charophytes

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charophytes A group of plants the members of which are usually regarded as algae, although they resemble bryophytes in the structure of the male gametes and in the presence of a sterile envelope enclosing the sex organs. Many species are heavily calcified. Fossil charophytes (from the Triassic onwards) are known only by their calcified oogonia, which often have a spiral ornament. Charophytes are aquatic, occurring primarily in fresh water, although some species are found in brackish water. Charophytes are sometimes included in a class within the division Chlorophyta and sometimes as a distinct division (Charophyta). Genera include Chara and Nitella. See also STONEWORT.

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