Balansia Pilulaeformis, an Epiphytic Species

ABSTRACT

Living specimens of the grass Chasmanthium laxum infected with the fungus Balansia pilulaeformis were examined for growth habit of the fungus. The fungus was found to grow epiphytically on meristems and in the axils of young leaves in a manner essentially identical to Atkinsonella species and B. cyperi. Living specimens of Cenchrus echinatus infected by B. obtecta and dried specimens of rice (Oryza sativa) infected by B. pallida were also examined and the latter species exhibited an epiphytic growth form as well. As now understood, the majority of species and genera in the tribe Balansieae (Clavicipitaceae) critically examined are epiphytes, belying the notion that most species are endophytic. These additional findings of epiphytism provide further motivation for examining other taxa and have implications for generic classification in the tribe.

Key Words:

• Balansia
• Chasmanthium
• endophyte
• epiphyte