Lampenflora

Permanent electric lighting in show caves is installed to present cave formations and historical relics to visitors. Lit surfaces represent a new ecological niche which can be colonized by lampenflora. Lampenflora is a complex, but not very diverse community of cyanobacteria, algae, mosses, and ferns which proliferate in the proximity of artificial light sources. Typical lampenflora organisms are ubiquitous in nature, successful in adaptation to new conditions, and have wide ecological tolerance. Not only is the lampenflora unsightly in appearance, it also deteriorates the substrata on which they adhere. Different chemical compounds which are applied to kill lampenflora are not specifically targeted against vegetation, are general biocides and kill the cave fauna or corrode stony substrata. Recent advances in lighting technology will enable a more sustainable approach to restrict lampenflora and to limit the application of chemical compounds for its control