Oedogoniales

Oedogoniales
Scientific classification
Domain:	Eukaryota
Kingdom:	Protista
Division:	Chlorophyta
Class:	Chlorophyceae
Order:	Oedogoniales
Subdivisions
Family Oedogoniaceae Genus Bulbochaete Genus Oedocladium Genus Oedogonium

The Oedogoniales are an order of filamentous freshwater green algae of the class Chlorophyceae.^[1] The order is well-defined and has several unique features, including asexual reproduction with zoospores that possess stephanokont flagella: numerous short flagella arranged in a subapical whorl.^[1] The oedogoniales have a highly specialized type of oogamy, and an elaborate method of cell division which results in the accumulation of apical caps.

The order comprises one family with three genera.^[2] Some common features among these genera may be obscure. The hairs of Bulbochaete and the heterotrichous system Oedocladium are similar to Chaetophorales, with which they may share a distant relationship.^[3] Of the genus Oedogonium there are over 330 species, about 70 species of Bulbochaete, and 10 species of Oedocladium. More than half of these species are known to North America.^[4] Many of the species are used by aquarium owners.

Members of the order usually inhabit still waters such as lakes and ponds, rather than rivers and streams.^[1] The oedogoniales include free-living and epiphytic members on other algae or freshwater angiosperms.^[1]

Notes

1. Lee, Robert Edward (2008). Phycology (4th ed.). Cambridge University Press. ISBN 9780521682770.
2. Silva, Paul C; Moe, Richard L (2003). "Oedogoniales". McGraw-Hill Encyclopedia of Science & Technology Online. Retrieved on July 16, 2006.
3. Bell, Peter R; Hemsley, Alan R (September 28, 2000). Green Plants. Cambridge University Press. ISBN 0-521-64673-1. pps. 50-1.
4. Tiffany, L. H. (1955). Geographic Distribution of the North American Species of the Oedogoniaceae. American Journal of Botany. pps. 293-4.