Euastrum verrucosumImage: © Henk Schulp

Light microscopically, the pattern of cell wall granulation can only be seen well in empty cells. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) reveals this pattern also in cells filled in by (residues of) protoplasmatic content.

cell size (L x B): ca. 100 x 100 µm

 

 

Desmid of the month
March 2003

Euastrum verrucosum

In western Europe, Euastrum verrucosum is one of the most appealing desmid species, not only by its large dimensions but also because of its gracefully curved cell lobes and a marked pattern of cell wall granulation. In the Netherlands, E. verrucosum is not particularly rare, ocurring in both Holocene, mesotrophic fens and peat pits, and in (not too acideous) Pleistocene moorland pools. Among the desmids it may be considered a useful indicator of conservation value.

Euastrum verrucosu, SEM image
SEM image: Hanny Kooijman-van Blokland © IBED