Desmid of the month
March 2011
Closterium striolatum
Cl. striolatum belongs to a group of Closterium species the cell wall of which is marked by so-called girdle bands (intersectional segments). Cells of Cl. striolatum are only slightly curved, in the midregion often straight, towards the ends gradually attenuated. Cell ends are truncately rounded and often slightly widened (capitate). The cell wall is distinctly striate and often brownish coloured. In the Netherlands, Cl. striolatum is one of the most common species in (highly) acidic, oligotrophic bogs and moorland pools. Zygospores, on the contrary, are but seldom encountered.
Image © Koos Meesters
Cell of Closterium striolatum. Notice straight midregion and truncately rounded apices.
Cell dimensions (L x B): 330 x 34 µm
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Detail of cell end. Notice slightly capitate apex with terminal vacuole holding some two crystals.
Image © Koos Meesters
