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Stigeoclonium (Chaetophoraceae)

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Diagnostic features

Branched filamentous chlorophyte with branches ending in pointed cells. Branches are one cell thick, and subbranches are similar width; there is no substantially wider main stem (cf. Draparnaldia).  Non-terminal cells are usually cylindrical, but may be barrel-shaped (a mixture may occur in the same material).  Each cell contains a single green chloroplast, which is a parietal band (cf. Cladophora).  Filaments are not embedded in mucilage (cf. Chaetophora). There is a prostrate basal system of filaments that provides attachment to the bed.

[Stigeoclonium], Otago, X4. Photo: Otago Regional Council & Manaaki Whenua Image
Stigeoclonium, Otago, X4. Photo: Otago Regional Council & Manaaki Whenua
[Stigeoclonium], Opanuku Stream, Waitakere, X400. Photo: Manaaki Whenua Image
Stigeoclonium, Opanuku Stream, Waitakere, X400. Photo: Manaaki Whenua

Typical habitats

Fast flowing, stony bottom habitats, including nutrient enriched streams

Classification

Kingdom Plantae
Phylum Streptophyta
Class Chlorophyceae
Order Chaetophorales
Family Chaetophoraceae
Common name Green algae