Plantlife
A Reserve Rich in Plant Diversity
The bushland at Yarran Dheran offers a rare glimpse into what Melbourne’s eastern suburbs looked like before European settlement. Situated along Mullum Mullum Creek, the reserve forms part of a vital wildlife corridor stretching to the Yarra River, providing pathways for birds, mammals, reptiles, and other native species to move, feed, and thrive.
At the heart of the reserve lies a rich tapestry of native plants, anchored by tall eucalypts that define its bushland character. Towering Manna Gums (Eucalyptus viminalis) line the creek, while surrounding woodlands feature a mix of locally indigenous species including Messmate (E. obliqua), Long-leaved Box (E. goniocalyx), Yellow Box (E. melliodora), and Red Box (E. polyanthemos). Together, they form the backbone of the forest structure.
Mint bush or Victoria Christmas Bush (Prostanthera lasianthos)
Donkey Orchid (Diuris species)
From Towering Gums to Tiny Orchids
Beneath the canopy, a diverse understorey of smaller trees and shrubs thrives. At least eight species of Acacias can be found, from the handsome Blackwood Wattle (Acacia melanoxylon) of the damper gullies to the low-growing, spiky Spreading Wattle (A. genistifolia). Flowering wattles are a highlight in late winter, and the name “Yarran Dheran” itself is believed to come from a Wurundjeri term meaning wattle gully.
Other notable understorey plants include Victorian Christmas Bush (Prostanthera lasianthos), Woolly Tea Tree (Leptospermum lanigerum), Common Cassinia (Cassinia aculeata), Hop Goodenia (Goodenia ovata), and Prickly Tea Tree (Leptospermum continentale).
Yarran Dheran and the adjoining Mullum Mullum Park also retain a rich ground layer of native grasses and colourful spring wildflowers. Look for Chocolate Lilies (Arthropodium strictum), Milkmaids (Burchardia umbellata), Blue Pincushions (Brunonia australis), Love Creeper (Comesperma volubile), Curling Everlasting (Coronidium scorpioides), and a variety of native orchids.
Plant Surveys
Plant species lists from plant surveys were compiled in North Mitcham and Yarran Dheran in 1937, 1974, 1988 and reviewed in 2002 by Brian Pell.
You may see results of earlier plant surveys at Audas Flora of Mitcham 1937, Flora National Herbarium study 1974, and Brian Pell flora study, which provides a comparative analysis of plants identified in earlier studies.. These have historical value as they document indigenous plant changes and losses over time.
A gallery of local indigenous plants, many of which can be seen in Yarran Dheran, is available via a plant listing (courtesy of Bungalook Nursery), and also via this plant listing (courtesy of Greenlink Box Hill)