Forest Industries of Tasmania

Temperate Rainforest

Tasmania has some of the largest tracts of temperate rainforest in the world. These forests are mostly found in the west of the state in areas of high rainfall with a distinct lack of fire.

Tasmania's rainforests contain some of the most ancient species of Australia's flora. The lichens and mosses are some of the oldest survivors. Species such  as Huon and Celery Top Pine can be traced back to over 135 million years ago. The Myrtle, a flowering plant and the dominant rainforest tree in Tasmania today, has pollen records dating back to 85 million years ago. This was a time when Australia was still joined to Antarctica and South America.