Comatricha ellae Härk.

Bo, Zhang & Yu, Li, 2016, A new species and two new records of Stemonitidaceae from China, Phytotaxa 267 (2), pp. 151-156 : 153-154

Comatricha ellae Härk. , Karstenia 18(1): 23 (1978) Fig 3

Sporocarps scattered, stalked, 0.7–0.9 mm total height, blackish brown. Stalk black, shiny, 0.3–0.4 mm long. Sporocysts globose, 0.3–0.4 mm diam., dark brown. Columella reaching the centre of the sporocysts. Capillitium dark, flexuous, arising from all parts of the columella, branched and anastomosed to form a surface net. Spores violaceous-brown, faintly warted, 9–11 μm in diameter.

Specimens examined:— CHINA. Sichuan Province: Hongyuan grassland, on bark of a dead log, 22 July 2013, Zhang Bo 2016010901 (HMJAU10523). CHINA, Liaoning Province: Laotudingzi National Nature Reserve, on bark of a dead log, 13 September 2009, Li Ming 2015111805 (HMJAU10524).

Comments:— Comatricha ellae has been recorded in Europe ( Härkönen 1978), including Madrid, Spain ( Pando & Lado 1987), as well as Mexico ( Moreno et al. 2001) and Tanzania ( Ukkola 1998). The Sichuan and Liaoning specimens have larger spores (9–11 μm in diam.) than specimens from elsewhere (7–10 μm in diam.). The Sichuan, Liaoning and type specimen all have a similar habitat of dead logs and display faintly warted spores.

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.