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Botrydiopsis (Botrydiopsidaceae)

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Diagnostic features

Young cells spherical, but large older cells may elongate and be slightly constricted in the centre. One or two chloroplasts present when small, but many disc-shaped chloroplasts when large. Each chloroplast is yellow-green rather than grass green and does not store starch (subtle differences with green algae) and has a small eyespot which may be difficult to see. Unicellular, but cells may group together in clumps.

[Botrydiopsis], X1000. Photo: Phil Novis, Manaaki Whenua Image
Botrydiopsis, X1000. Photo: Phil Novis, Manaaki Whenua

Typical habitats

May be common in moist soils and some wetland habitats; typically found in clean sites.

Classification

Kingdom Chromista
Phylum Ochrophyta
Class Xanthophyceae
Order Mischococcales
Family Botrydiopsidaceae
Common name Yellow-green algae