Palmellopsis is a genus of green algae, specifically of the Palmellopsidaceae.[1] They are either planktonic or attached to substrates in fresh water, or in aeroterrestrial habitats.[2]
Palmellopsis consists of cells embedded in amorphous, gelatinous mucilage. The cells contain a cup-shaped chloroplast with a pyrenoid, as well as a single nucleus and two contractile vacuoles.[2]
Asexual reproduction in this genus occurs by autospores or zoospores or by the fragmentation of the colonies. Zoospores have two equal flagella with a small stigma.
Palmellopsis is distinguished from the similar genera Palmella and Chlamydocapsa in that its mucilage layer is not lamellated. The differentiation between these genera is taxonomically problematic.[3]