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In giving a representation of this plant, I do not mean to
maintain that it is unquestionably a distinct species; though
its very slender mode of growth, erect ramuli, and, above all,
the solitary and scattered prickles, seem to be sufficient to constitute
a specific difference. A t the same time, even as a variety
of Chara hispida, it is well worth particular attention.
The specimens received from my friends Mr C l o u s t o n and
Mr R o b e r t s o n , I have been enabled to identify with ^the
plant of W iL L D E N OW by the kindness of Professor A g a r d h ,
who sent me authentic specimens, and considers it as indubitably
distinct. The last-named botanist has divided Chara of other
writers into two genera, Nitella and Chara. The former is
chiefly distinguished from the latter, by being composed of a
simple articulated tube, and by the nucule being destitute both
of bracteae and a terminal corona. In Nitella, the nucule and
globule are said to be separated from one another, while in
Chara, the one is said to be situated immediately above the
other. This last character, I apprehend, may be inconstant;
for, in the plant now before us, and which is an undoubted
Chara, these organs are either really separated, or the globules
iu my specimens have fallen from below the nucules.
Fig. 1. C. aspera, natural size. Fig. 2. Portion o f the stem, with a whorl o f
ramuli. Fig. 3. Portion o f the stem, with part o f the outer membrane removed,
to shew the white inner tube. Fig. 4. Globule in its situation. Fig. S.
Nucule, protected by its bractea;. Fig. 6. Filaments from within the globule.
Fig. 7. Granules from the nucule; magnified.
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