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.