Stigonema opalescens N.L.Gardner

  • Authority

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

  • Family

    Stigonemataceae

  • Scientific Name

    Stigonema opalescens N.L.Gardner

  • Description

    Species Description - Filaments moderately crooked, long-arcuate, smooth, 450-650 µ long, about 25 µ diam.; cells subspherical, mostly 4-seriate, 7-8.5 µ diam., bluish-green, homogeneous, protoplasmic connections distinct; sheath uniformly opalescent, even and smooth along the surface, ample; heterocysts very sparse; branching very sparse.

    Distribution and Ecology - Growing on rocks near Maricao, no. 1033, type.

  • Discussion

    PLATE 22, FIGURE 58

    The long, arcuate, smooth filaments with few branches and the opalescent sheath are sufficient to distinguish this species of Stigonema. The division of cells is somewhat spasmodic, not uniform throughout the filament. It is a common occurrence that one, two, three, or four cells in a node in the body of the filament may be present.