Original research
A new stonewort record for Turkey: Chara polyacantha A. Braun
Evren CABI1,*, , Fatoş ŞEKERCILER1, , Burçin ÇINGAY2, , Nesibe TURAN3,
Department of Biology, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Namık Kemal University, Tekirdağ, Turkey
2
Nezahat Gökyiğit Botanic Garden, Science Departments, Atasehir, Istanbul
3
T.R. Ministry of Forestry and Water Affairs, Directorate General for Water Management, Ankara, Turkey
*Corresponding author, email: ecabi@nku.edu.tr
1
Abstract: The charophyte flora of Turkey is poorly described and documented as lack of
accurate and detailed documentation of collections as well as absence of voucher specimens
proving its existence. During the project which is called as “Establishment of Reference
Monitoring Network in Turkey” supported by Directorate General for Water Management
of the Ministry of Forestry and Water Affairs, we carried out several field surveys to the
West Mediterranean Region and collected several Chara and Nitella specimens from the
various water bodies found in the region. Among the collected Charophyte populations, two
unusual populations seem to be different than the ones we already met earlier. Careful
morphological and microscopically examinations of the unusual populations proved that they
were new for Turkey algal flora. Finally they were identified as C. polyacantha which was
already known from Europe. The diagnostic morphological characters discriminating it from
of Chara hispida C. rubis and C. aspera are pointed out. Notes are presented on its ecology
and phenology. A distribution map of this species is also given.
Keywords: Chara, Characeae, Dalaman, Köyceğiz Lake, Muğla
Citing: Cabi, E., Şekerciler, F., Çingay, B., & Turan, N., 2019. A new stonewort record for
Turkey: Chara polyacantha A. Braun. Acta Biologica Turcica, 32(4): 206-210.
Schwarz et al. 2002, van Donk & van de Bund 2002,
Rodrigo et al. 2007, Meurer and Bueno 2012).
The genus Chara L. is represented about 188 species
and is distinguished by erect corticated axes and a fivecelled coronula at the apices of the female gametangia.
They usually encrusted calsium and magnesium carbonate
because they usually prefer hard fresh water, rich in
organic matter and calsium. Chara species emit strong
musky odor due to presence of sulphur compounds
(Meurer and Bueno 2012, Duncan and Rouse-Miller
2017). In Turkey, Barinova et al. (2014) reported that
there are 13 Chara species except C. polyacantha A.
Braun.
Chara polyacantha A. Braun constitute extremely rare
associations and its current distribution is restricted in
Europe. It was recorded in Germany, Poland, Denmark,
Sweden, France, Portugal, Czech Republic and the
Introduction
Charophytes are aquatic, cryptogamic, rooted plants with
a macroscopic thallus. Characeae family of algae is
characterized by the complexity of their morphological
features, including the structure of their gametangia and
their axis differentiated into nodes and internodes (PicelliVicentim et al. 2004). Many species in Characeae are
similar to each other and they frequently misidentified
without detailed microscopic examination (Urbaniak and
Gabka 2014). These algae are considered the closest living
relatives of land plants (Karol et al. 2001). They also have
important ecological role in aquatic ecosystems. They are
positively correlated with water transparency. They are
important in nutrient cycling, supply nutrient for
zooplankton and phytoplankton, and influence these
organisms’ biomasses (Coops 2002, Kufel & Kufel 2002,
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Cabi et al. - A new stonewort record for Turkey: Chara polyacantha
Balkans. The species is more frequently recorded in
central Ireland than Europe (John et al. 2002). The species
usually grows in shallow zones of mesotrophic lakes or
peat excavation ponds, rarely in rich fens. The depth range
is limited up to 1.5 m, it is recorded from 6 m in Poland.
C. polyacantha prefers waters rich in Ca+, Mg2+ and SO2or grows on mineral substratum and on calcareous bottom
deposits with low concentrations of nutrients and high
values of electrolytic conductivity (Zviedre and Grinberga
2012). In Norway, C. polyacantha is evaluated under
threatened because of eutrophication and technical
intervention of waters (Langangen & Asen 1996).
During the vegetation survey in the summer of 2017, a
new charophyte species for Turkey C. polyacantha was
recorded in Köyceğiz Coastal lake and Dalaman
Wetlands. This is the first record of this species in Turkey,
which is confirmed by herbarium material. Herbarium
sample of C. polyacantha is stored at the Nezahat Gökyiğit
Botanic Garden Herbarium (NGBB).
is within natural site boundaries. In addition, it is classified
as an Important Nature Area (INA) and Special Protected
Area (SPA) due to ecological features, and the endemic
and endangered species found in the region. The Dalaman
wetland area (Muğla, Turkey) consists of 3 lakes
(Kocagöl, Tersakan, and Kükürtlü), 3 rivers (Dalaman,
Sarısu, and Tersakan) and the beaches of Dalaman and
Sarıgerme (Aslan et al. 2011). The lakes and rivers of the
wetland basin, that are habitat of C. polyacahtha consist of
reed bed, water drainage channels, marshes and salinealkaline areas.
Typha latifolia L., Arundo donax L., Juncus maritimus
Lam. emerged species and Stuckenia pectinata (L.) Börner
and Myriophyllum verticillatum L. submerged
macrophytes were identified in the aquatic vegetation of
the Lake Köyceğiz and Dalaman Wetland besides C.
polyacantha (Figure 1).
Sampling
Charophyte samples were collected by grapnel from the
bottom of the Köyceğiz Lake and Dalaman wetland. First,
collected plants were placed in plastic bags filled with
water to protect against drying. Then the collected
specimens pressed quickly. Some collected specimens
were fixed in 5% alcohol solution for longer preservation.
Field information including the date, locality, habitat type
and the name of the collector were noted. Collected
specimens transported to the Namık Kemal University for
identification. Part of the samples studied under a Nikon
light microscope and Leica stereomicroscope with digital
cameras under magnification Ч 100-1000. The
cortification type of the specimens were checked by
cutting the plant across the plant axis diameter using a
lancet.
Materials and Methods
Description of the Study Site
Chara polyacantha was recorded in Köyceğiz Coastal lake
and Dalaman Wetlands of the Muğla province located in
southwestern Turkey. Both water bodies fed by fresh
waters and they are released from slightly salty water with
the rising tide.
Lake Köyceğiz, sixteenth biggest lake of Turkey, with
a surface area of 55 km2 is a meromictic lake. The lake
comprises of two basin. The maximum depth in the
northern part (Köyceğiz Basin) is 24 m and in the southern
part (Sultaniye Basin) is 32 m. Totally, estimated volume
of the lake is 826 million m3. According to Bayari et al.
(1995), there is a thermocline layer at a depth of 10 m and
oxygen-free, stagnant, dead water body at a deeper zone
of the lake. The lake, having specific geological structure
with impermeable ophiolitic rocks, groundwater bearing
alluvium and karstified limestone is connected to the
Mediterranean Sea with a 14 km long natural channel.
Köyceğiz lake, fed mainly by rainfall and stream surface
flow and ground water recharges from alluvial aquifer and
discharges from sulphuric thermal springs located at the
bottom of the lake (Kazancı and Girgin 2001, Bayari et al.
1995).
Dalaman Wetlands is one of the richest regions in
Turkey in terms of both ecosystem and species diversity.
The wetland, located in the southwest of Köyceğiz Lake,
Results
Chara polyacantha A. Braun, 1859
Synonyms: C. hispida var. dasyacantha A. Braun 1847, C.
hispida var. hispida f. polyacantha (A. Braun) R.D. Wood
1962, C. hispida var. polyacantha (A. Braun) C.C.
Babington 1874, C. pedunculata Kützing 1834, C.
polyacantha f. dasyacantha W. Migula 1897, C. pseudocrinita A. Braun 1935, C. spondylophylla Kützing 1843.
Type: Sweden (Silva 1996-to date). Notes: Salzsee bei
Halle (Bulnheim) (INA).
The plants are 40-100 cm long, axis is 1.5-5 mm in
diameter, and encrusted, robust, color varies from grey to
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ACTA BIOLOGICA TURCICA 32 (4): 206-210, 2019
light green. Internodes 2-3 times longer than the
branchlets. The branchlets are 8-10, each with 6-9
segments, the upper 2-3 are ecorticated (without cortex).
The stem cortex is diplostichous, sometimes irregular:
triplostichous or isostichous, the primary rows always
prominent, strongly tylacanthous. The spine cells are
commonly in bunches, same long or longer than the axis
diameter. Prominent spine cells dense along the axis
especially upper parts and younger internodes. The
stipulodes are well developed in both rows, the cells in the
upper and lower row are equal length, usually as long as
the axis diameter. The bract cells are 5-7. The bracteoles
are longer than the oogonium. The species is monoecious.
Gametangia are conjoined at the lowest branchlet nodes.
The oogonium is 900-1000 long 500-600 µm wide. The
oospores are dark brown to black. Antheridia are solitary
and 300-500 µm in diameter (Figure 2).
Figure 2. Morphology of Chara polyacantha: 1-whorl of
branchlets, 2a-ecorticated last cells, 3b-stipulodes, 4c-spine
cells in bunches and strongly tylacanthous, 5-corticated axis
(diplostichous) 6-cortification: d, g-primary rows, e,f-secondary
rows (cortification irregular, sometimes triplostichous or
isostichous).
Discussion
In Turkey, Barinova et al. (2014) reported that there are
13 Chara species except C. polyacantha. This is the first
record of C. polyacantha in Turkey, but possibly more
localities may be recorded in future.
Figure 1. Distrubution Map of Chara polyacantha in Turkey
Taxonomic Relationships: — C. polyacantha is
morphologically different from all other Turkish Chara
species. Its closest relative appears to be C. rudis, C.
hispida, C. aspera from which the new record species
differs by many remarkable morphological differences
(Table 1).
Acknowledgements
This study was supported by the Directorate General for
Water Management of the Ministry of Forestry and Water
Affairs. We would like to thank the executives and the
staff of Çınar Engineering Ind. Trade. Co. Ltd who
executed the project.
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Cabi et al. - A new stonewort record for Turkey: Chara polyacantha
Table 1. Diagnostic morphological characteristics of Chara polyacantha, C. rudis, C. hispida and C. aspera
Characters
C. polyacantha
C. rudis
C. hispida
C. aspera
Lenght
Axis
Internodes
Branchlets
End segments
Cortex
Spine cells
Spine cells
30-70 cm
1-5 mm in diam
As long as or longer (up
to 2 times) than
branches
8-10 in a whorl
2-3 celled ecorticated
Diplostichous, (usually
irregularly triplostichous
or isostichous)
Thylacanthous
Often in bunches
Same long or longer
than the axis diam.
Dense along the axis
Stipulodes
2 row, both similar
length
Reproduction
Bract cells
Gametangia
Monoecious
5-7
At lowest branchlet
nodes
Anteriors 2 times longer
than mature oogonia,
posteriors shorter than
oogonia
900-1000 µm long
500-600 µm wide
300-500 µm in diam
Bract cells
Oogonia
Antheridia
20-50 cm
1-3 mm in diam
2-3 times longer than
branches
15-80 cm
1-5 mm in diam
As long as or longer (up
to 2 times) than branches
10-20 cm
0.5-2 mm in diam
Longer than branches
7-10 in a whorl
2-3 celled ecorticated
Strongly
Diplostichous
7-10 in a whorl
1-2 celled ecorticated
Diplostichous
(sometimes isostichous)
6-7 in a whorl
1-2 celled ecorticated
Triplostichous
(sometimes isostichous)
Aulacanthous
in pairs sometimes in
bunches
shorter than axis diam.
Aulacanthous
Solitary or bunches (2-4
together)
Same long, longer or
shorter than axis diam.
Rare or dense, more
intense in upper parts
2 row, both similar
length, (not exceed axis
diam).
Monoecious
5-7
At lowest branchlet
nodes
Anteriors as long as or
longer than mature
oogonium, posteriors
rudimentary
505-1100 µm long
420-875 µm wide
390-630 in diam
Thylacanthous
Solitary
Rare, more intense in
upper parts
2 row, both similar
length
Monoecious
5-6
On corticated
branchlet nodes
Anteriors shorter than
oogonium, posteriors
often rudimentary
700-1010 µm long
400-860 µm wide
360-470 µm in diam
Same long the axis diam.
Vary dense to sparse
2 row upper longer than
lower
Dioecious
5
At lowest branchlet
nodes
Anteriors longer than
mature oogonia,
posteriors shorter
545-905 µm long
400-600 µm wide
355-570 µm diam
Key to the new record and related taxa
1.
- Plant dioecious; Triplostichous; spine cells solitary….…………….…………………...………………..C. aspera
- Plant Monoecious; Diplostichous (sometimes irregular cortificated); spine cells usually in
bunches sometimes solitary…….…………….………….………………….…………….………….……….……2
2.
- Thylacanthous cortification; spine cells longer than axis diameter, dense along the axis
especially upper parts...………….…….………………….…………….…………………………...C. polyacantha
- Aulacanthous cortification, spine cells in furrows…….…………….………….…………………………………3
3.
- Anteriors bract cells shorter than oogonium…….…………….………….………………………………..C. rudis
- Anteriors bract cells as long as or longer than mature oogonium…….…………….………….………...C. hispida
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Environmental Isotope Study of Lake Koycegiz, SW
Turkey: IAEA Research Contract RB/7997, Progress Report
2, 64p.
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