Axiophyte (original) (raw)

An axiophyte (Greek: "worthy plant") is a plant that is of particular interest to botanists, conservationists and ecologists. The significance of axiophytes is from their strong association with habitats considered to be of high merit for conservation. Axiophytes are a relatively recent concept which has its roots in such ideas as "ancient woodland indicator species". According to the BSBI around 40% of plant species can be considered axiophytes. The BSBI gives the following criteria for axiophytes