Fields of lava and natural excavations
Description (English)
Sites and products of recent volcanic activity harbouring distinct biological communities.
The following subtypes are included:
Pal. 66.1 Teide violet community. Violetea cheiranthifoliae.
Very open formation of the summit of the Teide volcano of Tenerife, above (2700) 3000 metres, with Viola cheiranthifolia and a few individuals of Silene nocteolens and Argyranthemum teneriffae.
Pal. 66.2 Etna summital communities
Communities of Mount Etna, above the limit of hedgehog heaths.
Pal. 66.3 Barren lava fields
Almost bare lava formations of other volcanoes, and of lower altitudes on Etna and Teide, colonised by, besides communities related to ones covered in other sections, lichens (e.g. Stereocaulon vesubianum) and invertebrates.
Pal. 66.4 Volcanic ash and lapilli fields
Pal. 66.5 Lava tubes
Caves formed by hollow basaltic tubes resulting from the cooling of the surface of lava flows whose molten interior continued to flow. The very large tube created by the volcano La Corona of Lanzarote harbours unique communities of invertebrates, in particular, the decapod crustacean Munidopsis polymorpha, endemic to that locality, and several crustaceans of the genus Speleonectes.
Pal. 66.6 Fumaroles
Orifices in volcanic areas through which escape hot gases and vapours. Their very extreme environment is colonised by paucispecific but highly distinct communities.
Source: Interpretation Manual of European Union Habitats, version EUR 28 (2013)
Quick facts
| EU Habitats Directive | Annex I habitat type (code 8320) |
|---|---|
| Habitat type | Not priority |
| Natura 2000 sites | 79 are designated for this habitat type |
Distribution
Conservation status
EU conservation status
Conservation status assesses every six years and for each biogeographical region the condition of habitats and species compared to the favourable status as described in the Habitats Directive. The map shows the 2013-2018 assessments as reported by EU Member State. Assessments are further detailed in the summary document available behind the link below.
Species mentioned in habitat description
Flowering Plants
Silene nocteolens
| Species scientific name | English common name | Species group |
|---|---|---|
| Silene nocteolens | Flowering Plants |
