Lampenflora is a term used to describe autotrophic life forms that grow in natural or artificial caves that

have permanently installed lighting[1][2]. These organisms are inappropriate for the conservation of
cave features, artworks, and fauna, and their presence in caves can be referred to by the terms green
sickness and la maladie verte[1]. Lampenflora is formed mainly by algae and cyanobacteria, but also
includes non-vascular plants such as moss[1]. The requirements for the development of lampenflora are
sufficient (artificial) light and moisture, and an increase in nutrient content or heat can accelerate their
growth[1]. The term "lampenflora" was coined by botanist Klaus Dobat in the 1960s and comes from the
German words "lamp" and "flora"[1]. So far, several types of lampenflora have been described, including
cyanobacteria, algae, and non-vascular plants[1]. Lampenflora is a problem for the conservation of
caves, and numerous works have been published on lampenflora communities in the international
scientific literature, and on the methods that have been used to prevent and control their growth in
caves[5].

Citations:

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lampenflora

[2] https://www.showcaves.com/english/explain/Light/Lampenflora.html

[3] https://legacy.caves.org/pub/journal/PDF/v71/cave-71-02-109.pdf

[4] https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/ijs/vol48/iss3/4/

[5] https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2263&context=ijs

[6] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9780128141243000753