[Science News] - Meise Botanic Garden contributes to impressive reference work on lichenicolous fungi

Lichenicolous fungi are fungi that live on lichens, either as parasites, saprophytes (fungi feeding on dead matter), or commensals (living at the expense of lichens without affecting them). These fungi can be found in almost every habitat where lichens grow and are distributed worldwide.

Following the publication in 2022 of the first volume of a reference work on these fungi, titled Flora of Lichenicolous Fungi, Basidiomycota, the second volume, dedicated to Hyphomycetes, is now available. This book is the work of Paul Diederich (National Museum of Natural History, Luxembourg), Damien Ertz (Meise Botanic Garden), and Uwe Braun (Martin Luther University, Halle), with the collaboration of 26 global experts specializing in fungi and lichens.

Hyphomycetes are a group of fungi that reproduce asexually. Their spores form in the open air, unlike other fungi whose spores develop within closed structures. Most Hyphomycetes belong to the Ascomycetes (Ascomycota), although a small number are part of the Basidiomycetes (Basidiomycota).

This volume describes and illustrates 296 species and one variety, providing distribution maps for most of them. It also presents four new genera (Gyalectiphila, Llanorella, Pseudophaeoisaria, and Stipititheca), 53 new species, and 24 nomenclatural changes, including new combinations and synonyms.

Phylogenetic trees based on DNA analyses are also included for certain genera, offering a deeper insight into the evolutionary relationships of these fascinating fungi.

More info: Flora of Lichenicolous Fungi