Cells single. Cylindrical, straight and without median constriction, but like in Closterium transverse suture lines may be visible near the centre of the cell. Cell apices flat. Cells walls with pores, either scattered or in rows, walls may be impregnated with reddish-brown pigments. Chloroplasts axial, star-shaped in cross section, with longitudinal ridges and few spherical or egg-shaped pyrenoids.
Mostly in the metaphyton of acidic pools, and in many cases associated with Sphagnum or other mosses.
Estimated number of taxa in this genus: approx. 20 (worldwide)
Penium margaritaceum |
Penium cucurbitinum |
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