Algal factsheet: Melosira varians (Melosiraceae)
Diagnostic features
Cylindrical cells, round in valve view and square to rectangular in girdle view. Numerous discoidal golden-brown chloroplasts. Forms long chains that make up prolific grey-green or brown slimes.Typical habitats
Can form prolific blooms in unshaded stony streams/riversNotes
Commonly the subject of pollution complaints.Classification
| Kingdom | Chromista |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Ochrophyta |
| Subphylum | Khakista |
| Class | Bacillariophyceae |
| Order | Melosirales |
| Family | Melosiraceae |
| Common name | Diatoms |