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Diagnostic features

Branched filamentous chlorophyte with large cylindrical cells forming long, regularly branched growths. Cells contain many parietal round chloroplasts, which usually join into a net-like structure.  Pyrenoids in the chloroplasts are composed of two halves (bilenticular).  Although cross-walls occur at regular intervals, the large cells are always multinucleate.  Branches originate by a sideways protrusion of a cell end below the apex, and branching frequency is influenced by the strength of the current. 

Typical habitats

Common in unshaded waters especially during summer low flow.  May be found under a variety of conditions, but reaches problem levels in lakes with a combination of rocky shorelines and high phosphate, and seems more common in warmer streams further north in New Zealand.

Classification

Kingdom Plantae
Phylum Chlorophyta
Class Ulvophyceae
Order Cladophorales
Family Cladophoraceae
Common name Green algae