Gloeodontia xerophila (Aphyllophorales, Basidiomycota), a new species with corticioid basidioma from the Canary Islands

Abstract

Gloeodontia xerophila sp. nov. is described and illustrated from material collected on dead xerophyte debris in the Canary Islands. This species is characterized by the odontioid hymenophore with short aculei, up to 2 mm long, dimitic hyphal system and amyloid, subglobose and verrucose spores, 4–5 × 3–4 μm. The new taxon is compared with other species in the genus and a key to the species of Gloeodontia is provided.

• Aphyllophorales
• Basidiomycota
• Canary Islands
• corticiaceous fungi
• Gloeodontia
• Spain
• xerophilic fungi

Financial support was provided by DGI project No. CGL-2005-01192/BOS. We are grateful for the assistance of Mr J. Muñoz del Riego, who helped prepare the Latin description, Dr Javier Dieguez (RJB, CSIC), who checked the English, Prof Steve Stephenson (University of Arkansas), who critically reviewed the manuscript, and Mr Miguel Jerez (RJB, CSIC), who provided technical assistance with SEM.