Heritage Places
Heritage Place Details
| LOCATION |
| Map |
Show Map
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| Address |
Arabana Country, Oodnadatta Track CALLANNA |
| Locality |
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| Accuracy |
H - high level confidence |
| Development Plan |
Land Not Within a Council Area (Far North) |
| Polygon Type |
D - item has been digitised (generally because it doesn't exist in a DCDB parcel, eg. bridge |
| DESCRIPTION |
| Details (Known As) |
Nelly Creek Fossil Flora Complex [Designated as a place of palaeontological significance] |
| Registered Name |
Nelly Creek Fossil Flora Complex |
| Significance |
The Nelly Creek Fossil Flora Complex comprises seven fossil sites containing numerous palaeobotanical fossils (leaves, wood and pollen) dating from the Eocene Epoch (~56-33 Million years ago (Ma)). The Nelly Creek site is considered to be Middle-Late Eocene in age and includes many mummified fossil leaf assemblages that are rarely found elsewhere in South Australia. The combination of mummified fossil leaves and its central Australian locality differentiates Nelly Creek from all other South Australian fossil sites.
The species preserved in the fossils at the site expand the known range of extinct and extant native plant species, with many not found anywhere else within the State. Additionally, the anatomy of the preserved flora differs greatly from those found at other South Australian fossil sites and appears to denote a transitional period in climate not shown in any other fossil assemblages in the State. As such, the place can be considered of State and National interest.
The Nelly Creek Fossil Flora Complex is also highly likely to yield information that will build knowledge of Eocene environments within South Australia, including climate change and the aridification of the State.
STATEMENT OF PALAEONTOLOGICAL DESIGNATION
Nelly Creek Fossil Flora Complex is a palaeochannel located south of Kati Thanda (Lake Eyre). It is a rare and outstanding Eocene Fossil Flora assemblage (~56-33 Ma) dating from the Middle-Late Eocene. Although the channel runs for over 13 km, the significant fossil localities are found within a ~7 km stretch as defined by the State Heritage Place boundary. Nelly Creek Fossil Flora Complex contains seven separate sites that have yielded examples of fossil flora in the form of leaves pollen and wood.
The complex depicts a preserved environment in which the usual rainforest-like species found during the Eocene Epoch were being replaced by more dry-adapted plants. The fossil site provides a snapshot of the fluctuating Eocene climate that no other fossil flora sites captures within the State. The impressive preservation of the site also makes it an outstanding example of fossil flora within South Australia. The fossil plants are predominantly preserved as 'mummified' specimens in which the organic material of the leaf is preserved rather than replaced by rocks and minerals. This is an exceptionally unusual form of preservation, found in only one other fossil site in South Australia.
The site is also the type locality for at least six plant species, and is expected to yield more type specimens with further research. Examples of type specimens include Dianellophyllum eocenicum with features resembling those in the extant genus Dianella (flax lilies). Two other examples of Dacrydium (Conifers) were also identified from the site. These conifers are the earliest examples of the genus within South-Eastern to Central Australia, and the presence of these small-leaved plants further supports the theory of Nelly Creek's more dry-adapted vegetation.
Nelly Creek Fossil Flora Complex has the potential to reveal significant new information about South Australian plant species and climate change through further detailed research. Numerous palaeobotanists believe that the site has great research potential due to its unusual features. Designation of the fossil site will help to protect the site, enabling further research and increased understanding of the ancient fossil flora of South Australia.
The significant palaeontological features contained within the complex are:
* Seven Middle-Eocene fossil sites with abundant fossil flora
* Extremely well-preserved mummified and silicified fossil floras in the form of leaves, wood and pollen
* Type locality for at least six species of plants
* Eyre Formation directly overlying the Winton Formation, providing unique geological information
* An extensive assemblage that with further research can contribute to an understanding of the natural evolution of the State |
| Subject Index |
Landscape area - Palaeontological Site |
| Class |
State |
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| STATUS |
| Status Code |
REG - Confirmed as a State Heritage Place in the SA Heritage Register |
| Status Date |
17-AUG-2023 |
| REFERENCE |
| LGA |
Unincorporated SA |
| State Heritage ID |
26546 |
| Heritage Number |
28130 |
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| SECTION 16 INFORMATION |
| Section 16 |
b - it has rare, uncommon or endangered qualities that are of cultural significance
c - it may yield information that will contribute to an understanding of the State's history, including its natural history
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| PLAN PARCEL & TITLE |
| As listed in the SA Heritage Register |
| Plan Parcel & Title Information |
CL 6178/960 D34847 A2 |
Disclaimer
While due care has been taken to ensure that the SA Heritage Places Database accurately reflects the South Australian Heritage Register and listings of Local Heritage Places in Development Plans, the State of South Australia does not accept liability for the use of the SA Heritage Database for any purpose. Users should consult the Department for Environment and Water - Heritage South Australia to confirm the listing of State Heritage Places and the relevant Development Plan for Local Heritage Places/Contributory Items.
In the majority of cases, the maps of State Heritage Places on this web site show the footprints of the most significant structures on a registered Place. However, sometimes they simply indicate the complete area of land comprising the Place. Work is proceeding to further refine the mapping of such places. It is also important to note that development control is not limited to the registered structures but extends to their setting and structures nearby (what is termed ‘development affecting’ a State Heritage Place). Hence it is vital that exact details of the listed place and implications for any proposed development be discussed with Heritage South Australia staff, as they cannot be deduced solely from the information on this web site. The inclusion of a place in the SA Heritage Register gives no right of public access. Permission to visit properties must be sought from the owners. The accuracy of the mapping of State Heritage Places is not guaranteed. Please contact Heritage SA ( https://www.environment.sa.gov.au/topics/heritage/sa-heritage-register) if you believe there is an error.
GIS files
To access downloadable GIS files, go to Data.SA.