Hassalia fragilis

  • Authority

    Gardner, Nathaniel L. 1927. New Myxophyceae from Porto Rico. Mem. New York Bot. Gard. 7: 1-144. pl. 1-23.

  • Family

    Microcystaceae

  • Scientific Name

    Hassalia fragilis

  • Description

    Species Description - Filaments 5.5-7 µ diam., very short, straight and rigid, forming a thin velvety stratum; trichomes 4-5.5 µ diam.; cylindrical throughout the entire length, not constricted at the dissepiments; cells quadrate in the older parts about one-half as long as broad at the apices of the trichomes; aeruginous, more or less finely granular; heterocysts spherical to somewhat compressed, numerous, appearing very generally at the base of the filaments caused by the separation at the point of the more or less continuous and profuse branching; sheath thin, homogeneous, hyaaline, close-fitting, readily dissolved at the point of false branching of the trichome.

    Distribution and Ecology - Growing on old wood at Hacienda Catalina, Palmer, no. 747 c, type; on trees in a ravine near Coamo Springs, no. 1896 b.

  • Discussion

    PLATE 20, FIGURE 46

    This is a species of Hassalia with affinities close to H. Bouteillei (Breb. & Desm.) Born. & Flah., but differing in several minor details.