Interfertility and Comparative Morphological Studies of Tremella Mesenterica

ABSTRACT

Forty-seven specimens of Tremella mesenterica, growing on a variety of hardwoods, were obtained from Europe and North America. Macro- and microscopic examinations were made of these specimens. Single spore isolates were obtained from 46 collections, and the mating types identified by intra- and interstock crosses. Although T. mesenterica is, morphologically, a variable species, there are no morphologically distinct populations associated with substrate, or with geographic distribution. Interstock crosses also did not demonstrate any intersterility groups associated with substrate, or with collection site. The variations observed in the morphological features of the basidiocarps are attributable to normal developmental changes, responses to different environmental conditions, and/or genetical differences that do not restrict interbreeding. Because of the macro- and microscopic variation exhibited by T. mesenterica, two taxa, T. lutescens and T. mesenterica, have been recognized by various authors. Tremella mesenterica has been selected as the correct name, and a neotype has been designated.

Key Words:

• Tremella lutescens
• Tremella mesenterica
• interstock crosses