The realized niche of floating water-plantain (Luronium natans) in Flanders

Freshwater ecosystems are under worldwide pressure. In Europe, the Habitats Directive attempts to protect and restore the most endangered habitats and species. An exemplary target species is Luronium natans, a semi-aquatic plant endemic to Europe, occurring mainly in nutrient-poor stagnant soft water but also in more alkaline lowland streams, rivers and canals. Understanding the habitat requirements of this apparently tolerant, yet often Red Listed species is necessary to support its management and sustainable conservation. Flanders, located in the centre of the distribution range of L. natans, still harbours a considerable number of populations. We examine sediment, water chemistry, vegetation and other site characteristics throughout this region in relation to the criteria used to assess its conservation status in order to determine conditions critical to its favourable conservation.