Limestone Karst Ecosystems and Honeymyrtle Shrubland

Learn more about this TEC

Our scholars are coming together for a day to share their lifetimes’ knowledge of one of Perth natural coastal wonders, Karst limestone ecosystems and Honey Myrtle Shrublands of the Swan Coastal Plain.  Federally listed in November 2023 as critically endangered, it is up to all of us to know these remnants, advocate for their preservation and restore their biodiversity. They are our natural inheritance.  

So where are they found, who’s been looking out for them?  Coastal limestone hills and ridges are embedded with colourful stories handed down through Aboriginal generations. As freshwater travels from the Perth escarpment to the ocean, weaving a course above and below the ground creating wetlands and springs along the way, filling Gnamma holes in the coastal limestone, it sustains a unique biodiversity of plants and animals as it goes.  

What are the challenges of caring for them and what does ecological restoration look like.  Restoring these landscapes, restores the stories and connections of this unique culture.  When we bring back plant diversity, the animals can return if given the space and corridors.  

Presentations from the Symposium

We have collected together most of the presentations from our March symposium.

1. Cultural introduction to Honeymyrtle Shrublands Symposium – Iva Hayward Jackson – LINK
2. The Pleistocene Tamala Limestone in coastal WA – fossilised sand dunes, karst and cycles of climate change – Ken McNamara – LINK
3. Banksia sessilis – the forgotten food- Will Stock – LINK
4. Tuart, Redheart (E decipiens), Fremantle mallee (E foecunda), Spidernet Grevillea and Parrto Bush (B sessilis) – Hans Lambers – LINK
5. Conserve or Restore? – Kingsley Dixon & Michael Just = LINK

Plus a series of talks from Friends groups with Honeymyrtle shrublands on their patch 

• • Friends of Mosman Park Bushland – Sue Conlan – LINK
  • Friends of Manning Park Ridge – Robyn Colledge – LINK
  • Conservation and bushcare opportunities at Manning Park – Eddy Wajon – LINK

What is Honeymyrtle Shrubland?

Honeymyrtle shrubland is the assemblage of plants, animals and other organisms associated with a type of warm temperate shrubland or heath, dominated by Melaleuca huegelii (chenille honeymyrtle), M. systena (coastal honeymyrtle), and/or Banksia sessilis (parrot bush). It only occurs on the slopes and tops of limestone ridges on the Swan Coastal Plain.  You can read all about it in the Federal Approved Conservation Advice which includes a species list.

Photos provided by Cate Tauss

Some of our Friends groups have this TEC including Friends of Mosman Park Bushland and Friends of Manning Park Ridge

Event Information

This Symposium was held on Sunday 17 March from 9:30 am. Ticket price includes morning and afternoon tea and a light lunch. Find the PROGRAM HERE.

We are grateful for the support from the Wildflower Society of Western Australia, Perth NRM and the Manning Park Conservation Society,