FW2H Potamogeton filiformis – Myriophyllum alterniflorum aquatic community
Vegetation
This is a simple aquatic community indicated by the presence of the slender-leaved Potamogeton filiformis. A frequent companion to the pondweed is the submerged perennial Myriophyllum alterniflorum. Other vascular species are scarce, but charophytes have a significant presence, with the species recorded including Chara aspera, Chara contraria, Chara curta, Chara muscosa, Chara vulgaris and Tolypella glomerata.
Ecology
This community has been recorded from nutrient-poor coastal lakes such as those associated with machair plains. Roden (1999) descibes it as occuring on a sand shelf which extends from the seaward shore at a depth of 0.5 to 1.5 m.
Sub-communities
No sub-communities are currently described.
Similar communities
This is a distinct community which should be easily recognised.
Conservation value
Where there is an abundance of charophytes, this habitat corresponds with the EU HD Annex I habitat 3140 Hard-water lake habitat. Calculated species diversity is very low (species/4 m2 = 2.1, n = 7) but this does not include charophytes.
Management
This is an unmanaged community. The main threat is eutrophication from agricultural sources and wastewater.