Phylum: Charophyta   Family: Desmidiaceae

Micrasterias oscitans Ralfs

First described by Ralfs (1848) in collaboration with Jenner (1845) A flora of Tunbridge Wells. Jenner (1803-1872) was the artist for Ralfs' seminal work. It was thought to be a rare desmid then and the Wests (1905) note "… is exceedingly rare and we have only found it on three occasions.". An acidophile of moorland bogs.

References: 
Ralfs, J. (1848) The British Desmidieae
West, W. & West, G.S. (1905) A Monograph of the British Desmidiaceae, Volume 2
John, D.M. & Williamson, D.B. (2009) A Practical Guide to the Desmids of the West of Ireland
Coesel, P.F.M. & Meesters, K.J. (2007) Mesotaeniaceae and Desmidiaceae of the European Lowlands