Comatricha reticulospora Ing

Bo, Zhang & Yu, Li, 2016, A new species and two new records of Stemonitidaceae from China, Phytotaxa 267 (2), pp. 151-156 : 155-156

Comatricha reticulospora Ing & P.C. Holland, Trans. Brit. Mycol. Soc. 50(4): 685 (1967) Fig 3

Sporocarps clustered, 1.5–2 mm total height, dark brown. Sporocysts cylindrical. Peridium evanescent. Stalk short, black, shiny, 0.1–0.2 mm long. Columella reaching apex of the sporocysts, thick. Capillitium rising from all the columella, branched and anastomosed, with numerous longer, straight and pointed free ends. Spores brown to blackish brown, 9–10 μm in diam., globose, marked with ridges and spinules forming an incomplete reticulate.

Specimens examined:— CHINA. Sichuan Province: Sangdui County, on bark of a dead log, 26 July 2013, Zhang Bo 2015110902 (HMJAU10524). CHINA. Zhejiang Province: Qingyuan County, Zhang Bo 2015111308 (HMJAU10525).

Comments:— Comatricha reticulospora , which has been recorded in UK ( Ing 1968), is apparently rare in Asia. The Sichuan specimen has slightly larger spores (9–10 μm in diam.) than the type specimen (6–10 μm in diam.). However, the Sichuan and the type specimen were found in similar habitats (dead logs), and have a dark brown spore mass, faintly thick capillitium and pale brown sporocarps.

Figures

FIGURE 3. Comatricha ellae: A, B. Sporocarps. C, D. Part of columella and capillitia by transmitted light. E. Part of capillitia and some spores. F. Spores under SEM with faint warts. Bars: A, B = 1 mm.