Nitella

Other Common Names: stoneworts

(Nitella)

Nitellas are multicellular branched algae that look like other green submersed plants or Chara.

Description

There are 30 species of Nitella. Nitellas are multicellular algae that bear resemblance to submersed plants or Chara.

Slim branches have branchlets that occur in whorls at regular intervals. The branchlets may have additional separations.

Unlike Chara, Nitellas feel soft to the touch and do not smell garlicky or musky.

Nitellas do not flower. There are ball like structures along the branchlets that are a little darker green.

Location

Nitellas can be found across the United States.

Propagation

fragments