Nostoc - blue-green, balled colonies

Phylum Cyanophyta

Order Nostocales

Nostoc, is a filamentous blue-green algae. The plant mass is usually surrounded by a firm, gelatinous membrane which encloses numerous coiled threads of beadlike cells. Nostoc is typically a freshwater algae, with colony sizes varying from microscopic up to 10cm in diameter.

Nostoc can be found attached to rocks or floating in streams and lakes. It can also form dense colonies on damp soil. Blue - Green Algae are the common cause of algal pollution in fresh water, and in some cases can be pathogenic.

See: Algal Culture Medium Concentrate CM10

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