Landcare Research - Manaaki Whenua

Landcare-Research -Manaaki Whenua

Algal factsheet: Xanthidium (Desmidiaceae)


Diagnostic features

Unicellular desmid with two ovoid semicells divided by a deep constriction or isthmus. Each semicell has 4 or more external spines perpendicular to the surface from which they arise, and 2 or more green chloroplasts.

Typical habitats

Found in wetlands and other acidic waters

Classification

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