Landcare Research - Manaaki Whenua

Landcare-Research -Manaaki Whenua

Algal factsheet: Staurastrum (Desmidiaceae)


Diagnostic features

Unicellular desmid with two semicells divided by a deep midline constriction or isthmus, each with short or long arm-like processes, which may be patterned with an array of ridges or spines, and are radially arranged around the cell (cf. Micrasterias, in which "arms" always lie in one plane).  Each semicell contains a single chloroplast.  Nucleus often visible in the cell centre between the 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