stonewort

views updated May 11 2018

stonewort The common name for the brittle, calcified plants of the Charophyta; Chara and Nitella are the commonest British genera. The plant consists of a ‘stem’ or axis which bears whorls of branches at intervals (nodes) along its length. The axis is attached at its base to the substratum by means of branched rhizoids.

stonewort

views updated Jun 27 2018

stone·wort / ˈstōnwərt; -ˌwôrt/ • n. a freshwater plant (Chara and other genera, class Charophyceae) with whorls of slender leaves, related to green algae. Many kinds become encrusted with chalky deposits, giving them a stony feel.