Moss and lichen tundra
Common name:
Moss and lichen tundra
Habitat code:
F1.2
Description:
Tundras of the middle tundra belt, characterized by a thick cover of mosses, formed notably by [Hylocomium splendens], [Aulacomnium turgidum], [Tomentypnum nitens], [Ptilidium ciliare], with dwarf shrubs, particularly [Dryas octopetala], [Cassiope tetragona], [Salix reptans], [Vaccinium vitis-idaea], sedges, among which the often dominant [Carex ensifolia]. Drier stands alternate in mosaic fashion with wetter areas dominated by sedges, in particular, [Carex stans], [Eriophorum angustifolium], [Eriophorum scheuchzeri], and grasses, notably [Arctophila fulva], [Dupontia fischeri].
References:
Hill, M.O., Moss, D. & Davies, C.E., 2004
| Important species scientific name | Corresponding species comments |
|---|---|
| Homalothecium nitens (Hedw.) Robins. | Species mentioned in habitat definition as characterising |
| Arnica montana L. | Annex II species - habitat relation; source Unit of Vegetation Science, Lancaster, 2000 |
| Vaccinium vitis-idaea Linnaeus, 1753 | Species mentioned in habitat definition as characterising |
| Cassiope tetragona (L.) D.Don | Species mentioned in habitat definition as characterising |
| Dryas octopetala Linnaeus, 1753 | Species mentioned in habitat definition as characterising |
| Salix reptans Rupr. | Species mentioned in habitat definition as characterising |
| Eriophorum angustifolium Honckeny, 1782 | Species mentioned in habitat definition as characterising |
| Arctophila fulva (Trin.) Andersson | Species mentioned in habitat definition as characterising |
| Aulacomnium turgidum (Wahlenb.) Schwägr. | Species mentioned in habitat definition as characterising |
| Hylocomium splendens (Hedw.) Schimp. | Species mentioned in habitat definition as characterising |