A New Marine Ascomycete In Spathulosporales, Hispidicarpomyces Galaxauricola Gen. Et Sp. Nov. (Hispidicarpomycetaceae Fam. Nov.), Inhabiting A Red Alga, Galaxaura Falcata

ABSTRACT

A new marine ascomycete inhabiting Galaxaura falcata (Rhodophyta) was found along the Japanese coast and is described as Hispidicarpomyces galaxauricola gen. et sp. nov. (Spathulosporales). This fungus produces trichogynes and spermatiophores composing a spermodochium, both of which resemble those of Spathulospora species, but differs from the latter genus in hyphoid thalli, spermodochia formation, ascocarp structure and parasitism, which warrants establishment of a new genus and a new family (Hispidicarpomycetaceae fam. nov.). The diagnosis of Spathulosporales is amended to accommodate the new genus. The discovery of this fungus throws doubt on the formerly proposed close relationship between Spathulosporales and Laboulbeniales. The taxonomic position and phylogeny of Spathulosporales are discussed. From the observation of the alternate development of spermodochia with ascocarps on the algal fronds, the life history of this fungus was considered in relation to the life history of the host alga.

Key Words:

• algal parasite
• Floridean ancestry
• Galaxaura falcata
• Hispidicarpomyces galaxauricola
• Hispidicarpomycetaceae
• Laboulbeniales
• phylogeny
• Spathulosporales