The different slopes and soils of Barringo have provided the conditions for a rich and diverse flora. Here are shaded and cool south-facing slopes and creek banks, flat grassy valley floors and rocky north-facing hills.

These areas support three different major plant associations or "Ecological Vegetation Classes"
The Barringo Reserve has largely escaped the logging and fires that have affected other parts of the Macedon Ranges. Many of the impressive manna gums and stringybarks growing along the Barringo Creek must be hundreds of years old. The dry rocky slopes at the south of the reserve also have ancient plants, but these species do not grow so tall under the harsh conditions. Stunted and twisted long-leafed box and broad-leafed peppermints grow there and in between them stand legions of the remarkable Austral Grass-trees.

But some of the most treasured plants are not so obvious and are at most risk. These are the smaller shrubs, herbs and grasses that can be choked by introduced weeds or trampled by unwary feet. Fortunately, many of these beautiful smaller plants are great survivors and given half a chance they can spring back to growth from hidden seeds and underground parts.

Right: Heathy Dry Forest
(Barringo Reserve; Hill of South Block )
Daviesia leptophylla, Xanthorrhoea australis and Eucalyptus goniocalyx (from foreground to background)