Nitella capillaris (Krocker) J.Groves & Bullock-Webster 1920

Publication Details
Nitella capillaris (Krocker) J.Groves & Bullock-Webster 1920: 96

Published in: Groves, J. & Bullock-Webster, G.R. (1920). The British Charophyta. Volume I. Nitelleae with introduction plates and text-figures. pp. [i]-xiv, [1]-141, 20 pls. London: printed for the The Ray Society.

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Type Species
The type species (lectotype) of the genus Nitella is Nitella opaca (C.Agardh ex Bruzelius) C.Agardh.

Status of Name
This name is of an entity that is currently accepted taxonomically.

Basionym
Chara capillaris Krocker

Type Information
Type locality: "Raram hanc plantam ante multos annos in fossis, ac lacubus penes fluvium Ole ad prata Marienau, et Pirscham inveni, ex post etiam alibi, sed rarius." [Poland] ; (Krocker 1814: 63)

Origin of Species Name
Adjective (Latin), capillary, hair-like, thread-like (Stearn 1973).

General Environment
This is a freshwater species.

Description
This is a slender species up to 20 cm in height. The axis is less than 1 mm in diameter. The branchlets are divided once and have 1-celled end segments (dactyls). It is a dioecious species with the gametangia enveloped in mucus, and in numerous small heads. The oogonia are 2-3 together, and up to 500 m long. The oospores are brown (300  400 m long) and have prominent ridges. The antheridia are solitary, and are up to 600 m in diameter. The species is similar to Nitella opaca, which however lack mucus around the gametangia.

Habitat
Nitella capillaris is found in small pools and in ditches, both in soft and alkaline water. The oospores germinate in autumn, and the plants are fertile the next spring (from April). Ripe oospores are found in June and July. The plants die shortly after this. N. capillaris is opportunistic as it comes and goes, a phenomena reported by Olsen (1944) who writes: In the locality in the Furesøpark, where I had an opportunity of observing it both in 1937 and in 1938, I did not find it later, in spite of repeated search. Distribution:

Key Characteristics
Dioecious. Gametangia in mucus. Oosopre brown with prominent ridges

Similar Species
Nitella opaca

Created: 11 April 2002 by M.D. Guiry.

Last updated: 05 May 2020

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Linking to this page: https://www.algaebase.org/search/species/detail/?species_id=35594

Citing AlgaeBase
Cite this record as:
M.D. Guiry in Guiry, M.D. & Guiry, G.M. 05 May 2020. AlgaeBase. World-wide electronic publication, National University of Ireland, Galway. https://www.algaebase.org; searched on 18 April 2024

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