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Diagnostic features

Unicellular desmid with two flattened semicells separated by a deep constriction/isthmus, and then further divided by several deep incisions; where the incisions are wide, the cells have radiating arms and superficially resemble other genera (such as Staurastrum).  However, the arms of Micrasterias all lie in one plane.  Each semicell contains a single green chloroplast.

Typical habitats

Common in wetlands and some muddy streams

Classification

Kingdom Plantae
Phylum Charophyta
Class Zygnemophyceae
Order Desmidiales
Family Desmidiaceae
Common name Green algae