A study of the salt lakes and salt springs of Eyre Peninsula, South Australia

An 18-month-study of 40 saline wetlands, ranging from 6 to 336 g l⁻¹, on the west and southern coasts of Eyre Peninsula yielded 88 species of invertebrates, some aquatic plants and a fish. The invertebrates are taxonomically diverse and include 38 crustaceans, 28 insects, 12 molluscs and significantly an aquatic spider, a nemertean, two polychaetes, two sea anemones, a sponge and a bryzoan. Most were tolerant of wide fluctuations in salinity, there being 51 halobionts, 21 halophils and only 16 salt-tolerant freshwater species. Many invertebrates are restricted to the thalassic springs where marine molluscs dominated. Athalassic wetlands were dominated by crustaceans and were of two basic types—coastal and continental. There is evidence of the former evolving biologically into the later, and for some lakes to be still in transition. There is also evidence of increasing salinity in recent decades and already two lakes exhibit severe secondary salinity. Like other salt lakes in Australia the fauna is regionally distinctive. Electronic supplementary material  The online version of this article (doi:) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users. Guest Editors: J. John & B. Timms Salt Lake Research: Biodiversity and Conservation—Selected papers from the 9th Conference of the International Society for Salt Lake Research     

Phenological shifts of the alien colonizer Bunias orientalis: Image-based analysis of temporal niche separation

Abstract. Phenological development of the colonizer Bunias orientalis L. was investigated in permanent plots in herbaceous vegetation, using photography and image analysis. In all habitats but one, B. orientalis showed a two-phased rosette growth behaviour, with a first peak cover reached in spring, roughly coinciding with an early peak cover of the matrix vegetation, and a second autumn growth flush occurring in a phase of reduced matrix vegetation cover. This seasonally bimodal growth pattern of B. orientalis appears to partly compensate for its competitive inferiority in crowded herbaceous vegetation. Small or overshadowed individuals of this species particularly profit from higher above-ground performance or release from overlap in autumn. The significance of temporal niche separation for survival and growth of B. orientalis individuals varies with habitat conditions, being most apparent in occasionally disturbed habitats with a relatively low frequency of gap formation. Despite some limitations, image analysis proved to be useful for phenological investigations within herbaceous plant stands.     

Differing acceptance of familiar and unfamiliar plant species by an oligophagous beetle

The mustard leaf beetle, Phaedon cochleariae (F.) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), is specialized to feed and develop on various species within the Brassicaceae. In this study, we investigated the acceptance of several host plant species (Brassica rapa L. and Sinapis alba L.), commonly used by the beetle (familiar plants), and of various unfamiliar plants, including systematically and chemically related [Bunias orientalis L. (Brassicaceae) and Tropaeolum majus L. (Tropaeolaceae), both Brassicales], as well as unrelated non‐host plant species [Plantago lanceolata L. (Plantaginaceae); Lamiales]. Emphasis was laid on the acceptance of the neophyte B. orientalis, and on underlying cues responsible for the acceptance of the various species. Behavioural responses to plant volatiles were studied using a static four‐chamber olfactometer. Stimulants and deterrents were investigated by bioassay‐guided solid phase extraction and semi‐preparative high performance liquid chromatography. A difference in acceptance of plant species was found: odours and polar compounds of all Brassicales evoked attraction and feeding stimulation, respectively, in Ph. cochleariae. Glucosinolates and their volatile hydrolysis products could be the main compounds that are involved in attraction of the beetles. In contrast, Ph. cochleariae did not respond to odours of the non‐host P. lanceolata, and some fractions of this plant had feeding‐deterrent effects, due to the presence of iridoid glycosides, among others. Although adult females accepted the neophyte B. orientalis for oviposition, neonate larvae did not survive on it. The flavonoid‐containing fraction of this plant was deterrent, whereas a similar fraction had been shown to cause some feeding stimulation when derived from S. alba. Differences in qualitative and quantitative composition of related metabolites lead to differentiated plant acceptance, proving the complexity of plant cues and of insect responses that determine host acceptance behaviour. The possibility of a diet breadth enlargement to B. orientalis and the role of Ph. cochleariae as a putative native biocontrol agent of this invasive plant are discussed.     

Temporal Changes between Ecological Regimes in a Range of Primary and Secondary Salinised Wetlands

Many rivers and wetlands in south-western Australia are threatened by salinisation due to rising saline watertables, which have resulted from land clearing and the replacement of deep-rooted perennial species with shallow-rooted annual species. A four to six weekly sampling program of water quality, submerged macrophytes and macroinvertebrates was undertaken at six wetlands, from September 2002 to February 2004, to investigate seasonal variation in a range of primary and secondary saline systems. The wetlands dried and filled at different times in response to local rainfall patterns, and salinities varied accordingly with evapoconcentration and dilution. Two types of clear-water wetlands were recognised; those dominated by submerged aquatic macrophytes (Ruppia, Lepilaena and Lamprothamnium) and those dominated by benthic microbial communities. Two types of turbid wetlands were also recognised; those with high concentrations of phytoplankton and those with high concentrations of suspended sediments. A primary saline lake and two lakes that have only recently been affected by secondary salinisation persisted in a clear, macrophyte-dominated regime throughout most of the study period, except during drying and filling. Two lakes with a long history of secondary salinisation (70 years) moved between regimes over the study period. A clear, benthic microbial community – dominated regime only persisted at the wetland which contained permanent water throughout the study period. The turbid regimes were only present during drying and refilling phases. A richer and more abundant macroinvertebrate fauna was associated with the clear, macrophyte- dominated wetlands. Our results suggest that the development of management guidelines that recognise the presence of different ecological regimes and that consider the interactions between water regime, salinity, and primary and secondary production will be more useful in protecting biodiversity and ecological function in these systems than managing salinity as a single factor.     

On the presence of the genus Branchinecta Verrill, 1869 (Crustacea,Anostraca) in Yugoslavia

The genus Branchinecta Verrill, 1869 is represented in Yugoslavia by two species: Branchinecta ferox (Milne-Edwards, 1840) and Branchinecta orientalis G.O. Sars, 1901. The first species was collected in the steppe-like province of Banat, Pannonian Lowland, and in the lowland around the Skadar Lake, Montenegro, the second only in the province of Banat.On the basis of rich material of both species, a detailed study of the most essential morphological characters has been carried out and comparisons have been made with data in the literature. In B. ferox, significant morphological deviations are not found, whereas, in B. orientalis, essential features are clearly ascertained which were previously unknown or were not stated with sufficient precision. B. ferox is known to appear in small, temporary, natronsoda water rainpools, while B. orientalis has been found in a large temporary inundation pool with a high content of natronsoda and salt in the water.     

Systematic revision of the living species of Bullidae (Mollusca: Gastropoda: Cephalaspidea), with a molecular phylogenetic analysis

Bullidae are a worldwide family of marine shelled cephalaspidean gastropods with a mainly tropical distribution, but also with some representatives in temperate waters. The taxonomy of the group has in the past been based only on shell characters, and the few anatomical accounts available have not addressed more than one to three species, so there has been no agreement about the number of valid species. Seventy‐two specific names and 16 varietal names have been proposed worldwide. The systematics of the family Bullidae are revised, based not only on shells but also on anatomy of all extant species and on DNA sequence data. Twelve species are recognized worldwide, including one new species here described, and all are assigned to the genus Bulla. Two species occur in the eastern Atlantic, B. striata and B. mabillei; two in the western Atlantic, B. occidentalis and B. solida; two in the eastern Pacific, B. gouldiana and B. punctulata; and six in the Indo‐West Pacific, B. ampulla, B. arabica sp. nov. , B. orientalis, B. peasiana, B. quoyii and B. vernicosa. Full synonymies and taxonomic histories are provided for each species. In order to promote taxonomic stability, neotypes are designated for B. striata, B. solida, B. nebulosa (valid name B. gouldiana) and B. vernicosa, and lectotypes for B. occidentalis, B. mabillei, B. punctulata, B. ampulla and B. quoyii. The type locality of B. ampulla is restricted to Mauritius. Bullidae show a general morphological stasis, with anatomy being very similar between species. However, there are high levels of intraspecific variability in the shell, radula and male genital system. In some cases species could only be separated based on molecular data . After defining the characters and geographical range of each species it became clear that sympatric species (a maximum of three) show distinctive shells and reproductive structures, which makes identification straightforward. This study employs an integrative approach, combining information on shells, anatomy, DNA and geographical distribution, in order to resolve the systematics of a difficult taxonomic group. © 2008 The Linnean Society of London, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2008, 153 , 453–543.     

Growth patterns of the alien perennial Bunias orientalis L. (Brassicaceae) underlying its rising dominance in some native plant assemblages

The polycarpic perennial Bunias orientalis L. (Brassicaceae) introduced to Central Europe in the 18th century recently entered a phase of rapid spread accompanied by sudden establishments of extensive dominance stands mainly on roadside locations. We studied vegetation structure and expansion rate of B. orientalis stands and performed a series of experiments to investigate key factors that underlie the colonizing and establishment of B. orientalis. Reiterated observations exposed a high current expansion rate of B. orientalis populations and vegetation surveys of B. orientalis stands showed that these stands were mainly composed of Artemisietea and Arrhenateretea species. Regeneration experiments with root fragments revealed high regeneration capacities: root fragments of 3 cm length showed 93% regeneration, varying water content (10–50% water loss) and separation into root cortex and root stele yielded regeneration of 30 to 50%. In a field study high regrowth after mowing with varying mowing intensity indicates B. orientalis to be well adapted to disturbed sites as its preferential locations for development of dominance stands. Vegetative growth parameters were studied in two controlled growth experiments with elevated nutrient availabilities. B. orientalis exhibited a high sensitivity to nutrient addition and rosette sizes of maximal 90 cm were reached. Biomass was comparable or even higher than that of native ruderals grown in the same experiment. Measurements of reproductive parameters revealed a high reproductive effort (0.2 to 0.45 g g^-1) even under intense mowing regimes, resulting in a dense seed bank with maximal values of about 400 fruits (550 seeds) l^-1 soil. With respect to colonization and establishment of B. orientalis the results of our study enable the formulation of three hypotheses.     

The fauna of athalassic saline waters in Australia and the Altiplano of South America: comparisons and historical perspectives

Similarities and differences between the fauna of inland saline waters in Australia and on the Altiplano are explored and explanations sought.Elements common to both continents include the calanoid copepod genus Boeckella (B. triarticulata in Australia, B. poopoensis and B. meteoris in South America) and the cladoceran genus Daphniopsis. Salinity data for Altiplano lakes are given for six species of Boeckella and for Daphniopsis.Ostracods have adapted to the open water of saline lakes in Australia but not in South America, a difference that may reflect past differences in the degree of predation by birds. In South America, diatoms are grazed by the flamingos Phoenicoparrus andinus and P. jamesi, while in Australia the main diatom grazer is probably the aquatic oniscoid isopod Haloniscus searlei. However, at least four species of flamingos were present in Australia during the late Cenozoic and one or more of these may well have grazed diatoms. The extinction of diatom-grazing or carnivorous flamingos, or both, in Australia may have been factors in the unique colonization of inland saline waters by H. searlei.     

Spanish salt lakes: Their chemistry and biota

A large number of small saline lakes are distributed throughout Spain. Four main lake districts occur from sea level to 1000 m.a.s.l. Most lakes are temporary because of the arid conditions in the Spanish endorheic areas. Many lakes are situated in Tertiary depressions in NE. and S. Spain. Lake basins were formed in karstic areas by hydrologic and aeolian erosion. Saline lakes in NE. Spain occupy areas isolated between river basins. The major ions encountered in these lakes are usually sodium-chloride and magnesium-sulphate; sodium carbonate or sodium-sulphate rich waters also occur.The biota of Spanish salt lakes is related to that of a larger biogeographical region which includes the Mediterranean countries. The main types of salt lakes in Spain include: (1) temporarily mineralized but not highly saline lakes, salinity is less than 7 g l^-1. Chara canescens, C. aspera, Zanichellia palustris, Daphnia atkinsoni, Mixodiaptomus incrassatus and Arctodiaptomus wierzejskii are the most characteristic organisms. (2) Temporary salt lakes, salinity fluctuates between 7 and 300 g l^-1. Chara galioides, Lamprothamnion papulosum, Daphnia mediterranea, Arctodiaptomus salinus and Cletocamptus retrogressus are the most common species. (3) Permanent salt lakes, Ruppia maritima, Najas marina and Artemia salina are the characteristic organisms.     

Impact of the invasive parasitic copepod Mytilicola orientalis on native blue mussels Mytilus edulis in the western European Wadden Sea

Invasive species can indirectly affect native species by modifying parasite–host dynamics and disease occurrence. This scenario applies to European coastal waters where the invasive Pacific oyster (Magallana gigas) co-introduced the parasitic copepod Mytilicola orientalis that spills over to native blue mussels (Mytilus edulis) and other native bivalves. In this study, we investigated the impact of M. orientalis infections on blue mussels by conducting laboratory experiments using controlled infections with larval stages of the parasitic copepod. As the impact of infections is likely to depend on the mussels’ food availability, we also tested whether potential adverse effects of infection on mussels intensify under low food conditions. Blue mussels that were experimentally infected with juvenile M. orientalis had a significantly lower body condition (11–13%) compared with uninfected mussels after nine weeks of infection. However, naturally infected mussels from a mixed mussel and oyster bed did not significantly differ in body condition compared with uninfected mussels. Contrary to effects on mussel condition, we did not find an effect of experimental infections on clearance rates, shell growth or survival of blue mussels and no clear sign of exacerbating effects of food limitation. Our study illustrates that invasive species can indirectly affect native species via parasite co-introductions and parasite spillover. The results of this study call for the integration of such parasite-mediated indirect effects of invasions in impact assessments of invasive species.     

Non-congruent geographic patterns of genetic divergence across European species of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Branchinecta</Emphasis> (Anostraca: Branchinectidae)

Three of the five European species of Branchinecta have a disjunct distribution. In this study, we analyze populations of B. ferox and B. orientalis for mitochondrial (cox1) and nuclear (ITS2) molecular markers. We compare intraspecific genetic divergences between geographically distant populations of B. orientalis, from its only known Spanish population (originally described as B. cervantesi) and from a Hungarian population (assigned to B. orientalis since its discovery), with data from two relatively close Iberian populations of B. ferox. Results indicate that isolation between B. ferox and B. orientalis clades is ancient, and that the clade including the two Iberian populations of B. ferox is geographically structured. Conversely, Iberian and Hungarian populations of B. orientalis do not show geographical structure for the mitochondrial fragment. Lack of geographic structure coupled with very low genetic distances indicates that current Iberian and Hungarian populations of B. orientalis originated from a common population stock, and that the time elapsed since their separation has not been long enough to render the clades reciprocally monophyletic. We hypothesize that colonization of the Iberian Peninsula by B. orientalis is probably the consequence of a single recent dispersal event, and consequently we confirm the synonymy between B. cervantesi and B. orientalis.     

Systematic revision of the Late Miocene sabre‐toothed felid Paramachaerodus in Spain

Abstract: A systematic revision of the sabre‐toothed cat genus Paramachaerodus  Pilgrim, 1913 is presented. Two species are recognized within Paramachaerodus, Pa. orientalis, and Pa. maximiliani, and the genus Promegantereon  Kretzoi, 1938 is retrieved to include Promegantereon ogygia. Material from the Turolian Spanish localities of Crevillente‐2 (MN 11, Alicante) and Las Casiones (MN 13, Teruel), which was previously assigned to Paramachaerodus, is now included in the tribe Metailurini. The exceptional discoveries at the Spanish Vallesian (MN 10, Madrid) fossil site of Batallones‐1 have made it possible to characterize the dentition and cranial anatomy of a previously very poorly known machairodontine cat, formerly included in Paramachaerodus as Pa. ogygia, which now can be distinguished from Pa. orientalis and Pa. maximiliani by the following features: canines without crenulations, P3 with a marked disto‐lingual expansion, P4 without ectostyle and with a well‐developed protocone, M1 bucco‐lingually elongated and double‐rooted, m1 with a larger talonid, and primitive mandible morphology. Thus, the population from Batallones‐1 constitutes a clearly different form from the genus Paramachaerodus, and we propose its inclusion in the genus Promegantereon  Kretzoi, 1938 , together with an upper canine from Crevillente‐2 (MN 11), very similar to those from Batallones‐1. In contrast, Pa. orientalis shows the following apomorphies: crenulated canines, P3 reduced in size and without disto‐lingual expansion, P4 with a clear ectostyle as well as a reduced, backwardly displaced protocone and with a rounded and single‐rooted M1. The species Pa. maximiliani is characterized by its slightly larger size, crenulated canines, very elongated P3 with a moderate disto‐lingual expansion and P4 and M1 similar to those of Pa. orientalis. Paramachaerodus orientalis is recorded at Puente Minero (MN 11, Teruel), Concud (MN 12, Teruel), Crevillente‐15, and Crevillente‐16 (both MN 12, Alicante), and Paramachaerodus maximiliani in Venta del Moro (MN 13, Valencia). The available data suggest that Pr. ogygia was present in the Iberian Late Vallesian and Early Turolian faunas (MN 10 and MN 11) but disappeared after that age. Paramachaerodus was present in the faunas throughout the Turolian, with the species Pa. orientalis and Pa. maximiliani, this latter being probably part of the same immigration event that occurred in the Late Turolian and involved other mammal taxa such as camelids and ursids.     

Anostracans and microcrustaceans as potential food sources of waterbirds on sodic pans of the Hungarian plain

Hungarian sodic water bodies have a rich macro- and microcrustacean fauna due to the lack of fish populations. The crustacean population is very abundant, for this reason these wetlands provide good feeding resources for waterbirds. The density of macro- and microcrustacean populations together with feeding waterbirds was investigated in March, April, and May of 2002, on two characteristic sodic pans, “Kelemen-szék” and “Zab-szék”. The following dabbling-filtering waterfowls and pelagic forager wader species were counted: northern pintail (Anas acuta), northern shoveler (Anas clypeata), garganey (Anas querquedula), common teal (Anas crecca), avocet (Recurvirostra avosetta), spotted redshank (Tringa erythropus), greenshank (Tringa nebularia), and marsh sandpiper (Tringa stagnatilis). The dominant macrocrustacean species was the [Anostraca – Branchinectidae] natronophile Branchinecta orientalis, and its density was significantly higher in Zab-szék than in Kelemen-szék. The microcrustacean zooplankton community was also different in the pans, [Cladocera] Daphnia magna density was significantly higher in Kelemen-szék than in Zab-szék, but the density of the [Copepoda] natronophile Arctodiaptomus spinosus, was higher in Zab-szék than in Kelemen-szék. The density of the investigated waterbird species was also significantly higher in Zab-szék than in Kelemen-szék during spring. We can conclude that the macrocrustacean B. orientalis is one of the most important potential food resources for migrating pelagic foraging waders in spring on characteristic Hungarian sodic pans. However, the most abundant available food item for waterbirds are copepod microcrustacean zooplankton, which have a biomass that is larger by approximately one order of magnitude than the macrocrustacean zooplankton biomass. Considering the lack of submerged water vegetation, we suggest that planktonic microcrustaceans are an important food resource for dabbling-filtering ducks because they can utilise the small crustacean biomass more effectively than the less abundant and rapidly moving macrocrustacean B. orientalis.     

Better desiccated than eaten by fish: Distribution of anurans among habitats with different risks to offspring

1. Freshwater species with complex life cycles face a trade-off between the risks of offspring mortality due to desiccation in temporary habitats and due to predators common in long-duration habitats, especially fish. In real-world conditions, intermediate-gradient areas that are highly suitable for some ecological specialists are often limited. I examined the relative significance of drivers of the permanence–predation gradient in habitat selection by pond-breeding anurans.
2. Anuran oviposition was investigated at the community level in fish pond landscapes with only three types of habitat, permanent fish-containing ponds and highly desiccation-prone pools, either fishless or recently emptied of fish and with fish odour (fish cue). Altogether, 65 ponds/pools, interspersed in four clusters, were examined for the presence of egg masses.
3. Bufo bufo was the only species preferring permanent ponds. Egg masses of Rana sp. (Rana arvalis/Rana temporaria) occurred in all fishless pools, and less frequently in the ponds. Bufotes viridis and long larval period species Pelobates fuscus and Hyla orientalis oviposited almost exclusively in fishless pools. Fish-cue pools were avoided by all species. Anuran richness was higher in fishless pools than in permanent ponds. Species distribution between the two habitats was nested, with both common and rare species occurring in fishless pools.
4. The results indicate the primacy of offspring predation risk over hydroperiod constraints in oviposition decision-making by fish-intolerant anurans. The absence of some species from ponds and pools with fish or fish cues shows that non-consumptive interactions may better explain the scarcity of anuran larvae in waters dominated by fish than actual consumption. The strict avoidance of fish habitats despite their proximity to fishless patches indicates fine-scale assessment of predation risk. However, rigid habitat selection against fish predation on offspring may prove maladaptive if habitats with high desiccation risk are the main alternative and are indiscriminately preferred. Maintenance of fishless wetlands with a hydroperiod sufficient to allow completion of metamorphosis should be a conservation priority for anuran diversity in areas where fishless habitats are limited.

     

A contribution to the knowledge of the anostracan fauna of Iran

We report the finding of three anostracan species, Chirocephalus skorikowi Daday, 1913, Branchinecta orientalis Sars, 1901 and Branchinella spinosa. Milne-Edwards, 1840 in different localities in northwestern Iran. C. skorikowi was recorded in a lake at an elevation of 2400 m, whereas B. orientalis was found in a pond at 1280 m a.s.l. Co-existing B. spinosa and B. orientalis were collected in a pool close to the town of Tabriz, formerly indicated by Brehm (1954) as Estakr Chah, presently named EalGoli. Unlike Brehm (1954), we did not find Streptocephalus in the area of Tabriz.     

Under the shadow of a big plane tree: Why Platanus orientalis should be considered an archaeophyte in Italy

In Italy, Platanus orientalis L. is judged as an endangered species by some authors and non-native by others: these contrasting assessments can mislead the prioritization of management actions to preserve the species and the riparian vegetation that is its host. Based on a multidisciplinary approach, including palaeobotanical and ecological information, we assessed its status in Italy including the ecological and conservation value of the riparian plant communities hosting it in the Cilento National Park (S-Italy). Palaeobotanical data showed that P. orientalis in Italy should be considered an archaeophyte. According to the ecological assessment of the riparian plant communities hosting P. orientalis, the presence of the species can be interpreted as an indicator of an unfavourable state for the conservation of riparian vegetation. Knowing the status of a species remains one of the first steps to take to correctly propose scientifically based solutions for the conservation of plant diversity. However, there are no absolute criteria for conservation because all conservation objectives can be considered as cultural values. In this context, P. orientalis should be protected as a symbolic tree, an archaeophyte testifying an ancient common Mediterranean cultural heritage, worthy of preservation but outside of natural habitats.     

Daphnia (Ctenodaphnia) Mediterranea: A new species of hyperhaline waters,long confused with D. (C.) Dolichocephala Sars, 1895.

A very particular form of Daphnia (Ctenodaphnia), adapted to life in epicontinental hyperhaline waters of Mediterranean arid regions had long been confused with Daphnia (Ctenodaphnia) dolichocephala Sars, 1895. In this paper the morphological and ecological differences between the two taxa are pointed out and comparison is made with another closely related Rumanian form (Daphnia cf. mediterranea) and with the related Spanish species (D. atkinsoni and D. chevreuxi). The Daphnia of saline environments is described here as Daphnia (Ctenodaphnia) mediterranea. The most important differential characters of this new species are: 1) the short and widely rounded rostrum; 2) dorsal ridge of the female extends to the anteriormost part of the head; 3) elliptical ephippium with a ride anterior margin; convex shape and separate from the dorsal ridge; 4) males possessing a very long antennule base that reaches the distal limit of the head.     

Plants used in constructed wetlands with horizontal subsurface flow: a review

The presence of macrophytes is one of the most conspicuous features of wetlands and their presence distinguishes constructed wetlands from unplanted soil filters or lagoons. The macrophytes growing in constructed wetlands have several properties in relation to the treatment process that make them an essential component of the design. However, only several roles of macrophytes apply to constructed wetlands with horizontal subsurface flow (HF CWs). The plants used in HF CWs designed for wastewater treatment should therefore: (1) be tolerant of high organic and nutrient loadings, (2) have rich belowground organs (i.e. roots and rhizomes) in order to provide substrate for attached bacteria and oxygenation (even very limited) of areas adjacent to roots and rhizomes and (3) have high aboveground biomass for winter insulation in cold and temperate regions and for nutrient removal via harvesting. The comparison of treatment efficiency of vegetated HF CWs and unplanted filters is not unanimous but most studies have shown that systems with plants achieve higher treatment efficiency. The vegetation has mostly a positive effect, i.e. supports higher treatment efficiency, for organics and nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus. By far the most frequently used plant around the globe is Phragmites australis (Common reed). Species of the genera Typha (latifolia, angustifolia, domingensis, orientalis and glauca) and Scirpus (e.g. lacustris, validus, californicus and acutus) spp. are other commonly used species. In many countries, and especially in the tropics and subtropics, local plants including ornamental species are used for HF CWs.