Triploceras exists as solitary cells, which are elongated and constricted at the middle ; the two halves are called semicells. At tip of either semicell, the cell is tipped with spiny lobes, similar to the polar lobes found in Micrasterias. Along the margins of the semicells are many whorls of processes that may be tipped with spines or teeth. Cells have one chloroplastfilling the cell.
Identification
Triploceras is easilyrecognizable due to its elongated shape and polar lobes. The similar genusTriplastrum also has polar spines, but lacks protuberances along the sides of the cell.
Phylogeny
Phylogenetically, Triploceras is currently known to be embedded within the genus Micrasterias. Despite the similar rod-like shape, it is not closely related to other rod-shapedgenera such as Pleurotaenium or Triplastrum.