Skip to main content
ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #247969
Title: Amplistroma gen. nov. and its relation to Wallrothiella, two genera with globose ascospores and acrodontium-like anamorphs

Author
item HUHNDORF, S. - Field Museum Natural History
item MILLER, A.N. - Illinois Natural History Survey
item GREIF, M. - Field Museum Natural History
item Samuels, Gary

Submitted to: Mycologia
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/5/2009
Publication Date: 10/27/2009
Citation: Huhndorf, S., Miller, A., Greif, M., Samuels, G.J. 2009. Amplistroma gen. nov. and its relation to Wallrothiella, two genera with globose ascospores and acrodontium-like anamorphs. Mycologia. 101(6):751-934.

Interpretive Summary: Fungi are a group of organisms that obtain their nutrition by absorption. They are important to agriculture and forestry because fungi break down plant matter so that the nutrients can be reused. This paper reports on a previously unknown group of fungi that occurs on dead bark and wood. A number of new species have been discovered that are named, described and illustrated. In addition, a key is provided for the identification of all the species in this group. This research will be used by scientists who need to identify fungi that breakdown woody plant matter.

Technical Abstract: Amplistroma is described as a new genus for A. caroliniana, A. diminuspora, A. guianensis, A. hallingii, A. rava, A. tartarea, and A. xylarioides. Species of Amplistroma are distinguished by large stromata of textura intricata with polystichous ascomata and long necks that are either erumpent from the stromatal surface or form bumps or protuberences. The type collection of Ceratostoma sphaerosperma was examined and found to be synonymous with Wallrothiella congregata. The distribution of W. congregata is expanded by collections from Costa Rica, the eastern United States and Puerto Rico. Wallrothiella congregata has ascomata that are long-necked and develop individually or are gregarious on the substrate but do not form large stromata. Amplistroma and Wallrothiella are distinguished by small unitunicate asci with eight, minute, globose ascospores. A Tritirachium-like anamorph occurs in both genera. LSU places these taxa in a clade distinct from known orders within the Sordariomycetidae but showing unsupported relationships to the Chaetosphaeriales and the Magnaporthaceae. The family Amplistromataceae is described for this clade and placed within the Sordariomycetidae incertae sedis.