Landcare Research - Manaaki Whenua

Landcare-Research -Manaaki Whenua

Algal factsheet: Actinastrum (Radiococcaceae)


Diagnostic features

Colonial chlorophyte with cigar-shaped cells arranged radially in colonies of 8 (forming star-like colonies). Each cell has a single plate-like chloroplast lying against the cell wall.

Typical habitats

Found in the plankton of nutrient-rich lakes and ponds. Can be abundant in sewage ponds, particularly during summer.

Classification

Kingdom Plantae
Phylum Chlorophyta
Class Chlorophyceae
Order Chlamydomonadales
Family Radiococcaceae
Common name Green algae