Stream macroalgae of Hawai`i: an identification guide - Hawaii.gov
Stream macroalgae of Hawai`i: an identification guide - Hawaii.gov
Stream macroalgae of Hawai`i: an identification guide - Hawaii.gov
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Chara<br />
Classification: Chlorophyta (Family Characeae)<br />
General habit: coarse pl<strong>an</strong>ts, may be easily<br />
mistaken for a higher pl<strong>an</strong>t, composed <strong>of</strong> a main<br />
axis with unbr<strong>an</strong>ched br<strong>an</strong>chlets extending from<br />
nodes<br />
Habitats found: generally floating or only mildly<br />
embedded in substrate <strong>of</strong> slow-flowing or pooled<br />
areas, occasionally found in areas <strong>of</strong> moderate flow,<br />
yellowish-green to grass-green in color<br />
Species in Hawai‘i: C. braunii, C. zeyl<strong>an</strong>ica<br />
Isl<strong>an</strong>d distribution: Kaua‘i, O‘ahu, Maui<br />
Distinguishing features: very long internodal cells,<br />
unbr<strong>an</strong>ched br<strong>an</strong>chlets (Fig. C), pl<strong>an</strong>ts quite large<br />
compared with other <strong>macroalgae</strong> in <strong>Hawaii</strong><strong>an</strong><br />
streams <strong>an</strong>d may be easily mistaken for higher<br />
pl<strong>an</strong>ts<br />
Compare with: higher aquatic pl<strong>an</strong>ts, may possibly<br />
be confused with large clumps <strong>of</strong> Cladophora,<br />
Rhizoclonium or Compsopogon<br />
26<br />
A. A mat <strong>of</strong> Chara pl<strong>an</strong>ts ent<strong>an</strong>gled with other<br />
vegetation in a small roadside stream. Scale bar =<br />
30cm. B. A single Chara pl<strong>an</strong>t. Scale bar = 10cm.<br />
C. A nodal region <strong>of</strong> Chara illustrating the unbr<strong>an</strong>ched<br />
br<strong>an</strong>chlets. Scale bar = 250µm. D. The<br />
female reproductive structure (oogonium). Scale<br />
bar = 50µm.
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