Heathlands occur on stabilized sand dunes and are essentially treeless plant communities dominated by low shrubs and various other ground flora. Australian heaths are invariably associated with low-nutrient soils deficient in phosphorus and nitrogen. Dry-heathland prevails in well-drained soils, while wetter heath develops in soils subject to prolonged periods of high moisture. In lowland coastal areas, these are termed "wet heaths" or "coastal wet heaths."

The name "wallum" was used by indigenous people in reference to Banksia aemula, a small tree common in dry coastal heath.

Heath plants typically have small, evergreen, sclerophyllous leaves with adaptations to combat moisture stress and anaerobic soil conditions, such as waxy leaf surfaces, leaf hairs, and thick leaves. These plants also have extensive root systems, often arising from lignotubers. Xeromorphy is a common feature among wetland plants and contributes to their tolerance of both high soil wetness and drought.

Some beautifully written information by Babara Henderson founder of our branch in a greening australia newsletter says a lot about the importance and conservation of these areas

The predominance of heathland on prime real estate behind the frontal dunes and on coastal estuaries, coupled with the ease of clearing these treeless areas, and the limited value placed on them by past state and local governments, has led to significant loss of wallum heathland. This vital ecosystem has been largely replaced by forestry, cane farms, industrial and residential developments, sports fields, roads, and airports. Remaining remnants have become dissected and fragmented by motorways, roads, drains, and easements of various kinds.

The significant habitat, biodiversity, and tourism benefits of our wallum wildflowers were recognized by early planners who, in 1949, declared a large area of wallum heathland near Mount Coolum a national park. However, the national park status was revoked in 1959 to establish an airport and industrial area. Forty years later, the battle to preserve these lands continues.

The Caloundra area was once ablaze with Boronia, and mass flowerings of Christmas Bells were well recorded. The Kawana strip was a sea of living color and architectural form, dominated by the pure whites of the Wedding Bush, golden yellows of the pea bushes (Fabaceae) and Wattles (Acacias), whites and pinks of Epacridaceae, multicolored delights of the Liliaceae and Proteaceae families, and a forest of grass tree spears (Xanthorrhoeaceae) and Banksia oblongifolia candles, complemented by grasses and sedges of the Poaceae, Cyperaceae, and Restionaceae families. For those with an eye for detail, the delight of spotting numerous varieties of delicate ground orchids (Orchidaceae), trigger plants, and insectivorous plants (Droseraceae, Lentibulariaceae) added to the rich tapestry of this landscape.

Another good article highlighting the significance of what remains of our wallum vegetation https://noosamatters.com.au/how-we-saved-our-wonderful.../

These plant communities are also rich in species from major plant families such as Myrtaceae (myrtles), Proteaceae (Banksia, Hakeas, Peersonia, Strangea, Petrophile, Lomatia) Mimosaceae (wattles), Fabaceae (peas), Liliaceae (lilies), and Xanthorrhoeaceae (grass-trees and mat-rushes). Wet heaths may grade into sedgelands dominated by Juncaceae (rushes), Cyperaceae (sedges), and Restionaceae (node-sedges)