Colony of Heimansia pusilla. Notice cells in lateral and apical view (without a median tubercle !) interconnected by fine strands.



Desmid of the month
October 2016

Heimansia pusilla

The colonial genus Heimansia is characterized by Cosmarium-like cells that are interconnected by thin strands being the remnants of shed, primary cell walls, see desmid of September 2012. Heimansia pusilla is the type species of the genus. In the Netherlands it was not recorded for several decades but recently it was found again in the province of Drenthe, in some shallow, mesotrophic, pH about neutral pools.

Another colony of Heimansia pusilla showing 3-dimensional configuration of the colony.



Cells of Heimansia pusilla in lateral view. Notice interconnecting strands, each with a median thickening being the connection area of the former primary walls of two daughter cells.