The desmids are my favorite microscopic plants due to their delicate, generally symmetrical, beauty. Pictures don't convey their elegance, it is best appreciated by direct observation at the scope.
Closterium has little crystals of gypsum near each end which move, looking like passengers peering through a viewport in a submarine.
Cosmarium has many different species. The semi-cells here are different sizes because it has recently reproduced.
Yet another, up close
Gonium this one has 16 cells
Micrasterias plus a diatom
Pediastrum 8 cell version
Pediastrum 16 cell and a passing diatom -- 25u/#div
Staurastrum side view. Here again the semi-cells are different sizes because of a recent split.
Staurastrum end view. The other semi-cell is dimly visible behind the first.
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This page was by John Moran, resident Balplan Mechanic and HTML tweaker.
