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Compsopogon (Compsopogonaceae)

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Diagnostic features

Large filamentous rhodophyte. Many small cells compressed into branching tubes. Older branches are comprised of one or more layers of pigmented cells surrounding large colourless central cells.  Young branches may be uniseriate. May be green, grey-green or blue-green. Cells contain several disc-like chloroplasts.

[Compsopogon], Herekawe Stream. Photo: Taranaki Regional Council Image
Compsopogon, Herekawe Stream. Photo: Taranaki Regional Council
[Compsopogon] bloom, Herekawe Stream, X200. Photo: Taranaki Regional Council Image
Compsopogon bloom, Herekawe Stream, X200. Photo: Taranaki Regional Council

Typical habitats

Slow-flowing waters, attached to the bed or entangled amongst aquatic plants

Classification

Kingdom Plantae
Phylum Rhodophyta
Class Compsopogonophyceae
Order Compsopogonales
Family Compsopogonaceae
Common name Red algae