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Across Wellington Park there is diverse vegetation. Soil types vary due to geological influences. Distinct microclimates also exist and are influenced by altitude, exposure and access to sun and moisture.
Early naturalists during the 1800s visited Mount Wellington and collected numerous plant species. Contemporary research has since identified the richness and significance of the Park's flora which features:
- over 500 native species, representing about 30% of Tasmania's native vascular flora;
- over 80 species only found in the State representing about 30% of the total number of Tasmania's vascular endemics (Mount Wellington, in particular, is recognised as one of Tasmania's richest sites in terms of its number of endemic species, with two species being found only on the Mountain);
- a number of vascular species which have conservation significance because they are poorly reserved, or threatened;
- a total of 164 mosses, 130 liverwort (60% of Tasmania's 'bryoflora') and 95 macrolichen species; and
- ten plant communities which have a restricted distribution or are poorly reserved in Tasmania.
All flora within Wellington Park is protected and permits are required to collect or remove any vegetation.
Both fire and human land use have impacted vegetation. Over 130 exotic vegetation species have been recorded in Wellington Park, predominantly in the foothills near modified areas. Eradication programs are conducted by community groups, and neighbours are encouraged to reduce invasive species in their gardens.
Visitors are reminded to wash their boots and gaiters before visiting the Park to reduce the spread of Phytophthora cinnamomi, or root rot. Identified around the fringe of Wellington Park, phytophthora has the potential to spread and devastate local vegetation. The recently released Wellington Park Hygiene Protocol provides guidelines for organisations operating in the Park to reduce the spread of root rot and weeds.
Various publications provide more information on the flora of Wellington Park, and Tasmania, or contact the Tasmanian Field Naturalists and The Australian Plants Society - Tasmania Inc.
Information on vegetation research opportunities in the Park is available through the Manager.