Euastrum ampullaceum Image © Jan Šťastný (naar Oostenrijks materiaal)

Euastrum ampullaceum. Notice pyramidal outline of the semicell, the lateral lobes located in the upper half of the semicell.

Cell dimensions (L x B): ca 100 x 60 µm

 

 

Desmid of the month
April 2012

Euastrum ampullaceum

Euastrum ampullaceum much resembles Eu. humerosum. As compared to the last-mentioned species cells are less slender (lower length to breadth ratio), are marked by a triangle of three prominent pore fields in the semicell centre (instead of a single one), whereas the supraisthmial tubercle is doubled (versus single in Eu. humerosum). Eu. ampullaceum is characteristic of oligotrophic bog pools with a slight input of minerals from the subsoil. In the Netherlands it is very rare nowadays.

 

Euastrum ampullaceum mouse over
mouse over image © Koos Meesters
(after material from northern Flanders)

Cell of Euastrum ampullaceum. Notice three basal tubercles, the middle (supraisthmial) one being doubled.

empty cell
Image © Koos Meesters

Empty cell of Eu. ampullaceum (in oblique position) showing a coarsely scrobiculate cell wall and a triangle of three large pore fields (not all three in focus) in the semicell centre.

SEM image Image © Jan Šťastný

SEM picture of Eu. ampullaceum.

euastrum ampullaceum, acidic, oligotrophis environment Image © Koos Meesters (after Wallonian material)

Population of Eu. ampullaceum together with cells of Netrium oblongum indicating an acidic, oligotrophic bog habitat.
(Also to be seen: a dead cell of Cosmarium amoenum and cells of a pennate diatom species)