COLLECTIONS: (1,2) on bark of Leptospermum scoparium, Auckland Province, Waitakere Range, (1) Sharp's Bush, 26.1X. 1963, S.J.H., DAOM 97384e, (2) Piha Stream, Piha, II.V1.1963, J.M.D., DAOM 97369d; (3) bark at base of trunk of Nothofagus fusca, Westland, Granville Forest, Orwell Creek, Ahaura, 2.1V. 1963, S.J.H., PDD 36102 (DAOM 106914): (4) Nothofagus fusca, Canterbury Prov., Woolshed Hill, Hawdon Valley, 16.V.1963, S.J.H., PDD 21100 (DAOM 96680a); (5) trunk of Nothofagus solandri var. cliffortioides. North Canterbury, near Ashley Gorge, 14.V. 1963, J.M.D., DAOM 105937b; (6) wood and bark of trunk of living Olearia rani, Auckland Prov., Waitakere Range, Fairy Falls Track, 7.VIII. 1963, J.M.D., DAOM 106911; (7) on leaves of Pittosporum ellipticum, Auckland Prov., Upper Piha Valley, Waitakere Range, 30.XI. 1966, J.M.D., PDD 25881 (DAOM 117322c); (8) bark of Weinmannia racemosa, Auckland Prov., Mangorewa Gorge, 20.111.1963, S.J.H., DAOM 106383b.

Subicula dull dark brown to black, superficial, effuse, tufted to velutinous to spongy, often mixed with a variety of other sooty moulds. Mycelium composed of repent and erect, brown to dark olivaceous brown, anastomosing, septate, moniliform and very coarsely warted hyphae which taper toward their distal end. Upright hyphae are straight or flexuous, sparingly branched and darker than the repent hyphae. The cells are as broad as or broader than long being subglobose and up to 16.2 µm wide; the younger distal cells are as narrow as 5.5 µm. Fragmentation of erect hyphae into single, broadly barrel-shaped cells and into lengths of hyphae 2 to 8 cells long can occur by schizolytic secession. Also some upright hyphae bear lateral branches composed of chains of up to 4 conidia, which are 3 to 4(-7) cells long, separated from each other by successively deeper constrictions which are sometimes so deep as to suggest porogenous development of the conidia but none was observed developing at an apparent pore. Such conidia are cylindrical to ovoid, (1)2-5(6)-septate and measure (12.5-)16-36(-50) x 8.3-10.8(-12.5)µm: they secede readily.
Capnobotrys synanamorph. Distinctive conidiophores are lacking; conidiogenous cells are borne in a unilateral series or in irregular clusters on the lower surface of slightly bent ends of otherwise undifferentiated hyphae and in unilateral series or clusters on the lower surface of short, downwardly curved, 1- to 3-septate branches on the larger hyphae. Conidiogenous cells are globose, coarsely roughened below, brown to dark brown, paler at the distal end, becoming obpyriform by extension during conidium production: they measure 5.4-9 x 5.4-6.8 µm and at maturity bear short narrow denticles after schizolytic conidium secession. Conidia are blastically produced on successive new growing points. Conidium initials are at first spherical and they can elongate unilaterally or obliquely so that they are borne at right angles or obliquely to the point of attachment. Conidia are dry, ovoid to ellipsoidal, sometimes inequilateral, 1-septate just above the middle, thick-walled, at first smooth, finally roughened, brown to dark brown with the proximal (basal) cell usually broader and slightly longer than the distal cell with a minute and inconspicuous oblique or lateral scar: the distal cell has an apical or obliquely located paler and thinner-walled area. Smooth conidia measure 11.7-12.6 x 7.2-8.5 µm and frequently anastomose one with another; older conidia expand slightly, are rough-walled, slightly constricted at the septa and are up to 16.5 x 10 µm.
Capnophialophora synanamorph. Phialides are uncommon and occur singly and scattered or in sparse groups on repent and erect hyphae: they are sessile or one or two may be borne on a 1-to 3-celled stalk. They are flask-shaped with a subglobose to broadly ellipsoidal venter, which is brown, waited, and 5-6.5 µm wide with a single paler subcylindrical collarette 2.5-3.6 µm long and 3.6 µm wide. The whole phialide is up to 10 µm long. No phialoconidia have been seen.
Metacapnodium teleomorph. Ascostromata brown, bearing hyphal appendages 35-100 µm long on the upper part. Asci bitunicate, ellipsoidal. Ascospores irregularly biseriate, ellipsoidal, sometimes inequilateral, brown to dark brown, 3-septate, 18-21.5(-23.5) x 9-10.8 µm, thick-walled, with a paler, thinner-walled area just above the base and below the apex.
Too few ascostromata were found on DAOM 106911 to serve as an adequate type collection.

On corticated trunks and branches and on leaves of dicotyledons.

Subiculum atrobrunneum vel atrum, effusum, cristatum vel velutinum vel spongiosum. Mycelium superficiale, ex hyphis ramosis, apicem versus subulatis, septatis, moniliformibus, hie illic ad septas profunde constrictis, brunneis vel atro-olivaceo-brunneis, fortiter verrucosis, ad 16.2 µm lat., cellulis terminalibus angustioribus ad 5.5 µm lat., compositum. Hyphae denique in fragmenta 1-8-cellulata secedentes. Cellulae conidiogenae botryosae vel polystichae apicem versus hypharum erectarum unilateraliter affixae nec non unilateraliter in ramis lateralibus curvatis 1-3-septatis, globosae, verrucosae, brunneae vel atrobrunneae, 5.4-9 x 5.4-6.8 µm, ad maturitatem obpyriformiae et apicem versus denticulis brevis praeditae. Conidia ovoidea vel ellipsoidea, aliquando inaequilaterales, 1-septata, cellulis inaequalibus (cellula terminali parviore), crasso-tunicata, laevia, brunnea vel atrobrunnea, 11.7-12.6 x 7.2-8 µm, cicatrice laterali vel obliquo in cellula basali praedita; denique parce inflata, ad septas parce constricta verruculosaque et ad 16.5 x 10 µm.
Synanamorphosis: Capnophialophora.
Teleomorphosis: Metacapnodium.

NOTES: Capnobotrys atro-olivacea can be differentiated amongst other sooty moulds by its dull, dark olivaceous brown colour, a feature that is also found in C. pacifica (q.v. infra).

Holotypus: m cortice Nothofagi fuscae. Nova Zelandia, "Westland, Granville Forest, Orwell Creek, Ahaura", 2.IV.1963, S. J. Hughes, PDD 36102 (DAOM 106914)

COLLECTIONS: (1-5) on Nothofagus fusca, Canterbury Province, Woolshed Hill, Hawdon Valley, 16.V.1963, (1) PDD 21100, S.J.H., (DAOM 96680b); (2) DAOM 97379a, S.J.H.; (3) 97053b. S.J.H.; (4) 106806, S.J.H.; (5) PDD 21098, J.M.D., (DAOM 106380); (6) on Nothofagus truncata, Westland, Granville Forest, Mount Elliott, Ahaura, 2.IV. 1963, S.J.H., DAOM 106381.

Mycelium composed of brown to dark brown, anstomosing, septate, moniliform hyphae, which taper markedly toward their distal end. Hyphae are usually curved, with upwardly curved branches originating at right angles, coarsely to sparsely waited throughout. The cells are usually broader than long being doliiform and up to 29 µm wide below and the end cells as narrow as 7 µm.
Capnobotrys synanamorph. Distinctive conidiophores are lacking: conidiogenous cells are borne in regular or irregular cluster's on the slightly bent ends of robust but otherwise undifferentiated hyphae and on short solitary or on a few crowded subterminal branches. Conidiogenous cells occur singly or in pairs, seldom in whorls of 3 or 4, on the penultimate cell and on 1 or 2 cells below the penultimate cell: the terminal cell of such a hypha is also conidiogenous. Solitary conidiogenous cells or clusters of these are produced on the short, solitary or paired 1-or2-septate branches, which arise usually unilaterally on one to three of the subterminal cells of fertile hyphae. Conidiogenous cells are usually crowded, broadly ellipsoidal and coarsely warted through fragmentation, during conidium production, of an outer wall layer: they are brown to dark brown, paler at the distal end, 6.3-11 x 5.4-7.2 µm and at maturity bear crowded scars on short denticles after schizolytic conidium secession. Conidia are blastically produced on successive new growing points. Conidium initials are at first spherical and then broadly ovoid with the long axis parallel with that of the conidiogenous cell. Conidia are dry, ovoid, I-septate, constricted at the septum, thick-walled, very coarsely warted, brown to dark brown with the proximal (basal) cell subglobose and broader and longer than the distal cell with a minute and inconspicuous basal scar. Conidia measure 13-18 x 9-11 µm and in old heads they occasionally anastomose one with another.
Capnophialophora synanamorph. Phialides have been seen on germinated conidia of Capnobotrys australis. They are more or less flask-shaped with a subglobose venter and an ellipsoidal collarette, which is markedly constricted at its base: they measure 10-11 x 5.4-5.8 nm. No phialoconidia were observed.

On corticated trunks of Nothofagus.

Subiculum atrobrunneum vel atrum, effusum, velutinum, cristatum vel rotundatum et spongiosum. Mycelium superficiale, ex hyphis ramosis, apicem versus subulatis, septatis, moniliformibus, brunneis vel atrobrunneis, parum vel fortiter verrucosis, ad 29 µm lat., cellulis terminalibus angustioribus ad 7 µm lat. compositum. Cellulae conidiogenae plus minusve polystichae apicem versus hypharum erectarum unilateraliter affixae nec non in ramulis lateralibus singularibus vel binatis brevis 1- vel 2-septatis, late ellipsoideae, valde verrucosae, brunneae vel atrobrunneae distaliter pallidiores, 6.3-11 x 5.4-7.2 µm et ad maturitatem apicem versus cicatricibus denticulatis praeditae. Conidia ovoidea, 1-septata, ad septas constricta, cellulis inaequalibus (cellula terminali parviore), valde verrucosa, brunnea vel atrobrunnea, 13-18 x 9-11 µm, cicatrice basali in cellula basali praedita.
Synanamorphosis: Capnophialophora.

NOTES: Capnobotrys australis is usually closely associated with and overgrowing the robust and branched erect hyphae of Acrogenotheca elegans (Fraser) Ciferri et Batista and also overgrowing the simple and branched ropes of hyphae of Euantennaria caulicola Hughes. Other species of sooty moulds are also present in these collections.
Capnobotrys australis is distinct from C. laterivecta, which has larger, laterally attached conidia.

Holotypus: in truncis Nothofagi fuscae. Nova Zeiandia, "Canterbury, Woolshed Hill, Hawdon Valley", 16.V. 1963, J. M. Dingley, DAOM 106380 (PDD 21098). Subicula dark brown to black, effuse, velutinous, tufted or in compact mounds, on bark, occurring alone or overgrowing and intimately associated with other sooty moulds.

COLLECTIONS: (1,2) Auckland Province, Waitakere Range, (1) Leptospermum scoparium. Sharp's Bush, 26.1X. 1963, S.J.H., DAOM 97384b; (2) Olearia rani, Walker Bush, Henderson Valley, 27.XII. 1962, S.J.H., DAOM 106366a; (3-6) Weinmannia racemosa, (3-5) West-land, Swamp Forest, Harihari, 7.IV.1963, S.J.H., PDD 21016 (DAOM 106385a), DAOM 106384, 106387; (6) Auckland Prov., Mangorewa Gorge, 20.111.1963, S.J.H., DAOM 106383a; (7) Weinmannia silvicola, North Auckland, Parahaki Mountain, Whangarei, 21.VI. 1963, S.J.H., PDD 21337 (DAOM 106382); (8) exposed roots of unidentified host, Auckland Prov., summit of Whitianga Road. Coromandel Peninsula (300 m), 21.VIII. 1963, S.J.H., PDD 21367 (DAOM 106388).

Subicula dark brown to black, superficial, effuse, up to 7 mm thick, usually mixed with other sooty moulds. Mycelium composed of brown to dark brown, anastomosing, septate, moniliform hyphae, which taper markedly toward their distal end. Hyphae are usually curved with upwardly curved branches originating at right angles, finely to moderately roughened throughout but distally (2-10 cells) coarsely roughened. The cells are usually about as broad as or broader than long being doliiform, the older ones being up to 31 µm wide and the younger distal cells as narrow as 8 µm wide. Most of the subiculum is made up of simple or branched hyphal ropes composed of a few hyphae or broader ropes up to 1 mm wide. Distinctive conidiophores are lacking: conidiogenous cells are borne on the ends of otherwise undifferentiated hyphae and also occasionally on subterminal branches. Conidiogenous cells are solitary or more usually in a whorl of up to 5 borne on the penultimate cell of an erect hypha, the terminal cell of which is also conidiogenous. One lo 3 conidiogenous cells may also be produced on the antepenultimate cell. Short solitary fertile branches up to 27 µm long and 1-septate may be produced near the apex; less frequently up to 4 longer (up to 170 µm long), scattered, upwardly curved and terminally fertile branches may be produced, giving a candelabra-like appearance. Conidiogenous cells are ovoid to narrowly barrel-shaped to cylindrical to broadly ellipsoidal and coarsely warted through fragmentation of and/or linear tearing of the outer layer during conidium production: they are brown to dark brown, 10-28 x 8-11 µm and at maturity bear inconspicuous lateral and terminal scars after schizolytic conidium secession. A transverse septum may develop finally in some of the longer conidiogenous cells. Conidia are blastically produced on successive new growing points. Conidium initials are at first spherical and soon become warted; they elongate unilaterally so that mature conidia are borne usually at right angles or obliquely to the point of attachment. Conidia are dry, ovoid, 1-septate, constricted at the septum, thick-walled, very coarsely warted, brown to dark brown with the proximal (basal) broader cell bearing a lateral pale circular scar 1.8-2.2 µm wide. The smaller distal cell is slightly thinner-walled at its apex. Conidia measure (13.5-) 16.5-21.5 x (9-)10.8-12. µm. and in old heads they occasionally anstomose one with another.

Subiculum atrobrunneum vel atrum, effusum, usque ad 7 mm crass. Mycelium superficiale, ex hyphis ramosis, apicem versus subulatis, septatis, moniliformibus, brunneis vel atrobrunneis, omnino subasperatis sed apicem versus valde verrucosis, ad 31 µm lat., cellulis terminalibus angustioribus ad 8 µm lat. compositum. Hyphae erectae saepe fasciculatae. Cellulae conidiogenae verticillatae, 1-5incellulis 1 vel 2 terminalibus hypharum erectarum nec non in ramis lateralibus curvatis affixae, ovoideae vel longe doliiformes vel cylindricae vel late ellipsoideae, valde verrucosae, brunneae vel atrobrunneae, 10-28 x 8-11 µm, cicatricibus lateralibus terminalibusque praeditae. Conidia ovoidea 1-septata, ad septas constricta, cellulis inaequalibus (cellula terminali parviore), valde verrucosa, brunnea vel atrobrunnea (13.5-)16.5-21.5 x (9-) 10.8-12.6 µm, cicatrice laterali in cellula basali praedita.

Capnobotrys laterivecta has more coarsely warted hyphae and conidia, a larger number of conidiogenous cells around hyphal ends and branches, and smaller conidia than found in C. paucispora, which it most closely resembles.

Holotypus: in truncis Weinmanniae racemosae, Nova Zeiandia, "Westland, Swamp Forest, Harihari", 7.1V. 1963, S. J. Hughes, PDD 21016 (DAOM 106385a).

COLLECTIONS: (1-3) Wellington Province, Mt Ruapehu, 16.XII. 1966, J.M.D., (1) Aristotelia serrata, Ohakune Track, PDD 25874 (DAOM 117143c): (2,3) Coprosma tenuifolia, (2) 610m, PDD 25871 (DAOM 117157c); (3) Ohakune Road, 670 m, PDD 25876 (DAOM 1171510); (4) Nothofagus fusca, Westland, Granville Forest, Orwell Creek, Ahaura, 3.1V. 1963, S.J.H., DAOM 1056841).
Capnobotrys pacifica has also been seen mixed with other sooty moulds on collections from the Hawaiian Islands and Chile:
"Plants of the Hawaiian Islands. Collected on the Island of Kauai on mountains west of the Hauapepe River, by A. A. Heller, July 24, 1895. 2550. Antennaria Robinsonii Berk. On Antidesma platyphyllum". (K). ' 'Flora Chilensis No. 1995. Llanquihue: Puerto Varas, Ensenada. In the low open forest. 11.Jan. 1947. 60 m.s.m. Leg. Benkt Sparre". (UPS). (DAOM 106093d).

Subicula black, superficial, effuse, thinly to densely velutinous, up to 2 mm wide but often much smaller, scattered and mixed with other sooty moulds. Mycelium composed of repent and erect, dark olivaceous brown, anastomosing, septate, moniliform hyphae, which taper markedly toward their distal end. Upright hyphae are straight or flexuous and up to 200 µm long, simple or bearing 1 or 2 lateral branches which arise at right angles and then curve upwards: upright hyphae are often darker and more coarsely warted than the repent hyphae. The hyphal cells are as broad as or broader than long, up to 18 µm wide; younger distal cells are as narrow as 5.5 µm.
Capnobotrys synanamorph. Distinctive conidiophores are lacking. Conidiogenous cells are borne in an irregular unilateral cluster of up to 20 on the concave surface of slightly bent ends of otherwise undifferentiated erect, main hyphae and also on the concave (lower) surface of downwardly curved 2- to 6-septate lateral branches. Toward the base of these fertile lateral branches the conidiogenous cells may also be borne on short I- to 3-celled stalks, the whole forming a compact botryose cluster. Conidiogenous cells are subglobose, pale to dark olivaceous brown, paler at the distal end, becoming obpyriform by extension during conidium production. They are 5.4-6.5 µm wide and up to 9 µm long with the distal end bearing several short denticles after schizolytic conidium secession. Conidia are produced blastically on successive new growing points. Conidium initials are at first spherical; they then elongate unilaterally so that mature conidia are borne usually obliquely to the point of attachment. Conidia are dry, at first globose, then ovoid, becoming inequilateral, supramedially 1-septate, dark olivaceous brown with the proximal (basal) cell broader and usually slightly longer than the distal cell with a minute and inconspicuous oblique or lateral scar. The distal cell has an apical or obliquely located thinner-walled area. Some conidia become reniform with the scar and the thin-walled area on the flattened or slightly concave side but no conspicuous projections were seen as in the conidia of Metacapnodium moniliforme. Conidia measure 10.8-12.6 x 7.5-8.8 µm: they expand and become slightly warted with age and germinate to produce an olivaceous brown and warted hypha.
Capnophialophora synanamorph. Distinctive conidiophores are lacking. Phialides are produced singly or in irregular clusters on otherwise undifferentiated erect hyphae or on short lateral branches on the erect hyphae. The venter is subglobose, olivaceous brown, coarsely warted, 4.3-5.4 µm wide with a single, slightly paler, roughened, subglobose to broadly ellipsoidal collarette 2.3-3.6 µm long which shows a distinct constriction where it joins the venter. Phialoconidia not seen.

On leaves of dicotyledons.

Subiculum atrum, effusum, velutinum, ad 2 mm lat. Mycelium superficiale ex hyphis ramosis, apicem versus subulatis, septatis, moniliformibus, atro-olivaceo-brunneis, fortiter verrucosis, ad 18 µm lat., cellulis terminalibus angustioribus ad 5.5 µm lat. compositum. Cellulae conidiogenae botryosae, apicem versus hypharum erectarum curvatarum unilateraliter affixae nec non unilateraliter in ramis lateralibus curvatis, 2-6-septatis, subglobosae, pallide vel atro-olivaceo-brunneae, 5.4-6.5 µm lat., ad maturitatem ad 9 µm long., obpyriformiae et apicem versus cicatricibus breviter denticulatis praeditae. Conidia ovoidea, dein inaequilaterales, 1-septata, cellulis inaequalibus (cellula terminali parviore), laevia, atro-olivaceo-brunnea, 10.8-12.6 x 7.5-8.8 µm, cicatrice laterali vel obliquo in cellula basali praedita, denique parce inflata et germinationibus parce verrucosa.
Synanamorphosis: Capnophialophora.

This species was frequently found intimately mixed with Metacapnodium moniliforme but it could be readily distinguished in preparations by its olivaceous brown colour. The hyphae of Capnobotrys pacifica are also always coarsely warted throughout as is the venter of the phialides, whereas the hyphae of Metacapnodium moniliforme are mostly smooth with only the ends of the upright hyphae roughened if at all and the venter of the phialides is smooth or occasionally roughened. Furthermore, the conidia of Capnobotrys pacifica never reach the dimensions of those of Metacapnodium moniliforme. Nevertheless, it was at first thought that C. pacifica was a variant of M. moniliforme but in all collections the differences noted are constant. Also, extensive searches were made for anastomoses between the two readily distinguishable hyphae: none was found although hyphae of the two species show frequent anastomoses with hyphae of their own kind.
Capnobotrys pacifica resembles C. atro-olivacea in its dark olivaceous brown and very coarsely warted hyphae, but in C. pacifica hyphae are more frequently branched and generally wider, more subulate toward their ends, and Capnophialophora collarettes are constricted at their base.

Holotypus: in foliis Coprosmae tenuifoliae, Nova Zeiandia, "Wellington Province, Mt. Ruapehu", (610 m), XII. 1966, J. M. Dingley, PDD 25871 (DAOM 117157c).

COLLECTIONS: (1) on Coprosma australis, Westland, Swamp Forest, Harihari, 7.1V. 1963, S.J.H., DAOM 106392a; (2) Leptospermum scoparium. North Canterbury, Ashley Gorge, 14.V.1963, J.M.D., DAOM 106854c; (3) Metrosideros diffusa, Wellington Province, Tongariro National Park, Erua, 6.111.1963, S.J.H., PDD 21035 (DAOM 97068b); (4,5) Nothofagus solandri var. cliffortioides. North Canterbury, near Ashley Gorge. 14.V.1963, J.M.D. and S.J.H., PDD 21608 (DAOM 106393), DAOM 105937b; (6) Nothofagus fusca, Westland, Granville Forest, Orwell Creek, Ahaura, 2.IV. 1963, S.J.H., DAOM 106390a; (7) Podocarpus dacrydioides, Westland, Swamp Forest, Harihari, 1.1V.1963, S.J.H., DAOM 96785b; (8,9) Westland, Swamp Forest, Harihari, 7.IV. 1963, S.J.H., (8) Weinmannia racemosa, DAOM 106385b; (9) twigs at base of W. racemosa, DAOM 106391.

Subicula dark brown to black, superficial, effuse, velutinous to tufted or in compact spongy hemispherical mounds up to I cm wide, usually mixed with other sooty moulds. Mycelium composed of brown to dark brown anastomosing septate moniliform hyphae, which taper markedly toward their distal end. Hyphae are straight or flexuous with upwardly curved branches arising at right angles, smooth throughout or distally finely warted. The cells are usually as broad as or broader than long, being doliiform and up to 33 µm wide; the younger distal cells are as narrow as 7.2 µm. Distinctive conidiophores are lacking: the terminal cell of tufted or sparsely velutinous, robust, straight or curved but otherwise undifferentiated hyphae is conidiogenous. Occasionally one or less frequently 2 lateral conidiogenous cells develop from the penultimate cell. Rarely the penultimate cell can bear one or two short branches, which bear conidiogenous cells. Conidiogenous cells are broadly ellipsoidal to doliiform, smooth or scarcely roughened, brown to dark brown, often with the outer wall layer torn irregularly at the distal end, 9-16.5 µm long and 8.6-11 µm wide: they bear 1 to 4 circular scars at the distal ends after schizolytic conidium secession. Conidia are blastically produced on successive new growing points distally on the conidiogenous cells. Conidium initials are at first spherical and smooth; they then elongate unilaterally so that most mature conidia are borne obliquely or at right angles to the point of attachment. Conidia are dry, ovoid, sometimes inequilateral, I-septate, constricted at the septum at maturity, thick-walled, smooth to roughened, brown to dark brown with the proximal (basal) cell subglobose, often darker, thicker-walled, broader and mostly longer than the distal cell with a lateral or oblique inconspicuous scar on the basal cell. The smaller distal cell has a slightly thinner-walled area at its apex or just below the apex. Conidia measure 17-27 x 11.7-18 µm and frequently anastomose one with another.

On corticated trunks and on twigs and leaves of dicotyledons and a podocarp.

Subiculum atrobrunneum vel atrum, effusum, velutinum, cristatum vel rotundatum et spongiosum. Mycelium superficiale, ex hyphis ramosis, apicem versus subulatis, septatis, moniliformibus, brunneis vel atrobrunneis, omnino laevibus vel distaliter parum verruculosis, ad 33 µm lat., cellulis terminalibus angustioribus ad 7.2 µm lat. compositum. Cellulae conidiogenae apicales, solitariae, integratae in hyphis erectis nec non interdum 1 vel infrequenter 2 lateraliter in cellula penultima affixae, late ellipsoideae vel doliiformes, laeves vel vix asperatae, brunneae vel atrobrunneae, 9-16.5 x 8.6-11 µm, et ad maturitatem apicem versus cicatricibus 1-4 praeditae. Conidia ovoidea, aliquando inaequilateralia, 1-septata, ad septas constricta, brunnea vel atrobrunnea, cellulis inaequalibus, cellula basali subglobosa, cellula terminali pallidiore parvioreque, laeves vel asperata, 17-27 x 1 1.7-18 µm, cicatrice laterali vel obliquo in cellula basali praedita.

NOTES: Capnobotrys paucispora can be readily distinguished from C. laterivecta by the fewer conidiogenous cells at the ends of hyphae, and by the larger conidia in the former. Furthermore, hyphae and conidia are far more coarsely warted in C. laterivecta.

Holotypus: in foliis ramulisque Metrosideris diffusi, Nova Zelandia, "Wellington Province, Tongariro National Park, Erua", 6.111.1963, S. J. Hughes, PDD 21035 (DAOM 97068b).

Collections: New Zealand, (1-5) Auckland Province, (1) on Dacrydium cupressinum, Pureora, 21.III.1963, J.M.D., DAOM 96604b; (2,3) Phyllocladus trichomanoides, (2) Orere, 20.11.1963, J.M.D.,DAOM 106379; (3) Kauaeranga Valley, Thames, 4.IX.1963, J.M.D., DAOM 106364a; (4-10) Podocarpus spicatus, (4) Auckland Prov., Pureora, 21.III.1963, S.J.H., PDD 20740 (DAOM 106375); (5) Wellington Prov., Tongariro National Park, Erua, 6.III. 1963, S.J.H., DAOM 160053; (6-10) Canterbury Prov., Price's Bush, near Little River, Banks Peninsula, (6) 13.V. 1963, S.J.H., PDD 21096 (DAOM 106368a,b) (type of Capnobotrys dingleyae Hughes and of Metacapnodium dingleyae Hughes); (7) PDD 21095 (DAOM 106376), (8) PDD 21094 (DAOM 106370a); (9) DAOM 106377; (10) DAOM 106378.
England (11) "Chroolepus Arnottii Harv. G.H.K. T[hwaites]. Ashdown Forest. Torula Arnottii Harv. [on bark; scr. Berkeley]", (K); (12) "Antennaria pinophila (unusually luxuriant) on Yew. Coll. J. H. Bloom. Sept. 1927. Mickleham [scr. E. M. Wakefield]. ... In one case the trunk was largely covered for many feet [scr. Bloom]", (K); (13) "Hormiscium pinophilum (Nees ex Fr.) Lindau. Box Hill, Surrey, June 1952. E. M. Wakefield", (K); (14) on stump of Taxus baccata, Alice Holt, Farnham, Surrey, 29.VII.1954, S. Batko, DAOM 44672; (15) on ?Taxus, Ranmore Common, Surrey, 3.X. 1959, B. C. Sutton, DAOM 119938 (IMI 78042); (16) on Taxus. Slindon Woods, Slindon, West Sussex, 31.III. 1967, D.A. & D. G. Reid, (K); (17) on Taxus, Bedgebury Pinetum, Kent, 27.X.1968, D. A. Reid, (K).
Scotland (18) "Chroolepus Arnottii. Kinross-shire, 7th July 1837", "Herb. Leighton", (K); (19) "Chroolepus Arnottii! Dr. W. H. H[arvey]. [scr. Berkeley, with illustrations of hyphae]", (? from Scotland), (K); (20) on Taxus baccata, Inchlonaig, Loch Lomond, Dumbartonshire, 13.X.1975, R. Watling, DAOM 153484.
Ireland (21) "Antennaria, Killarney, Dec. 1. 1860[scr. Berkeley], leg. D. Moore", (K); (22) "Torula-like masses of mycelium on diseased Juniper. Comm. Sir F. Moore. Glasnevin, Sept. 1914", (K); (23) on Taxus baccata, Killarney, comm. 22.IX.1969, J. Rishbeth, DAOM 128907 (IMI 142936).

Subicula olivaceous brown to dark rusty brown to black, superficial, effuse, flat to irregularly thickened, 3-20 mm thick sometimes forming separate pustules 1--5 mm wide and extensive by confluence.
Mycelium composed of brown to dark brown, anastomosing, septate, moniliform hyphae which taper markedly toward their distal end. Hyphae are straight or curved with upwardly curved branches originating at right angles, smooth to finely roughened throughout but distally usually warted to coarsely warted. The cells are about as broad as or broader than long, doliiform and up to 33 µm wide and the younger distal cells as narrow as 7 µm.
Metacapnodium teleomorph. Ascostromata partly immersed, crowded or scattered, brown to dark brown, ellipsoidal, 140-225 µm high, 120-185 µm wide, ostiolate at maturity, bearing toward the apex simple, subulate, moniliform, brown to dark brown, straight, crowded hyphal appendages up to 6-celled and up to 60 µm long. Asci fasciculate, ellipsoidal to obclavate, bitunicate, 8-spored, 57-72 x 18-22 µm. Ascospores irregularly biseriate, ellipsoidal, straight, sometimes inequilateral, brown to dark brown, 3-septate, scarcely constricted at the septa, 20-25(-27) x 9-10(-11) µm, thick-walled, but no paler thinner-walled areas were seen.
Capnobotrys synanamorph. Distinctive conidiophores are lacking: conidiogenous cells are borne in clusters on the ends of usually robust but otherwise undifferentiated hyphae 140-280 µm long and on short solitary or crowded mostly unilateral subterminal branches. Conidiogenous cells occur usually unilaterally on the penultimate cell and on one or two cells below this cell. The terminal cell of such a hypha is also conidiogenous. Conidiogenous cells are subglobose and usually coarsely warted through irregular fragmentation of an outer wall during conidium production. The conidiogenous cell which terminates a hypha may be hemispherical to doliiform, up to 12.5 µm wide and up to 14.5 µm long but lateral conidiogenous cells are shorter and 6.3-8 µm wide: at maturity they bear scars on very short denticles at the distal end after schizolytic conidium secession.
Conidia are blastically produced on successive new growing points: they are dry, ovoid to obcla-vate, 0- to 6-septate, mostly 2-septate, slightly constricted at the septa, thick-walled, very coarsely warted, pale brown to dark brown with the proximal (basal) broader cell bearing a basal circular scar. Conidia measure 10-11.7 x 7.2-8 µm (0-septate), 10.5-20 x 8.6-11 µm (1-septate), 16-24(-27) x 9-12.6 µm (2-septate), 23.5-33.5 x 10.8-12.6 µm (3-septate), 30.5-40 x 10.8-12.6 µm (4-septate), 42-45 x 12.6µm (5-septate), and 50 x 13µm (6-septate).
Capnophialophora synanamorph. Phialides occur singly or in groups of 2 to 4 on the end cells of hyphae or solitarily on Capnobotrys conidia usually on the distal or penultimate cell. They are flask-shaped with a subspherical, pale brown to brown, slightly roughened to warted venter 5-5.5 µm wide and a single cupulate to funnel-shaped collarette up to 3.6 µm long and 1.8-2 µm wide. Some phialides have two collarettes. Occasionally one or two collarettes are borne directly on a cell of a Capnobotrys conidium. Phialoconidia are rare, hyaline, ellipsoidal and c. 1.5 x 1 µm.

On corticated trunks and on exposed wood of gymnosperms.

Subiculum ut in Capnobotrys dingleyae Hughes.
Ascostromata plerumque immersa, congesta vel dispersa, brunnea vel atrobrunnea, ellipsoidea, 140-225 µm alt., 120-185 µm lat., ad maturitatem ostiolata, apicem versus hyphis simplicibus moniliformibus subulatis brunneis vel atrobrunneis ad 6-cellulatis et ad 60 µm long. ornata. Asci fasciculati ellipsoidei vel obclavati, bitunicati, 8-spori, 57-72 x 18-22 µm. Ascosporae irregulariter biseriatae, ellipsoideae, rectae, aliquando inaequilaterales, brunneae vel atrobrunneae, ad septas vix constrictae, transverse 3-septatae, 20-25(-27) x 9-10(-11) µm.
Habitat in truncis vivis (raro emortuis) Podocarpi spicati. Phyllocladi trichomanoidis, Dacrydii cupressini in Nova Zealandia, Taxi baccati et arboris ignotis in Anglia, Hibernia et Scotia et Juniperi in Hibernia.
Synanamorphoses:
Chroolepus arnottii Hooker in Harvey, In Smith, J. E., "English Flora", 5(1): 381. 1833. Mycelium.
Antennaria arnottii (Hooker) Berkeley in Cooke, "British Fresh Water Algae". Vol. 1. Williams and Norgate, London, p. 187. 1882.
Capnobotrys dingleyae Hughes, Mycotaxon 1: 121. 1974.
Capnophialophora Hughes, Mycotaxon 1: 121. 1974.

Unlike many of the Metacapnodiaceae M. dingleyae is somewhat restricted in its host range: it has been found only on members of Coniferales, namely Podocarpus, Dacrydium, and Phyllocladus (Podocarpaceae) in New Zealand and on Taxus (Taxaceae) and Juniperus (Cupressaceae) in the British Isles. It seems unlikely that this apparently restricted antipodal distribution represents the true geographical range.
Capnobotrys dingleyae Hughes and its Capnophialophora synanamorph were described by Hughes (1974b). In one of the 10 collections from New Zealand ascostromata of a Metacapnodium were found and attached to these I observed hyphae bearing Capnobotrys dingleyae and Capnophialophora synanamorphs. Accordingly, the three morphs are included as one species.
''Chroolepus arnottii Hooker" was described in that part of the treatment of Algae ("Div. II Confervoideae") which was prepared by W. H. Harvey (1833) for Hooker's completion of "The English Flora of Sir James Edward Smith ... Class XXIV. Cryptogamia ... Vol. V. Part I".
Chroolepus was divided by Harvey into two tribes, one for species which are "orange red, or yellow, rarely greenish. (Amphiconium, Spr.)" and one for species which are "black, torulose; bearing clavate bodies resembling sporidia. (Helmisporium?)". Chroolepus arnottii was included in the second tribe and described as follows: "C. arnottii, Hook. (Mr. Arnott's Chroolepus); filaments very short heaped together fragile moniliform slightly branched, branches simple subulate spine-like divaricate, articulations rather shorter than broad, joints contracted. On Yews [Taxus}, at Cleish Castle, Kinross-shire, Mr. Arnott.--This singular plant resembles none other that I know. It is found only on Yew-trees ... I may add, that when well dried, this species takes fire very readily from a spark, and burns like tinder! Arn. in litt."
Collection No. 19 above, labelled "Chroolepus Arnottii! Dr. W. H. H[arvey]." by Berkeley may well be a part of the type collection. Hooker described the hyphal branches as subulate with the cells (articulations) rather shorter than broad and constricted at the septa: these are distinctive features of metacapnodiaceous hyphae. Metacapnodium dingleyae is apparently the only comparatively large and extensive sooty mould found on Taxus in the British Isles. For the foregoing reasons Chroolepus arnottii is considered to be based on the mycelium of Metacapnodium dingleyae.
On being exposed momentarily to a flame the compact subiculum of M. dingleyae (DAOM 44672, pro parte minima!) ignited instantly and glowed until it was reduced to a grey ash. Parts of this collection were also successfully ignited with sparks from a cigarette lighter, but not "readily" as described by Mr Arnott.
The Capnobotrys synanamorph of Metacapnodium dingleyae is clearly distinguishable from others by the variable septation of its conidia.

Holotypus: in truncis vivis Podocarpi spicati. Nova Zealandia, "Banks Peninsula", 13.V.1963, S. J. Hughes, PDD 21096 (DAOM 106368b).

COLLECTIONS: (1) Aristotelia serrata, Wellington Province, Mt Ruapehu, Ohakune Track, 16.XII. 1966, J. M. Dingley, PDD 25874 (DAOM 117143b); (2) Beilschmiedia tawa twigs. North Auckland, Waipoua Forest, 18.Vi. 1963, J. M. D. & S. J. H., DAOM 96736b; (3) Blechnum discolor, Westland, Granville Forest, Orwell Creek, Ahaura, 3.IV.1963, S.J.H., PDD21418 (DAOM 105689);(4) Blechnum minor, Westland, Lower Poerua River, Harihari, 5.IV. 1963, J.M.D., DAOM 93414a; (5) Blechnum procerum, Auckland Prov., Titirangi, 22.1.1963, S.J.H., DAOM 93350b; (6) Coprosma areolata, Westland, Little Wanganui River, Harihari, 6.1V. 1963, S.J.H., DAOM 105682; (7) Coprosma australis, Auckland Prov., Upper Piha Valley, Waitakere Range, 30.XI. 1966, J.M.D., PDD 25878 (DAOM 117153b); (8) Coprosma lucida, Auckland Prov., Kitekite Stream, Piha Valley, 31,1.1963, S.J.H., DAOM 93348b; (9-12) Coprosma tenuifolia, (9) Auckland Prov., Pureora, 21.111.1963, S.J.H., DAOM 93420c; (10-12) Wellington Prov., (10) Tongariro National Park, Mahia Camp site, 5.111.1963, S.J.H., DAOM 93377a; (II) Mt Ruapehu, Ohakune Road (670 m), 16.XII. 1966, J.M.D., PDD 25876 (DAOM 117151b); (12) Wellington Prov., Mt Ruapehu (610 m), 16.XII. 1966, J.M.D., PDD 25871 (DAOM 117157b); (13,14) Cyathea dealbata, (13) Auckland Prov., Comwallis, 3.1.1963, S.J.H., DAOM 93366b; (14) North Auckland, Parahaki Mt, Whangarei, 21.VI.1963, S.J.H., DAOM 93444b; (15) Cyathodes fasciculata. North Auckland, Parahaki Mt, Whangarei, 21.VI. 1963, S.J.H., DAOM 105690; (16) Dicksonia squarrosa, Westland, Lower Poerua River, Harihari, 5.1V. 1963, S.J.H. ,PDD21385 (DAOM 105681); (17) Elaeocarpus dentatus, Wellington Prov., Tongariro National Park, Ohakune, 6.111.1963. S.J.H., DAOM 93386b: (18) Elaeocarpus hookerianus, Westland, Granville Forest, Orwell Creek, Ahaura, 2.1V. 1963, S.J.H., PDD 21413 (DAOM 105688); (19) Gleichenia cunninghami, Wellington Prov., Horopito, 8.111.1963, S.J.H., DAOM 93416d; (20) Hemitelia smithii, Wellington Prov., Tongariro National Park, Erua, 6.111.1963, S.J.H., PDD 21422 (DAOM 93419b); (21) Leptospermum scoparium, Auckland Prov., Pureora, 22.111.1963, S.J.H., PDD 20741 (DAOM 96438b); (22,23) Melicytus ramiflorus, (22) Nelson Prov., Eve's Bush, Waimea, 1.111.1967, J.M.D., PDD 25887 (DAOM 117321); (23) Auckland Prov., Piha, Waitakere Range, 31.V11.1963, S.J.H., DAOM 106808; (24) Myrsine australis, Auckland Prov., Comwallis, 3.1.1963, J.M.D. and F. J. Morton, PDD 20416 (DAOM 93371b); (25) Nothofagus fusca, Westland, Granville Forest, Orwell Creek, Ahaura, 3.IV. 1963, S.J.H., DAOM 105684a; (26) Olearia furfuracea, Auckland Prov., Kitekite Stream, Piha Valley, 31.1.1963, S.J.H., DAOM 93347b; (27) Olearia sp.. Nelson Prov., Eve's Bush, Waimea, 1.111.1967, J.M.D., PDD 25885 (DAOM 117345); (28) Pittosporum ellipticum, Auckland Prov., Upper Piha Valley, Waitakere Range, 30.XI.1966, J.M.D., PDD 25881 (DAOM 117322a); (29) Pseudopanax edgerleyi, Westland, Granville Forest. Orwell Creek, Ahaura, 3.1V. 1963, S.J.H., DAOM 105683; (30) Quintinia serrata, Westland, Swamp Forest, Harihari, 7.1V. 1963, S.J.H., DAOM 93415c; (31) Rubus cissoides, Westland, Little Wanganui River, Harihari, 6.1V. 1963, S.J.H., DAOM 93410a; (32,33) Weinmannia racemosa. Wellington Prov., (32) Tongariro National Park, Erua, 6.111.1963, S.J.H., DAOM 93480b; (33) Mt Ruapehu, Ohakune Track (610m), 16.XII. 1966 J.M.D. PDD 25889 (DAOM 117164c).
Six collections from New Zealand and two from Chile, including Juan Fernandez, preserved in Herb. K, S, and UPS, also bear Metacapnodium moniliforme.
New Zealand: "Antennaria Robinsonii B. & M. on living leaves of Brachyglottis repanda [scr. M. C. Cooke], b. 197. New Zealand, Rev. W. Colenso--Rec'd Dec., 1885". (K). Antennaria Robinsonii, New Zealand. M. C. Cooke, May '86 (scr. M. C. Cooke]. On Drimys axillaris, 294, near Wellington. 30.X1.85 T. Kirk. [scr. T. Kirk]". (K). "Swedish Botanical Australasia-Expedition. New Zealand, North Island, Ruahine, Cook Bot. Distr. York Bay, near Wellington . . . on adult leaves of Elaeocarpus dentatus, 7.XII.1926, No. 1012c. leg. G. Einar et Greta du Rietz". (UPS). "Antennaria Robinsonii Mont., New Zealand, [on Hymenophyllum] Colenso 2761 [scr. Berkeley]". (Herb. Berk. in K). "Antennaria Robinsonii. On living [leaves of] Olearia colorata. Dry Forests, [scr. M. C. Cooke], b. 383. New Zealand, Rev. W. Colenso.-Rec'd Dec., 1885". (K). "Antennaria Robinsonii, New Zealand. M. C. Cooke, May '86 [scr. M. C. Cooke]. On. Rubus australis, near Wellington. 30.XI, 85 T. Kirk. 293 [scr. T. Kirk]". (K). "Antennaria Robinsonii. New Zealand. M. C. Cooke May '86 [scr. M. C. Cooke]. Leaves of Drimys and Hedycarya infested with a Lecanium, the latter parasitized by a Chalcid or other insect, and both insects infested by a fungus. Near Wellington. T. Kirk. 298. [scr. T. Kirk]". (K).
Chile: Svenska Pacific expeditionen, 1916-17. "Limacinia (fernandesiana Neger) = scoriadea (Berk.) Keissler". On Myrceugenia fernandeziana. Juan Fernandez, Chile: Mas a Tierra. 250 m.s.m. 30.111.1917. Coil. Carl & Inga Skottsberg. Det. K. Keissler (1928). (S). "Flora Chilensis. Nr. 1995. [Chile] Llanquihue: Puerto Varas, Ensenada. In the low, open forest. 11 Jan. 1947. 60 m.s.m. Leg. Benkt Sparre". (UPS).

Subicula dark brown to black, superficial, very variable, effuse and thinly to densely velutinous on leaves to spongy and up to 7 mm wide when encircling twigs. Mycelium composed of repent and erect, pale brown to dark brown, anastomosing, septate, moniliform, smooth to slightly roughened hyphae which taper toward their distal end. Upright hyphae may be as short as 75 µm but are usually longer, simple to frequently branched with the branches scattered and arising singly (never in pairs) more or less at right angles to the parent hypha and then curving upwards. Hyphal cells are generally as broad as or broader than long, being broadly barrel-shaped and up to 23.5 µm wide; the younger distal cells are as narrow as 5 µm. Dense subicula on leaves and especially on twigs may bear compact fascicles of erect hyphae up to 800 µm tall.
Metacapnodium teleomorph. Ascostromata generally scanty, partly immersed in the subiculum, scattered, brown to dark brown, subglobose to ellipsoidal to broadly obovoid with a short stalk-like base, 90-230 µm high x 66-165 µm wide with numerous rooting hyphae at the base, ostiolate (sometimes on a short papilla) at maturity, glabrous or bearing toward the distal end up to 23 simple, subulate, pale brown to dark brown, straight or slightly curved hyphal appendages up to 90 nm long, up to 16 µm wide at the base and as narrow as 4.5 µm wide at the apex. Asci fasciculate, bitunicate, usually 8-spored, variable in size and shape and number in the ascostroma, broadly ellipsoidal to clavate, 45-90 x 15-30 µm. Ascospores crowded to biseriate to irregularly so, ellipsoidal and straight at First but finally inequilateral to slightly curved, pale brown to dark brown and slightly paler at the ends, usually 3-septate, sometimes 4-septate, uncommonly 2- or 5-septate, at first not constricted at the septa but moderately so especially after expulsion, with the convex wall thicker and appearing more deeply pigmented than the flattened or slightly concave wall: at maturity a circular paler and thinner area is found in the wall of the end cells just below the apex and above the base on the flattened or slightly concave side. Ascospores vary considerably in size and they may acquire a pigmented wall when they are as short as 15 µm long: within 8-spored asci the ascospores are commonly 16-26 µm long and 7.2-11 µm wide. Expelled ascospores, or those within asci in which only some of the initials have developed fully, or those' which have for some reason not been expelled, are often up to 35 µm long, or even up to 40 µm long and up to 12.5 µm wide. The fourth or fifth septum, when these are formed, are found in the terminal cells of the ascospore. Expelled ascospores germinate by producing a hypha or one or two Capnophialophora phialides terminally or laterally from one or both end cells. However, these structures do not develop, as one would expect, at the paler and thinner areas of the wall of the terminal cells. Over these paler areas of some expelled ascospores an outer wall layer appears to gelatinise to produce an irregular to more or less cylindrical appendage up to 7 µm long but usually shorter: perhaps such appendages have an adhesive function. An inner wall layer projects slightly beyond the contour of the original wall but no further development was seen at these sites.
Capnobotrys synanamorph. Distinctive conidiophores are lacking. Conidiogenous cells are borne in compact clusters or series on the lower or upper surface of slightly curved or abruptly bent ends of erect hyphae and of usually downwardly curved lateral branches. These fertile branches are 3-to 6-septate, usually occur singly and bear conidiogenous cells usually on the lower surface, directly on the distal cells and on 1- or 2-celled stalks on the proximal cells. Similar clusters of conidiogenous cells are borne on the lower surface of bent ends of separate erect hyphae. On fasciculate hyphae, which may be up to 800 µm long, conidiogenous cells are usually borne on the upper surface of the curved ends: such long fasciculate hyphae bear very few lateral fertile branches. Conidiogenous cells are subglobose to broadly ellipsoidal, smooth, pale brown to brown, becoming somewhat obpyriform by extension at the apex during successive conidium production: they are 5.5-9 µm wide and may reach a length of 10.8 µm with the distal end bearing up to 5 crowded denticulate scars after schizolytic conidium secession. Conidia are produced blastically on successive new growing points; initials are at first globose but soon elongate unilaterally so that mature conidia are borne at right angles or obliquely to the point of attachment. Maturing conidia are dry, ovoid, inequilateral, medially or supramedially 1-septate, smooth, brown to very dark brown with the proximal (basal) cell usually broader and slightly longer than the distal cell, with a minute circular and inconspicuous oblique or lateral scar: the distal cell has an apical, lateral or obliquely located, paler, thinner-walled area. Conidia usually secede in this condition or they may increase in size with both cells becoming more or less equal or the conidia may become reniform (in side view) with the convex wall markedly thicker than the flattened or concave wall which may be extended into two blunt projections, one bearing the conidium scar and the other the paler, thinner-walled area. Subsequent development of the larger conidia, usually on the surface of the host, results in a cracking of the outer wall so that the conidium appears irregularly warted. Uncommonly, the wall over the paler and thinner area shows some gelatinisation and an inner wall may project slightly. In the smooth, more or less ovoid condition conidia measure (9-) 11.5-16.2(-18) x (5-) 8-11 µm but the reniform conidia in side view can be up to 25 µm long and up to 16 µm wide (projections included).
Capnosporium synanamorph. Distinctive conidiophores are lacking. Conidiogenous cells are the terminal cells of otherwise undifferentiated erect hyphae. Solitary conidia are produced at an apparent pore at the apex of the conidiogenous cell: the larger conidia may produce another but smaller conidium at the apex. Occasionally two conidia may develop directly on a conidiogenous cell and less frequently the conidiogenous cell or a cell below will proliferate and produce another conidium on the 1- to 3-celled extension. Conidia are dry, straight, ellipsoidal to obclavate to obovoid, smooth, thick-walled, brown to dark brown, (l-)2- or 3(-5)-septate, constricted at the septa, readily seceding, rounded at the apex and at the base which bears a minute scar. They measure 13.5-18 x 10-10.8 µm (1-septate), (16.2-) 18-27 x 8.1-12.6(-14.4) µm (2-septate), (19-) 25-34(-36) x (9-)10-14.5 µm (3-septate), 39-45 x 12.6-14.5 µm (4-septate), and 46 x 14.5 µm (one 5-septate conidium).
Capnophialophora synanamorph. Distinctive conidiophores are lacking. Phialides are produced singly or in irregular clusters of 2 to 4 at the apex and laterally on otherwise undifferentiated erect hyphae and on their short branches. They have also been seen produced directly on expelled ascospores, on detached Capnobotrys conidia, less commonly on Capnosporium conidia or on hyphae derived from these. The venter is usually pale brown to brown, smooth or slightly roughened, subglobose, 3.9-5.5 (-6.5) µm wide with a single subhyaline to pale brown, well differentiated collarette 2.7-4.3 µm long and 2.8-3.2 µm wide which shows a deep constriction where it joins the venter. Phialides with two collarettes are rare. The venter of some terminal and adjacent phialides is much broader (up to 8.1 µm) than that of others and the collarette is somewhat narrower and shorter. Collarettes are at first ellipsoidal with a rounded apex, but the apex is opened presumably by lysis and the collarette finally appears funnel-shaped. Phialoconidia are hyaline, minute and apparently scanty. The first is produced enclosed within the lumen of the unopened collarette and is ellipsoidal and c. 2 x 1.4 µm, subsequent phialoconidia are subglobose to broadly ellipsoidal and c. 1.4 x 1.2 µm.

On living leaves of dicotyledons and ferns and less frequently on twigs

NOTES: Metacapnodium moniliforme is the commonest metacapnodiaceous sooty mould on leaves in New Zealand and is of particular interest because it produces three easily distinguishable synanamorphs. In the 33 recent collections cited above, Capnobotrys is accompanied by Capnophialophora in 30 collections and by Capnosporium in 27. The Metacapnodium teleomorph is present in 11 collections.
The identity of the teleomorph and synanamorphs is claimed not merely because of the frequency with which the morphs are closely associated but because hyphal connections have been traced several times from one morph to the other. Furthermore, Capnobotrys has been seen produced on a hyphal appendage of the teleomorph, and a short hyphal branch bearing Capnobotrys has been seen extending from a terminal conidiogenous cell bearing a Capnosporium conidium and also extending from other cells of erect hyphae, which bear Capnosporium. Ascospores and Capnobotrys conidia, and less frequently Capnosporium conidia may germinate to produce Capnophialophora phialides directly on these spores or on a short germination hypha.
Fraser (1935) included 16 collections in her account of Capnodium moniliforme: 15 of these are from Australia on various flowering plants and a fern and 1 from New Zealand on a conifer, Podocarpus hallii.
Parts of the type collection, on leaves of Backhousia myrtiflora, Salisbury, New South Wales, V. 1934 (DAR 19740, and BPI), have been examined (Fig. 11). Young ascostromata, with or without hyphal appendages were seen but no ascospores. However, the hyphae, Capnobotrys conidiogenous cells and conidia, and Capnophialophora phialides in the type are as described and illustrated above from the New Zealand collections. Also found in the type were some hyphae with an apparent pore at the apex, but no Capnosporium conidia were seen. Fraser described the ascospores as "averaging 21 x 9 µm., but varying considerably with age from 18 x 9 to 31.5 x 11 µm." Capnobotrys conidia "finally thick-walled and very dark" and "10-20 x 7-10 µm". The New Zealand collections fit well. Another collection cited by Fraser, on Polystichum aculeatum, Mt Wellington, Tasmania, 1.1933, coil. D. Martin (DAR 19733, and BPI), bears abundant Capnobotrys conidia ranging from ovoid to reniform and up to 21.5 x 14.5 µm (projection included); abundant Capnosporium (moniliforme Hughes) conidia in this collection are 21.6-27 x 10-13 µm (2-septate), 28.8-36 x 10.8-14.4 µm (3-septate) and a solitary 4-septate conidium is 43 x 14.4 µm. I have failed to find pyenidia in Metacapnodium moniliforme as reported by Fraser (1935) and Batista & Ciferri (1963).
Capnophialophora phialoconidia are minute and apparently not produced in abundance. They can be seen readily within the collarette by mounting material in a solution of haematoxylin in distilled water.
Of interest is the apparent preference of Metacapnodium moniliforme for non-coniferous hosts. All the collections cited above are on dicotyledonous flowering plants and ferns. I have not seen the collection upon which Fraser (1935) based the record of this species on Podocarpus hallii.
Unlike most of the cells of the subiculum the upper cells of fasciculate hyphae are usually longer than broad: in this feature they resemble the cells of synnemata in Capnocybe (Hughes 1966) and the distal cells of the longer Capnobotrys-bearing erect hyphae of C. laterivecta, C. paucispora, and of Metacapnodium dingleyae.