This vegetation type is characterised by dense stands of Melaleuca (Melaleuca nodosa, Melaleuca decora) with stunted emergents of mostly Eucalyptus fibrosa and Eucalyptus parramattensis ssp. decadens. In places this vegetation type is forest-like, in areas where Eucalyptus agglomerata (atypical) and Eucalyptus resinifera ssp. resinifera are present and occasional Eucalyptus fibrosa, Eucalyptus siderophloia, and Eucalyptus parramattensis ssp. decadens. Most areas supporting this vegetation type are found in close proximity to Kurri Sand Swamp Woodland.
There are similarities between the Kurri Sand Melaleuca Scrub-Forest and the Lower Hunter Spotted Gum-Ironbark Forest and the Kurri Sand Swamp Woodland, as these all have dense stands of Melaleuca nodosa. However, the spotted gum/ironbark forest can be separated by the presence of a taller canopy of Corymbia maculata with Eucalyptus fibrosa, and a variety of understorey species, while the sand swamp woodland is characterised by Angophora bakeri, Eucalyptus resinifera ssp. resinifera, and Corymbia gummifera occurring with Eucalyptus parramattensis ssp. decadens in the canopy. As well, a number of understorey species normally associated with sand environments are present in that community.
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Small pockets of the Kurri Sand Melaleuca Scrub-Forest occur in the Neath and Bishops Hill portions of the Park, and constitute about 183 hectares. In the Neath portion there is another 80 hectres of this habitat which is more forest-like than the Neath and Bishops Hill portions. It is not known if this vegetation type exists outside of the Werakata National Park.
It is likely that the distribution of this vegetation type is related to the presence of poorly drained Tertiary clay deposits (which are generally associated with the Kurri sands). In most cases, these deposits comprise compacted clay soil with some laterite. Other smaller areas occur on shallow drainage lines with similar soil conditions.
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Typical Species Present:
- Trees -
- Small Trees
- Eucalyptus fibrosa
- Eucalyptus parramattensis ssp. decadens (threatened species)
- Eucalyptus agglomerata (atypical)
- Eucalyptus crebra (extreme north)
- Melaleuca decora
- Eucalyptus resinifera ssp. resinifera
- Shrubs
- Melaleuca nodosa
- Melaleuca thymifolia
- Callistemon linearis (threatened species)
- Isopogon anemonifolius
- Leucopogon virgatus
- Lissanthe strigosa
- Leptospermum parvifolium
- Dillwynia retorta
- Astroloma humifusum
- Acacia ulicifolia
- Hakea sericea
- Astrotricha obovata
- Hibbertia acicularis
- Pultenaea cunninghamii
- Bursaria longisepala var. longisepala
- Grevillea montana
- Banksia spinulosa var. collina
- Vines
- Cassytha glabella forma glabella
- Herbs
- Phyllanthus hirtellus forma A
- Mirbelia pungens
- Platysace ericoides
- Goodenia rotundifolia
- Hibbertia vestita
- Drosera auriculata
- Pratia purpurascens
- Graminoids
- Aristida ramosa var. ramosa
- Lomandra cylindrica
- Anisopogon avenaceus
- Entolasia stricta
- Aristida vagans
- Dianella revoluta var. revoluta
- Panicum simile
- Lomandra filiformis ssp. coriacea
- Eragrostis brownii
- Imperata cylindrica var. major
- Paspalidium distans
- Ferns
- Cheilanthes sieberi ssp. sieberi
- Sedges
- Gahnia radula
- Lepidosperma gunnii
- Lepidosperma laterale
- Cycads
- Macrozamia flexuosa (rare)
- Orchids
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