FW2B Rhynchostegium riparioides – Chiloscyphus polyanthos aquatic community


  • Freshwater habitats (FW)
  • FW2 Ranunculus pencillatus – Fontinalis antipyretica group
  • FW2B Rhynchostegium riparioides – Chiloscyphus polyanthos aquatic community
Scientific name:
Rhynchostegium riparioides – Chiloscyphus polyanthos aquatic community
Common name:
Long-beaked Water Feather-moss – St Winifred’s Moss aquatic community
Community code:
FW2B
Full PDF Synopsis
FW2B map: Rhynchostegium riparioides – Chiloscyphus polyanthos aquatic community

FW2B Rhynchostegium riparioides – Chiloscyphus polyanthos aquatic community

Vegetation

Bryophytes dominate this aquatic community and vascular plants seldom occur. Rhynchostegium riparioides is the only constant species and patches of this moss, growing on rocks and stones, usually form the main vegetative cover. The liverwort Chiloscyphus polyanthos and the moss Fontinalis antipyretica are also frequent components. The thalli of Conocephalum conicum, Pellia endiviifolia and Marchantia polymorpha are occasionally found on shady rocks close to the water. Nutrient-poor, acidic streams in the uplands favour Scapania undulata and Fontinalis squamosa, the latter of which can grow abundantly in those waters. Conversely, in more base-rich situations, Cratoneuron filicinum can occur. The most frequent higher plants found here are Oenanthe crocata and Phalaris arundinacea.

Ecology

This community usually occurs in fairly fast-flowing, shaded, mesotrophic rivers and streams with a rocky substrate and beside waterfalls. Waters are typically mildly base-rich, but, as mentioned above, variants can occur in more acidic or alkaline conditions

Sub-communities

No sub-communities are currently described.

Similar communities

From the other bryophyte-dominated community in this group, FW2A, the present assemblage differs by its greater diversity of species and the lower frequency of Fontinalis antipyretica. It is also more confined to watercourses.

Conservation value

This is a fairly bryophyte-rich community. Where there is an abundance of Fontinalis antipyretica it comprises part of the upland aspect of the EU HD Annex I habitat 3260 Floating river vegetation.

Management

This community has no specific management. It may be adversely affected by eutrophication, acidification, river engineering and trampling from livestock with access to the bankside. Removal of bankside tree cover may impact upon shade-loving bryophytes.

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