- The
branched filaments of Fischerella are quite morphologically
diverse. Prostrate portions often creep along the substrate,
while upright branches often form unilaterally from longitudinal
division. The basal filaments are often multiseriate, while
- the
branches are usually uniseriate. Most species produce felt-like
mats of creeping trichomes.
-
- The
filaments are composed of barrel-shaped
- cells
that are sometimes within a gelatinous matrix. The main part
of the trichome has thick colored sheaths, while the mucilage
surrounding the cylindrical cells of the branches is colorless.
The
- cell
contents are slightly granular with irregularly distributed thylakoids.
The heterocysts are intercalary and vary in shape from spherical
in the basal portions of the trichomes to more cylindrical
- in
the branches. A few species have akinetes spaced irregularly
throughout the basal trichomes.
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