Plants of Shark Bay
Click for a vegetation map! (1.56mb).
Western Australia is one of the most botanically diverse areas in the world – and Shark Bay is one of the most diverse areas in Western Australia. Located at the transition of two botanical provinces, Shark Bay features at least 820 species, including 53 endemic species, many rare and threatened species, and others at the limit of their geographic range. Its unusual tree heath, massive seagrass meadows and spectacular spring wildflower displays all contributed to Shark Bay’s World Heritage listing.
The South West and Eremaean Botanical Provinces meet and overlap at Shark Bay. As a result the region’s vegetation is extremely species-rich, featuring cool-climate and desert plants.
The two botanical zones overlap in a region known as the tree heath.The richest plant community in Shark Bay, tree heath features many rare and endangered species.
Shark Bay has the largest and most diverse seagrass meadows on Earth. Covering some 4,000 km2, they underpin the Bay’s entire marine ecosystem. Learn more about the role of seagrasses here.
Which tree was the basis of one of the region’s earliest industries?
Click here to find out! You might be surprised!
Fact sheet on Shark Bay's plant life.
For more information about Western Australian plants check out the West Australian Herbarium’s FloraBase.