Phylum: Charophyta Family: Desmidiaceae
Cosmarium hexastichum P.M. Lundell 1871
Described by Lundell in 1871 at the same time as his similar C. quadrifarium Lundell 1871. The main difference being the number of rows of warts in lateral view: six in the first, 4 in the latter. His rather precise drawing depicts nine emarginate isthmial warts in two rows. Later finds have shown 7-9 amorphous warts in a circular configuration.
Cell dimensions (2): L: 51.5-59 µm; B: 41-48 µm; Is: 18.5-22.2 µm; Th: 29.9 µm; L/B: 1.23-1.26.
Although regarded as widespread in Europe, it’s rarely recorded. The Outer Hebridean finds have come from slightly acidic, mesotrophic, lochs.
References:
Kouwets, F.A.C. (2025). European Flora of the Desmid Genus Cosmarium. Part 1: Text. Part 2: Plates.
Algae Outer Hebrides