Characeae Biomass: Is the Subject Exhausted?

Popularly known as stoneworts, brittleworts, muskgrass, muskworts or bass-weeds, Characeae are among the largest and most complex green algae. All common names come from some characteristics these plants may exhibit, such as the brittle, limestone (calcium carbonate) exoskeleton that can form on the external surfaces of the plant (e.g. Chara vulgaris and Chara globularis) and, particularly, from the distinctive smell of stale garlic emitted by the plant when crushed. It is important to note, however, that most charophyte species do not accumulate lime in observable amounts. The widespread misinterpretation that Chara plants generally form lime is understandable, since the two very common species above thrive in shallow waters where they are readily collected, forming spectacular extensive growths, and may solidify directly into a marl layer or onto a curious tufa rock, a porous limestone formed by deposits from springs. Plants accumulating lime become gray or whitish and quite opaque, whereas the many species without evident lime are generally soft, nearly transparent, with a glassy brilliance and rich green color.