Cunninghamia ] (1): 115-119(1981) 
115 
VEGETATION OF SPECTACLE ISLAND, HAWKESBURY 
RIVER, NEW SOUTH WALES 
Joan B. Webb 
(Accepted for publication 9.12.1980) 
ABSTRACT 
Webb, Joan B. ( Kuring-gai College of Advanced Education, Lindfield, New South 
Wales, Australia 2070) 1981. Vegetation of Spectacle Island, Hawkesbury River, New 
South Wales. Cunninghamia 1(1): 115-119. The vegetation of Spectacle Island is 
mapped and the species present are recorded. 
INTRODUCTION 
Spectacle Island (Lat. 33° 32' S, Long. 151° 12' E) is a small Hawkesbury 
Sandstone island in the Hawkesbury River, near its junction with Mooney Mooney 
Creek. It is about I 200 m long and 600 m at its widest point, up to 123 m high, 
and has generally similar vegetation to that of the nearby Brisbane Water National 
Park (Benson & Fallding, this issue). It is a Nature Reserve administered by the 
New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife Service. 
VEGETATION 
The vegetation varies with aspect and topography, and may be mapped using 
nine distinct units (Figure 1). The species recorded are listed in Table 1. 
1. North-facing, gentle slope, dominated by Angophora floribundct and grasses. 
2. Mudflats, with the mangrove, Avicennia marina var. australasica. 
3. Typical gully flora, land rising sharply from the river; Angophora floribunda, 
Elaeocarpus reticulatus, Notelaea longifolia, Solanum sp. and Casuarina 
glauca. 
4. Steeply rising land dominated by Eucalyptus gummifera, Angophora costata, 
Casuarina littoralis, a number of Lomandra species and grasses. In area 
(e) a number of exotics are present, not abundant, but consistent with 
other evidence of European occupation such as concrete slabs and a 
constructed stone wall. Similar exotics (mainly succulents) are found 
near the eastern beachfront where two fishermen’s huts are still in situ. 
5. Southern facing aspect, steep slope leading to vertical scarp; area dominated 
by Acacia data, Xanthorrhoea sp., Pteridium esculentum, Casuarina glauca 
on lower slopes and Casuarina toru/osa and Casuarina littoralis higher up. 
The vegetation here is denser than on other parts of the island. 
6. Relatively flat area of land, clay soil, only area of Eucalyptus punctata on 
the island. 
7. Mahoganies, E. umbra subsp. umbra and E. resinifera, on the top and 
edges of the cliffs. 
8. Flat top of the island, open woodland with only Imperata cylindrica. No 
understorey of Xanthorrhoea or other shrubs conspicuous on the rest of 
the island. Trees here are Eucalyptus gummifera and Angophora costata. 
Scattered shrubs of Banksia marginata, Xylomelum pyriforme, Gompholo- 
bium latifolium, Kunzea ambigua and Xanthorrhoea sp. occur around the 
margins of this highest area. 
9. Gully flora close under the cliffs. 
