Euphycophyta

Abstract

Three genera, Oedogonium, Oedocladium and Bulbochaete are comprised in this order. They are characterized by the presence of motile bodies with a ring of cilia around their anterior end. Because of this they were placed in earlier classifications in a special group called the Stephanokontae. The mode of ordinary cell division is also unique (see below). Sexual reproduction is by means of an advanced type of oogamy (see below) not found in any other order. These characters indicate that the order represents a specialized end line in the evolution of the green algae. The species are all fresh water and their taxonomy is difficult because it depends on a knowledge of the sexual plants and type of reproduction.