Diatoms of North AmericaDiatoms of North America
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Guide to Afrocymbella

Krammer 2003

Afrocymbella Iconic
  1. Valves dorsiventral, curved along pervalvar axis
  2. Apical pore field present at the footpole
  3. Septum and pseudoseptum present, small

SPECIES OF AFROCYMBELLA ARE NOT KNOWN TO OCCUR IN NORTH AMERICA

The valves of Afrocymbella are asymmetrical to both the apical and transpical axis. In addition, the valves are curved along the pervalvar axis. An apical porefield is present at the footpole, which is bisected by the terminal raphe. The raphe is dorsally deflected at the proximal end and ventrally deflected at the terminal end. One, or rarely two, dorsal stigmata are present. A small septum and pseudoseptum are both present.

This genus is known to contain 10 species from African rift lakes and includes A. beccari. The genus is allied with the Gomphonema lineage and has developed secondary cymbelloid symmetry. Previously, the group was considered within Gomphocymbella.