Chara reproduces vegetatively and sexually. Vegetative reproduction takes place by tubers, amylum stars and secondary protonema. The fructifications for sexual reproduction are globule or antheridium (male) and nucule or archegonium (female). I suppose plant fragments with the right structures can regrow. Some sources say not to rake Chara which will cause it to spread, but West Chester Univ and The Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia say: "....musk grass (Chara), and mats of filamentous algae are easily raked up onto shore where they can be dried and collected for disposal or composting. Chara will quickly decompose and leave a brittle white residue, so it should be removed more quickly."
There are many species (abt 90) of Chara. Some may not have the characteristic odor of Chara vulgaris. I am not aware of an odor by Nitella species.
This from the web:
Chara is a multicellular algae that resembles a vascular plant because of its stem like and leaf like structures. Chara can form thick, dense mats on the bottom of your waterbody. It does not have roots, but its branches grow into the sediment to form a loose connection between the colony and the bottom substrate. Chara provides essential food and habitat to other aquatic organisms. It is an efficient filter and greatly improves water quality. However, Chara can grow to a nuisance level quickly and can be tamed with algicides or mechanical removal.
Last edited by Bill Cody; 06/13/17 09:05 AM.
