Differential interference contrast (DIC) light micrograph of cyanobacteria Scytonema hyalinum. This photograph shows the typical false branching character of Scytonema. The Scytonema genus has over a hundred species. Most of these organisms are either free-floating or grow on a submerged substrate. Some species are also known to grow on terrestrial rocks, soil, and plants. They are known to provide nitrogen to the leaves of these plants. In addition to being able to provide nutrients to the plants that it is growing, some of these species also form a symbiotic relationship with fungi. The Scytonema genus has over a hundred species. Most of these organisms are either free-floating or grow on a submerged substrate. Some species are also known to grow on terrestrial rocks, soil, and plants. They are known to provide nitrogen to the leaves of these plants. In addition to being able to provide nutrients to the plants that it is growing, some of these species also form a symbiotic relationship with fungi. Magnification: x450 when printed at 10 centimetres wide at its longest edge. Magnification: x450 when printed at 10 centimetres wide at its longest edge.