FE4A Philonotis fontana – Chrysoplenium oppositifolium spring


  • Fens, mires and springs (FE)
  • FE4 Philonotis fontana – Palustriella commutata group
  • FE4A Philonotis fontana – Chrysoplenium oppositifolium spring
Scientific name:
Philonotis fontana – Chrysoplenium oppositifolium spring
Common name:
Fountain Apple-moss – Opposite-leaved Golden-saxifrage spring
Community code:
FE4A

FE4A Philonotis fontana – Chrysoplenium oppositifolium spring

Vegetation

This a diverse spring community of which some of the main hallmarks are mats of Chrysosplenium oppositifolium and the pale, rod-like shoots of Philonotis fontana. There is usually some grassy cover provided by Anthoxanthum odoratum, Holcus lanatus and Agrostis capillaris, with some straggling stems of Galium palustre. Apart, from Philonotis, the main bryophytes are Calliergonella cuspidata, Scapania undulata, Brachythecium rivulare. Frequently, one will spot the conspicuous basal rosettes of Saxifraga stellaris in this community. Light green patches of Dicranella palustris (= Dichodontium palustre), with its squarrose leaves, are also characteristic.

Ecology

This is a community of circumneutral or mildly basic springheads and stony rills mainly found on upland slopes amongst grassland or heath. It may also occur on wet cliff faces.

Sub-communities

No sub-communities are currently described.

Similar communities

There is some overlap in species with the more base-rich springs of the FE4B Palustriella commutata – Bryum pseudotriqetrum spring community. However, Palustriella is seldom found in FE4A while Chrysosplenium oppositifolium is scarce in FE4B. Sedges are more prominent features in FE4B.

Conservation value

This is a very species-rich assemblage (species/4 m2 = 28.3, n = 8), but it is not protected as an EU HD Annex I habitat nor does it support significantly rare plant species.

Management

The main threat to these springs is probably trampling by livestock as they are easily damaged by disturbance.

  • Contact Us
  • +353 51 306 240
  • National Biodiversity Data Centre
    Beechfield House,
    Waterford Institute of Technology West Campus,
    Carriganore,
    Co. Waterford,
    Ireland.
    X91 PE03

Download our free smartphone app for recording in the field
Android App
Apple App

The National Biodiversity Data Centre is a Company Limited by Guarantee. Register Number: 730718.

 

  • Privacy
We made this!
  • Home
  • About
    • Global Biodiversity Information Facility
      • Ireland’s GBIF profile
      • The GBIF Network
      • Latest news at GBIF
      • GBIF Science Review
    • Strategic Objectives
  • Monitoring & tracking change
  • Assisting conservation
  • Ireland’s Biodiversity Learning Platform
  • Workshops
  • Publications
  • Biodiversity Ireland’s Top 10
  • Videos
  • Shop
  • News and Events
    • Distinguished Recorder Award
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However you may visit Cookie Settings to provide a controlled consent. You can view our privacy policy here.
Cookie settingsACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Non Necessary
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
Save & Accept