Chara sp. - an algae that resempbles a stem plant. It has no tissues - the cells of the "stem" and the "leaves" are identical. When it opens it looks like the spokes of an umbrella. There are tiny yellow and blood red dots all over the "leaves". They are the algae's sexual organs called "Antheridia" (male) and "Oogonia" (female). This is another interesting bit of info I found:
"...Unlike rooted plants, chara receives its nutrients from the water column. this makes it an idea competitor for available nutrients that undesirable algae require. Once established, chara can help to reduce turbidity that is caused by suspended particles and planktonic algae..."
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