Skip to content

Euastrum (Desmidiaceae)

Back a level
In this section

Diagnostic features

Unicellular desmid with two symmetrical semicells which are usually longer than wide and have wavy, lobed edges. There is a distinct notch at the end of each semicell. Green chloroplasts, often with obvious ridges and pyrenoids, 1-2 per semicell. Cell wall may be covered with small protruberances, which may be difficult to see.

[Euastrum], Ngaere wetland, X1000. Photo: Taranaki Regional Council & Manaaki Whenua Image
Euastrum, Ngaere wetland, X1000. Photo: Taranaki Regional Council & Manaaki Whenua
[Euastrum], X1000. Photo: Phil Novis, Manaaki Whenua Image
Euastrum, X1000. Photo: Phil Novis, Manaaki Whenua

Typical habitats

Found in wetlands and other acidic waters

Classification

Kingdom Plantae
Phylum Charophyta
Class Zygnemophyceae
Order Desmidiales
Family Desmidiaceae
Common name Green algae