RH4B Plantago coronopus – Armeria maritima coastal rock community
Vegetation
This community gathers together a variety of typically open, rocky coastal assemblages in which Armeria maritima, Plantago coronopus and Festuca rubra are the constants. Occasional species are Lotus corniculatus, Cerastium fontanum, Silene uniflora, Trifolium repens and Catapodium marinum. Maritime specialists encountered less often include Crithmum maritimum, Sagina maritima, Spergularia rupicola, Tripleurospermum maritimum and the moss Hennediella heimii.
Ecology
This vegetation occurs predominantly in association with coastal cliffs, either on the top, on the rock face, on ledges or in crevices. It may also occur on smaller outcrops of sea-sprayed rocks or in association with soft cliffs or, less often, on trampled ground within saltmarshes or sand dunes. Mean altitude = 13 m, n = 7; mean slope = 10.3°, n = 4; mean extent of bare rock = 48.7%, n = 11.
Sub-communities
No sub-communities are described.
Similar communities
The GL3F Festuca rubra – Lotus corniculatus grassland occurs on the top of maritime cliffs and could be confused with grassy variants of this community. GL3F is typically a closed community, however, where Festuca is much more plentiful than in RH4B and where Armeria maritima is much less frequent.
Conservation value
Many examples of this vegetation correspond to EU HD Annex I habitat 1230 Vegetated sea cliffs. Species/4 m2 = 8.2, n = 13.
Management
Where it occurs on sea cliffs, this community typically does not require management, although it can be invaded by non-native species which require eradication, such as Carpobrotus edulis. Changes in sea levels and storminess as a consequence of climate change also constitute threats.