Chara L., Sp. Pl. 2: 115 (1753), p.p.; Chara L. emend. C.Agardh, Syst. Alg. 27 (1824); Chareae Bischoff, Krypt. Gew. 1: 25 (1828); Charae Epigynae A.Braun, Ann. Sci. Nat., Bot. sér. 2, 1: 350 (1834), p.p.; Chara L. emend. C.Agardh emend. A.Braun, Hooker ’ s J. Bot. Kew Gard. Misc. 1: 95, 292 (1849).

Type: Chara vulgaris L.

Monoecious or dioecious. Plant axis corticated or ecorticate, stipulodes in one (haplostephanous) or two whorls (diplostephanous), bract cells unilateral or verticillate, branchlets corticated or ecorticate, terminated by a single cell, a cluster of equal-sized cells (corona) or a segment (one or two cells long) surrounded by bract cells. Gametangia sejoined, or conjoined, or on separate plants. When conjoined, the oosporangium is above the antheridium. The helical enveloping cells of the oosporangium are terminated by a coronula of five cells. Oospores with or without a calcified covering (gyrogonite) when mature.