Ranunculus Fluitans Thrives in Argil River, Conservation Efforts Underway

The ranunculus fluitans has invaded the Argil, the watercourse that, with its 138 meters in length, holds the record as the shortest river in the world.

This algae is extremely rare, and to survive it requires a temperature between 13 and 15 degrees Celsius. The water must also be particularly clear, with oxygen exchange but without strong currents.

Growth conditions and protection

The ranunculus cannot grow in Alpine rivers or Dolomite lakes due to the currents. For these reasons, as well as the temperature, it cannot develop even in Garda.

However, even in watercourses where the temperature would permit it, this very sensitive algae does not regenerate due to pollution. For this reason, in many European countries, this aquatic plant is protected.

In fact, in the Argil, the floating ranunculus has found an ideal habitat. This year, possibly due to environmental and climatic factors, it experienced an exceptional flowering, such that until mid-July, the Argil appeared as a green carpet.

Impact and interventions

“It looked like a flowering meadow,” comments Malcesine Mayor Giuseppe Lombardi. “An authentic tourist attraction for many visitors who come to admire it.” However, the amount of algae caused some discomfort.

“The bad odor emitted by the algae,” the mayor continues, “sparked protests from local residents and particularly from the hotel managers located right at the source, who received complaints from their guests. Moreover, the algae clogged the riverbed.” This caused an obstruction from the source to the mouth.

Therefore, a pruning intervention was necessary, carried out a few days ago after consulting botany experts. “Superintendent Ruggero Boschi advised us to protect this natural heritage, and a botanical expert explained when and how to cut to avoid damaging the plant.”

Thus, it was decided to perform a cut that leaves the roots intact, exactly in the middle of summer when the plant is less affected.

Monitoring and public communication

Meanwhile, a number of botany experts attracted by the ecosystem of Monte Baldo have already begun to visit. Regarding the municipality, they have already arranged for the printing of a tourist sign with scientific information about the valuable ranunculus fluitans.