset NP. Photo: P.Sandell

1 year ago from Parks Victoria

Location: The mallee

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Mallee ecosystems take their name from the small, multi-stemmed eucalypts which feature lignotubers (mallee roots) just below the soil surface, which store carbohydrates and water, and allow the tree to reshoot from the base if stems are destroyed by fire.

The blanket of sandy soil which characterises the mallee, has created a gentle scenery and superficially simple landscape, with species of mallee and understorey of saltbush, heathy shrubs, sedges, grasses or ephemeral herbs varying subtly according to soil type, depth and salinity.

More about the mallee:

  • Low, unreliable rainfall, high summer temperatures and poor fertility of the sandy soils are a key characteristic – leading some parts to be called ‘deserts’
  • Surprisingly diverse flora and fauna including many species of reptiles
  • Small nocturnal ground-dwelling mammals use burrows for breeding and protection
  • Has a distinctive range of birds including the Mallee Fowl which constructs huge mounds of sand and litter to incubate its eggs
  • Parrots are prominent, including the colourful Mallee Ringneck, Major Mitchell Cockatoo and Regent parrot.

Key Threats

  • Grazing by exotic animals (e.g. rabbits, goats)
  • Predation by foxes
  • Weed invasion
  • Increased temperatures and decreased rainfall are potential threats to species that already ‘live on the edge’
  • A potential increase in the frequency of large, intense fire events is also a threat to species that require ‘old-growth’ habitat.

Where to see the mallee

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Parks Victoria says 'thanks a million' to our volunteers at Ricketts Point Marine Sanctuary

10 May 2013

Parks Victoria is saying a special thank you to its many volunteer groups across the state as part of National Volunteer Week, which runs from 13-19 May 2013. At Ricketts Point Marine Sanctuary the Marine Care Ricketts Point (MCRP) friends group works hard to help protect and preserve the natural environment …

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Botanical Drawing and Painting Art classes

11 May 2013 10:00am - 8 Jun 2013 2:30pm

This course is an intensive introduction to Botanical Drawing and Painting. Develop observation skills and learn about tonal values, pencil and ink rendering, composition, colour, watercolour and gouache' Explore, develop and understand a variety of techniques to create your own detailed botanical studies. Time: Saturdays 11 May to 8 June, 5 x 4.5 hours = 20 …

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Friends of Glen Nayook Working Bee

26 May 2013 9:00am-11:00am

Join the Friends of Glen Nayook for a working bee. Morning tea provided.

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Botanical Drawing and Painting Art classes (advanced)

26 May 2013 10:00am - 23 Jun 2013 2:30pm

This course is an Advanced course for Botanical Drawing and Painting. Develop observation skills and learn about tonal values, pencil and ink rendering, composition, colour, watercolour and gouache' Explore, develop and understand a variety of techniques to create your own detailed botanical studies. Time: Sundays 26 May - 23 June, 5 x 4.5 hours = 20 …

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'Posidelki' at Coolart

26 May 2013 3:00pm-5:00pm

Your Russian Community invites you to be transported to the depths of the Russian romantic soul, by singer Lara Khronovska who will be accompanied by Alexander Vengerovsky. Traditional afternoon tea included.