Thanatephorus pennatus sp.nov. isolated from mycorrhizal roots of Calypso bulbosa (Orchidaceae) from Alberta

Abstract

A new species of Thanatephorus is described and illustrated based on fertile cultures derived from the mycorrhizal roots of two apparently healthy plants of Calypso bulbosa collected near Obed Summit, Alta. Thanatephorus pennatus sp.nov. is distinguished from other species of Thanatephorus by its globose basidiospores and its distinctive pattern of growth in culture. The role of T. pennatus as a mycorrhizal fungus is unknown.