Landcare Research - Manaaki Whenua

Landcare-Research -Manaaki Whenua

Algal factsheet: Quadrigula (Oocystaceae)


Diagnostic features

Colonial chlorophyte, cells spindle-shaped (pointed ends) or cigar-shaped (rounded ends) arranged in roughly parallel clusters of 4, within a mucilaginous envelope (may be difficult to see).  Single parietal green chloroplast, pyrenoids usually absent.

Typical habitats

Found in the plankton of lakes and ponds

Classification

Kingdom Plantae
Phylum Chlorophyta
Class Trebouxiophyceae
Order Chlorellales
Family Oocystaceae
Common name Green algae