Image © Marien van Westen
Cell of Cosmarium botrytis. Notice pyramidal shape of the semicells and firmly lined cell wall evenly beset with fine granules.
Cell dimensions (L x B): ca 70 x 55 µm
C. botrytis is a frequently recorded, medium sized, granulate Cosmarium species that may be readily confused with similarly shaped species. Semicells are about pyramidal in outline. An important feature to watch is the cell wall which (in optical cross section) is firmly lined in C. botrytis, slightly undulate or crenate in many resembling species. In the Netherlands, C. botrytis is widely distributed in various types of slightly acidic, mesotrophic water bodies. Zygospores are incidentally encountered.
Mouse over images © Alfred van Geest
Cell of C. botrytis showing pattern of granules on frontral surface.
Image © Marien van Westen
Zygospore of C. botrytis
Image © Koos Meesters
Zygospore of C. botrytis in more detail. Notice furcate spines.
Image Hanny Kooijman-van Blokland © IBED
SEM image of C. botrytis, detail showing cell wall pores.
Image Hanny Kooijman-van Blokland © IBED
SEM image of C. botrytis