Cladonia petrophila,a new species from eastern North America

Cladonia petrophila, an overlooked, usually sterile species, morphologically similar toC. apodocarpa andC. caespiticia, is described as new on the basis of its distinctive chemistry, perlatolic and fumarprotocetraric acids, and habitat preference for moist non-calcareous rock.     

Comparative studies on the polysaccharides of Cladonia alpestris (reindeer moss), Cladonia confusa,and Cladonia amaurocraea

The chemical structures of polysaccharide components of three species of the lichen genus Cladonia were compared. C. alpestris and C. confusa are similar in overall growth appearance despite different habitats, and each contains traces of water-insoluble nigeran. The residual lichens gave almost pure d-galacto-d-mannans isolated via insoluble Cu complexes formed with Fehling solution. They were not identical but structurally related having (1→6)-linked α-d-mannopyranosyl main-chains substituted in different patterns by β-d-galacto- and α-d-mannopyranosyl groups. Supernatant solutions of the Fehling-solution precipitation contained high proportions of β-d-galactofuranosyl residues. The polysaccharide of C. alpestris contained consecutive (1→2)-linked α-d-mannopyranosyl units substituted in the 6-position by β-d-galactofuranose, whereas that of C. confusa was a d-galactan with both pyranosyl and furanosyl forms. The d-glucan component of C. amaurocraea was isolated together with d-galacto-d-mannan as insoluble Cu complexes. The former was isolated in good yield and proved to be water-insoluble pustulan. The galactomannan had the same overall structure as those of C. alpestris and C. confusa, but showed differences according to the ¹³C-n.m.r. spectra.     

Cladonia krogiana,a new xanthone-containing species from Norway

Abstract:The new lichen species Cladonia krogiana is described from eight localities in SE Norway. It resembles C. polycarpoides morphologically, but differs in containing barbatic acid and chlorovinetorin.     

Cladonia azorica in the British Isles

Abstract:Cladonia azorica is widespread in western Great Britain, mainly as the grey colour-form lacking usnic acid. Cladonia azorica is distinguished from the related species C. portentosa and C. mediterranea by the presence of fumarprotocetraric acid, and from C. ciliata by a number of characters including the presence of perlatolic acid. The structure of the pycnidial wall may have some taxonomic significance in Cladonia subgenus Cladina.     

High intraspecific genetic and morphological variation in the pioneer lichen Cladonia rei colonising slag dumps

This study investigates the genetic and morphological variability of the lichen Cladonia rei inhabiting strongly contaminated postsmelting slag dumps in southern Poland. Altogether, 27 C. rei samples were analysed, including 17 from a single population in one dump. The phylogenetic analysis includes samples of C. rei, outgroup species, and external sequences of Cladonia section representatives from GenBank. Comparative analysis of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) rDNA sequences revealed the presence of 19 C. rei haplotypes overall, including several of the most frequent, of which 11 are represented by single individuals only. As many as 12 haplotypes were recorded within a single population. Three strongly supported monophyletic clades comprised of specimens from different geographical regions were recovered. Morphometric analysis showed great phenotypic variability within particular clades. Apart from a full range of previously known morphological forms of the species, an additional specific morphotype was recognised in the dumps; however, its representatives do not create a monophyletic group. High genetic variability within a single population suggests that C. rei has a great potential for colonising anthropogenic habitats. This attribute emphasises the role of this lichen as an essential pioneer in the early stages of natural regeneration of such sites.     

Co-dispersal of symbionts in the lichen Cladonia stellaris inferred from genomic data

We tested the congruence in dispersal patterns of the two main symbionts of the lichen Cladonia stellaris using genotyping-by-sequencing data. Based on 122 samples from eastern Canada, we recovered more than 21000 loci from the photobiont of C. stellaris. We described the population structure and estimate genetic diversity of the photobiont and identified the factors that contribute to explain genetic variation in both lichen partners. We also determined the identity of the dominant photobiont associated to C. stellaris using two molecular markers. Our results showed that C. stellaris is associated with Asterochloris glomerata, A. irregularis, and A. pseudoirregularis. Congruence in the genetic structure of photobiont and mycobiont were confirmed, suggesting co-dispersal of thallus fragments of C. stellaris. Genetic diversity of each symbiont was the factor that explained most of the genetic variation of the other symbiont, whereas geographical location and bioclimatic region seemed to have small or null explanatory power.     

Evolution of ketosynthase domains of polyketide synthase genes in the Cladonia chlorophaea species complex (Cladoniaceae)

Lichen-forming fungi synthesize a diversity of polyketides, but only a few non-reducing polyketide synthase (PKS) genes from a lichen-forming fungus have been linked with a specific polyketide. While it is a challenge to link the large number of PKS paralogs in fungi with specific products, it might be expected that the PKS paralogs from closely related species would be similar because of recent evolutionary divergence. The objectives of this study were to reconstruct a PKS gene phylogeny of the Cladonia chlorophaea species complex based on the ketosynthase domain, a species phylogeny of the complex, and to explore the presence of PKS gene paralogs among members of the species complex. DNA was isolated from 51 individuals of C. chlorophaea and allies to screen for the presence of 13 PKS paralogs. A 128 sequence PKS gene phylogeny using deduced amino acid sequences estimated from the 13 PKS paralogs and sequences subjected to BLASTx comparisons showed losses of each of two PKS domains (reducing and methylation). This research provided insight into the evolution of PKS genes in the C. chlorophaea group, species evolution in the group, and it identified potential directions for further investigation of polyketide synthesis in the C. chlorophaea species complex.     

Contributions toward a monograph of cybianthus (Myrsinaceae): I. Subgenus iteoides and the identity of conomorpha loretensis

A provisional key to the species ofCybianthus subgenusIteoides is presented and one new species, C.colombianus, is described, illustrated and discussed.Conomorpha loretensis Lundell is transferred toCybianthus, its relationships within subgenusWeigeltia are discussed, and a key to its sister species,C. gardneri and C.dubius, is provided.     

Revision of the dioecious genus chersodoma phil. (Senecioneae,Asteraceae), including a new species and status change

A revision of the dioecious genus Chersodoma (Senecioneae, Asteraceae) recognizes nine species, including a new species, C. deltoidea Sagást. & M. O. Dillon, from northern Peru and a status change for a northwestern Argentine endemic, C. glabriuscula (Cabrera) M. O. Dillon & Sagást. Chersodoma is confined to the Andean Cordillera and is the only dioecious member of the Senecioneae in continental South America. A cladistic analysis of a morphological data set supports the monophyly of the genus and the recognition of two previously established subgenera. Subgenus Chersodoma contains three species (C. argentina, C. candida, C. jodopappa) with greatest diversity in the semi-arid puna of northwestern Argentina and adjacent Bolivia and Chile. Subgenus Diclinanthus B. Nord., contains six species (C. antennaria, C. arequipensis, C. deltoidea, C. juanisernii, C. glabriuscula, and C. ovopedata) with greatest diversity in Peru. A key to Andean genera of Senecioneae is provided. A discussion of species relationships and historical biogeography is presented as suggested by morphological parsimony analysis.     

Global comparison of bicosoecid Cafeteria-like flagellates from the deep ocean and surface waters,with reorganization of the family Cafeteriaceae

Cafeteria is one of the most common and ecologically significant genera of heterotrophic nanoflagellates in marine plankton. We could isolate and cultivate 29 strains morphologically similar to Cafeteria obtained from surface waters and the deep sea all over the world’s ocean. Morphological characterization obtained by high resolution microscopy revealed only small differences between the strains. Sequencing the type material of the type species C. roenbergensis (CCAP 1900/1) and molecular analyses (18S rDNA, 28S rDNA) of newly isolated strains resulted in a revision and separation of the Cafeteriaceae into two known species (C. roenbergensis, C. mylnikovii) and six new species (C. maldiviensis, C. biegae, C. loberiensis, C. chilensis, C. graefeae, C. burkhardae). Many deposited Cafeteria sequences at GenBank and most of our own sequences clustered within one clade (C. burkhardae) with a p-distance of 5% to strain CCAP 1900/1. Only C. maldiviensis clustered together with the type species C. roenbergensis. While C. burkhardae seems to have a cosmopolitan distribution, the distribution of the other species seems to be more restricted. A strain from the Angola Basin had a p-distance of 10% to Cafeteria species and clustered separately within the Anoecales requiring the erection of a new genus, Bilabrum gen. nov., with B. latius sp. nov. as type species.     

Morphological and phylogenetic studies of Cytospora (Valsaceae,Diaporthales) isolates from Chinese scholar tree,with description of a new species

Cytospora species are the most serious and widespread pathogens associated with canker disease on multiple plants. In this study, three species, i.e., Cytospora sophoricola, C. chrysosperma, and C. sophorae, which were isolated from Sophora in China, are described and illustrated based on their morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analyses. Cytospora sophoricola was distinguished clearly by its larger disc, multiple ostioles, cystic and multiple locules, and specific cultural characteristics, i.e., protruding fruiting bodies. Maximum parsimony and maximum likelihood analysis showed that it did not cluster with any known species of Cytospora, so it is described as a new species. Cytospora sophorae is a previously reported species from Sophora, which is redescribed based on new isolates and additional observations. Another species was identified as C. chrysosperma, which is reported for the first time on Sophora, so Papilionaceae is shown to be a new host family for C. chrysosperma. The morphological affinities of these species with related taxa are discussed, while the phylogenetic relationships of these species with other fungus in the genus Cytospora were elucidated based on their internal transcribed spacer (ITS) rRNA region sequences.     

The ant genus Carebara Westwood (Hymenoptera,Formicidae): synonymisation of Pheidologeton Mayr under Carebara,establishment and revision of the C. polita species group

In this paper the genus Pheidologeton Mayr, 1862 is synonymized under Carebara Westwood, 1840 and the Carebara polita group is established and revised. This species group currently includes six species from the Afrotropical region (C. madibai, C. nicotianae, C. perpusilla, C. polita, C. silvestrii, and C. villiersi) and two species from the Neotropical region (C. brevipilosa and C. urichi). The polita group clearly links Carebara and Pheidologeton, and, due to a lack of autapomorphic characters for the latter, a separation of the two genera is no longer justified. As a result Carebara is presented as a monophyletic and better defined genus that can be separated from other genera with more confidence. We present an overview of the distribution and biology of Carebara as well as images from the various genera currently in synonymy under Carebara, and discuss the characters they share. The polymorphism present in Afrotropical and Malagasy Carebara is discussed and one new species from Africa, C. madibai sp. n., is described. The subspecies Carebara perpusilla arnoldiana syn. n., Carebara perpusilla concedens syn. n., and Carebara perpusilla spinosa syn. n. are new synonyms of Carebara perpusilla. Oligomyrmex politus nicotianae is re-elevated to species level and transferred into Carebara, C. nicotianae comb. n., stat. rev.; C. punctata is a new synonym of C. silvestrii comb. n. and C. pygmaea albipes comb. n., syn n., C. pygmaea bugnioni comb. n., syn. n., and C. simularensis syn. n. are new synonyms of C. pygmaea comb. n.. The following names are transferred from Pheidologeton to Carebara as new combinations (with the species epithets adjusted to female endings where necessary): aberrans, affinis, affinis javana, affinis minor, affinis spinosior, affinis sumatrensis, ceylonensis, dentiviris, diversa, diversa draco, diversa ficta, diversa laotina, diversa macgregori, diversa philippina, diversa standfussi, diversa taprobanae, diversa tenuirugosa, diversa williamsi, hammoniae, hostilis, kunensis, latinoda, maccus, mayri, melanocephala, melasolena, nana, nanningensis, obscura, petulens, pullata, pungens, pygmaea, rubra, rugiceps, rugosa, schossnicensis, silena, silvestrii, solitaria, transversalis, trechideros, varia, vespilla, volsellata, yanoi, and zengchengensis. Three new combinations are creating secondary junior homonyms and are here replaced with new names: C. mayri (Santschi, 1928) = C. gustavmayri nom. n., C. rugosa (Karavaiev, 1935) = C. rugoflabella nom. n., and C. silvestrii (Wheeler, 1929b) = C. luzonensis nom. n. Two new combinations are creating secondary junior homonyms among species already in Carebara: C. taprobanae (Forel, 1911a) = C. sinhala nom. n., and C. nana Santschi, 1919 = C. pumilia nom. n.     

Toxic effects of the thallus of the lichen Cladonia foliacea on the growth and morphogenesis of bryophytes

In this paper the effects induced by the whole thallus of the lichen Cladonia foliacea on the growth and development of some mosses (Funaria hygrometrica, Bryum dunense, Pleurochaete squarrosa) and the liverwort Lunularia cruciata, have been studied. The main effects induced by Cladonia thalli during periods of co-existence in vitro with gametophytes is a delay in the regeneration of new filaments asssociated with the inhibition of their growth together with a global decrement in the number of gametophores. Other alterations at cytoplasm level are a granular appearance of cytoplasm and many microvesicles in the newly-regenerated filaments, enlarged periplasmic space and changes in chloroplast shape. Current results are compared to previous data obtained with pure substances isolated from C. foliacea thalli.     

A new species and a new combination in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Ctenitis</Emphasis> (Dryopteridaceae) from South America

We describe a new species and propose a new combination of Ctenitis from South America. The new species is from Peru. We named it Ctenitis megalastriformis due to the resemblance to Megalastrum. The new combination corresponds to the species known until now as C. pedicellata. This species should be called C. nervata, based on the older name Aspidium nervatum. Lectotypes are designated for A. pedicellatum and Dryopteris indecora, both considered here to be synonyms of C. nervata.     

Cortinarius sect. Brunnei (Basidiomycota, Agaricales) in North Europe

The section Brunnei was extensively studied based on material from North Europe. To stabilise the nomenclature we studied the relevant types of taxa included in this section. Phylogenetic relationships and species limits were investigated using rDNA ITS sequences and the results were compared with the morphological data. We recognised 11 species: Cortinarius brunneus, C. clarobrunneus comb. nov., C. coleoptera, C. ectypus, C. gentilis, C. glandicolor (neotypified), C. pseudorubricosus, and four species described as new C. caesiobrunneus, C. albogaudis, C. carabus, and C. cicindela. They are described here and their taxonomy, ecology, distribution, and relationships are discussed. In addition, a key to species of the section Brunnei is provided. A total of 77 new sequences of 11 species are published including nine type sequences. Also the taxonomic assignments of sequences in the public databases belonging to the section Brunnei are revised.     

Two new species of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Conidiobolus</Emphasis> occurring in Anhui,China

Two new species of Conidiobolus were isolated from Anhui Province, China. A polyphasic taxonomic approach comprising morphological characteristics and molecular data (the nuclear large subunit of ribosomal DNA and the translation elongation factor 1 alpha gene sequences) was applied to determine their novel taxonomic status in the genus Conidiobolus. The new species C. mirabilis is a sister group to C. thromoides, but morphologically differs by smaller primary conidia and a unique formation of zygospores among two to four adjacent hyphal segments. The other new species C. pachyzygosporus characterized with thick-walled zygospores is phylogenetically closely related to C. antarcticus, C. couchii, and C. osmodes.     

A new species of Cymopterus (Umbelliferae) from southern Idaho

A new species,Cymopterus davisii, from alpine areas in the Albion Mountains of extreme south-central Idaho, is described. It has been confused withC. nivalis, with which it is compared. The fruit ofC. davisii are subterete to somewhat compressed laterally and, contrary to the literature, correspond closely to those ofC. nivalis and related species.