Diatomeae

Plant Characteristics

Cultivation

Scientific Names

Read about Diatomeae in the Standard Cyclopedia of Horticulture
DIATOMEAE (Diatoms) Unicellular algae of very peculiar and interesting habit. The wall consists of two silicious valves, one of which fits over the other like the lid of a box. These valves are frequently very beautifully sculptured. Through division, new cells and new walls are formed, which are always smaller than before, until finally as a limit a sexual spore is produced which reestablishes the size of the cell. Diatoms inhabit stagnant water, wet rocks, and the sea. They are either free-floating or pedicelled and attached. The silicious walls will resist burning. Diatoms contain little, if any, chlorophyll, and are mostly saprophytic. A large part of the oceanic plankton is composed of Diatoms. The above text is from the Standard Cyclopedia of Horticulture. It may be out of date, but still contains valuable and interesting information which can be incorporated into the remainder of the article. Click on "Collapse" in the header to hide this text.

More information about this class can be found on the division page.

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