Süßwasserflora von Mitteleuropa, Bd 19/2: Cyanoprokaryota, Part 2: Oscillatoriales [English]

Cyanoprokaryotes are probably the oldest organisms with plant metabolism. In spite of their existence from the Precambrian onwards they still are able to colonize all possible biotopes, including extreme environments (thermal springs, rocks in hot or cold deserts, hypersaline lakes, volcanic regions...).

The aim of this book is to facilitate the identification and standardization of cyanoprokaryotes that can be distinguished by their morphology and ecology and that are known from natural European habitats including the marine coasts. The determination keys and taxonomic descriptions permit the identification of natural populations, and are related to known culture material.

In the introductory part characters important for identification are explained. A list of basic literature helps to find more detailed information. The Authors have selected accurate drawings of the species described in the text. Also illustrations of some non-European species are included if necessary for understanding the generic diacritical features or infrageneric diversity.