Flora

 

Fruits of the Hawthorn

Carsten Krieger

Fruits of the Hawthorn
Carsten Krieger

Fruits of the Hawthorn

Carsten Krieger

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Herb Robert 2

English Name: Herb-Robert Botanical Name (Latin): Geranium robertianum Irish Name: Ruithéal rí Order: DICOTYLEDONES Family: GERANIACEAE Brief Description: Annual or biennial herb, usually hairy; leaves and stems tinged dark red; leaves pentagonal in outline, deeply divided; flowers 1.5?2cm across, purple-pink.

Carsten Krieger

Herb Robert 2
Carsten Krieger

Herb Robert 2

English Name: Herb-Robert Botanical Name (Latin): Geranium robertianum Irish Name: Ruithéal rí Order: DICOTYLEDONES Family: GERANIACEAE Brief Description: Annual or biennial herb, usually hairy; leaves and stems tinged dark red; leaves pentagonal in outline, deeply divided; flowers 1.5?2cm across, purple-pink.

Carsten Krieger

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The limestone pavement also supports a variety of flora along the edges of the southern lake, such as Herb-robert, Bloody Crane’s-bill, Wild Thyme, Rustyback, Blue Moor-grass and Slender St. John’s Wort. Hawthorn and Buckthorn, species commonly associated with limestone, also grow in the area.

The large population of orchids are supported by calcareous grassland and add a splash of colour to the landscape. Pyramidal Orchid, Early-purple Orchid, Frangrant Orchid and Irish Lady’s –tresses are among the species inhabiting the area.

Zebra Mussel

These species can survive out of water for several days in moist shaded conditions so when boats and water craft are removed from the water it is necessary to hose them down properly to get rid of any zebra mussels that may have attached themselves.

© Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government

Zebra Mussel
© Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government

Zebra Mussel

These species can survive out of water for several days in moist shaded conditions so when boats and water craft are removed from the water it is necessary to hose them down properly to get rid of any zebra mussels that may have attached themselves.

© Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government

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Environmental concerns

The arrival of the Zebra Mussel, a native of the Black and Caspian Seas , to Irish waterways is causing much concern. This invasive species has resulted in a rapid decline in the numbers of various fish species in the Erne and Shannon , and poses a huge threat to Wild Brown Trout of Lough Corrib. The Zebra Mussels remove much of the food sources from water, such as phytoplankton and small zooplankton. The arrival of the Zebra Mussel affects the whole eco-system.