Plant community No. 21
This ‘low woodland’ is dominated by South Australian Blue Gum (Eucalyptus leucoxylon) with a sub-storey of Mallee Box (Eucalyptus porosa), Peppermint Box (Eucalyptus odorata), Drooping Sheoak (Allocasuarina verticillata) and Grey Box (Eucalyptus microcarpa). It is found on shallow, rocky, brown loams over limestone, on foothills of the Mount Lofty Ranges.
Caterpillar food plants in this community
Ground layer
- Bent Goodenia (Goodenia geniculata)
- Climbing Saltbush (Einadia nutans ssp. nutans)
- Clustered Everlasting (Chrysocephalum semipapposum)
- Common Everlasting (Chrysocephalum apiculatum)
- Native Lilac (Hardenbergia violacea)
- Tall Scurf-Pea (Cullen australasicum)
Shrubs
- Austral Trefoil (Lotus australis)
- Berry Saltbush (Atriplex semibaccata)
- Pale Fanflower (Scaevola albida)
- Rock Wattle (Acacia rupicola)
- Twiggy Bush-Pea (Pultenaea largiflorens)
Trees and Mistletoes
- Box Mistletoe (Amyema miquelli) [on Eucalyptus spp.]
- Golden Wattle (Acacia pycnantha)
- Native Cherry (Exocarpos cupressiformis)
- Wire-Leaf Mistletoe (Amyema preissii) [on Acacia spp.]
See also
Butterfly nectar plants of the Adelaide region
Plants information
Butterflies of this plant community
Australian Painted Lady
Vanessa kershawi
Common in Adelaide gardens, particularly during spring as they migrate in from northern areas.
Broad-margined Azure
Ogyris olane
Males fly around the tops of the mistletoe host-trees or gather on hilltops. Females fly around the mistletoe.
Chequered swallowtail
Papilio demoleus
A migratory butterfly that is common and widespread in the north, but now only an occasional visitor to Adelaide.
Common Grass-blue
Zizena labradus
Often very common, seen flitting low in open grassy areas. Caterpillars feed on herbaceous pea plants and have adapted to clover.
Fringed Heath-blue
Neolucia agricola agricola
Found in woodland and heath areas during spring. Caterpillars eat small, native bush-peas.
Genoveva Azure
Ogyris genoveva
The iridescent blue upper side is only seen when flying. Caterpillars feed on yellow mistletoe (Amyema spp.).
Long-tailed Pea-blue
Lampidies boeticus
Often common around its host plants of small pea flowering herbs, shrubs and vines. Caterpillars eat the flowers and pods.
Meadow Argus
Junonia villida calybe
A common butterfly found in meadows, open reserves or vacant blocks. Caterpillars eat native and introduced herbaceous plants and weeds.
Saltbush Blue
Theclinesthes serpentata
Common around saltbushes on which its caterpillars feed.
Satin Azure
Ogyris amaryllis meridionalis
The bright metallic blue upper side is usually only seen when flying. Caterpillars feed on mistletoe (only Amyema spp).
Tailed Emperor
Polyura sempronius
Not common. This butterfly is a recent (1973) immigrant from the eastern states. Caterpillars feed on eastern states trees such as Kurrajong.
Two-spotted Line-blue
Nacaduba biocellata biocellata
Common in fringe urban areas on the plains; rare in the hills. Has a very small caterpillar that eats Acacia (wattle) buds.
Wattle Blue
Theclinesthes miskini miskini
Usually seen congregating on the tops of hills. Caterpillars eat the leaves of Acacia (wattles).
Wood White
Delias aganippe
This is a rare butterfly in the Adelaide area, the caterpillars feed on mistletoe (only Amyema spp.) and quandong.
