Ascocarps in vertical section initially subepidermal with a layer comprising rows of hyaline, vertically oriented, cylindric cells surrounding the developing hymenium. As ascocarps mature the lowermost of these cells become dark brown, and a separate upper wall, comprising dark brown, thick-walled cells, develops within the host epidermis. A narrow extension to the upper wall near the ascocarp opening, comprising dark tissue with no obvious cellular structure covers top of the hymenium.

Paraphyses 1-2 µm diam., undifferentiated at apices, extending 15-20 µm beyond asci. Asci 75-105 x 8-10.5 µm, cylindric to subsaccate, apex broadly truncate, wall not thickened, 8-spored. Ascospores 45-70 x (1.5-)2-2.5 µm, 0-1 septate, narrow gelatinous sheath, curving on release. Pycnidia-like structures in vertical section lenticular in shape, upper wall more or less obsolete, lower wall of 2-3 layers of dark brown, thick-walled cells. Conidia and conidiogenous cells not seen.

ETYMOLOGY: asteliae; refers to host plant.

NOTES: Collections typical of L. multimatricum have also been found on Astelia. L. asteliae is easily distinguished by ascus size and shape. See notes under L. multimatricum.

Ascocarps in vertical section subcuticular. Upper wall 10-15 µm wide near outside edge of ascocarp, 30-50 µm wide near ascocarp opening, comprising mostly dark tissue with no obvious cellular structure. Layer of 10-20 x 3-4 µm, cylindric, hyaline to pale brown cells developing across exposed face of broken upper wall. Lower wall a single layer of brown, slightly thick-walled cells. In upper wall of immature ascocarps near centre of ascocarp is an area of thin-walled, hyaline cells extending from the inside, almost to the outside edge of the wall.

Paraphyses 1-1.5 µm diam., undifferentiated or circinate at apex, extending 10-15 µm beyond asci. Asci 90-135(-160) x 7.5-9 µm, subclavate, tapering to rounded apex, wall not thickened at apex, 8-spored. Ascospores 50-75 x 1.5-2 µm, 0-1 septate, with narrow gelatinous sheath. Pycnidia in vertical section subcuticular, upper wall 3-5 µm wide, comprising dark tissue with no obvious cellular structure. Lower wall 5-10 µm wide, of dark brown, thick-walled cells. Conidiogenous cells lining lower wall, solitary, 6-10 x 1.5-2.5 µm, flask-shaped, proliferating both sympodially and percurrently, wall at conidiogenous loci slightly thickened, remains of thickening visible following proliferation. Conidia 3-4 x 0.8-1 µm, cylindric, 0 septate, hyaline.

ETYMOLOGY: atrum = black; refers to black anamorph pycnidia.

NOTES: L. atrum is macroscopically similar to L. cf. richeae and both species are found on the same hosts, often on the same leaves. L. atrum can be distinguished by its larger, black pycnidia.

Ascocarps in vertical section initially subepidermal, epidermal cells becoming filled with fungal tissue as ascocarps mature. Hymenium surrounded by layer of vertically-oriented, thin-walled, hyaline, cylindric cells. Upper wall 20-25 µm wide, of dark brown, thick-walled cells, with a narrow extension, comprising very dark tissue, extending across top of hymenium.

Paraphyses 1-2 µm diam., undifferentiated or slightly swollen at apex, extending 10-15 µm beyond asci. Asci 110-130 x 6-7 µm, cylindric, apex rounded, wall not thickened, 8-spored. Ascospores 60-70 x 1.5-2 µm, 0-septate, with indistinct gelatinous sheath.

The type specimen of this species (K) is fragmentary. Vertical sections were made from part of one ascocarp from the type. Ascocarp structure was typical of L. multimatricum. Asci, ascospores, and paraphyses were not clearly seen. Berkeley (in Hooker 1847) provided illustrations, but no measurements of the hymenial elements.

Two recent collections from New Zealand, one on Uncinia (PDD 46121), and one on Gahnia (PDD 37127) have the same kind of ascocarp structure as the type of L. breve. The asci and paraphyses from these collections match the illustrations of Berkeley, and as L. breve was originally described from an Uncinia sp., it is assumed that the recent collections represent L. breve. The following description is based on the recent New Zealand collections.

L. breve was placed in synonymy with L. gramineum by Tehon (1935), however the two fungi differ in ascocarp structure and in ascus width.

See also notes under L. multimatricum.

Ascocarps in vertical section initially subepidermal, host epidermal cells becoming invaded by fungal cells as ascocarps mature. Upper wall 15-20 µm wide, of pale brown to hyphae, thin-walled cells. Lining inside of upper wall near ascocarp opening is a 20-25 µm wide layer of hyaline, cylindric cells. The outside of this layer becomes dark brown as the ascocarps mature. Lower wall 20-50 µm wide, of dark brown, thick-walled, 4-8 µm diam. cells.

Paraphyses 2 µm diam., often 1-3 times branching near apex, gradually swelling to 4-5 µm diam. at apex, embedded in gel, extending 20-30 µm beyond asci. Asci 145-180 x 7-9 µm, cylindric, tapering to small, rounded apex, wall not thickened at apex, 8-spored. Ascospores 90-130 x 1.5 µm, tapering slightly to both ends, often bending at right angles when released, 0-1 septate.

Pycnidia in vertical section intraepidermal, upper wall more or less lacking, lower wall 20-30 µm wide, comprising dark brown, thick walled fungal cells amongst disrupted host tissue. Near centre of pycnidium a column of hyaline, cylindric cells extends to the top of the pycnidium. Conidiogenous cells lining lower wall, solitary, 8-11 x 3-4 µm, hyaline, flask-shaped, proliferating either sympodially or percurrently, wall at conidiogenous locus slightly thickened, remains of thickening often visible following proliferation. Conidia 3-4 x 0.8-1 µm, cylindric, 0 septate, hyaline.

ETYMOLOGY: brunneolum = brownish, pale brown; refers to ascocarp wall colour.

L. brunneolum is similar to L. tindalii and L. nigrofactum, two Dracophyllum-inhabiting species. All three species have similarly shaped ascocarps, have a similar appearance in vertical section, have ascocarps remaining open even when dry, so exposing the hymenium, and have ascospores bending at right angles when released from asci. The three species can be distinguished by differences in the pycnidia (black in L. tindalii, brown in the other two species), in ascus width (8.5-11 µm in L. tindalii, 7.5-9 µm in L. brunneolum, 5-7.5 µm in L. nigrofactum), and in the shape of the ascus and paraphysis apices. Macroscopically the ascocarps of L. brunneolum appear paler than those of the other two species.

The collections of this species from Northland, Auckland, Coromandel, and Bay of Plenty are known only from Knightia excelsa (Proteaceae), those from Dunedin, Southland, and Stewart 1. only from Dracophyllum longifolium (Epacridaceae). In spite of the divergent host and geographic distribution the two groups of collections are morphologically and anatomically indistinguishable.

See also notes under L. nigrofactum.

Ascocarps in vertical section subcuticular. Upper wall 10-15 µm wide near outside edge of ascocarp, up to 100 µm wide near ascocarp opening, comprising dark brown, thick-walled, 4-7 µm diam. cells. Layer of cylindric, hyaline, thin-walled, 20-45 x 3-4 µm cells developing across exposed face of broken upper wall. Lower wall 10-15 µm wide, of 3-4 rows of brown to pale brown cells.

Paraphyses 1-1.5 µm diam., circinate at apex. Asci 170-195 x 9-10.5 µm, subclavate, tapering to small, truncate apex, wall not thickened, 8-spored, spores in upper part of ascus only. Ascospores 80-105 x 2-2.5 µm, 0-1 septate, with narrow gelatinous sheath.

Pycnidia-like structures subcuticular. No conidiogenous cells or conidia seen.

ETYMOLOGY: croesicum; refers to type locality.

In vertical section L. croesicum is indistinguishable from L. atrum and L. cf. richeae. The three species differ in the macroscopic appearance of both ascocarps and pycnidia, in the size of asci and ascospores, and in host substrate. None of the subcuticular Lophodermium spp. considered by Tehon (1935)(as Lophodermina Höhnel) match any of the New Zealand species.

Ascocarps in vertical section initially subepidermal, epidermal cells may become filled with fungal tissue as ascocarps mature, but extent to which this occurs varies, and in some collections ascocarps remain completely subepidermal. Upper ascocarp wall up to 50 µm wide, narrower toward s outside edge of ascocarp, comprising brown to pale brown, angular cells, with an area of dark brown to black cells near ascocarp opening. Exposed face of broken upper wall lined with 15-30 µm wide layer of hyaline, cylindric cells. Upper wall may contain cells from partially disrupted fibre bundles of leaf. Lower wall up to 15 µm wide, of brown, thick-walled, 4-6 µm diam. cells.

Paraphyses 1.5-2 µm diam., apex undifferentiated or circinate, extending 10-15 µm beyond asci. Asci 65-105 x 8-10 µm, subclavate, tapering to small, rounded apex, wall unthickened, 8-spored. Ascospores 30-65 x 1.5-2 µm, with well developed gelatinous sheath.

CHARACTERISNCS IN CULTURE: Ascospores from PDD 45304 and PDD 49360 germinated on agar plates after 48 hours. On OA colonies 8 cm diam. after 5 weeks, agar vinaceous-brown, aerial mycelium sparse, cottony, white to pale grey. Dark, globose structures developing near centre of colonies, remaining sterile.

NOTES: Ascocarp structure is similar in L. gramineum and L. rubrum, the two Lophodermium species found on grasses in New Zealand. The ascocarps are initially subepidermal, the upper wall is wider near the ascocarp opening, and is composed mostly of pale brown cells, with a restricted group of darker, thicker walled cells close to the ascocarp opening. The opening itself is lined with a well developed layer of pale, thin-walled, cylindric cells. The same ascocarp structure is also seen in most of the Lophodermium spp. from grasses considered by Tehon (1935).

Cannon & Minter (1986) reported L. gramineum from India. They also examined isotype material and described the asci as 12-15 µm wide, which is wider than in the New Zealand collections. In most Lophodermium species ascus width is a fairly stable character, and the New Zealand collections may represent a different species. However, the taxonomy of monocotyledon-inhabiting Lophodermium species is confused. The New Zealand collections are retained in L. gramineum since they fit this species as circumscribed by Tehon (1935), and they are indistinguishable from an Australian collection referred to this species by Walker (1980).

Two collections on Carex (PDD 46148, 48259) are the same as L. gramineum in macroscopic appearance and in vertical section, but differ in ascus length (120-165 µm) and ascospore length (60-85 µm). Because all specimens from New Zealand which are accepted in L. gramineum are on Gramineae, it may be best to recognize the fungus on Carex as a distinct species, but uncertainty in the taxonomy of Lophodermium from these plants means that its affinities remain uncertain.

See also notes under L. rubrum.

Ascocarps in vertical section subepidermal, developing above fibre bundles in host leaf. Upper wall of dark brown, thick-walled cells, 10-15 µm wide, not varying in width across ascocarp. Hyaline, cylindric cells developing across broken face of upper wall after ascocarp opens, tips of these cells becoming dark brown. Lower wall of dark brown, thick-walled cells, variable in width, more or less obsolete above fibre bundles of host, up to 15 µm wide between fibre bundles.

Paraphyses 2-2.5 µm diam., slightly wider near apex, extending 10-15 µm beyond asci. Asci 100-125 x 4.5-6.5 µm, cylindric or subclavate, tapering to small, rounded apex, wall thickened at apex with broad, central pore, 8-spored. Ascospores 70-85 x 1-1.5 µm. Pycnidia in vertical section mostly subepidermal, lenticular in outline, 25-30 µm high, upper wall of 1-2 layers of thin-walled, pale brown to hyaline cells. Lower wall up to 10 µm wide, of thick-walled, dark brown cells. Conidiogenous cells lining lower wall, 7-10 x 2-3 µm, solitary, flask-shaped, wall thickened and flaring at conidiogenous locus. Conidia cylindric, 0-septate, hyaline, 3-4 x 1 µm.

ETYMOLOGY: hauturuanum; refers to type locality, Hauturu, Maori name for Little Barrier I.

NOTES: L. hauturuanum is easily confused with L. inclusum, the two species often being found together on the, same leaves. L. hauturuanum is distinguished by its narrower, cylindric ascocarps which have a different appearance in vertical section, and by its asci which have a central pore at the apex. L. hauturuanum is similar to L. unciniae but is distinguished by its longer and narrower ascocarps, larger pycnidia, and shorter asci and ascospores.

Ascocarps in vertical section initially subepidermal, epidermal cells becoming filled with fungal tissue as ascocarps mature. Upper wall comprising mostly black tissue with no obvious cellular structure, up to 30 µm wide, narrower towards outside edge of ascocarp. Groups of host fibre cells contained within upper wall. Lower wall 5-10 µm wide, intermixed with fibre cells of host.

Paraphyses 2 µm diam., apex undifferentiated or swelling to 2.5-3 µm. Paraphyses near edge of hymenium tightly gelled together, and not intermixed with asci. Asci 95-130 x 5.5-7.5 µm, cylindric or subclavate, tapering to small, rounded apex, wall thickened at apex, 8-spored. Ascospores 55-80 x 1-1.5 µm, 0-1 septate, with well developed gelatinous sheath.

Upper wall of pycnidia poorly developed, conidiogenous layer lining lower wall. Conidiogenous cells 9-13 x 2-2.5 µm, solitary, flask-shaped, some with wall thickened and flaring at conidiogenous locus, others with no obvious thickening and with 2 conidia held at apex. Conidia cylindric, 0 septate, hyaline, 4-4.5 x 1-1.5 µm.

CHARACTERISTICS IN CULTURE: Ascospores from PDD 43978 germinated on agar after 48 hours. On OA colonies 5 cm diam. after 10 weeks, aerial mycelium lacking, agar not discoloured, remaining sterile.

ETYMOLOGY: inclusum = enclosed, included; refers to the inclusion of some host tissue within ascocarp walls.

NOTES: PDD 45938 on Uncinia sp. is indistinguishable from L. inclusum in the appearance and dimensions of the asci, ascospores, and paraphyses. However, it has smaller (0.4-0.9 x 0.2-0.3 mm), uniformly black-walled ascocarps, lacks pycnidia, and has a less well developed upper ascocarp wall. The upper wall is similar to L. inclusum in that it lacks any kind of differentiated layer adjacent to the ascocarp opening. The differences in the ascocarp size and in the structure of the upper ascocarp wall may relate to the different host substrates. The significance of the absence of pycnidia is not known, but because of the similarities in the hymenial elements, this collection is included within L. inclusum.

Ascocarps in vertical section intraepidermal to partly subepidermal. Upper wall mostly 15-20 µm wide, comprising brown to pale brown, slightly thick-walled cells, with a 60 µm wide layer of thin-walled, hyaline, vertically oriented cells adjacent to the ascocarp opening. Exposed face of broken upper wall becoming lined with cylindric, thin-walled, hyaline to pale brown cells. Lower ascocarp wall 15-20 µm wide, of 3-4 layers of thick-walled, dark brown cells.

Paraphyses 2-2.5 µm diam., slightly swollen at apex, developing short side branches, extending 40-50 µm beyond asci. Asci 220-245 x 6.5-8 µm, cylindric, tapering to more or less acute apex, wall not thickened, 8-spored. Ascospores 125-180 x l-1.5 µm, 0-1 septate, with gelatinous sheath.

Pycnidia in vertical section subglobose, intraepidermal. Upper wall 10 µm wide, comprising dark brown, thick-walled cells, obsolete near centre of pycnidium where 1-2 host epidermal cells remain intact. Lower wall 5-10 µm wide, lined with conidiogenous cells, solitary, 7.5-12 x 1.5-2 µm, cylindric, thickened collarette at apical conidiogenous locus. Conidia 2.5-3.5 x 0.8 µm, cylindric, 0 septate, hyaline.

ETYMOLOGY: irregulare = irregular; refers to variable, often irregular shape of ascocarps.

NOTES: L. irregulare can be distinguished macroscopically from the other Lophodermium spp. occurring on Epacridaceae by its large, dark pycnidia which have a distinct, paler area near the centre. It is the only Lophodermium species on Epacridaceae with asci over 200 µm long.

See also notes under L. mangatepopense.

Ascocarps initially subepidermal, with rows of vertically oriented, rectangular cells surrounding the hymenium. These cells dark brown towards base of ascocarp, otherwise hyaline to pale brown. As ascocarps mature a separate upper wall develops within host epidermal cells, wall up to 50 µm wide, comprising very dark tissue with no obvious cellular structure. In some ascocarps upper wall layer poorly developed. In these ascocarps the hyaline, vertically orientated cells above the hymenium adjacent to the ascocarp opening become elongated, to form a distinct layer along the edge of the opening.

Paraphyses 1-1.5 µm diam., circinate or undifferentiated at apex. Asci 155-210 x 7-9 µm, cylindric, apex broadly truncate, wall unthickened, 8-spored. Ascospores 100-140 x 1.5-2 µm, 0-1 septate, with gelatinous sheath.

Pycnidia in vertical section subglobose, wall 10-15 µm wide, of dark brown, thick-walled cells. At top of pycnidia the wall is composed of hyaline, slightly thick-walled cells. Conidiogenous cells lining dark part of wall, solitary, flask-shaped, sympodial. Conidia 2.5-3 x 1 µm, cylindric, hyaline, 0-septate.

CHARACTERISIICS IN CULTURE: Ascospores from PDD 49346 germinated on agar after 72 hours. On OA colonies 6-7 cm diam. after 8 weeks, aerial mycelium low, felted, white to pale pinkish-brown in colour, agar not discoloured, remaining sterile.

ETYMOLOGY: kaikawakae; refers to kaikawaka, common name for host plant.

NOTES: L. kaikawakae has the same ascocarp structure as L. multimatricum, the two species being distinguished by ascus shape and size, and ascospore size. See notes under L. multimatricum.

Coccomyces libocedri Johnston is also found on Libocedrus in New Zealand. The asci and ascospores of C. libocedri are very similar to those of L. kaikawakae, but C. libocedri has smaller, grey ascocarps which usually have more than one opening slit, with a different kind of structure in vertical section (Johnston 1986).

Ascocarps in vertical section subcuticular. Upper wall up to 150 µm wide near ascocarp opening, narrower toward outside edge of ascocarp, comprising brown to pale brown, thin to slightly thick-walled cells. Exposed face of broken upper wall lined with hyaline to brown, cylindric cells. Immediately prior to ascocarp opening a 15-20 µm wide layer of hyaline, vertically orientated cells develops near the centre of the ascocarp between the upper wall and the cuticle of the host. As ascocarps mature the cells in this layer become brown. Lower wall 25-50 µm wide, outer 1-2 rows of cells dark brown, thick-walled, inner rows of cells paler and with thinner walls.

Paraphyses 1.5-2 µm diam., circinate at apex, extending 15-25 µm beyond asci. Asci 130-175 x 9-12 µm, clavate, tapering to small, truncate apex, wall not thickened at apex, 8-spored, spores held in top third of ascus. Ascospores 35-60 x 2-2.5 µm, 0-1 septate, tapering to base, well developed gelatinous sheath.

ETYMOLOGY: mahuianum; refers to type locality.

NOTES: This species is macroscopically distinctive because of its broad, often irregularly-shaped ascocarps. The ascospores are short relative to ascus length, and the ascocarp margin is distinctive when seen in vertical section. The collections on Podocarpus nivalis (PDD 48451, 48452) have shorter ascospores (23-32 µm) than those on other hosts, but in all other respects they are indistinguishable.

Ascocarps in vertical section initially intraepidermal. In immature ascocarps upper wall wider along future line of opening, here comprising hyaline, thin-walled, cylindric, vertically oriented cells inter-mixed with brown, thick-walled, angular cells. In mature ascocarps upper wall mostly 15-20 µm wide, of brown, thick-walled cells, but adjacent to ascocarp opening 30-50 µm wide, and here comprising cylindric, thin-walled, pale brown cells. Lower wall 15 µm wide, of dark brown, thick-walled, angular cells.

Paraphyses 2 µm diam., swollen to 3.5-5 µm diam. at clavate apex, extending 10-20 µm beyond asci. Asci 100-135 x 9-11 µm, clavate, tapering to small, truncate apex, wall not thickened, 8-spored, ascospores confined to upper half of ascus. Ascospores 34-52 x 2-2.5 µm, tapering to base, 0 septate, with gelatinous sheath.

ETYMOLOGY: mangatepopense; refers to type locality.

NOTES: L. mangatepopense is similar to L. irregulare in macroscopic appearance of its ascocarps, in appearance in vertical section of the upper ascocarp wall, and in the way the ascocarp opening develops. The two species are easily distinguished by ascus and ascospore size, and by the shape of the paraphyses.

L. mangatepopense could equally as well be placed in the genus Coccomyces as currently delimited; Lophodermium and Coccomyces being distinguished on the basis of ascocarp shape alone.

Ascocarps in vertical section intraepidermal or subepidermal. Upper wall 20-30 µm wide, not varying in width across ascocarp, comprising brown to pale brown, 4-8 µm diam. cells. In recently opened ascocarps a poorly developed layer of hyaline, cylindric cells is present along the exposed face of the broken upper wall. As ascocarps become older the upper wall erodes, and the marginal paraphyses become more swollen, closely septate, and tightly embedded in gel, so forming a distinct layer between the ascus-containing part of the hymenium and the upper ascocarp wall.

Paraphyses 1.5-2 µm diam., irregularly swollen to 3.5-5 µm diam. at apex, extending 20-30 µm beyond asci. Asci 100-140 x 7-9 µm, subclavate, tapering to the broadly rounded to slightly truncate apex, wall not thickened at apex, 8-spored. Ascospores 65-95 x 1.5-2 µm, 0-1 septate, with thin gelatinous sheath.

Pycnidia in vertical section intraepidermal, upper wall more or less obsolete, lower wall 10-20 µm wide, of 2-4 layers of dark brown, thick-walled, 3-7 µm diam. cells. Column of hyaline, thin-walled, cylindric cells extends between upper and lower walls near centre of pycnidium. Lower wall lined with conidiogenous cells, 8-12 x 2.5-3.5 µm, solitary, flask-shaped, sympodial. Conidia 2.5-4.5 x 0.8-1 µm, cylindric, 0 septate, hyaline.

ETYMOLOGY: medium = middle, midway between; refers to shape of the ascocarp, more or less intermediate between those typical of the genera Lophodermium and Coccomyces.

NOTES: Coccomyces radiatus Sherwood, which also occurs on Nothofagus menziesii, can be distinguished by larger, paler-walled ascocarps which are always round in outline, and by narrower asci.

For description, illustrations, and characteristics in culture see Johnston (1988a).

This is the most common species of Lophodermium found on native plants in New Zealand. Both macroscopic and microscopic features distinguish this species, L. asteliae, L. breve, and L. kaikawakae from other Lophodermium species found in New Zealand. All four species have a layer of cylindrical cells arranged in vertical rows surrounding the hymenium. This layer can be seen in vertical sections at all stages of ascocarp maturity. Macroscopically, the immature ascocarps often have a well developed paler zone along the future line of opening, and the mature ascocarps have a distinctive black, flattened area adjacent to both sides of the ascocarp opening.

Ascocarps in vertical section initially subepidermal, host epidermal cells becoming filled with dark brown, thick-walled fungal cells as ascocarp matures. In mature ascocarps upper wall -5 µm wide, not varying in width across ascocarp, on inside of upper wall near ascocarp opening is a 15 µm wide layer of hyaline, cylindric, 2 µm diam. cells. Lower wall 15-25 µm wide.

Paraphyses 1.5-2 µm diam., swelling gradually to 2.5-5 µm at apex, embedded in gel, extending 10-20 µm beyond asci. Asci (135-)155-185(-220) x 5-7.5 µm, cylindric, tapering slightly to broadly truncate apex, wall at apex slightly thickened, sometimes with small central pore, 8-spored. Ascospores 75-130 x 1-1.5 µm, tapering slightly to both ends, often bending at right angles when released, 0-1 septate, indistinct gelatinous sheath.

Pycnidial-like structures in vertical section 30 µm high, upper wall lacking, lower wall 5-10 µm wide, of 1-3 layers of 4-8 µm diam., brown, thick-walled cells. No conidia or conidiogenous cells seen.

ETYMOLOGY: nigrofactum = blackened; refers to blackening of host tissue around ascocarp.

NOTES: L. nigrofactum is similar to L. tindalii and L. brunneolum, two other Dracophyllum-inhabiting species. Most collections of L. nigrofactum differ macroscopically from these other two species in having linear rather than elliptic ascocarps and in having ascocarps associated with black staining of the surrounding host tissue. See also notes under L. brunneolum.

Ascocarps in vertical section subcuticular, upper wall 10-15 µm wide near edge of ascocarp, 50-60 µm wide near ascocarp opening, comprising mostly very dark tissue with no obvious cellular structure. A poorly developed layer of hyaline, cylindric, 10-15 x 1.5-2.5 µm cells forms across the exposed face of the broken upper wall. Lower wall 15-40 µm wide, of dark brown, thick-walled cells.

Paraphyses 2-2.5 µm diam., gradually increasing in width to 3-4.5 µm diam. at apex, embedded in gel, extending 10-20 µm beyond asci. Asci 85-115 x 7-9 µm, cylindric, tapering to small, rounded apex, wall not thickened at apex, 8-spored. Ascospores 55-80 x 1.5-2 µm, 0 septate, poorly developed gelatinous sheath.

Pycnidia in vertical section subcuticular, lenticular in shape, upper wall 3-5 µm wide, comprising black tissue with no obvious cellular structure. Lower wall 8-12 µm wide, of dark brown, thick-walled cells, with a column of hyaline, filiform elements near centre of pycnidium extending almost to upper wall. Conidiogenous cells lining lower wall, solitary, cylindric to flask-shaped, sympodial. Conidia 4.5-6 x 0.8 µm, cylindric, hyaline, 0 septate.

ETYMOLOGY: rectangulare = rectangular; refers to shape of ascocarp.

NOTES: Ascocarp and ascocarp opening are macroscopically distinct. Although species included in Lophodermium typically do not have a branching ascocarp opening, to exclude L. rectangulare from Lophodermium for this reason alone would be misguided.

Ascocarps in vertical section subcuticular. Upper wall 20-25 µm wide near outside edge of ascocarp, 70-80 µm near ascocarp opening, comprising mostly very dark tissue with no obvious cellular structure. Cylindric, 30-45 µm long, thin-walled, hyaline to dark brown cells developing across exposed face of broken upper wall. In immature ascocarps near centre of upper ascocarp wall a zone of hyaline, thin-walled cells extends from the inside edge of the wall to almost reach the outside edge.

Paraphyses 1-1.5 µm diam., undifferentiated or circinate at apex, extending 10-15 µm beyond asci. Asci 120-170 x 8-11.5 µm, subclavate, tapering to either narrow or broadly truncate apex, 8-spored. Ascospores 60-110 x (1.5-)2-2.5 µm, 1-septate, narrow gelatinous sheath, often bent or coiling on release. In vertical section pycnidial-like structures subcuticular. Upper wall 5 µm wide, very dark, lower wall of 2-3 layers of thick-walled, brown cells.

No conidiogenous cells or conidia seen.

NOTES: Lophodermium richeae was described from Richea in Australia by Petrak (1954). From the description it appears to be very similar to the New Zealand collections on Dracophyllum. The shape and size of the ascocarps, the appearance of the ascocarps in vertical section, and the dimensions of the asci and ascospores all agree. Unfortunately the type specimen has not been located.

L. cf. richeae in New Zealand can often be distinguished macroscopically by the presence of yellow, crystal-like deposits on its ascocarp walls, however these are not always present. There is a second Lophodermium species, often found in association with L. cf. richeae, which also has dark brown cells lining the ascocarp opening. This second species, L. atrum, differs in having black pycnidia, asci which are narrower and rounded rather than truncate at the apex, and narrower ascospores.

Minter & Hettige (1983) reported an immature rhytismataceous species in association with Meloderma richeae (Petrak) Parbery & Minter, and they speculated that this fungus may represent L. richeae. However, the macroscopic appearance of the immature ascocarps, and the characteristics of the upper ascocarp wall in vertical section, as illustrated by Minter & Hettige (1983), indicate that it is more similar to the New Zealand species L. brunneolum, L. nigrofactum, and L. tindalii, than it is to L. richeae.

See also notes under L. croesicum.

Paraphyses similar to L. gramineum. Asci 120-165 x 9.5-10.5 µm, subclavate, tapering to small, rounded apex, 8-spored. Ascospores 61-84 x 1.5-2.5 µm, 0-1 septate, with well-developed gelatinous sheath.

CHARACTERISTICS IN CULTURE: Ascospores germinated on agar within 48 hours. On OA colonies 4 cm diam. after 3 weeks, aerial mycelium low, felted, bright orange-red in colour, agar surface orange-brown, remaining sterile.

ETYMOLOGY: rubrum = red; refers to colour of vegetative mycelium in the host tissue, and in culture.

NOTES: Distinguished from L. gramineum by colour of vegetative mycelium and by ascus and ascospore size. The pale, thin-walled cells lining the ascocarp opening become dark brown in colour in older ascocarps of L. rubrum, a feature not seen in L. gramineum.

Ascocarps in vertical section intraepidermal, upper wall 30-40 µm wide, uniform in width across ascocarp. Lining inner side of upper wall near ascocarp opening is a 20-25 µm wide layer of hyaline, 1.5-2 µm diam., cylindrical cells. In older ascomata the upper edge of this layer is dark brown. Lower wall 8-10 µm wide, of slightly thick-walled, brown to pale brown cells.

Paraphyses 1.5-2 µm diam., apex with irregular, short branches and with irregular swellings, extending 10-15 µm beyond asci. Asci 135-195 x 8.5-11 µm, cylindric to subclavate, tapering to small, rounded apex, wall not thickened at apex, 8-spored. Ascospores 70-140 x 1.5-2 µm, tapering slightly to both ends, often bending at right angles when released, 0-1 septate.

Pycnidia in vertical section 70 µm high, upper wall 7-10 µm wide, black, lacking any cellular structure. Lower wall up to 25 µm wide, of dark brown, thick-walled, 3-6 µm diam. cells. Beneath central ostiole a column of hyaline, cylindric, 1.5-2 µm diam. cells extending to top of pycnidium. Conidiogenous cells lining lower wall, solitary, 8-11 x 1.5-2 µm, hyaline, flask-shaped, sympodial. Conidia cylindric, 0 septate, hyaline, 3-4.5 x 0.8-1 µm.

ETYMOLOGY: tindalii; acknowledges Mr R. Tindal, whose assistance enabled the collection of this and many other species from Stewart I.

NOTES: L. tindalii is similar to L. nigrofactum and L. brunneolum, two other Dracophyllum-inhabiting species. See notes under L. brunneolum.

Ascocarps in vertical section intraepidermal, upper wall up to 20 µm wide, uniform in width across ascocarp, comprising dark brown, thick-walled, angular cells. Inside of upper wall near ascocarp opening lined with a layer of 10-20 x 2-3 µm cylindric cells. These cells mostly hyaline, becoming dark brown at apex. Lower wall 10-15 µm wide, of dark brown, thick-walled cells.

Paraphyses 1.5-2 µm diam., swelling to 2.5-4.5 µm diam. at apex, often branching 1-2 times 20-30 µm from apex, embedded in gel, extending 20-30 µm beyond asci. Asci 125-155 x 4.5-6.5 µm, cylindric, tapering to small, truncate apex, wall thickened near apex with broad, central pore, 8-spored. Ascospores 85-115 x 1-1.5 µm, 0-1 septate, with indistinct gelatinous sheath.

Pycnidia in vertical section intraepidermal. Upper wall absent or poorly developed. Lower wall comprising 2-3 layers of pale brown, thin-walled cells. Conidiogenous cells lining lower wall, 6.5-9 x 2.5-3.5 µm, hyaline, flask-shaped, sympodial. Conidia 3.5-4 x 0.8-1 µm, cylindric, hyaline, 0 septate.

ETYMOLOGY: unciniae; refers to host substrate of holotype.

NOTES: See notes under L. hauturuanum.