Glossary
Like the rest of this website, the glossary is a work in progress. If we’ve missed a term, please contact us to let us know the term and references.
Prostrate
Prostrate describes the growth habit of lying flat, firmly attached by mucilage to a surface. The genus Cocconeis has a prostrate growth habit. Example surfaces include rocks, filamentous algae, macrophytes, and even other diatoms.
Image Credit: Sarah Spaulding
Image Credit: Sarah Spaulding
Scanning electron micrograph of live cells of Cocconeis placentula growing on a rock. Note the mucilage pads on some of the cells. This diatom has a prostrate growth habit.