Chara

/ˈkɑːrə/ noun

Definition

A genus of freshwater green algae characterized by a distinctive articulated or segmented appearance, also called stonewort.

Etymology

From Latin chara, possibly derived from Greek meaning 'sedge' or 'reed-like plant,' referring to its plant-like appearance despite being algae.

Kelly Says

Chara is a time-traveler of the plant world—it looks almost identical to fossilized forms from 400 million years ago, making it a living window into the early evolution of aquatic plants.

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