Staurastrum scabrum. Notice trapeziform semicells and spiny-granulate cell wall.
Cell dimensions (L x B): 35 x 34 µm

 

 

Desmid of the month
February 2014

Staurastrum scabrum

Staurastrum scabrum is characterized by trapeziform semicells with broadly rounded angles. The cell wall is furnished with conical granules or short spines that are arranged in concentric series around the basal angles. Whereas the granules/spines at the angles are simple, those on the flanks are usually emarginate or merged into compound verrucae. As for its distribution within the Netherlands, Staurastrum scabrum is a rare species, confined to oligotrophic (but slightly minerotrophic) bog pools.

Cell of St. scabrum in frontal view showing 3-dimensional configuration.

 

Empty cell of St. scabrum in rear view showing compound verrucae.


SEM picture of St. scabrum in frontal view showing cell wall sculpturing in detail.

Empty, semicell of St. scabrum in apical view showing emarginate granules and compound verrucae.

 

SEM picture of St. scabrum in isthmial and in apical view.