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Plant
Identification
Nitella
 Description Management
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Photos
Nitella
spp.
Stoneworts are branched
multicellular algae that are often confused with submerged flowering
plants. However, stoneworts have no flower and will not extend
above the water surface. Nitella has no odor and are soft to
the touch, unlike Chara. Stoneworts are light to dark green in
color with forked, bushy branches 1/16 to 1/8 inches in diameter.
Submerged portions of
all aquatic plants provide habitats for many micro and macro
invertebrates. These invertebrates in turn are used as food by
fish and other wildlife species (e.g. amphibians, reptiles, ducks,
etc.). After aquatic plants die, their decomposition by bacteria
and fungi provides food (called detritusE for many aquatic
invertebrates. Stoneworts have no known direct food value to
wildlife.
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" indicates Non-Native plants.