Desmid of the month
December 2007
Cylindrocystis gracilis
Like in Cylindrocystis brebissonii (desmid of the month June, 2006) cells of Cylindrocystis gracilis are cylindric in shape with broadly rounded ends. However, whereas the chloroplasts in C. brebissonii are provided with ridges that, from a central core, radiate in all directions, the chloroplast ridges in C. gracilis run more or less parallel in a longitudinal direction. Cylndrocystis gracilis was described by Ilse Hirn (1953). As an additional diagnostic characteristic (against C. brebissonii) she found a different stainability of cell sap when treated with specific dyes. In the Netherlands C. gracilis is locally of abundant occurrence in (semi)emersed Sphagnum vegetation.
Reference
Hirn, I., 1953. Vitalfärbungsstudien an Desmidiaceen. — Flora 140: 453-473.
Image © RIZA (mouseover)
Cell of Cylindrocystis gracilis (in different focus). Notice the longitudinal chloroplast ridges.
Cell dimensions (L x B): 40 x 13 µm.
