FW2A Fontinalis antipyretica – Myriophyllum alterniflorum aquatic community


  • Freshwater habitats (FW)
  • FW2 Ranunculus pencillatus – Fontinalis antipyretica group
  • FW2A Fontinalis antipyretica – Myriophyllum alterniflorum aquatic community
Scientific name:
Fontinalis antipyretica – Myriophyllum alterniflorum aquatic community
Common name:
Greater Water-moss – Alternate Water-milfoil aquatic community
Community code:
FW2A
Full PDF Synopsis
FW2A map: Fontinalis antipyretica – Myriophyllum alterniflorum aquatic community

FW2A Fontinalis antipyretica – Myriophyllum alterniflorum aquatic community

Vegetation

This is a species-poor, bryophyte-dominated aquatic community, usually with only sparse cover of vascular plants. Fontinalis antipyretica is the only constant species and can form sizeable submerged or floating patches. The most likely other bryophytes to be seen here are Rhynchostegium riparioides, Leptodictyum riparium and Chiloscyphus polyanthos. In the more nutrient-poor acidic streams of the uplands, Fontinalis squamosa may be found. In terms of vascular plants, the trailing stems of Myriophyllum alterniflorum occasionally occur within this community, while other species are rare but may include patches of Apium nodiflorum, Ranunculus penicillatus and Potamogeton species.

Ecology

This community occurs in a range of aquatic habitats including lagoons and turloughs but it most typically found in mesotrophic, mildly base-rich rivers and streams.

Sub-communities

No sub-communities are currently described

Similar communities

The FW2B Rhynchostegium riparioides – Chiloscyphus polyanthos aquatic community is also dominated by bryophytes, but has a more diverse assemblage of mosses in which its titular species are far more frequent than they are in the present community

Conservation value

This is a species-poor community but due to the abundance of Fontinalis antipyretica it comprises part of the upland aspect of the EU HD Annex I habitat 3260 Floating river vegetation. It may also occur in habitat 1150 Lagoons*.

Management

This community has no specific management. It may be adversely affected by eutrophication, siltation and river engineering including dredging and canalisation.

  • 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