Lähdekkäisiä

Lähdekkäisiä refers to a Finnish term that broadly encompasses various species of plants that thrive in damp, spring-fed environments, often referred to as "fens" or "spring mires." These habitats are characterized by a constant supply of cool, mineral-rich water seeping from the ground, creating unique ecological conditions. The term is not a strict botanical classification but rather a descriptive one used to identify plants adapted to these specific wet and calcareous conditions.

Commonly found in lähdekkäisiä habitats are plants like sedges, mosses, and certain flowering herbs. These plants are often specialists, meaning they have evolved to survive in the particular soil composition and water chemistry of these areas. The presence of lähdekkäisiä vegetation can indicate a healthy and undisturbed spring mire ecosystem. These areas are important for biodiversity, providing habitats for specialized insects, amphibians, and birds. The water flow in these springs is typically slow, which allows for the accumulation of organic matter and the development of peat. The mineral content of the water, often originating from limestone or other calcium-rich bedrock, influences the pH and nutrient availability, further shaping the plant communities that can survive there.