Batrachospermum

one of the few genera of freshwater red algae. Includes about 50 species. Branched thalli up to 10 cm tall, with distinctly visible blue-green sprouts, carry the organs of sexual reproduction. The carpospores that develop as a result of the sexual process grow into microscopic thalli (Chantransia stage), which reproduce asexually—by monospores. Side shoots of these thalli develop into new macroscopic Batrachospermum plants.