Biology and Geographical Distribution of Spathulospora Species

SUMMARY

Ascospores of Spathulospora lanata form a short germ tube with a lobed appressorium from which the crustose thallus develops. Phialide- like antheridia originating on hairs give rise to spermatia that attach to trichogynes and induce formation of contact papillae. Most likely, these protuberances support the migration of the male nucleus into the female organ. Only one host cell is penetrated by fungal cells, but nutrients are apparently supplied from neighboring algal cells via pit connections. Ballia hirsuta is a new host for S. lanata. Collections of Ballia spp. from Kerguelen, Macquarie, and Antipodes Islands, Australia, New Zealand, and Argentina extend the known distribution of Spathulospora spp. considerably. Material of S. antarctica, gathered inadvertently with B. callitricha in 1840 during the “Erebus” and “Terror” Antarctic Expedition, is the oldest collection of a Spathulospora species. The apparent temperature dependency of Spathulospora spp. is discussed.