1. Growing or thriving in soil or habitats rich in calcium or lime; preferring alkaline conditions.
Usage: botanical and ecological term; often used in plant ecology and soil science

Examples

• Many Mediterranean plants are calcicolous and flourish in limestone soils.
• The calcicolous species in this region depend on the high pH of the bedrock.
• Orchids in the genus Ophrys are typically calcicolous, preferring chalky substrates.
• Gardeners often amend soil with lime to create calcicolous conditions for certain plants.
• The calcicolous flora of the Alps includes several rare and protected species.