Species of
Desmidium are distinguished based on cell shape, number of angles, and size of the apical processes. Some taxonomists recognize a separate genus,
Didymoprium. In this classification,
Didymoprium consists of species with cells that are ellipsoid in apical view and the chloroplast is stellate with broad, undissected lobes;
Desmidium sensu stricto consists of species with cells that are angular in apical view and with furcate chloroplast lobes. ==References==