Cells usually solitary but rarely joined end to end in fragile pseudo-filaments. Cells straight, mostly cylindrical, in the middle slightly constricted, often with one or more inflations above the isthmus, the sides above smooth, undulate or nodose slightly tapering to the apex. The apex is rounded-truncate and in some species ornamented with a circle of polar nodules. (Croasdale, H. & Flint, E. 1986. Flora of New Zealand Desmids I. - Wellington Gov. Print.)