Research

The Swamp gum (Eucalyptus ovata) woodland is dominated by the Eucalyptus ovata var. ovata with upper, middle and lower storey defined in this list: Swamp gum (Eucalyptus ovata) woodland short plant list. This PDF contains a list of plants which are available for the most part in native plant nurseries such as those belonging to SA State Flora nurseries. See the complete list for more species found in this forest.

List of plant communities

Finding the woodlands in your area of the Fleurieu

DEW had developed NatureMaps, an online mapping tool for identifying the Pre-European vegetation plant communities throughout South Australia. Each of the woodlands were defined by NatureMap vegetation codes. In the case of the Swamp Gum woodlands, there was a key: SL0301PE . This factsheet remains available online at the Green Adelaide web site.

In 2025, the Landscape Board, Hills and Fleurieu, published a factsheet for the Swamp Gum vegetation profile with a reference to the vegetation code:

• Plant community profile, Swamp Gum Woodland (Eucalyptus ovata ssp. ovata) Woodland (SL0301PE)

Each factsheet distinguishes clearly the plants in these distinct communities. They are a great deal more detailed; each providing information about:

• Community distribution in the Fleurieu in map format (See maps)
• Soil type, rainfall, and notes on revegetation
• A plant list separated into plant type: trees, shrubs, mat plants, sedges and tussocks, twiner/scramblers, and herbs
• Details for each plant including: whether plants can be purchased in a plant nursery, propagation methods, seed treatment, and seed propagation treatments, and level of difficulty for seed propagation, and how the plants are pollinated.

Pre-European Distribution of Swamp Gum woodlands

The distribution of both woodlands before European settlement in the graphics below (marked in green) shows the extent of each woodland. The location of the woodlands correspond in general to Permian sand deposits left behind millions of years ago.  

Pre-European settlement in Mount Compass

European Settlement

Much of the Swamp Gum woodlands yielded to dairy and meat production. The application of fertiliser and irrigation maintained production throughout the year. Pine plantations replaced woodlands as a source of timber and wind breaks. Pine trees do well in well-drained soils. 

Distribution today

The Swamp Gum woodland (SL0301PE) is a fraction of its original pre-European distribution, approximately 9.4% remaining.

Of the approximately 9,000 hectares (ha) mapped as being present prior to European settlement, approximately 850 ha have been mapped in the Department of Environment and Water’s extant mapping layer (Data SA 2025).

Croft, S, Croft, T 2025, Swamp Gum Woodland, viewed on 16 August, 2026, <https://hf.landscape.sa.gov.au/media/plant-species/SL0301PE-Swamp-Gum-Woodland.pdf>.

To preserve these woodland ecosystems, the Department of Environment and Water has set aside conservation parks.

Threat of habitat loss

The Landscape Board, Hills and Fleurieu (Landscape HF) is actively pursuing revegetation of areas to support the wildlife unique to Swamp Gum woodlands. Many of understorey plants can be grown from seed or seedlings or purchased from a Native nursery for private and public spaces. LIfestyle blocks and farms can plant canopy trees and understorey to support birds, bees and other native wildlife associated with Swamp Gum woodlands.