Staurastrum kouwetsii. Notice elliptic-rhomboid outline of semicells and equally distributed, relatively long cell wall spines.
Cell dimensions (L x B): 45 x 47 µm



Another cell of St. kouwetsii showing its 3-radiate configuration.

Another cell of St. kouwetsii in both frontal and rear view.



 


Desmid of the Month
June 2026

Staurastrum kouwetsii


Staurastrum kouwetsii should be compared with S. brebissonii (desmid of May 2016). Cells of those species have a comparable shape, dimensions and ornamentation in the form of equally distributed cell wall spines. However, spines in St. kouwetsii are longer and wider spaced than those in St. brebissonii. Ecologically, St. kouwetsii prefers slightly more acidic habitats than St. brebissonii. In the Netherlands, it is particularly found in moorland pools. Zygospores (globose with long, double furcate spines) are encountered only very incidentally.

Cell of Staurastrum kouwetsii in apical view.

Zygospore of Staurastrum kouwetsii.