Phylum: Charophyta Family: Mesotaeniaceae
Spirotaenia erythrocephala H. Itzigsohn 1856
First described by Itzigsohn (in Braun 1856: 46) without illustration. Cells fusiform with rounded poles. Chloroplast a spiralled tape that is noticeably red at the poles.
Cell dimensions: L: 27-70 µm; B: 4.5-10 µm; L/B: 4-8.
Infrequently found slightly acidic conditions such as moorland pools and loch-margins.
References:
Coesel, P.F.M. & Meesters, K.J. (2023 second edition) Desmids of the Lowlands.
Itzigsohn, H. in Braun, A. (1856). Beobachtungen des Dr. Itzigsohn in Neu-Damm über verschiedene mikroscopische Algen.