[2] Lanceola consists of free-floating, single cells.

The cell is narrowly spindle-shaped (fusiform), tapered into a narrow spine at one end, and at the other end a lanceolate appendage.

Cells contain a single parietal chloroplast with a pyrenoid, and a central nucleus.

[2] The genus was created by František Hindák for the leaf-like appendage on one end of the cell.

However, it has been rejected by other taxonomists, because the structure appears typical of the appendages found in the genus Ankyra.