Introduction to Chara Subsection Agardhia

The AgardhiaAgardhia group of species (sect. AgardhiaAgardhia Wood) constitutes species of CharaChara fibrosa with a single row of stipulodes, corticate axes and ecorticate branchlets. They are most diverse in the eastern hemisphere, but members of the group have been found in Europe. Traditional distinguishing characters include the colour of the oospores, the number of stipulodes and the degree of cortication. Recent analyses indicate there are at least 20 species in the group and until a comprehensive study of the whole group is complete caution should be used in allocating specimens to particular species.