Landcare Research - Manaaki Whenua

Landcare-Research -Manaaki Whenua

Algal factsheet: Dichothrix (Rivulariaceae)


Diagnostic features

Tapering, heteropolar filaments with a heterocyte at the base of each. Filament ends narrow to colourless hair-like cells.  False branching common (cf. Calothrix), with the new branch growing parallel to the previous branch initially and then diverging, and with a heterocyte at the base.  Mucilage sheath always present.

Typical habitats

Most common in good quality stony streams

Classification

Kingdom Bacteria
Phylum Cyanobacteria
Class Cyanophyceae
Order Nostocales
Family Rivulariaceae
Common name Cyanobacteria