Reflections on the genus Vanakripa, and a description of V. ellipsoidea sp. nov

Abstract

The genus Vanakripa (hyphomycetes) is reviewed based on the examination of type specimens, and V. ellipsoidea sp. nov. is described on submerged wood from Hong Kong. Vanakripa is characterized by punctiform sporodochial colonies, micronematous conidiogenous cells and pigmented conidia with vermiform separating cells. Vanakripa is compared with similar genera, and a synopsis of its morphological characters is provided.

• aquatic fungi
• freshwater
• lignicolous
• mitosporic fungi
• systematics

We are grateful to the curator of National Mycological Herbarium of Canada (DAOM) for the loan of type materials. K. M. Tsui would like to thank The University of Hong Kong for the award of a Postgraduate Studentship. Ken Wong, Helen Leung and Mr. A. Y. P. Lee are thanked for technical and photographic assistance.