Taxonomic divergence of the green naked-stipe members of the genus Microglossum (Helotiales)

ABSTRACT

Four new species of the Ascomycete genus Microglossum are recognized, based on morphological characters and DNA sequences of nuc rDNA (ITS region and 28S gene) and the second largest subunit of RNA polymerase II (RPB2). They differ from Microglossum nudipes by the color of the ascocarps and the sizes and shapes of ascospores, asci, and paraphyses. A lectotype is proposed, and an emended description is provided for M. nudipes. Descriptions of new species Microglossum clavatum, M. truncatum, M. pretense, and M. tenebrosum are provided. Other closely related species in the group of green earth tongues include Microglossum viride, M. rickii, and M. griseoviride. An identification key to green Microglossum species is presented.

KEYWORDS:

• Boudier
• earth tongues
• Leotiomycetes
• new taxa
• systematics

Acknowledgments

The authors thank P. Marstad, T. Kristiansen, S. and J. M. Moingeon, Z. Egertová, J. Hernanz, K. Bergelin, M. A. Ribes Ripoll, M. Della Maggiora, V. Kaounas, P. Tanchaud, J. Dubus, J. P. Priou, E. Popov, E. Smiková, P. Smik, A. Polhorský, M. Krivuš, V. Kautman, and I. Kautmanová for graciously providing specimens for study and analyses and curators of fungaria O, PC, LE, BRA, and SAV for the loan of specimens. Alvalab is acknowledged for processing selected DNA samples. We acknowledge the following sources of funding: Slovak Academy of Sciences (grant VEGA 2/0008/15), The European Social Fund, and the State Budget of the Czech Republic, Project No. CZ.1.07/2.3.00/20.0265.

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