The Ascoma Development in Mycoporum elabens (Mycoporaceae, Dothideales)

Abstract

The structure and development of the ascomata in Mycoporum elabens were studied. No pseudoparaphyses or paraphysoids are developed but the asci grow into a network formed by stretched ascostromatic tissue which appears similar to pseudoparaphyses at the mature stage. The ascomata do not open regularly but burst open at several points, thus imitating plurilo-cularous stromata. This development agrees with that observed for the Dothideales sensu stricto and so it is proposed to place the Mycoporaceae here. Although algal cells were found in the surroundings of the ascomata, they did not have close contact with the fungal hyphae. Thus, Mycoporum elabens is interpreted as being non-lichenized.

Key words

Ascoma - ontogeny - systematics - fungi - Ascomycotina - Loculoascomycetes