Green algae (Charophyta and Chlorophyta)
Volvox aureus, a species of green alga commonly found in lakes, ponds and ditches in the UK
Green algae are mostly aquatic organisms of marine or freshwater habitats, although they include certain groups which grow on soil, trees or rocks.
Chara aspera
Charophytes
Green algae in the group Charophyta are commonly known as charophytes. They include many freshwater and terrestrial green algae.
Chara and other stoneworts are among the largest and most structurally complex of the charophytes. Their main branches have whorls of short lateral branchlets at intervals. They usually grow submerged in mainly still, fresh or slightly brackish waters.
A specimen of Ulva arasakii collected from Japan
Chlorophytes
Green algae in the group Chlorophyta are commonly known as chlorophytes. They include marine green algae, such as the common seaweed Ulva lactuca,‘sea lettuce’, which can form a conspicuous element of sea shores.
Other members of the group are freshwater species, such as desmids and some Spirogyra.
Learn more about these organisms on the AlgaeVision webpages.