[2] The species of this genus are found in Europe and Northern America,[1] and are widespread but generally uncommon.

Colonies are pear-shaped or bulbous, attached to a substrate, with cells embedded under the surface in a mucilaginous matrix.

The cells are spherical and in pairs or fours, with two long pseudoflagella extending out from the mucilage layer.

Cells are more or less spherical, 8–11 μm in diameter, with one nucleus, several contractile vacuoles, and a single cup-shaped chloroplast with a pyrenoid and a stigma.

Sexual reproduction has also been observed in this genus; isogamous gametes are formed with two flagella each.