Scientific Name: Chara spp.
Distinguishing Characteristics:
- Thin, rough leaves or “branchlets” whorled around stem; usually in whorls of at least 6 branchlets. Each branchlet has whorls of spiny bracts at each node. These bracts can be barely noticeable in some species or be nearly a centimeter long and appearing like secondary branchlets in others.
- Musty or “garlicy” odor.
- Often found in alkaline waters.
- Forms thick, underwater mats that seldom reach the surface. Often appears like rolling meadows underwater.
