Aegagrophila linnaei

Aegagrophila linnaei is a filamentous green algae in freshwater and some brackish-water coastal habitats and has three different growth forms:

Unattached and radially constructed aggregation to form the so-celled ‘lake balls’
Attached hemispherical cushions or dense carpet-like mats sometimes known as ‘carpet blanketweed’
Loose-lying mats of rather indefinite extent

Species detail

The lake balls have been the source of much fascination and are on stamps issued in Iceland and Japan. In the Hokkaido district of Japan they are part of the local folklore where each year is held a 3-day ceremony focused on these balls.

Taxonomy

Get a detailed classification of the different growth forms of Aegagrophila linnaei.
Distribution and habitat

Aegagrophila linnaei has a worldwide distribution and, in particular, the lake balls have gathered significant interest in some countries. Find out where this species can be found around the world and the types of habitat it grows in.
Physiology

Discover the factors that contribute to the growth and form of Aegagrophila linnaei.
Reproduction

Find out about the reproductive processes of Aegagrophila linnaei.
Conservation

Learn why Aegagrophila linnaei is protected in a number of countries and find out the status of the species in the British Isles.
References

Get reference matierial for Aegagrophila linnaei.