Studies on the Coryneliales. II. Taxa Parasitic on Podocarpaceae: Corynelia

Abstract

All the described taxa of Corynelia--C. brasiliensis, C. jamaicensis, C. nipponensis, C. oreophila, C. portoricensis, C. sydowii, C. tropica, and C. uberata-were examined. These species are considered valid members of Corynelia, except for C. sydowii. These fungi typically form a centrum composed of long stipitate, deliquescent asci that arise from a basal hymenium without paraphyses. There are usually three or eight ascospores per ascus. The ascospores have a relatively thick wall with more or less granulate ornamentation when viewed with the light microscope; when observed with the scanning electron microscope, the surface is aculeate-foveolate or tuberculate-foveolate. Ascocarp morphology varies among species, especially in the length of the dehiscence lines and the number of lobes on the ascocarp apex; these characteristics are most useful in identifying taxa. The ascocarps open along the dehiscence lines by reflexing the wall at its apex into two to five segments, depending on the species. This method of ascocarp dehiscence is unique to Corynelia spp. among the taxa of the Coryneliaceae. The host range and geographical distribution of species of Corynelia are discussed.