NATIVE Deep Creek

FLORA Conservation
Park

A place of astonishing views

complimented by native
Ella Quinn: 2152118
vegetation that will take your
breath away

References

Department for Environment and Water. (2013). Native Plants. Natural Resources, Adelaide & Mt Lofty Ranges. Viewed on 18 September:
https://www.naturalresources.sa.gov.au/adelaidemtloftyranges/plants-and-animals/native-plants-animals-and
-biodiversity/native-plants

Department for Environment and Water. (2018). Deep Creek Conservation Park. National Park South Australian, View on 18 September:
https://w
ww.environment.sa.gov.au/parks/find-a-park/Browse_by_region/Fleurieu_Peninsula/deep-creek-conservation-park

Government of South Australia. (2015). Declared Plant: Fact Sheet. Biosecurity SA. Viewed on : http://www.pir.sa.gov.au/__dat
a/assets/pdf_file/0013/240007/arum_lily_fsheet_fsheet.pdf

Department for Environment and Heritage. (2004). Interim Flora Species List. Biological Survey, South Australia.
 Between 7-10% of the globes species occur in Australia, making
it one of the world’s most megadiverse countries. Its unique
biodiversity is largely due to Australia’s continent being
separated from other land masses for millions of years
(Department for Environment and Water, 2013). There are
approximately 1,500 species of native plants found within the
Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges including but not limited to
gum trees, orchids, ferns, grasses, herbs, lilies and rushes. Out of
these, 121 are nationally considered threatened while 7 are
vulnerable within this region (DEW, 2013). More specifically,
Deep Creek Conservation Park (DCCP) contains the largest
portion of remaining natural vegetation on the Fleurieu
Peninsula. This native vegetation plays a vital role in the health
and prosperity of South Australia’s ecosystems, communities
and natural resource-based industries (DEW, 2018).
(DEW, 2013).

Some specific examples of flora found in Deep Creek

Conservation park include, yacca, gorse, white clover, watercress,
pratia, ribwort, phalaris, pennyroyal, stringybark forest, toadflax
and native lilac (Department for Environment and Heritage,
2004). Additionally, there are also a variety of pest plants found
within this region. Pest plants are a significant threat to
agriculture, the natural environment and public health and safety.
Some examples of these include; African boxthorn (pictured
above), African feathergrass, Alligator weed and Asparagus fern
(DEW, 2013). Land owners, specifically, have a legal
responsibility to manage these plants. The Natural Resources
Management (2004) outlines that land owners must ban the sale
of, control the movement of, destroy or control infestations of
declared weeds, and notify authorities when an infestation of
declared weeds is detected.
(DEW, 2013).
Another pest plant found within Deep Creek Conservation Park is
the Arum Lily pictured to the right. Although appealing to the eye,
this perennial herb forms dense monocultures which crowd out
native vegetation resulting in a considerable effect on biodiversity
(Government of South Australia, 2015). Additionally,
Phytophthora, an introduced root-rot fungus is also an increasing
problem to our native plants. It can be found in plant roots, soil
and water. The public can help stop the spread of this by using
hygiene stations, staying on tracks and trails as well as comply to
all the phytophthora management signs (DEW, 2018).

(DEW, 2013).

There are also some other threats to the native plantation found
within this region. Climate change, drought and severe weather
which can be connected to global warming are risks to our native
flora that are completely uncontrollable. On the other hand,
however, weed invasion, water management and use,
inappropriate fire regime as well as grazing and disturbance by
stock are somewhat human innovations that can be avoided with
the correct maintenance (DEW, 2013).
(DEW, 2013).
0).