Staurastrum inconspicuum
Image © Marien v an Westen

Cell of Staurasrum inconspicuum. Notice elongate, relatively broad isthmus and processes that are abruptly narrowed about halfway their length.
Cell dimensions (L x B): 18 x 18 µm


Staurastrum inconspicuum
Image © Marien van Westen

SEM picture of St. inconspicuum with a predominantly smooth cell wall showing only granules halfway and at the tips of the processes.

 


Desmid of the month
September 2023

Staurastrum inconspicuum


Most characteristic features in Staurastrum inconspicuum are its small dimensions, a relatively broad, elongate cell isthmus and short processes that are abruptly narrowed about halfway their length. Cell wall ornamentation in the form of minute, acute granules is confined to some encircling series at the processes. Usually, cells of St. inconspicuum are 4-radiate but also 3-, 5- and 6-radiate forms are known. In the Netherlands, it is incidentally encountered in acideous, oligotrophic moorland pools.

Staurastrum inconspicuum
Image © Marien van Westen

Another cell of St. inconspicuum with even shorter processes.



Staurastrum inconspicuum
Image © Marien van Westen

St. inconspicuum. Empty cell in apical view showing a quadriradiate configuration and abruptly narrowed processes.