Anabaena variabilis is a phylogenic-cousin of the more well-known species Nostoc spirrilum. Both of these species along with many other cyanobacteria are known to form symbiotic relationships with plants. Other cyanobacteria are known to form symbiotic relationships with diatoms, though no such relationship has been observed with Anabaena variabilis.
Anabaena variabilis is also a model organism for studying the beginnings of multicellular life due to its filamentous characterization and cellular-differentiation capabilities.
Kaplan, Aaron; Badger, Murray R.; Berry, Joseph A. (1980). "Photosynthesis and the intracellular inorganic carbon pool in the bluegreen alga Anabaena variabilis: Response to external CO2 concentration". Planta. 149 (3): 219–26. doi:10.1007/BF00384557. PMID24306290. S2CID20135236.
Islam, MS; Drasar, BS; Bradley, DJ (1990). "Long-term persistence of toxigenic Vibrio cholerae 01 in the mucilaginous sheath of a blue-green alga, Anabaena variabilis". The Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. 93 (2): 133–9. PMID2109096.