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Staurodesmus

Algal factsheet: Staurodesmus (Desmidiaceae)

Staurodesmus, Lake Rotoiti, X100 (Photo Thomas Wilding)

Diagnostic features

Unicellular desmid with two rounded semicells with a relatively smooth outline, and supporting spines (cf. Cosmarium). The median constriction or isthmus between the semicells may be narrow or wide. Each semicell contains a green chloroplast.

Typical habitats

Found in wetlands and other acidic waters

Classification

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