Deserts
In the desert region of Australia, and most of it is desert, there are further regional
variations but language and culture is very similar over vast areas. Dreaming trails
criss-cross the continent providing important links between groups that are often
separated by hundreds and even thousands of kilometres. See the Aboriginal Australia wall map by David Horton.Central Australia
Desert landscapes in area cover much of Australia. Western Desert landscape is itself
quite varied. Spinifex  sand plains, spinifex clad sand dunes, mulga woodland, desert
oak forest and ranges represent the main environments. Most of the country is a sea of red
sand plains and dunes.
Spinifex
Spinifex (trioda) is the dominant vegetation although belts of other shrub vegetation and
low woodland contrast to the spinifex. Mulga, Corkwood, Bloodwood, Desert oak and other
species of acacia and eucalyptus often form micro eco-systems.
Dune Fields
Spinifex and low acacia covered dune fields  become extensive away from the many mountain ranges of the
desert. In the valleys between the sand dunes clay pans occasionally form that become
lakes after rain. Succulent vegetation grows and the dunes provide a habitat for animals,
birds and reptiles.
After rain it is not uncommon to find lakes
covered in ducks, galahs and budgerigars, stretches of water that might last only a week
but sometimes for several months |
