Micrasterias apiculata
image © Henk Schulp

Micrasterias apiculata as recently encountered in a mesotrophic Dutch quivering fen.
Cell dimensions (L x B): ca 250 x 225 µm


Micrasterias apiculatum Image © Alfred van Geest (after Austrian material) (mouse-over)

Micrasterias apiculata, pattern of small cell wall spines

Another cell of Micrasterias apiculata well shownig the pattern of small cell wall spines.

 


Desmid of the Month
February 2004

Micrasterias apiculata

M. apiculata resembles M. fimbriata but differs in a denser and more pronounced pattern of cell wall spines. In particular the presence of an elevated, star-like, supraisthmial group of spines is most characteristic. In the Netherlands M. apiculata was reported by Prof. J. Heimans from a number of Pleistocene pools, in the first decades of the last century. Any later record was wanting until recently when it was encountered in a small, mesotrophic, quivering fen, next to some ten other Micrasterias species (Coesel, 2004).

detail
image © Henk Schulp

Detail of cell showing the species-characteristic, supraisthmial group of spines.

 

 

 

 

Reference:

Coesel, P., 2004. Bijzondere sieralgvondsten in ‘De Wieden’ (with abstract in English). — Gorteria (in press).