Steccherinum filiferum sp. nov. from the neotropics, and a new combination for Odontia laxa

Abstract

The new species Steccherinum filiferum, from Puerto Rico and Amazonian rainforests of Ecuador, is described. It is characterized by effused basidiomata with hyphal cords, a monomitic hyphal system, simple-septate hyphae, and minute hymenophoral aculei with encrusted, septate, Candelabrochaete -like cystidia. Because Odontia laxa [ ? Odonticium laxum ] is morphologically and phylogenetically similar to S. filiferum, the new combination Steccherinum laxum is proposed, after studying its type. Scanning electron microscopy studies show that S. filiferum and S. laxum can be differentiated by crystal size and arrangement on the cystidia. A key to the Steccherinum species with simple-septate generative hyphae is provided.