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The karri trees (Eucalyptus diversicolor) that cover
the upper slopes grow exclusively on deep red soil known as karri loam. In
addition the karri need at least 700 millimetres of rain a year. Once thought to
have grown throughout the south-west region, as identified in fossil pollen,
changes in climate with less rainfall, saw the karri forest slowly retreat west
to its stronghold between Manjimup and Walpole. Today, where the soil is right,
and the rainfall remaining high enough, small outliers survived, such as the
karri forest found on the Porongurup Range.
As well as the karri forest, many understorey flowers and shrubs typical of
karri forest, also survive here. With about 750 plant species in the region,
most of which are found growing within the jarrah, marri and other woodland
areas which dominate the laterite soils of the lower slopes. There are also 55
of the 71 species of orchids in the range can also be found here, as well as 50
species in the Proteaceae family of plants such as the banksias, dryandras,
hakeas and grevilleas.
With most native mammals being nocturnal, you may also see the western grey
kangaroos, brush wallabies, as well as a number of bird species including the
rufous treecreeper and the scarlet and yellow robins.
(Source: NatureBase -
National Parks, Department of Conservation and Land Management)
For further information visit the CALM website or contact the
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