Fungi of Long Reef
The Hidden Kingdom Beneath Our Feet
Often overlooked, fungi play a vital role in keeping Long Reef's ecosystems healthy. From breaking down organic matter and recycling nutrients to supporting plant growth, fungi are essential to the health of the coastal environment.
Long Reef's diverse habitats provide ideal conditions for a variety of fungi, from delicate toadstools to colourful mushrooms that appear after rain. While many are small and short-lived, they perform critical ecological functions and contribute to the rich biodiversity that makes Long Reef such a unique place to explore and protect.
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Bracelet Honey-myrtle
Scientific name: Melaleuca armillaris
Family: Myrtaceae
Status: This Melaleua is Not threatened and Common in suitable coastal habitatsGeneral Information: Large shrub to small tree (typically 3–8 m tall) with a preferred habitat of Coastal headlands, cliffs, and exposed ridgelines with sandy or shallow, well-drained soils as it tolerates salt spray and wind exposure so well suited to Long Reef conditions. It is native to eastern Australia (NSW and VIC) being common along coastal NSW, including the Sydney region and is widely used in revegetation. It flowers mainly September to December and is insect pollinated by bees, flies and beetles. It also attracts nectar-feeding birds. It is Moderately fire-adapted; can regenerate from seed after fire. This Melaleuca is an Important nectar source for pollinators and provides habitat and shelter for small birds and insects often found with Coastal heath species (e.g. Banksia, Leptospermum, Westringia) which are all on site at Long Reef.