The Trichocomataceae: Ascomycetes with Aspergillus, Paecilomyces, and Penicillium imperfect states

Abstract

The Trichocomataceae Fischer is discussed and shown to be the appropriate family for species of cleistothecial Ascomycetes with Aspergillus, Paecilomyces, and Penicillium imperfect states. The name Eurotiaceae Clem, and Shear is shown to be a later synonym for the Trichocomataceae and the name Aspergillaceae Link to be illegitimate when applied to Ascomycete perfect states. Included in the Trichocomataceae are the following genera: Byssochlamys Westling, Dactylomyces Sopp, Dichlaena Mont. and Dur., Emericella Berk, and Br., Eupenicillium Ludwig, Eurotium Link ex Fr., Gymnoeurotium gen. nov. (type species: Aspergillus athecius Raper and Fennell), Hamigera Stolk and Samson, Harpezomyces gen. nov. (type species: Aspergillus chrysellus Kwon and Fennell), Hemicarpenteles Sarbhoy and Elphick, Neosartorya gen. nov. (type species: Aspergillus fischeri Wehmer), Penicilliopsis Solms-Laubach, Petromyces gen. nov. (type species: P. alliaceus Malloch and Cain), Sporophormis gen. nov. (type species: Aspergillus spinulosus Warcup), Talaromyces Benjamin, and Trichocoma Junghuhn. It is suggested that the genera of Trichocomataceae have evolved from a stromatic ancestor similar to certain present-day Hypocreaceae and have undergone several important evolutionary simplifications and modifications. Evidence of these changes in both the perfect and imperfect states is discussed. Short descriptions are provided for each of the genera and references given to species treatments. A synoptic plate is included for identification of the genera and to illustrate the text.