Multicellular chlorophyte with irregularly shaped and arranged cells forming a flat blade or sac one cell thick (cf. Ulva lactuca, which is two cells thick), attached to surfaces by a holdfast. Each cell possesses a single cup-shaped chloroplast containing a pyrenoid.
Monostroma, Taieri River estuary, X8. Photo: Otago Regional Council & Manaaki WhenuaMonostroma, Taieri River estuary, X640. Photo: Otago Regional Council & Manaaki Whenua
Typical habitats
Found in coastal streams with some saline influence. Tolerant of a wide range of salinity.
![[Monostroma], Taieri River estuary, X8. Photo: Otago Regional Council & Manaaki Whenua Image](/assets/Tools-And-Resources/Identification/algae/monostroma8__ScaleWidthWzEwMjRd.jpg)
![[Monostroma], Taieri River estuary, X640. Photo: Otago Regional Council & Manaaki Whenua Image](/assets/Tools-And-Resources/Identification/algae/monostroma640__ScaleWidthWzEwMjRd.jpg)