Starry Stonewort Look Alikes Nitella (Nitella spp.) Nitella Drawing, University of Florida, Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants Line Drawing DVD Master. Used with permission. Plant Characteristics Branches are smooth and flexible Branches/leaves are translucent green Branches arranged in whorls around stem Lacks roots. Attaches to sediment by root-like structures called "holdfasts" May be free floating above sediment Found in shallow and deep waters of lakes and bogs Muskgrass (Chara spp.) Muskgrass Drawing, University of Florida, Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants Line Drawing DVD Master. Used with permission. Plant Characteristics Plant is covered in a brittle scaly coating Often smells "skunky" when squashed Branches are hard and ridged Feels gritty when crushed Inhabits fresh to brackish (salty) waters, both shallow and deep Back Page updated on August 15, 2005.