Algal factsheet: Desmidium (Desmidiaceae)
Diagnostic features
Pseudofilamentous desmid with adjacent cells joined in a slightly offset way, forming a spirally twisted chain. The filament is often embedded in mucilage. Each cell is comprised of 2 semi-cells, each of which contains an axial chloroplast with pyrenoids. In end view the cells may have 2, 3, or 4 processes depending on the species. Pairs of filaments may conjugate in the manner of Spirogyra.Typical habitats
Found in slow flowing and acidic watersClassification
| Kingdom | Plantae |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Charophyta |
| Class | Zygnemophyceae |
| Order | Desmidiales |
| Family | Desmidiaceae |
| Common name | Green algae |