Type genus

Microthyrium Desm., Annales des Sciences. Naturelles, 3 séries, Botanique., 15: 137 (1841).

Calothyriella Höhn., Ber. dt. bot. Ges. 35: 251 (1917).

Microthyrina Bat., Publções Inst. Micol. Recife 260: 51 (1960).

Phragmothyrium Höhn., Sber. Akad. Wiss. Wien, Math.-naturw. Kl., Abt. 1 121: 347 [9 repr.] (1912).

Saprobic mostly on the upper surface of leaves, appearing as very small black spots. Mycelium superficial, abundant, comprising almost colourless, branched, septate hyphae, with subcuticular haustoria. Thyriothecia circular, solitary or gregarious, superficial, membranaceous or slightly carbonaceous, light brown to brown, with a poorly developed basal layer, easily separated from host surface, with a prominent darker central ostiole; in section lenticular. Upper wall comprising cells of textura epidermoidea, radiating outwardly in parallel rows from the darker central ostiole. Peridium comprising a single stratum of cells, outer cells of small heavily pigmented cells of textura epidermoidea, inner cells light brown textura angularis. Hamathecium comprising asci inclined from the base and rim towards the central ostiole, pseudoparaphyses not observe. Asci numerous, 8-spored, bitunicate, fissitunicate, narrowly obclavate to long fusiform, with small knob-like pedicel or pedicel lacking, ocular chamber not apparent, not staining blue in IKI. Ascospores overlapping 2-3–seriate, fusiform to ellipsoidal, hyaline, 1-septate, fine appendages sometimes present, smooth-walled.

Anamorphs reported for the genus: Leptothyrium (Hyde et al. 2011), Zalerion (Ramaley 1999).

Type species

Microthyrium microscopicum Desm., Annales des Sciences Naturelles, 3 séries, Botanique 2 15: 138 (1841) Fig. 2a–l

Saprobic mostly on the upper surface of leaves, appearing as very small black spots (Fig. 2a). Mycelium superficial, abundant, comprising almost colourless, branched, septate hyphae, with subcuticular haustoria. Thyriothecia 120–190 μm diam×36–50 μm high, circular, solitary or gregarious, superficial, membranaceous or slightly carbonaceous, light brown to brown, with a poorly developed basal layer, easily separated from host surface, with a prominent darker central 7.5–10 μm diam ostiole; in section lenticular (Fig. 2b). Upper wall comprising cells of textura epidermoidea, radiating outwardly in parallel rows from the darker central ostiole (Fig. 2b, c, d). Peridium 5–15 μm thick, comprising a single stratum of cells, outer cells of small heavily pigmented cells of textura epidermoidea, inner cells light brown textura angularis (Fig. 2f). Hamathecium comprising asci inclined from the base and rim towards the central ostiole, pseudoparaphyses not observed, possibly deliquescing early. Asci 37–55×5–9 μm (=43.5×6.8 μm, n=15), numerous, 8-spored, bitunicate, fissitunicate, narrowly obclavate to long fusiform, with small knob-like pedicel or pedicel lacking, ocular chamber not apparent, not staining blue in IKI (Fig. 2g–j). Ascospores 12–16×2–3 μm (=14.4×2.5 μm, n=20), overlapping 2-3–seriate, fusiform to ellipsoidal, hyaline, 1-septate, not constricted at the septum, cilia not seen in type specimen but reported by others, usually with 1 or 2 guttules, smooth-walled (Fig. 2i, k, l, m).

Anamorph: None reported.

Material examined: FRANCE, Parc de Libisny, on the upper leaf surface of Castanea (Fagaceae), September 1840, M. Rorberge (Desm. Cryp. France exs. 1092) (K (M): 163346, isotype); UK, Herefordshire, Forest of Dean, on dead leaves of Quercus robur (Fagaceae) September 2010, K.D. Hyde (MFLU09-0653).

Microthyrium was formally established by Desmazières (1841) based on ascomata with a radiating structure, called thyriothecia. It is the type genus of Microthyriaceae, and is a widely distributed genus with a wide host range (Ellis 1976; Ramaley 1999). Desmazières (1841) described Microthyrium microscopicum from Castanea sativa and later added leaves of Buxus sempervirens and Quercus ilex as hosts to this species (Ellis 1976). Ellis (1976) described British Microthyrium species and similar fungi, and re-described and illustrated the type species of Microthyrium microscopicum. Ellis (1976) examined the type collection on a leaf Castanea vulgaris and found mature ascospores with apical cilia, and commented that the cilia are sometimes visible, depending on the material and slide preparation.

Recent estimates of the Microthyrium species are ten (von Arx and Müller 1975) or 57 (Kirk et al. 2008), while there are 188 names in Index Fungorum (http://www.indexfungorum.org/). Three new Microthyrium species from dead leaves of Nolina have been described by Ramaley (1999). Two species had appendaged ascospores, while the other lacked appendages, Ramaley (1999) also described the anamorph of Microthyrium guadalupensis as Zalerion guadalupensis A.W. Ramaley. Ramaley (1999) noted that ascospore appendages are present in several species, but it is not known if they occur in all species. More than 20 species have been removed to other genera or their placement in Microthyrium has been questioned, but the majority remains in the genus (Ramaley 1999). A Leptothyrium anamorph has also been reported for the genus (Kirk et al. 2008; Hyde et al. 2011).

As the familial type of Microthyriaceae (and Microthyriales), Microthyrium has particular significance in defining this poorly known family. Morphological characters of significance include the upper ascomatal wall of neatly arranged cells radiating in a parallel fashion from the prominent darkened central ostiole, bitunicate and fissitunicate elongate fusiform asci and two-celled hyaline ascospores often with cilia (Ellis 1976). In phylogenetic analyses of Dothideomycetes, a single strain of Microthyrium microscopicum was the only member of Microthyriaceae/Microthyriales used in the analysis of Schoch et al. (2009) where it formed a unique lineage. In this paper we add sequences of three more taxa (Fig. 1) which illustrates the polyphyletic nature of this family as well as its type genus. This highlights the need of a monograph for the genus with well validated molecular data.

A recent collection of Microthyrium microscopicum (Fig. 3a–l) from oak leaves (Quercus robur) collected in the UK is also illustrated. The appendages can clearly be seen in this species. We tried several times to obtain fresh cultures from this collection but ascospores did not germinate and no sequence data could be obtained from this specimen.

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Fig. 3

Microthyrium microscopicum (MFLU09-0653) on leaf

a Thyriothecium superficial on host. b–c, e–f Thyriothecium with ostiole. c Arrangment of thyriothecium wall. d Section through the thyriothecium with thin peridium. g–h Bitunicate asci. j Hyphae and young thyriothecium. i, k–l Ascospores with appendages. Scale bars: B, D=100 μm, C, E–J=20 μm, K–L=5 μm

Arnaudiella Petr., Annls mycol. 25(3/4): 339 (1927)

Seynesiola Speg., Boln Acad. nac. Cienc. Córdoba 23: 498 (1919).

Saprobic on stems forming small dark spots, superficial mycelium absent. Thyriothecia subglobose to circular, solitary, scattered, or in small groups of two, superficial, membranaceous, or slightly carbonaceous, black to black brown, lower peridium poorly developed, with a central, slightly raised, prominent, darkened, papilla up to 19 μm high, easily separated from host surface; in section subconical. Upper wall comprising rows of cuboid radiating cells which form parallel lines from the central ostiole to the outer rim. Peridium comprising a single substratum of 3–4 layers of compressed brown-walled ellipsoidal cells of textura angularis. Hamathecium of parallel arranged asci inclined from the base and rim towards the central ostiole and sparse pseudoparaphyses. Asci 8-spored, bitunicate, fissitunicate, obclavate, short pedicellate, ocular chamber not obvious, not bluing in IKI. Ascospores overlapping uniseriate or biseriate, oval to broad ellipsoidal with rounded ends, brown, two-celled, smooth-walled.

Anamorphs reported for the genus: Xenogliocladiopsis (Crous and Kendrick 1994).

Type species

Arnaudiella caronae (Pass.) Petr., Annls mycol. 25(3/4): 339 (1927) Fig. 4a–m

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Fig. 4

Arnaudiella caronae (PDD 54414)

a Habit, appearance of ascomata on the host surface. b, c, d Squash mount of ascoma. Note the scutate structure and radiating arrangement of hypha. e–g Section of an ascoma. Note the peridium and F note ostiole. h–k Ascus Note with a pedicel and pseudoparaphyses in Melzer’s reagent. L, M. Ascospores. Scale bars: A=500 μm, B, C, E, G=50 μm, D, J, K= 10 μm, F, H=20 μm, I, L, M=5 μm

• ≡ Seynesia caronae Pass.

Saprobic on stems of Cytisus purgans forming small dark spots (Fig. 4a). Superficial mycelium absent. Thyriothecia 60–97 μm high×66–93 μm diam, subglobose to circular, solitary, scattered, or in small groups of two, superficial, membranaceous, or slightly carbonaceous, black to black brown, lower peridium poorly developed, with a central, slightly raised, prominent, darkened, papilla up to 19 μm high, easily separated from host surface; in section subconical (Fig. 4b–d). Upper wall comprising rows of cuboid radiating cells which form parallel lines from the central ostiole to the outer rim (Fig. 4b–d). Peridium 6–8 μm wide at apex and 10–15 μm wide at the base, comprising a single substratum of 3–4 layers of compressed brown-walled ellipsoidal cells of textura angularis (Fig. 4f). Hamathecium of parallel arranged asci inclined from the base and rim towards the central ostiole and sparse 2 μm broad pseudoparaphyses (Fig. 4h). Asci 45–55×9–13 μm (=50.2×10 μm, n=15), 8-spored, bitunicate, fissitunicate, obclavate, with short pedicel 4–5 μm long×3–4 μm wide, ocular chamber not obvious, not bluing in IKI (Fig. 4i–k). Ascospores 10.5–14×4–6 μm (=12.1×4.8 μm, n=20), overlapping uniseriate or biseriate, oval to broad ellipsoidal with rounded ends, brown, two-celled, not constricted at the septum, smooth-walled (Fig. 4l–m).

Anamorph: Xenogliocladiopsis (Crous and Kendrick 1994).

Material examined: FRANCE, Pyrénées, Superbolquere, on stem of Cytisus purgans, July 1944, K.H. Rechinger, Reliquiae Petralianae 405 (PDD 54414).

Arnaudiella was established by Petrak (1927) as a monotypic genus and placed in Microthyriaceae based on the easily separating thyriothecia with a central ostiole, bitunicate obclavate asci and two-celled brown asco-spores. There are 13 records of Arnaudiella in Index Fungorum (http://www.indexfungorum.org/), while Kirk et al. (2008) estimate there are three or six species in the genus. There have been a few studies on this genus. We were unable to locate the type material and used a collection of H. Rechinger from PDD. Müller and von Arx (1962) illustrated the genus with three species, but did not examine the generic type, while Swart (1986) described and illustrated several Microthyrium-like fungi and redescribed Arnaudiella bancroftii Hansf. Crous and Kendrick (1994) described A. eucalyptorum from Eucalyptus leaves in South Africa with a Xenogliocladiopsis eucalyptorum Crous & Kendr. hyphomycetous anamorph. Arnaudiella bancroftii Hansf. (Hansford 1956) is also known from Eucalyptus and has slightly larger ascospores and lacks a sheath (Crous and Kendrick 1994). Arnaudiella has its closest relative in Seynesiella (Swart 1986). These two genera share similar coloured ascospores and thyriothecia. Arnaudiella is presently placed in to Microthyriaceae (Lumbsch and Huhndorf 2010). Thyriothecia in Tothia are similar to those in Arnaudiella, although the arrangement of cells differs; asci and ascospores are also somewhat similar. Tothia did not cluster in Microthyriaceae in molecular analysis of Wu et al. (2011b) and therefore the status and placement of Arnaudiella also needs confirming based on molecular data. The genus should therefore be maintained in Microthyriaceae with a question mark and should be the subject of a future monograph as it is almost certainly polyphyletic.

Calothyriopsis Höhn., Sber. Akad. Wiss. Wien, Math.-naturw. Kl., Abt. 1 128: 552 (1919)

Ptychopeltis Syd., Annls mycol. 25(1/2): 78 (1927)

Biotrophic on the upper surface of leaves forming very small circular spots. Mycelium superficial, without lateral hyphopodia, but with irregular hyphopodia-like branches which penetrate the host epidermal cells. Thyriothecia circular, scattered, superficial, membranaceous or a slightly carbonaceous, black to black-brown, basal peridium poorly developed, ostiole not clear, dissolving; in section lenticular. Upper wall consisting of loose irregularly arranged parallel cells from the central ostiole to the outer rim. Peridium of two strata, outer layer composed of black-brown pseudoparenchy-matous cells of compact textura prismatica and inner layer composed of light-brown cells of textura angularis. Hamathecium of parallel arranged asci inclined towards the central ostiole and short branching pseudoparaphyses embedded in mucilage. Asci 8-spored, bitunicate, fissitunicate, obclavate, apedicellate and lacking a distinct ocular chamber, not bluing in IKI. Ascospores overlapping biseriate, oval, mostly rounded at the ends, hyaline, two-celled, the upper cell wider than lower cell, rough-walled.

Anamorphs reported for the genus: None.

Type species

Calothyriopsis conferta (Theiss.) Höhn., Sber. Akad. Wiss. Wien, Math.-naturw. Kl., Abt. 1 128: 552 (1919) Fig. 5a–l

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Fig. 5

Calothyriopsis conferta (holotype)

a Appearance of colony and ascomata on the host surface. b, c Squash mount of ascoma. Note superficial mycelium. d–f Section of ascoma. Note the peridium which comprises two layers of cells. g, h Hamathecium. Note pseudoparaphyses. i–j Asci. Note mounted in Melzer’s reagent. k–l Ascospores. Scale bars: A=500 μm, B–D, F–J=10 μm, E, K, L=5 μm

• ≡ Microthyrium confertum Theiss., Annls mycol. 7(4): 352 (1909)

Biotrophic on the upper surface of leaves forming very small circular spots. Mycelia superficial, without lateral hyphopodia, but with irregular hyphopodia-like branches which penetrate the host epidermal cells (Fig. 5c). Thyriothecia 550–830 μm diam×29–42 μm high, circular, scattered, superficial, membranaceous or a slightly carbonaceous, black to black-brown, basal peridium poorly developed, ostiole not clear, dissolving; in section lenticular. Upper wall consisting of loose irregularly arranged parallel cells from the central ostiole to the outer rim (Fig. 5a, b, c). Peridium 8–11 μm wide, two strata, outer layer composed of black-brown pseudoparenchymatous cells of compact textura prismatica and inner layer composed of light-brown cells of textura angularis (Fig. 5e). Hamathecium of parallel arranged asci inclined towards the central ostiole, and short branching pseudoparaphyses embedded in mucilage (Fig. 5g, h). Asci 45–59×16–18.5 μm (=52×17.6 μm, n=15), 8-spored, bitunicate, fissitunicate, obclavate, apedicellate and lacking a distinct ocular chamber, not bluing in IKI (Fig. 5h–j). Ascospores 10.5–13×5–9 μm (=11.5×6.8 μm, n=20), overlapping biseriate, oval, mostly rounded at the ends, hyaline, two-celled, constricted at central septum, the upper cell wider than lower cell, rough-walled (Fig. 5g).

Anamorph: None reported.

Material examined: BRAZIL, Rio Grande do Sul, Sao Leopoldo, on living leaf of Heteropteridis sp., 1 June 1936, F. Theissen no 36 (FH 258806, holotype).

Calothyriopsis was formally established by Höhnel (1919) as a monotypic genus represented by C. conferta and was placed in Microthyriaceae. Calothyriopsis roupalae (Syd.) Arx, C. pouteriae Bat. & Cavalc. and C. mali Subhedar & V.G. Rao have since been added to the genus (Batista et al. 1967; Subhedar 1980). Müller and von Arx (1962), von Arx and Müller (1975) and Lumbsch and Huhndorf (2010) all place Calothyriopsis in Microthyriaceae. Calothyriopsis, like many genera in the Microthyriaceae have circular thyriothecia with superficial hypha, a central ostiole, obclavate asci and two-celled ascospores. The arrangement of the cells of the thyriothecium is however, roughly parallel and unlike the neat arrangement in Microthyrium and there is no distinct ostiole as in Asterinaceae and therefore the genus should be questionably included in Microthyriaceae. Fresh collection, epitypification and molecular analysis are needed to confirm the relationships of this genus.

Caribaeomyces Cif., Atti Ist. bot. Univ. Lab. crittog. Pavia, Ser. 5 19: 98 (1962)

Calopeltis Toro, Annls mycol. 32(1/2): 110 (1934)

Biotrophic on upper surface of leaves, not forming leaf spots and hyphae not penetrating into the plant cells, superficial mycelium present, with hyphopodia. Thyriothecia circular, gregarious or solitary, superficial, crustose to subcarbonaceous, brown to black, basal peridium poorly developed, with a central dehiscing irregular rounded ostiole; in section lenticular. Upper wall consisting of radially arranged angular cells in parallel lines. Peridium comprising two strata, outer cells pseudoparenchymatous, pigmented thick wall, tightly arranged, inner cells of textura prismatica, pale brown. Hamathecium comprising asci inclined towards the central ostiole, pseudoparaphyses not observed. Asci 4-spored, bitunicate, fissitunicate, obclavate, apedicellate, apically rounded, ocular chamber not apparent, not bluing in IKI. Ascospores overlapping biseriate, clavate, upper cell wider and shorter than lower cell, hyaline, two-celled, septum central, with guttules in each cell, wall smooth.

Anamorphs reported for the genus: None.

Type species

Caribaeomyces tetrasporus (Toro) Cif. [as ‘tetraspora’], Atti Ist. bot. Univ. Lab. crittog. Pavia, Ser. 5 19: 98 (1962) Fig. 6a–i

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Fig. 6

Caribaeomyces tetrasporus (isotype, BPI 698559B)

a, b Appearance of colony and ascomata on the host surface. c Squash mount of ascomata. Note radiating arranged cells of the thyriothecium. C. Ascoma. Note radiating cells of the thyriothecium. d Hyphopodia. E. Section of ascoma. Note the peridium. f, h Asci. Note mature asci in Congo red. g, i Ascospores. Scale bars: A, B=200 μm, C=20 μm, D–I=10 μm

• ≡ Calopeltis tetraspora Toro, Annls mycol. 32(1/2): 110 (1934)

Biotrophic on upper surface of leaves, not forming leaf spots and hyphae not penetrating into the plant cells, superficial mycelium present, brown, 5.4–6.8 μm wide. Hyphopodia 9.5–13.7 μm broad, circular, lateral and alternative, sparse and brown (Fig. 6d). Thyriothecia 130–270 μm diam×22–36 μm high, circular, gregarious or solitary, superficial, crustose to subcarbonaceous, brown to black, basal peridium poorly developed, with a central dehiscing irregular rounded ostiole; in section lenticular (Fig. 6a–c). Upper wall consisting of radially arranged angular cells in parallel lines, which are less branched at the margin, cells 7.9–15.4 μm long, 4.2–6.5 μm wide (Fig. 6b, c). Peridium 7–13 μm thick, comprising two strata, outer cells pseudoparenchymatous, pigmented thick wall, tightly arranged, inner cells of textura prismatica, pale brown (Fig. 6e). Hamathecium comprising asci inclined towards the central ostiole, pseudoparaphyses not observed. Asci 35–55×9–13 μm (=42.9×11 μm, n=15), 4-spored, bitunicate, fissitunicate, obclavate, apedicellate, apically rounded, ocular chamber not apparent, not bluing in IKI (Fig. 6f, h, i). Ascospores 9–16×3–4 μm (=13×3.5 μm, n=20), overlapping biseriate, long ellipsoidal to clavate, upper cell wider and shorter than lower cell, hyaline, two-celled, septum central and slightly constricted, with guttules in each cell, wall smooth (Fig. 6g).

Anamorph: None reported.

Material examined: DOMINICAN REPUBLIC, Eastern Cordillera, near Paramo de Fontibon, on Symploci theiformis (Symplocaceae), 16 September 1932, Carlos E. Chardón (BPI 698559B, isotype).

Caribaeomyces was formally established by Ciferri (1962) as a monotypic genus represented by Caribaeomyces tetrasporus (Chardón and Toro 1934). Ciferri (1962) considered Caribaeomyces to be distinct because ascoma have a central dehiscing ostiole, the upper ascoma wall comprises radiating arranged of cells, hyphopodia are alternating and lateral, asci are bitunicate and ascospores are cylindrical to ellipsoid, and two-celled. Ciferri (1962) assigned the genus to Microthyriaceae and this is followed by subsequent authors including Lumbsch and Huhndorf (2010). Caribaeomyces is characteristic of the Microthyriaceae in having dimidiate thyriothecia with radiating cells, and bitunicate cylindrical asci and bicelled ascospores, however the central dehiscing rounded ostiole is more typical of Asterinaceae. There have been no molecular investigations of this genus which is questionably maintained in Microthyriaceae.

Palawania Syd. & P. Syd., Philipp. J. Sci., C, Bot. 9: 171 (1914).

Saprobic on the surface of stem appearing as black spots, superficial hyphae absent. Thyriothecia conical or hemispherical, gregarious, or some solitary, superficial, carbonaceous, brown to black, basal peridium poorly developed, with a dehiscing central stellate ostiole; in section lenticular. Upper wall comprising rows of angular radiating cells which form parallel lines from the central ostiole to the outer rim. Peridium thick, black-brown, comprised of two strata, outer layer of black cells of textura epidermoidea, inner layer composed of textura angularis comprising compact brown cells. Hamathecium comprising asci and pseudoparaphyses inclined toward the central ostiole. Asci 8-spored, bitunicate, fissitunicate, fusiform to clavate, with a short pedicel, lacking a distinct ocular chamber, not bluing in IKI. Ascospores overlapping 2-3–seriate, fusiform to ellipsoid-fusiform, ends slightly pointed, 2-celled, hyaline, becoming brown at maturity, smooth-walled, surrounded by a hyaline sheath.

Anamorphs reported for the genus: None.

Type species

Palawania grandis (Niessl) Syd. & P. Syd., Philipp. J. Sci., C, Bot. 9(2): 171 (1914). Fig. 7a–m

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Fig. 7

Palawania grandis (holotype)

a Appearance of fungi body against on the stem. b Appearance of colony and ascomata on the host surface. c, d Squash mount of ascoma. e, f, m Section of ascoma. Note the Peridium and Hamathecium. g, i, j Asci. k, l Ascospores. Note ascospores with sheath. Scale bars: B=500 μm, C–F=20 μm, G–M= 10 μm

• ≡ Microthyrium grande Niessl, in Rabenhorst, Fungi europ. exsicc.: no. 2467 (1876).

Saprobic on the surface of stem appearing as black spots, superficial hyphae absent (Fig. 7a). Thyriothecia 310–480 μm diam, 86–110 μm high, conical or hemispherical, gregarious, or some solitary, superficial, carbonaceous, brown to black, basal peridium poorly developed, with a dehiscing central stellate ostiole; in section lenticular (Fig. 7b, c, d) Upper wall comprising rows of angular radiating cells which form parallel lines from the central ostiole to the outer rim (Fig. 7c, d). Peridium 13–16 μm, thick, black-brown, comprised of two strata, outer layer of black cells of textura epidermoidea, inner layer composed of textura angularis comprising compact brown cells (Fig. 7e, f, m). Hamathecium comprising asci and 1.5–2 μm broad, branched and filamentous pseudoparaphyses embedded in mucilage inclined toward the central ostiole (Fig. 7h). Asci 80–86×24–30 μm (=84.5×28 μm, n=?), 8-spored, bitunicate, fissitunicate, fusiform to clavate, with a short pedicel, lacking a distinct ocular chamber, not bluing in IKI (Fig. 7g, i, j). Ascospores 26–31×9–15 μm (=28.5×12.2 μm, n=?), overlapping 2-3–seriate, fusiform to ellipsoid-fusiform, ends slightly pointed, 2-celled, slightly constricted at the septum, hyaline, becoming brown at maturity, smooth-walled, surrounded by a hyaline sheath (Fig. 7k, l).

Anamorph: None reported.

Material examined: INDIA, Calcutta, on Calamus sp., collection time not cited, S. Kurz 3802, Rabenhorst, Fungi Europaei 2467 (M-0155393, holotype); (S, F8214; F90149; F8873, isotypes).

Palawania was introduced by Sydow and Sydow (1914) with P. grandis and P. cocoës and placed into the family Microthyriaceae. There are eight species epithets in Index fungorum (http://www.indexfungorum.org/Names/Names.asp), while Kirk et al. (2008) estimate there is only one species. Palawania grandis is similar to Microthyrium in having a similar parallel arrangement of cells in the thyriothecium; however it differs in the stellate ostiole, copious pseudoparaphyses and brown ascospores, which are characteristic of Asterinaceae. We follow Müller and von Arx (1962) and Lumbsch and Huhndorf (2010) in placing Palawania in Microthyriaceae until fresh collections can be obtained and molecular analysis can confirm the relationship of this distinct genus.

Paramicrothyrium H.X. Wu & K.D. Hyde, gen. nov. MycoBank 563363

Similis generis Microthyrium sed ascomata ostiole irregulares et asci cylindrico-clavati.

Etymology: From the Greek para meaning near or compared with, in reference to the similarity to Microthyrium.

Saprobic on the upper surface of leaves, superficial mycelium absent. Thyriothecia circular, gregarious, membranaceous, dark brown, basal layer poorly developed, with an irregular central ostiole; in section lenticular. Upper wall comprising radiating parallel angular cells, cells at margin branching. Peridium comprising two strata, outer cells of textura epidermoidea, inner cells of textura angularis (Fig. 8e). Hamathecium comprising numerous asci inclined toward the central ostiole, pseudoparaphyses not observed or lacking. Asci 8-spored, bitunicate, fissitunicate, cylindrical to cylindro-clavate, pedicellate. Ascospores uniseriate, fusiform-clavate, apex hyaline, one-septate, possibly ciliate, smooth-walled.

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Fig. 8

Paramicrothyrium chinensis (holotype)

a Habitat. b Ascomata on the upper surface of leaves. c, d Squash mount of ascoma. e The section of ascomata. f–i Asci with 8-spored. j–o Ascospores. Scale bars: B=200 μm, C=20 μm, D–I=10 μm, J–O=5 μm

Type species

Paramicrothyrium chinensis H.X. Wu & K.D. Hyde, sp. nov. Fig. 8a–o

MycoBank 563364

Thyriothecia 420–590 μm diam×38–59 μm alta, circularia, gregaria, membranacea, atro brunnea, ostiolatia irregularia. Asci 77.2–106.5×7.8–11.7 μm (=95.3× 8.9 μm, n=15), 8-spori, bitunicati, fissitunicati, cylindrici vel cylindro-clavati, breve pedicellati. Ascosporae 14.8–16.5×4.7–5.9 μm (=15.6×5.1 μm, n=20), uniseriatae, fusiformis-clavatae hyalinae, one septatae.

Etymology: in reference to its association (Latin-ensis) with China=chinensis.

Saprobic on the upper surface of leaves, superficial mycelium absent (Fig. 8a, b). Thyriothecia 420–590 μm diam×38–59 μm high, circular, gregarious, membranaceous, dark brown, basal layer poorly developed, with an irregular central ostiole; in section lenticular (Fig. 8a–c). Upper wall comprising radiating parallel angular cells, cells at margin branching (Fig. 8c, d). Peridium 6–12 μm thick, comprising two strata, outer cells pseudoparenchymatous comprising small heavily pigmented cells of textura epidermoidea, inner cells comprising light pigmented brown-walled cells of textura angularis (Fig. 8e). Hamathecium comprising numerous asci inclined toward the central ostiole, pseudoparaphyses not observed or lacking. Asci 77.2–106.5×7.8–11.7 μm (=95.3×8.9 μm, n=15), 8-spored, bitunicate, fissitunicate, cylindrical to cylindro-clavate, with a short 5.3×4.1 μm pedicel, ocular chamber not observed (Fig. 8f–i). Ascospores 14.8–16.5× 4.7–5.9 μm (=15.6×5.1 μm, n=20), uniseriate, fusiform-clavate with region above central septum swollen and wider, apex slightly papillate, basal cells subconical, hyaline, one septate, not constricted at the septum, possibly with cilia at the ends, smooth-walled (Fig. 8j–o).

Material examined: CHINA, Guizhou Province, MaoLan, on dead leaves of unidentified plant, 5 January 2010, Wu haixia (IFRD 8987, holotype); extype culture IFRDCC2258.

Paramicrothyrium is introduced to accommodate a Microthyrium-like taxon from China. The genus differs from Microthyrium as asci are cylindro-clavate and the ostiole is irregular and lacks a prominent darkened ring as in Microthyrium. According to the phylogenetic analysis this taxon does not cluster with the clade of Microthyrium microscopicum.

Seynesiella G. Arnaud, Annals d’École National d’Agric. de Montpellier, Série 2 16(1–4): 202 (1918) [1917]

Foliar epiphyte on pinnae of conifers, superficial mycelium absent. Thyriothecia subglobose, broadly conical or circular, solitary or scattered, superficial, carbonaceous, shiny black to black, lower peridium poorly developed, with a dehiscent stellate central ostiole; in section conical. Upper wall comprising neatly arranged radiating cells. Peridium a single stratum, comprising dark-brown cells of textura angularis. Hamathecium comprising asci and pseudoparaphyses embedded in mucilage inclined toward the central ostiole. Asci 8-spored, bitunicate, fissitunicate, clavate to broad cylindrical, pedicellate, ocular chamber not apparent, not staining blue in IKI. Ascospores overlapping biseriate, ellipsoidal to ovate, ends rounded, hyaline when young, light brown when mature, two celled, the upper cell wider than the lower cell, wall smooth.

Anamorphs reported for the genus: None.

Type species

Micropeltis applanata Mont., Annls Sci. Nat., Bot., sér. 2 17: 325 (1842) Fig. 10a–n

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Fig. 10

Micropeltis applanata (lectotype)

a Habit of fungus. b, c. Appearance of ascomata on the host surface. d Squash mount of ascoma. e, f Section of ascoma. Note the peridium. g–i Asci. j Pseudoparaphyses in a gelatinous matrix. k–n Ascospores. Scale bars: C=200 μm, D=50 μm, E=20 μm, G–J=10 μm, K–N=5 μm

Foliar epiphyte on the lower surface of leaves, superficial mycelium absent or not observed. Thyriothecia 280–330 μm diam×35–50 high, circular, gregarious, superficial, membraneous, bluish or greenish to black, lower peridium poorly developed, easily removed from the host surface, with a central irregular ostiole; in section lenticular (Fig. 10a–f). Upper wall comprising an irregular meandering arrangement of compact hyphae (Fig. 10d). Peridium 5–10 μm wide, black to light brown, comprising two strata, outer cells black and compact, inner cells comprising loosed light brown cells of textura angularis. Hamathecium comprising asci embedded in mucilage and asci inclined toward the central ostiole, pseudoparaphyses sparse or evanescent, (Fig. 10f, j). Asci 65–95×15–25 μm (=78.4×20.3 μm, n=15), 6-8-spored, bitunicate, fissitunicate, obclavate to widely fusiform with a 5–6×7–8 μm pedicel, ocular chamber not obvious, not bluing in IKI (Fig. 10g–i). Ascospores 30.5–35×5–8 μm (=32.8× 5.7 μm, n=20), 2-3–overlapping seriate, hyaline, long clavate, (4-) 5 (−8) septate, constricted at the septum, smooth-walled (Fig. 10k–n).

Anamorph: None reported.

Material examined: CUBA, Ramon de la Sagra, near Cayennam, on leaves of Laurus (Lauraceae), unknown collection date, Leprieur No 1134 (PC 0097156, isotype); CUBA, no location or date (PC 0097156, lectotype designated here); CUBA, no location or date, ex herb Montage in herb. Berkeley (K, 164010, isotype).

Micropeltis was formally established by Montagne (1842) with a description the type species M. applanata and presently 260 names are listed in Index Fungorum (http://www.indexfungorum.org/Names/Names.asp). In a monograph of the taxon, Batista (1959) recognized 89 species and 2 varieties in Micropeltis. Micropeltis differs from Microthyrium in having blue-green to brown-black thyriothecia, with a peridium comprising an irregular meandering arrangement of compact hyphae with a central ostiole. and multiseptate long clavate ascospores. Batista (1959) used the color of ascomata as major character to separate species into five groups. Due to the variation of color and size of thyriothecia, ascospore length and width, and the number of septa were used to distinguish species by Reynolds and Gilbert (2005, 2006). Micropeltis is the type genus of Micropeltidaceae (Lumbsch and Huhndorf 2010).

The specimen from Montagne’s herbarium in P is confusing as it contains two samples, one with the location annotation with the same details as the protologue (from Ramon de la Sagra) and another just stating from Cuba. Neither gave the name of the host. The former is a single quarter of a leaf with very few larger ascomata while the second contains several smaller leaves with numerous but slightly smaller ascomata. In the isotype from K, there is a small section of the larger leaf with a single ascomata and one smaller leaf with many ascomata. This is part of the type from P and seems like Berkeley had the same dilemma. The contents of the larger ascomata are not in good condition, while those of the smaller ascomata are in good condition. Both are obviously Micropeltis but it is not clear if they are different species or represent different developmental stages of the same species. Montagne’s? drawing in the herbarium packet does also not help solve the dilemma. We therefore designate the collection with good material as lectotype and describe and illustrate this collection.

A second collection of Micropeltis was made from leaves of a zingiberaceous plant (probably Alpinia) in southern China and only differs from Micropeltis applanata in having smaller 4-septate as compared to larger 5-septate ascospores. The only species we can find recorded from Zingiberaceae is Micropeltis ekmanii Petr. & Cif. (Ferrer et al. 2011) and this species has much wider ascospores (24–33×7–9 μm) with 5-septa (Petrak and Ciferri 1932). We could not find any species in the monograph of Micropeltis by Batista (1959) that had ascospores with similar dimensions and the same number of septa. It is important that we give a name for the first sequences of Micropeltidaceae in GenBank and therefore introduce this as a new species. In the molecular analysis this species clusters with the order of Botryosphaeriales but without any meaningful statistical support so this relationship is likely spurious.

Micropeltis zingiberacicola H.X. Wu & K.D. Hyde, sp. nov Fig. 11a–l

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Fig. 11

Micropeltis zingiberacicola (holotype)

a Habitat of substrate. b Ascomata on the lower surface of leaves. c, d Squash mount of ascoma. e, f The section of ascomata. g–j Asci with 8-spored. k, l Ascospores. Scale bars: B=200 μm, C, E=50 μm, D, F=20 μm, G–L=10 μm

MycoBank 563365

Fungus similis Micropeltis applanata Petr. & Cif., sed ascosporis 17.5–24.4×3.2–5.1 et 5-septatis et hospes differ.

Etymology: in reference to loving (cola) it host Zingiberaceae.

Foliar epiphyte on the lower of surface leaves, superficial mycelium absent. Thyriothecia 50–96 high×380–480 μm diam, circular, gregarious, superficial, membraneous, bluish to black, basal peridium poorly developed, easily removed from the host surface, with an irregular centre ostiole; in section lenticular (Fig. 11a–d). Upper wall comprising an irregular meandering arrangement of compact hyphae (Fig. 11a–d). Hamathecium comprising asci embedded in mucilage and asci inclined toward the central ostiole, pseudoparaphyses not observed (Fig. 11e, f). Asci 47.7–59.5×10.7–13.2 μm (=51.9×12.7 μm, n=15), 8-spored, bitunicate, fissitunicate, fusiform, with a short pedicel, ocular chamber not observed, not bluing in IKI (Fig. 11g–j). Ascospores 17.5–24.4×3.2–5.1 μm (= 21.3×4.3 μm, n=20), overlapping 2-3-seriate, clavate, hyaline, 4-septate, constricted at the septum, smooth-walled (Fig. 11k, l).

Material examined: CHINA, Yunnan Province, on fresh Alpinia? leaves, 6 August 2010, H.X. Wu haixia (IFRD 8988, holotype) extype culture IFRDCC 2264.

Byssopeltis Bat., J.L. Bezerra & T.T. Barros, Publções Inst. Micol. Recife 636: 5 (1970) [1969]

Type species

Byssopeltis maranhensis Bat., J.L. Bezerra & T.T. Barros, Publicações. Instituto de Micologia da Universidade de Pernambuco 636: 6 (1970) Fig. 12a–i

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Fig. 12

Byssopeltis maranhensis (holotype)

a Appearance of fungi body on surface of leaf. b Appearance of colony and ascomata on the host surface. c, e Squash mount of ascoma. d Section of ascoma. Note the peridium which comprises one layer of cells. f, h, i Asci. Note mounted in Melzer’s reagent and pseudoparaphyses. g Ascospores Note G. Ascospores become yellow to light brown in Melzer’s reagent. Scale bars: B=500 μm, C=50 μm, D, E=20 μm, F–I=10 μm

Foliar epiphyte on the lower surface of leaves, forming small spots, superficial mycelium present. Thyriothecia 75–100 μm high×730–940 μm diam, circular, scattered, superficial, membranaceous, brown to black, basal peridium poorly developed, with an irregular central ostiole; in section lenticular (Fig. 12a–e). Upper wall comprising an irregular meandering arrangement of compact hyphae (Fig. 12c, e). Peridium 24–30 μm wide, a single stratum, comprising brown-black cells of compact textura angularis. Hamathecium of dense, parallel asci inclined from the base and rim towards the central ostiole, with pseudoparaphyses shorter than asci, embedded in mucilage (Fig. 12d, h). Asci 70–109×18–30 μm (=93.2×25.8 μm, n=15), 4-spored, bitunicate, fissitunicate, broadly clavate, with a 20–15×10–15 μm pedicel and 20–26×13–15 μm ocular chamber, not bluing in IKI (Fig. 12f, i). Ascospores 50–57×8.5–9 μm (=54×8.9 μm, n=20), biseriate or overlapping triseriate, long clavate, rounded and wide at the apex and tapering towards the base, hyaline, two-celled, constricted at septum, with the upper cell wider and shorter than lower cell, with rough ornamentation (Fig. 12g).

Material examined: BRAZIL, Maranhenses, on undetermined leaves, 14 December 1966, José de Audieta (URM 40121, holotype).

Byssopeltis was established by Batista et al. (1970) as a monotypic genus represented by B. maranhensis and was placed in Microthyriaceae and this is followed by Lumbsch and Huhndorf (2010). The ostiolate brown to black ascomata, comprising an irregular meandering arrangement of compact hyphae and irregular central ostiole are typical of Micropeltidaceae. Byssopeltis is similar to Stomiotheca in Micropeltidaceae The ascomata, asci, and ascospores in Stomiotheca amazonensis Bat. are similar to those of Byssopeltis maranhensis, albeit larger, and therefore we consider Byssopeltis to be a synonym of Stomiotheca and we transfer Byssopeltis maranhensis to the genus.

Stomiotheca maranhensis (Bat., J.L. Bezerra & T.T. Barros) H.X. Wu & K.D. Hyde, comb. nov.

• ≡ Byssopeltis maranhensis Bat., J.L. Bezerra & T.T. Barros, Publicações. Instituto de Micologia da Universidade de Pernambuco 636: 6 (1970)

MycoBank 563367.

Caudella Syd. & P. Syd., Annls mycol. 14(1/2): 90 (1916).

Biotrophic on the lower surface of leaves forming small black spots. Mycelium superficial, with alternative sparse hyphopodia with haustoria penetrating the host. Thyriothecia circular, gregarious, superficial, subcarbonaceous, brown to black, lower peridium poorly developed, with a central irregular pore; in section lenticular. Upper wall comprising irregular lobed cells, tightly fitting together like a jigsaw puzzle, arranged and branching from the central pore to the outside. Peridium a single stratum, composed of black-brown cells of compact textura angularis. Hamathecium of dense, long pseudoparaphyses, anastomosing and asci inclined towards the center (Fig. 13h, j). Asci 8-spored, bitunicate, fissitunicate, cylindric-clavate, pedicellate ocular chamber indistinct, not staining blue in IKI. Ascospores overlapping 2-3-seriate, clavate, hyaline, 1-septate, cell at apex wider and shorter, lower cell long, narrow and tapering, smooth-walled.

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Fig. 13

Caudella oligotricha (holotype)

a Appearance of fungi body against on surface of leaf. b Appearance of colony and ascomata on the host surface. c, e Squash mount of ascoma. d Hyphopodia. f, g Section of ascoma. Note the peridium which comprises one layer of cells. H, J. Hamathecium. Note paraphyses. i, l Asci. k, m–p Ascospores. Note with caudate. Scale bars: B=500 μm, C, F= 20 μm, D, E, G–J=10 μm. K, M–P=5 μm

Anamorphs reported for the genus: None.

Type species

Caudella oligotricha Syd. & P. Syd., Annls mycol. 14(1/2): 90 (1916). Fig. 13a–p

Biotrophic on the lower surface of leaves forming small black spots (Fig. 13a, b). Mycelium superficial, with alternative sparse hyphopodia about 10×5 μm (Fig. 13d), with haustoria penetrating the host. Thyriothecia 38–55 μm high×310–410 μm diam, circular, gregarious, superficial, subcarbonaceous, brown to black, lower peridium poorly developed, with a central irregular pore; in section lenticular (Fig. 13c, e, f). Upper wall comprising irregular lobed cells, tightly fitting together like a jigsaw puzzle, arranged and branching from the central pore to the outside (Fig. 13e). Peridium 7–12 μm thick, a single stratum, composed of black-brown cells of compact textura angularis (Fig. 13g). Hamathecium of dense, long pseudoparaphyses, 1–1.5 μm wide, anastomosing and asci inclined towards the center (Fig. 13h, j). Asci 80–110×15–21 μm (=95×19 μm, n=15), 8-spored, bitunicate, fissitunicate, cylindric-clavate, with a 8–9.5×5.5–8 μm pedicel, ocular chamber indistinct, not staining blue in IKI (Fig. 13i, l). Ascospores 30–35×5–9 μm (=32.5×6.8 μm, n=20), overlapping 2-3-seriate, clavate, hyaline, 1-septate, cell at apex wider and shorter, lower cell long, narrow and tapering, smooth-walled (Fig. 13k, m–p).

Anamorph: None reported.

Material examined: BRAZIL, Rio Acre, Seringal S. Francisco, on Flacourtiaceae, October 1911, E. Ule Herbarium Brasiliense No 3412 (S, F11043, holotype).

Caudella was introduced by Sydow and Sydow (1916) as a monotypic genus represented by C. oligotricha and was placed in Microthyriaceae by Müller and von Arx (1962) and this is followed by Lumbsch and Huhndorf (2010). Three other species have since been added to the genus (http://www.indexfungorum.org/Names/Names.asp).

Caudella has superficial thyriothecia comprising irregular lobed cells, tightly fitting together, arranged and branching from the central pore to the outside, with a central dehiscence irregular ostiole and superficial mycelium are present with hyphopodia. The genus is better accommodated into Micropeltidaceae. Caudella is similar to Stomiotheca based on the cell arrangement of ascomata and clavate ascospores with caudae. However, superficial mycelium of Stomiotheca lacking hyphopodia distinguish it from those of Caudella. It is not clear whether this separation of genera based on this single character will hold up to future molecular study.

Scolecopeltidium F. Stevens & Manter, Bot. Gaz. 79(3): 282 (1925)

Foliar epiphytes on leaves, lacking superficial mycelium. Thyriothecia relatively large, circular, scattered, membranaceous or submembraneous, superficial, blue-green, basal peridium poorly developed, with a central rounded irregular ostiole; in section lenticular. Upper wall comprising an irregular meandering arrangement of compact hyphae. Peridium a single stratum, composed one to several layers of brown-black and compact pseudoparenchymatous cells. Hamathecium of dense, filamentous, pseudoparaphyses, embedded in mucilage, surrounding the asci inclined towards the center. Asci 8-spored, bitunicate, fissitunicate, obclavate, pedicellate, ocular chamber not observed. Ascospores fasciculate, long cylindrical to filiform, tapering towards the base, curled in the ascus.

Anamorphs reported for the genus: None.

Type species

Asterinema caseariae Bat. & Gayão, Anais. IV Congr. Nac. Soc. Bot. Brasil: 160 (1953). Fig. 16a–m

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Fig. 16

Asterinema caseariae (holotype)

a Habit, appearance of ascomata on the host surface. b, k, m Squash mount of Thyriothecia. Note comprised of radially irregularly arranged cells. c, d Section of Thyriothecia Note the peridium. e Hyphopodia and mycelium. f, l Hamathecium. Note the pseudoparaphyses g, j Ascus. Note short pedicel in Melzer’s reagent. h, i Ascospores. Note the slightly constricted septum. Scale bars: A=200 μm, B, E, F=20 μm, C, D, G, J, K, L, M=10 μm, H, L=5 μm

Parasitic on the upper surface of leaves, forming roundish to irregular blackened blotches, sometimes in aggregations, 1–8(10) mm in diam. Mycelium dark brown, reticulate, with radiating hyphae, winding, anastomosing, and branching at the margin and 7–9×10–12.5 μm, alternate or unilateral, capitate and one-celled hyphopodia (Fig. 16e, m). Thyriothecia 230–370 μm diam×20–45 μm high, circular, solitary or gregarious, superficial, more or less carbonaceous, black, lower peridium poorly developed, with a central irregular ostiole up to 20 μm diam; in section lenticular (Fig. 16a–d). Upper wall comprising irregular radially arranged lobed, crooked, brown, hyphae (Fig. 16b, k). Peridium 6–20 μm thick, comprising several layers of compressed cell, brown-black, 3–4 μm broad cells (Fig. 16d). Hamathecium of sparse, 1.5 μm broad, long pseudoparaphyses inclined towards the center (Fig. 16f, l). Asci 55–87×15–20 μm (=80.4×19.8 μm, n=15), 4-spored, bitunicate, fissitunicate, obclavate, with a 7×6.1 μm short pedicel, not staining blue in IKI (Fig. 16g, j). Ascospores 18–23.5×7–10 μm (=20.4× 9.2 μm, n=20), oblong to broadly ellipsoid or subclavulate, guttulate, slightly constricted at the septum, wall minutely roughened (Fig. 16h, i).

Anamorph: None reported.

Material examined: BRAZIL, on leaves of Casearia sp. (Flacourtiaceae), 30 September 1955, I. Thuma & H.J. Maia (URM Exs. 1793, Fungos do Brasil no. 2972, holotype).

Asterinema was established as a monotypic genus and placed in the family Asterinaceae (Batista and Gayão 1953). Later, three further species and one variety were added by Batista et al. (1958) making the genus heterogeneous (Müller and von Arx 1962). Asterinema was transferred to the family Microthyriaceae by Müller and von Arx (1962) based on thyriothecia with a central ostiole. Müller and von Arx (1962) recognized this genus as comprising A. caseariae and A. glabratae Bat. & Maia. Farr (1983) revised the genus accepting only the type species A. caseariae, and a newly described variety A. caseariae var. amazonense, which differed from the type species in having eight ascospores in the ascus and the opposite arrangement of the hyphopodia. Farr (1983) also placed this genus in Microthyriaceae. Asterinema appears to represent a distinct, taxonomically valid genus with its closest relatives in Calothyriopsis, Xenostomella, and Maublancia.

The placement of Asterinema in Microthyriaceae is unlikely because of the arrangement of cells in the thyriothecium is unlike that in Microthyrium and more like that in Asterina and the central pore is not regular but appears to form by dehiscence.

Asteritea Bat. & R. Garnier, in Batista, Garnier, Maia & Silva, Brotéria, sér. bot. 30(1–2): 41 (1961).

Wu et al. (2011a) suggest that Asteritea is placed into Asterinaceae because the ascomata open by star-like or longitudinal splits and lack of pseudoparaphyses.

Govindua Bat. & H. Maia, Revta Biol., Lisb. 2: 95 (1960).

Biotrophic on the upper surface of leaves, many small ascomata gregarious and forming black spots. Mycelium superficial, without lateral hyphopodia. Thyriothecia circular, solitary or clustered in small groups, superficial, carbonaceous, black, basal peridium poorly developed, without a central ostiolar opening, rupturing at maturity to release ascospores; in section lenticular. Upper wall comprising cuboid cells, radiating from the centre and becoming larger towards the outer rim. Peridium a single substratum, composed of brown cells of compact textura angularis. Hamathecium of parallel asci in mucilage inclined towards the center, pseudoparaphyses not observed. Asci 8-spored, bitunicate, fissitunicate, globose to sub-globose or sphaerical, apedicellate, with a flat ocular chamber, ascus gel staining blue in IKI. Ascospores 1-2-seriate, broadly ellipsoidal, hyaline, two-celled, with the upper cell smaller than lower cell, with rough ornamentation, brownish with age.

Anamorphs reported for the genus: None.

Type species

Govindua shoreae Bat. & H. Maia, Revta Biol., Lisb. 2: 95 (1960) Fig. 17a–i

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Fig. 17

Govindua shoreae (holotype)

a Appearance of fungi body against on surface of leaf. b Appearance of colony and ascomata on the host surface. c, d Squash mount of ascoma. e, f Section of ascoma. Note the peridium which comprises one layer of cells. g, j, k Asci. Note mounted in Melzer’s reagent and ocular chamber. h, i Ascospores Note G. Ascospores become yellow to light brown in Melzer’s regant. Scale bars: A=1200 μm, B=500 μm, C=200 μm, D, F=50 μm, E, G–I=10 μm

Biotrophic on the upper surface of leaves, many small ascomata gregarious and forming 3–4 mm diam black spots. Mycelium superficial, without lateral hyphopodia. Thyriothecia 120–220 μm diam×25–40 μm high, circular, solitary or clustered in small groups, superficial, carbonaceous, black, basal peridium poorly developed, without a central ostiolar opening, rupturing at maturity to release ascospores; in section lenticular (Fig. 17a–f). Upper wall comprising cuboid cells, radiating from the centre and becoming larger towards the outer rim (Fig. 17c, d). Peridium 5–9 μm wide, a single substratum, composed of brown cells of compact textura angularis. Hamathecium of parallel asci in mucilage inclined towards the center, pseudoparaphyses not observed (Fig. 17e, f). Asci 55–70×40–55 μm (=60.5×46 μm, n=15), 8-spored, bitunicate, fissitunicate, globose to subglobose or sphaerical, apedicellate, with a 40–47×14.5–16 μm, flat ocular chamber, ascus gel staining blue in IKI (Fig. 17g, j, k). Ascospores 30–37×18–20 μm (=33×19 μm, n=20), overlapping, broadly ellipsoidal, ends rounded, hyaline, two-celled, constricted at the septum, with the upper cell smaller than lower cell, with rough ornamentation, brownish with age (Fig. 17h, i).

Anamorph: None reported.

Material examined: INDIA, Mysore, Bannerghatta, on Shoreae talura, 29 July 1951, H.C. Govindu no 1471 (URM 15866, holotype).

Govindua was formally established by Batista and Maia (1960) as a monotypic genus represented by Govindua shoreae and was placed in Asterinaceae. In Lumbsch and Huhndorf (2010) the genus is placed in Microthyriaceae which follows Hawksworth et al. (1995). The superficial hyphae, lack of pseudoparaphyses, saccate asci with remnants of gel staining blue in IKI and two-celled ascospores indicate that placement in the Asterinaceae may be appropriate. Although this specimen has three numbers (URM 15866–15868), the holotype was designated as URM 15866 (Batista and Maia 1960).

Maublancia G. Arnaud, Annals d’École National d’Agric. de Montpellier, Série 2 16(1–4): 158 (1918) [1917]

Biotrophic on the upper surface of leaves appearing as indistinct black spots. Mycelium superficial, covering the leaf and ascomata, with lateral irregular hyphopodia. Thyriothecia circular, gregarious, superficial, membranaceous, brown to black, basal peridium poorly developed, opening by splitting to form a central irregular ostiole; in section lenticular. Peridium a single stratum, comprising a few layers of black-brown cells of textura prismatica. Hamathecium comprising asci embedded in mucilage inclined towards the center, pseudoparaphyses not observed. Asci 8-spored, bitunicate, fissitunicate, saccate to broadly cylindrical, apedicellate, with a distinct ocular chamber, not bluing in IKI. Ascospores overlapping uniseriate, hyaline, ovoid, 2-celled, the upper cells larger than the lower cells, smooth-walled.

Anamorphs reported for the genus: none

Type species

Maublancia myrtacearum G. Arnaud, Annals d’École National d’Agric. de Montpellier, Série 2 16(1–4): 158 (1918) [1917] Fig. 18a–o

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Fig. 18

Maublancia myrtacearum (holotype)

a, b Appearance of fungi body on lower surface of leaf. c, d Squash mount of ascoma. Note D the crack pore. e Superficial hyphae with hyphopodia. f Section of ascoma. Note the peridium which comprises one layer of cells; g, h, k Asci. Note G, K mounted in Melzer’s reagent. i, j, l–o Ascospores. Note round at the ends, with smooth-walled. Scale bars: B=200 C=50 μm, D=20 μm, E–H, K=10 μm, I, J, L–O=5 μm

Biotrophic on the upper surface of leaves appearing as indistinct black spots (Fig. 18a, b). Mycelium superficial, covering the leaf and ascomata, with lateral 12–17×13–16 μm, irregular hyphopodia (Fig. 18d, e). Thyriothecia 320–390 μm diam×36–65 μm high, circular, gregarious, superficial, membranaceous, brown to black, basal peridium poorly developed, opening by splitting to form a central irregular ostiole; in section lenticular (Fig. 18b–f). Peridium 6–10 μm wide, a single stratum, comprising a few layers of black-brown cells of textura prismatica (Fig. 18f). Hamathecium comprising asci embedded in mucilage inclined towards the center, pseudoparaphyses not observed. Asci 70–110×30–34 μm (=91.7–31.8 μm, n=15), 8-spored, bitunicate, fissitunicate, saccate to broadly cylindrical, apedicellate, with a distinct ocular chamber, not bluing in IKI (Fig. 18g, h, k). Ascospores 27–31×12–16 μm (=29.5–13.6 μm, n=20), overlapping uniseriate, hyaline, ovoid, 2-celled, constricted at the septum, the upper cells larger than the lower cells, smooth-walled (Fig. 18i, j, l–o).

Anamorph: None reported.

Material examined: BRAZIL, Rio de Janeiro: Ipanema, on Myrtacea cujusdam, 2 February 1913 (PC0084491, holotype).

Maublancia was established by Arnaud (1918), based on M. myrtacearum and M. juruana (Henn.) G. Arnaud and placed into Microthyriaceae (Arnaud 1918). Stevens and Ryan (1939) renamed Maublancia myrtacearum as Parasterina myrtacearum (G. Arnaud) F. Stevens and placed this genus in Asterinaceae. Müller and von Arx (1962) re-described Maublancia and placed it in Microthyriaceae and this is followed in Lumbsch and Huhndorf (2010). Maublancia myrtacearum has superficial hyphae with hyphopodia and thyriothecia opening by splitting to form a central irregular ostiole and is therefore typical of Asterinaceae. Maublancia is very similar to Asterinella (Müller and von Arx 1962) and may be a synonym, but as we have not seen the generic type material of Asterinella we leave this to a later study.

Polycyclinopsis Bat., A.F. Vital & I.H. Lima, in Batista & Vital, Revta Biol., Lisb. 1(3–4): 284 (1958).

Foliar epiphyte on upper surface of leaves forming black rounded spots. Mycelium superficial, not apparently penetrating host cells. Thyriothecia circular, gregarious, superficial, carbonaceous, brown-black, basal peridium poorly developed, rupturing and forming a star-shaped central pore at maturity; in section lenticular. Upper wall comprises irregularly arranged radiating cells which are branched at the outer rim, from which mycelium strands develop. Peridium comprising a single stratum, cell layers of textura prismatica, outer cells black-brown, inner cells light-brown. Hamathecium comprising asci embedded in mucilage inclined towards the center, pseudoparaphyses not observed. Asci 8-spored, bitunicate, fissitunicate, subglobose, globose or saccate, apedicellate, without a distinct ocular chamber, bluing in IKI. Ascospores multi-seriate, ellipsoidal, hyaline when young, pale brown when mature, two-celled, verruculose.

Anamorphs reported for the genus: None.

Type species

Polycyclinopsis solani Bat., A.F. Vital & I.H. Lima, in Batista & Vital, Revta Biol., Lisb. 1(3–4): 284 (1958). Fig. 19a–l

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Fig. 19

Polycyclinopsis solani (holotype)

a Appearance of fungi body against on surface of leaf. b Appearance of colony and ascomata on the host surface. c, d Squash mount of ascoma. e, f Section of ascoma. Note the peridium which comprises one layer of cells. g, j Asci. h, i, k Ascospores. Scale bars: B=500 μm, C, E=50 μm, D, F–K=10 μm

Foliar epiphyte on upper surface of leaves, forming black rounded spots. Mycelium superficial, not apparently penetrating host cells (Fig. 19a). Thyriothecia 32–25 μm high×290–430 μm diam, circular, gregarious, superficial, carbonaceous, brown-black, basal peridium poorly developed, rupturing and forming a star-shaped central pore at maturity; In section lenticular. Upper wall comprises irregularly arranged radiating cells which are branched at the outer rim, from which mycelium strands develop (Fig. 19b–f). Peridium 9–17 μm thick, comprising a single stratum, cell layers of textura prismatica, outer cells black-brown, inner cells light-brown (Fig. 19f). Hamathecium comprising asci embedded in mucilage inclined towards the center, pseudoparaphyses not observed (Fig. 19e, f). Asci 33–45×30–43 μm (=38.6×35.5 μm, n=15), 8-spored, bitunicate, fissitunicate, subglobose, globose or saccate, apedicellate, without a distinct ocular chamber, bluing in IKI (Fig. 19g, j). Ascospores 23–29×10–14 μm (=24.9× 12.4 μm, n=20), multi-seriate, ellipsoidal, hyaline when young, pale brown when mature, two-celled, slightly constricted at the septum, verruculose (Fig. 19h, i, k).

Anamorph: None reported.

Material examined: BRAZIL, Pernambuco, on leaf of Solanum paniculatum, 21 June 1955, A.C. Batista and A.F. Vital (URM 2471–2472 EXS: 1238, holotype).

Polycyclinopsis is a monotypic genus placed in Microthyriaceae (Batista and Vital 1958; Müller and von Arx 1962; Lumbsch and Huhndorf 2010). The genus is typical of Asterinaceae as there is no distinct ostiolar pore as in Microthyrium, but the ascomata opens by rupturing of the central upper ascomatal wall as in other genera of Asterinaceae. The bluing of asci in IKI is not distinct.

Polystomellina Bat. & A.F. Vital, Revta Biol., Lisb. 1(3–4): 280 (1958).

Wu et al. (2011a) suggest that Polystomellina is placed in Asterinaceae which includes taxa with ascomata that are flattened and elongate, comprising radiating cells and opening with longitudinal splitting. Perhaps Aulographaceae might be suitable if it holds out to be a good family.

Resendea Bat., Brotéria, sér. Ci. Nat. 30(3–4): 87 (1961).

Foliar epiphyte on upper surface of leaves, forming crust-like, patches. Mycelium superficial, dark brown, crust-like. Thyriothecia circular, gregarious in blackened masses, superficial, carbonaceous, brown-black, basal peridium poorly developed, rupturing to form a star-like ostioles maturity. Upper wall comprising irregularly radiating, brown, hypha-like cells, which branch outwardly; in section lenticular. Peridium comprising a single stratum, comprising cells of textura prismatica. Hamathecium comprising asci embedded in mucilage inclined towards the center, pseudoparaphyses not observed. Asci 8-spored, globose or saccate, bitunicate, fissitunicate, apedicellate, without a distinct ocular chamber, not staining blue in IKI. Ascospores 2-3–seriate, ellipsoidal, hyaline when young, light brown when mature, two-celled, upper cell broader and longer than lower cell, smooth-walled.

Anamorphs reported for the genus: None.

Type species

Resendea paraguayensis Bat., Brotéria, sér. Ci. Nat. 30(3–4): 89 (1961) Fig. 20a–l

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Fig. 20

Resendea paraguayensis(holotype)

a Appearance of colony and ascomata on the host surface. b Squash mount of ascomata. Note stellate cracking when squashed. c Ascoma. Note radiating cells of the thyriothecium. d–g Section of ascoma. Note the peridium and f, g mount in cotton blue reagent. i Asci. Note mature asci in Melzer’s reagent. h, j Ascosores. k, l Draw a part of thyriothecium and asci. Scale bars: A=200 μm, B=20 μm, C–I=10 μm, J=5 μm

Foliar epiphyte on upper surface of leaves, forming crust-like, brown-black rounded spots (Fig. 20a). Mycelium superficial, dark brown, compact, crust-like. Thyriothecia 50–70 μm diam×15–25 μm high, circular, gregarious in blackened masses, superficial, carbonaceous, brown-black, basal peridium poorly developed, rupturing to form a star-like ostiole at maturity. Upper wall comprising irregularly radiating, brown, relatively thick 1.2 μm walled, ellipsoidal to hypha-like cells, which branch outwardly, cells 8.3–10.8 μm long, 3.6–5.1 μm wide; in section lenticular (Fig. 20b–g, k). Peridium 4–9 μm wide, comprising a single stratum, comprising cells of textura prismatica (Fig. 20e). Hamathecium comprising asci embedded in mucilage inclined towards the center, pseudoparaphyses not observed (Fig. 20i). Asci 17–25.5×13–19 μm (=22×15.2 μm, n=15), 8-spored, globose or saccate, bitunicate, fissitunicate, apedicellate, without a distinct ocular chamber, not staining blue in IKI (Fig. 20i, l). Ascospores 11–12×5–6 μm (=11.3× 5.5 μm, n=20), 2-3–seriate, ellipsoidal, hyaline when young, light brown when mature, two-celled, slightly constricted at the septum, upper cell broader and longer than lower cell, smooth-walled (Fig. 20h, j).

Anamorph: None reported.

Material examined: PARAGUAY, on leaves of Eugenia sp. (Myrtaceae), 18 January 1884, B. Balansa (URM 15859, holotype).

Resendea was formally introduced by Batista (1961) and included R. paraguayensis, the type species and a second species R. crataevae Bat. Resendea was placed by Batista (1961) in the family Polystomellaceae and in Microthyriaceae by Lumbsch and Huhndorf (2010). The genus is typical of Asterinaceae as there is no distinct ostiolar pore as in Microthyrium, but the ascomata opens by rupturing of the central upper ascomatal wall as in other genera of Asterinaceae. The fungus lacks free mycelium and penetrates the host with multiple hyaline hypostroma according to Batista (1961). The taxa also needs comparing with genera of Palmulariaceae which are similar in some cases (Ignácio and Cannon 2008).

Trichopeltospora Bat. & Cif., in Batista, Costa & Ciferri, Publções Inst. Micol. Recife 90: 17 (1958) [1957]

Biotrophic on upper surface of leaves. Mycelium superficial, light brown, with lateral, alternate hyphopodia. Thyriothecia circular, gregarious, superficial, carbonaceous, brown to black, basal layer poorly developed, rupturing into an irregular central pore at maturity; in section lenticular. Upper wall composed of radially arranged irregular cells. Peridium comprising a single stratum of black-brown cells of closely arranged textura angularis. Hamathecium comprising asci embedded in mucilage inclined towards the center, pseudoparaphyses not observed. Asci 8-spored, bitunicate, fissitunicate, saccate or globose, apedicellate, without a distinct ocular chamber, slightly bluing in IKI. Ascospores irregularly 3-4–seriate, ellipsoidal, hyaline, becoming brown at maturity, 2-celled, slightly constricted at the septum, appearing rough-walled.

Anamorphs reported for the genus: None.

Type species

Trichopeltospora pipericola Bat., Cif. & C.A.A. Costa, in Batista, Costa & Ciferri, Publções Inst. Micol. Recife 90: 17 (1958) [1957] Fig. 21a–k

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Fig. 21

Trichopeltospora pipericola (holotype)

a Appearance of fungi body against on surface of leaf. b Appearance of colony and ascomata on the host surface. c, d Squash mount of ascoma. e, f Section of ascoma. Note the peridium which comprises one layer of cells. g Hyphopodia. h, i Asci. j, k Ascospores. Scale bars: B= 200 μm, C, E=20 μm, D, F–K=10 μm

Biotrophic on upper surface of leaves appearing as small black spots (Fig. 21a, b). Mycelium superficial, light brown, with lateral alternate, ellipsoidal, ovate or globose, 10–9×6–6.5 μm (=9.2×6.3 μm, n=?) hyphopodia (Fig. 21c, g). Thyriothecia 180–390 μm diam, 60–100 μm high, circular, gregarious, superficial, carbonaceous, brown to black, basal layer poorly developed, rupturing into an irregular central pore at maturity; in section lenticular (Fig. 21b–f). Upper wall composed of radially arranged irregular cells. Peridium 13–26 μm thick, comprising a single stratum of black-brown cells of closely arranged textura angularis (Fig. 21f). Hamathecium comprising asci embedded in mucilage inclined towards the center, pseudoparaphyses not observed. Asci 43–60 μm×30–45 μm (=51.6–40.1 μm), 8-spored, bitunicate, fissitunicate, saccate or globose, apedicellate, without a distinct ocular chamber, slightly bluing in IKI (Fig. 21h, i). Ascospores 26–32 μm×12–16 μm (=29.3–13.7 μm), irregularly 3-4–seriate, ellipsoidal, hyaline, becoming brown at maturity, 2-celled, slightly constricted at the septum, appearing rough-walled (Fig. 21j, k).

Anamorph: None reported.

Material examined: BRAZIL, on Piper sp. (Piperaceae), collection time unknown, A.C. Batista (URM 2492, holotype).

Trichopeltospora was established by Batista et al. (1957) as a monotypic genus. T. pipericola var. elongata and T. pipericola var. minospora Bat. & Peres and T. reticulata have since been added to the genus (Batista et al. 1957; Bezerra and Cavalcante 1967). The genus is typical of Asterinaceae as there is no distinct ostiolar pore as in Microthyrium, but the ascomata opens by rupturing of the central upper ascomatal wall as in other genera of Asterinaceae. The bluing of the mucilage remnants on the asci in IKI is not distinct and it is not clear if this is an important character of Asterinaceae. This is very similar to Polycyclinopsis (see above), however the arrangement of cells in the upper wall differ.

Xenostomella Syd., Annls mycol. 28(1/2): 130 (1930).

Plochmothea Syd., Annls mycol. 37(4/5): 395 (1939)

Biotrophic on upper surface of leaves. Mycelium superficial, light brown, anastomosing, and sparsely septate, with hyphopodia from which hyaline, multicellular haustoria penetrate the epidermis of the leaf. Thyriothecia circular, gregarious, superficial, carbonaceous, brown to black, basal peridium poorly developed, with a central irregular dissolving ostiole; In section lenticular. Upper wall composed of irregularly interwoven cells. Peridium comprising a single stratum of 4–5 layers of brown cells of textura angularis. Hamathecium comprising asci embedded in mucilage inclined towards the center, pseudoparaphyses sparse and only apparent in section (Fig. 22g). Asci 8-spored, bitunicate, fissitunicate, obclavate or broadly fusiform, with short pedicel, ocular chamber not apparent, not bluing in IKI. Ascospores overlapping 3–4–seriate, hyaline, becoming brown at maturity, 2-celled, clavate to fusiform, upper cells wider than lower cell, lower cells tapering to rounded base, wall smooth.

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Fig. 22

Xenostomella tovarensis (holotype)

a, b Appearance of ascomata on the host surface. c Squash mount of superficial hyphae and ascoma. d Hyphopodia. e–h Section of ascoma. Note F haustoria and H peridium. i, l, m Ascus Note the pedicel and large apical part which is thickened. j, k Ascospores. Note the larger apical cell and basal cell which tapers in some spores. Scale bars: B=200 μm, C, E, F=20 μm, D, G–M=10 μm

Anamorphs reported for the genus: None.

Type species

Aulographum hederae Lib., Pl. crypt. Arduenna, fasc. (Liège) 3: no. 272 (1834) Fig. 23a–j

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Fig. 23

Aulographum hederae (BR)

a, b Host and habit of ascomata on substrate. c, d Squash of ascoma. e, f Squash of asci. g, h Asci, G in Melzer’s reagent. i; j. Ascospores with remnants of mucilage. Scale bars=A–E=50 μm, F–J=10 μm

• ≡ Aulographum vagum Desm., Annls Sci. Nat., Bot., sér. 2 19: 362 (1843)

Saprobic on leaves. Mycelium superficial, sparse. Thyriothecia 85.5–135.8 μm diam, (200-) 221–300 long, globose to ellipsoidal, simple or branched, scattered to loosely clustered, superficial, membraneous, black, basal peridium poorly developed, opening by an irregular slit, in section lenticular (Fig. 23a–c). Upper wall comprising parallel radiating lines of ellipsoid cells from the central ostiole to the outer rim. Peridium a single stratum composed of black-brown pseudoparenchymatous cells of compact textura angularis. Hamathecium of sparse asci embedded in mucilage inclined towards the center, pseudo-paraphyses not observed. Asci (20-) 25–35×(10-) 15–17.5 μm (=29×20 μm, n=15, 8-spored, bitunicate, fissitunicate, globose to subglobose, without pedicel (Fig. 23e–h). Ascospores (10-) 15–17×2.5 μm (=15× 2.5 μm, n=20), overlapping 2-4-seriate, narrowly obovoid to narrowly clavate, hyaline, 1-septate, slightly constricted at the septum, the upper cell often broader than the lower cell, smooth-walled, with remnants of mucilage (Fig. 23i–j).

Anamorph: None reported.

Material examined: BELGIUM, on dry leaves of Crataegus glaber and Ilex aquifolium, sample no. 5020103861716 (BR, specimen of A. vagum).

Aulographum has received various treatments and was previously treated as Hysteriaceae, Microthyriaceae, Leptopeltidaceae, Asterinaceae and Aulographaceae (Eriksson 1981; Lumbsch and Huhndorf 2010). One of the latter two families seems most appropriate and here we refer the genus to Aulographaceae because the asci lack IKI+remnants and thyriothecia open by a longitudinal slit. The genus has 75 names (http://www.indexfungorum.org/names/Names.asp) or an estimated 30 species (Kirk et al. 2008) and has not been studied recently.

Cirsosina Bat. & J.L. Bezerra, Revta Biol., Lisb. 2(2): 132 (1960).

Wu et al. (2011a) placed genus this in Aulographaceae based on the superficial hyphae without hyphopodia and slit-like opening. Here we find an earlier genus to accommodate it in Lembosiella.

Lembosiella Sacc., Syll. fung. (Abellini) 9: 1101 (1891).

Cirsosina Bat. & J.L. Bezerra, Revta Biol., Lisb. 2(2): 132 (1960).

Foliar epiphyte on the upper surface of leaves, superficial mycelium present, sparse, hyphopodia absent. Thyriothecia globose, ellipsoidal, or cylindrical, gregarious or some solitary, superficial, membranaceous, black-brown, lacking a well-developed basal peridium, opening by a longitudinal split, easily separated from the host; in section lenticular. Upper wall comprising parallel radiating lines of ellipsoid cells from the central ostiole to the outer rim. Peridium a single stratum composed of black-brown pseudoparenchymatous cells of compact textura angularis. Hamathecium of sparse asci, embedded in mucilage inclined towards the center, pseudoparaphyses not observed. Asci 8-spored, bitunicate, fissitunicate, spherical, broadly oblong, sessile. Ascospores rounded at the ends, brown when mature, two-celled, with the upper cell wider than lower cell, smooth walled.

Anamorphs reported for the genus: none.

Type species

Lichenopeltella maculans (Zopf) Höhn. Sber. Akad. Wiss. Wien, Math.-naturw. Kl., Abt. 1 128(7–8): 553 (1919) Fig. 27a–g

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Fig. 27

Lichenopeltella maculan (isotype)

a Appearance of ascomata on the host surface. b Squash mount of ascoma. Note the thyrothecial radiating arrangement of cells. c Section of an ascoma. d, f Asci. Note Ascus with the pedicel. e Ascospore. g Inconspicuous apical structure of ascus in Congo red. Scale bars: A=200 μm, B=20 μm, C–G= 10 μm

• ≡ Microthyrium maculans Zopf, Nova Acta Acad. Caes. Leop.-Carol. German. Nat. Cur. 4: 258 (1898)

Hyperparasitic on lichens, forming black spots. Thyriothecia 60–170 μm diam, 35–60 μm high, circular, coniform or subglobose, numerous, gregarious, superficial, 1–2 loculate, membranaceous or slightly carbonaceous, black, basal peridium well developed, with a central ostiole; in section lenticular, hyphae penetrating lichen (Fig. 27a–c). Upper wall composed of cuboids cells which form parallel radiating lines from the central ostiole to the outer rim (Fig. 27b). Peridium 8–13 μm wide, a single stratum comprising several layers of compressed cells (Fig. 27c). Hamathecium of asci arranged at the periphery, pseudoparaphyses not observed or lacking (Fig. 27d). Asci 47–65×10–14 μm, 8-spored, bitunicate, fissitunicate, obclavate, with a short rounded pedicel, apical structure inconspicuous in Congo red (Fig. 27f, g). Ascospores 12–15×4–5 μm, 2-3–seriate, hyaline, ellipsoid, 2-celled, slightly constricted at the septum, 1–2 guttulate when mature, smooth-walled (Fig. 27e).

Anamorph: None reported.

Material examined: GERMANY, Harz, Rosstrappe, on thallus of Gyroohora hirsuta, September 1897, F.W. Zopf. 1742 (K 158704 isotype).

Lichenopeltella was established by Höhnel (1919) as a monotypic genus with L. maculans as the type species and there are now 44 epithets (http://www.indexfungorum.org/names/Names.asp), while Kirk et al. (2008) estimate that there are some 20 species. The genus has been reasonably well studied (Hawksworth and Santesson 1990; Spooner and Kirk 1990; Krishnamurthy and Hariharan 1996), but its biology is poorly known. Müller and von Arx (1962) and von Arx and Müller (1975) place Lichenopeltella in the Leptopeltidaceae, and this is followed in Kirk et al. (2008) who accept Leptopeltidaceae as one of three families in Microthyriales. However this is not followed in the more recent classifications in Lumbsch and Huhndorf (2010). Although the cells in the thyriothecium in L. maculans are neatly arranged in a parallel fashion from the central ostiole as in Microthyriaceae several other characters indicate that Lichenopeltella probably belongs in another family. This includes the basal peridium which is well developed and the lichenicolous habit. The family Leptopeltidaceae may be suitable, although the species Leptopeltis aquilina (Fr.) Petr. illustrated by Müller and von Arx (1962) is asterinaceous. We place Lichenopeltella in Trichothyriaceae. Fresh collections and sequence data are needed to establish its relationships with other Dothideomycetes.

Macrographa Etayo, in Etayo & Sancho, Biblthca Lichenol. 98: 116 (2008)

Macrographa antarctica Etayo, in Etayo & Sancho, Biblthca Lichenol. 98: 116 (2008)

This genus was introduced for a species occurring on lichens in Chile and was compared with Lichenopeltella (Etayo and Sancho 2008). The ascostromata are multi-loculate and ascospores ellipsoidal-fusiform and one septate. This taxon belongs in Trichothyriaceae but whether it is distinct from Lichenopeltella needs to be established.

Pachythyrium G. Arnaud ex Spooner & P.M. Kirk, Mycol. Res. 94(2): 228 (1990)

Pachythyrium parasiticum (Fabre) G. Arnaud ex Spooner & P.M. Kirk, Mycol. Res. 94(2): 228 (1990)

• ≡ Bertia parasitica Fabre, Annls Sci. Nat., Bot., sér. 6 9: 95 (1879) [1878]

• ≡ Berlesiella parasitica (Fabre) Höhn., Sber. Akad. Wiss. Wien, Math.-naturw. Kl., Abt. 1 124: 60 (1920)

• ≡ Homostegia parasitica (Fabre) Rehm

• ≡ Pachythyrium parasiticum (Fabre) G. Arnaud, Bull. trimest. Soc. mycol. Fr. 69: 302 (1954) [1953]

• ≡ Psilosphaeria parasitica (Fabre) Cooke, Grevillea 16 (no. 78): 51 (1887)

• ≡ Trichothyrina parasitica (Fabre) Arx, in Müller & von Arx, Beitr. Kryptfl. Schweiz 11(no. 2): 559 (1962)

We have been unable to locate the type material of this species. It is a parasite on Diatrypaceae. This species and thus the genus is considered a synonym of Trichothyrina parasitica by Müller and von Arx (1962). Spooner and Kirk (1990) however, thought this was a distinct genus and thus validated it. A collection from the UK was examined by Ellis (1977) and is described and illustrated. The thyriothecia are not typical of Microthyrium and therefore placement in Trichothyriaceae may be warranted.

Trichothyriomyces Bat. & H. Maia, in Batista, Maia, Silva & Vital, Anais Soc. Biol. Pernambuco 13(2): 104 (1955).

Hyperparasitic on fungi, forming black spots on fungi on the lower surface on leaves. Mycelium superficial, hyphae forming thalli. Thyriothecia gregarious, circular, solitary or clustered, superficial, subcarbonaceous, brown to black, basal peridium relatively well-developed, with a central rounded ostiole, in section lenticular. Upper wall composed of cuboids cells which form parallel radiating lines from the central ostiole to the outer rim. Peridium comprising closely packed cells of textura angularis. Hamathecium comprising asci immersed in mucilage, pseudoparaphyses not observed or lacking. Asci, 8-spored, bitunicate, fissitunicate, saccate or obovate, apedicellate. Ascospores overlapping 4-5–seriate, hyaline, 2-celled.

Anamorphs reported for the genus: None.

Type species

Muyocopron corrientinum Speg., Anal. Soc. cient. argent. 12(3): 113 (1881) Fig. 29a–l

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Fig. 29

Muyocopron corrientinuum (holotype)

a Appearance of ascomata on the host surface. b–d Squash mount of ascoma. e, f, h Section of ascoma. Note the peridium which comprises two layers of cells and flattened ostiole. i Hamathecium. Note that the pseudoparaphyses are longer than asci. j, l Asci mounted in blue cotton reagent. Note the bitunicate asci. g, k Ascospores. Note guttules in ascospores. Scale bars: A=500 μm, B=50 μm, C–E=20 μm, F–L= 10 μm

Saprobic on the surface of leaves or stems, as small black spots, superficial mycelium absent. Thyriothecia 77–108 μm high×270–370 μm diam, circular, scattered rarely coalescing, superficial, subcarbonaceous and brittle, black, flattened, basal layer slightly developed, with a central irregular ostiole; in section lenticular (Fig. 29a–c, e, g). Upper wall comprising radiating parallel cells, cells at margin branching (Fig. 29c, d). Peridium 19–30 μm wide, comprising two-strata, an outer layer composed of black-brown pseudoparenchymatous cells of compact thick-walled textura epidermoidea, an inner layer comprised of light brown cells of textura angularis (Fig. 29f, g). Hamathecium of dense pseudoparaphyses which are longer than asci and immersed in mucilage and inclined towards the center (Fig. 29i, l). Asci 55–60×18–26 μm (=56.6×21.3 μm, n=15), 8-spored, bitunicate, fissitunicate, ellipsoidal to wide fusiform, with a short 6–4×4–3 μm pedicel and lacking an ocular chamber, not bluing in IKI (Fig. 29h, i). Ascospores 18–15.5×8.5–6 μm (=16.8×7.5 μm, n=20), irregularly arranged in asci, ellipsoidal to ovate with obtuse ends, hyaline, one celled, with granular appearance (Fig. 29j, k).

Anamorph: None reported.

Material examined: ARGENTINA, Corrientes, on leaves of Oncidium sp. (Orchidaceae), May 1881, C. Spegazzini (LPS 1538, holotype).

Muyocopron (as Myiocopron) was formally established by Spegazzini (1881) with Muyocopron corrientinum (as Myiocopron corrientinum) as the type species. This has resulted in confusion about the spelling of the name but Muyocopron is correct (Hawksworth et al. 1995). Saccardo (1883) re-described Muyocopron which was placed in Microthyriaceae when he introduced the family. Luttrell (1951) introduced Myiocopronaceae to “include all Hemisphaeriales with the Pleospora Type centrum”. This name was invalidly published and Microthyriaceae is an earlier name (Eriksson 1981). Von Arx and Müller (1975), considered Muyocopron to belong in Botryosphaeriaceae, but this was rarely followed and Hawksworth et al. (1995), Kirk et al. (2008) and Lumbsch and Huhndorf (2010) refer Muyocopron to Microthyriaceae. Fresh collections of Muyocopron have been made by KoKo et al., (personal communication) and sequence data did not place the genus close to any currently defined order but did show some unanticipated relationship with Saccardoella rhizophila. This will require further confirmation.

Seynesiopeltis F. Stevens & R.W. Ryan, in Stevens, Bulletin of the Bernice P. Bishop Museum, Honolulu, Hawaii 19: 69 (1925).

Foliar epiphytes on the upper surface of leaves, causing black spots, usually confluent, forming black colonies. Mycelium superficial, sparse, septate, olive-green. Thyriothecia circular, solitary or gregarious, superficial, carbonaceous, unilocular, brown to black, basal layer poorly developed, lacking a distinct central ostiole. Upper wall comprising radiating parallel cells, cells at margin branching; in section shallow conical and dome-like. Peridium comprising two strata, inner rows of textura angularis. Pseudoparaphyses not observed. Asci 8-spored, bitunicate, fissitunicate, saccate, with a knob-like pedicel, and conspicuous ocular chamber (in Congo red). Ascospores irregularly 3-seriate, dark brown when mature, 1-septate, strongly constricted at septum, asymmetrical, with a thick structured hyaline cell wall.

Anamorphs reported for the genus: None.

The Research Institute of Resource Insects, Chinese Academy of Forestry provided financial support for the PhD study of Haixia Wu. Funds for research were provided by the Grant for Essential Scientific Research of National Non–profit Institute (no. CAFYBB2007002). The second author acknowledges support by the Intramural Research Program of the NIH, National Library of Medicine. The authors also thank Xiaoming Chen, Chen Hang and Mao Tao (The Research Institute of Resource Insects, Chinese Academy of Forestry, China), Jiankui Liu (Mae Fah Luang University, Thailand, MFU) and Cai Lei (Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China) for their valuable help. The Thai work was supported by Thailand Research Fund BRG528002 and the Global Research Network for Fungal Biology and King Saud University are also thanked for support.