Staurastrum simonyi Heimerl, 1891
Most likely ID: n.a.
Synonym: n.a.
Sampling location: Schwemm Moor (Austria)
Phylogenetic tree: Staurastrum simonyi
Diagnosis:
- cells 3-radiate
- semi-cells elliptical
- length 19–25 µm, width 18–26 µm (excluding spines)
- apices slightly convex
- cell wall with concentric rows of granules
- basal margin almost straight
- apical margins with 4 spines
- lateral margins with 2–4 spines
- lateral angles with each two large spines
So far, I have only found Staurastrum simonyi in the Schwemm Moor in Austria. Despite its small size, the species is conspicuous due to its spines. The larger spines on the lateral angles of the semi-cells dominate. The apical spines are always simple.
Staurastrum simonyi differs from the variety Staurastrum simonyi var. sparsiaculeatum in the absence of horizontal rows of short spines near the base of the semi-cells. The similar species Staurastrum aculeatum is about twice as large (48–55 µm) and the apices are only very short-spined and flat.
Fig. 1 a-c: Staurastrum simonyi. L = 26 µm (excluding spines). Three focal planes of a slightly squashed specimen. Obj. 100 X.
Fig. 2 a-b: Staurastrum simonyi. L = 26 µm (excluding spines). The same specimen as shown in fig. 1 a-c in brightfield illumination. Obj. 100 X.