Leucogyrophana lichenicola sp.nov., and a comparison with basidiomes and cultures of the similar Leucogyrophana romellii

Abstract

A new species of Leucogyrophana (Boletales: Coniophoraceae) is described. Leucogyrophana lichenicola is compared with Leucogyrophana romellii Ginns, from which it differs in being lichenicolous, producing brightly colored sclerotia, and in certain cultural characters. The new species produces both basidiomata and orange sclerotia within and on the undersides of lichen mats of the genera Cladonia and Stereocaulon. It has been recorded from Ontario, Quebec, and the Northwest Territories in Canada and from Finland, Norway, and Sweden. The geographic and host ranges for L. romellii are extended. The cultures of L. lichenicola and L. romellii showed no activity for laccase, tyrosinase, peroxidase, or ligninase, but cellulase activity was present.Key words: lichenicolous fungi, brown-rot fungi, Basidiomycota, Boletales.