Pleurotaenium simplicissimum Image © Klaas van der Veen

Pleurotaenium simplicissimum. Notice long, slender cell lacking a distinct inflation at the semicell base.

Cell dimensions (L x B): 710 x 33 µm

Image © Jan Šťastný 

SEM-image of cell end of P. simplicisissimum

 

 

Desmid of the month
April 2021

Pleurotaenium simplicissimum

Pl. simplicissimum differs from other Pleurotaenium species in that it lacks a distinct inflation at the base of the semicells. Actually, it is even sometimes hard to distinguish the cell sinus. Cells are long (> 600 µm) and relatively slender whereas the cell wall is thin and not very clean-lined. The truncate apices are furnished with a series of small, closely spaced granules. In the Netherlands, Pleurotaenium simplicissimum is only sporadically encountered (in slightly acidic, mesotrophic habitats).

Image © Klaas van der Veen

Cell of Pleurotaenium simplicissimum, detail of the middle region. Notice the thin, slightly undulate cell wall and hardly distinguishable cell sinus in the very centre.

Image © Klaas van der Veen

Pleurotaenium simplicissimum, detail of cell end. Notice whorl of small, closely spaced granules at the very top.