Landcare Research - Manaaki Whenua

Landcare-Research -Manaaki Whenua

Algal factsheet: Dictyosphaerium (Dictyosphaeraceae)


Diagnostic features

Colonial chlorophyte with small spherical to ovoid cells, often in clusters of four, attached together by branching threads radiating from the centre of the colony, giving the colony an "exploded" appearance. Cells contain 1-2 green chloroplasts and are surrounded by mucilage.

 

Typical habitats

Found in the plankton of lakes and ponds. Often abundant in sewage ponds, particularly during spring.

Classification

Kingdom Plantae
Phylum Chlorophyta
Class Chlorophyceae
Order Chlorococcales
Family Dictyosphaeraceae
Common name Green algae