The Species Concept in Corticium Coronilla

SUMMARY

Specific limits in the Thelephoraceae are not always clear and the characterization of the simpler species is often inexact. Published descriptions are frequently inadequate and many of the distinguishing features stressed are found to be inconstant. On account of this confusion it was thought that cultural studies in this group might provide additional criteria for the delimitation of the simpler species.

Sets of monosporous cultures were obtained from a range of specimens included in the variable species Corticium coronilla v. Höhn. & Lits. Among these cultures four totally distinct cultural groups could be recognized. These groups differed from each other in general growth, presence or absence of asexual reproductive structures, ability to produce basidia in culture and type of heterothallism. The specimens associated with each of the four groups were uniform and minute consistent morphological differences occurred between the members of the different groups. The fundamental differences between these groups can only indicate that they represent distinct species.

A study of additional specimens and cultures indicated that a further study would disclose many other groups in addition to the four described. In view of the very complex nature of the species it was considered best to include all the four types in the collective species Corticium coronilla v. Höhn. & Lit. It should, however, be realised that this is genetically a very complex entity.