Stonewort (Charophyceae)

Where?

Stoneworts require clean, nutrient-poor and calcareous water. They are found in both standing and flowing waters.

Appearance?

Stoneworts (Charophyceae) are a form-rich class of green algae with over 70 different species. Chara vulgaris & Nitella flexilis are the most represented. They form shoots up to 60 cm long with numerous side shoots up to 1 mm thick, on which pinnate branches of 5 or 7 are in whorls. Particular are the unbarked terminal limbs of the branches and the brown/grey and orange reproductive cells below the whorls.

Special features?

Stoneworts can colonize freshly formed water bodies and water accumulations as a pioneer plant. When removed from the water, the alga often develops a specific odor, which is said to resemble mustard oil.