Native plants in the Limestone Coast

The Limestone Coast is home to an extraordinarily diverse range of native vegetation (flora). Native vegetation refers to any naturally occurring local plant species which are indigenous to Australia, from small ground covers and native grasses to large trees and water plants.

Why is flora important?

Native flora is important for many reasons:

Ecological value: Australia’s native flora is extraordinarily diverse and many are found nowhere else in the world. As a result, they provide the unique landscapes of the region, provide habitat for native animals, create wildlife corridors, provide shelter belts to protect stock and crops, provide protection from wind and water erosion by holding the soil together, protect water quality; and reduce the greenhouse effect.
Economic value: economically, native vegetation and its direct soil and water functions support the productive capacity of many important sectors of the Australian economy, including agriculture, forestry, fisheries, aquaculture and tourism.
Social and cultural value: native vegetation shapes the Australian culture and national identity, and so we want to allow future generations to enjoy our unique environment. For Indigenous Australians, the land and its resources have underpinned Indigenous history, innovation, culture, spirituality and economics for tens of thousands of years.

Vegetation types in the Limestone Coast

We have produced a series of factsheets featuring six characteristic vegetation types that occur in the region. They include information on where they can be found, some of their important features and management tips.

Why manage flora?

Native vegetation plays a vital role in the health and prosperity of South Australia's ecosystems, communities and natural resource-based industries. As a result, threats to native vegetation have potentially serious consequences for Australia. These include the decline of biodiversity and reduced ecosystem functioning, reduced water quality, increased erosion and salinity, increased greenhouse gas emissions, reduced productivity and impacts on cultural and spiritual identity.

The SA Tree Watch website allows you to assess the health of trees in your area and add the information to an interactive map.

Threats to flora

clearance
declining ecosystem health
fragmentation of ecosystems
changed fire patterns, such as changed frequency, intensity and scale of fire
changed quantities and patterns in water and water flows
unnatural water regimes
competition with introduced plants
grazing by feral animals and livestock
pollution and diseases (such as Mundulla Yellows)
climate change
salinity
mining impacts
tourism and recreation impacts
urban growth.

Paddock Trees

Paddock trees are an iconic part of the Limestone Coast and critical for biodiversity and sustainable landscapes. But did you know that if current trends continue, all scattered paddock trees will be gone in as little as 40 years?! Find out more about their landscape benefits, how to protect them, and how we are celebrating them, here.