Plant community types are the finest level in the NSW vegetation classification hierarchy. They identify and describe recurring patterns of native plant species assemblages in relation to environmental conditions such as soil, temperature, moisture and other factors. Their floristic composition is characterised by frequently co-occurring species, including combinations of trees, shrubs and/or ground cover plants.
Plant community types play a central role in the NSW Biodiversity Offsets Scheme. Assessments of biodiversity values hinge on the identification of PCTs when using the Biodiversity Assessment Method.
They are defined and mapped across New South Wales. PCT data are managed as part of the Integrated BioNet Vegetation Data program.
Latest news
- An update of the classification was released in December 2023 (version C2.0), including updates to plant community types of eastern New South Wales (coast and tablelands bioregions) in response to new plot data.
- The Plot to PCT Assignment Tool is updated to incorporate version C2.0, improving the reliability of identification for quantitative plant community types in eastern New South Wales using standard floristic survey plot data.
- Information is available about the introduction of revised plant community types in eastern New South Wales to the Biodiversity Offsets Scheme here.