Coriaria arborea Kirk. Auckland: Te Puna, coast, May, 1948, M. Hodgkins. Leptospermum ericoides A. Rich. Auckland: Te Moehau, Coromandel Peninsula, 300ft, October, 1954, J.M. Dingley. Wellington: Waikato River, Kaimanawas, 2,800ft, March, 1952, G.H.C.; Oturere River, Mt. Tongariro, 3,500ft, January 1931, G.H.C. Leptospermum scoparium Forst. Auckland: Mt. Te Aroha, 1,100ft, December, 1953, G.H.C., type collection, P.D.D. herbarium, No. 15238; Huia, 200ft, January, 1954, E.E. Chamberlain.

Hymenophore annual, resupinate, adnate, ceraceous-cretaceous, at first appearing as small linear scattered colonies 2-5 x 1-2 mm, becoming coalesced forming linear effused areas to 5 cm long; hymenial surface white, remaining so or becoming cream, or occasionally sulphur yellow, pruinose, at length deeply areolately creviced; margin thinning out, fibrillose, white, adnate. Context white, 120-160 µ thick, basal layer narrow, of mainly parallel hyphae, intermediate layer occupying the greater part of the context, of closely arranged upright hyphae soon cemented by their walls to form a pseudoparenchyma, embedding masses of crystals; generative hyphae to 6 µ diameter, walls l µ thick, hyaline, branched, septate, without clamp connexions. Hymenial layer to 50 µ deep, a loose palisade of basidia, paraphyses, acanthophyses and gloeocystidia. Basidia subclavate, 16-25 x 5-6 µ, 4-spored; sterigmata slender, upright, to 6 µ long. Paraphyses subclavate, scanty, narrower and shorter than the basidia. Acanthophyses forming the bulk of the hymenial layer, clavate or fusiform, to 6lU diameter, with the apical region covered with several (5-14) blunt spines 2-3 µ long. Gloeocystidia arising in the base of the context and subhymenium, some projecting slightly, fusiform or flexuous-cylindrical, 45-80 x 8-10 µ, apices rounded, walls 0.25 µ thick. Spores elliptic-oblong with rounded ends, apiculate, 7-9 x 4-5 µ, walls smooth, hyaline, 0.2 µ thick, amyloid; often adhering in fours.

DISTRIBUTION. New Zealand.

HABITAT. Effused on bark of dead stems and branches.

Hymenophorum ceraceo-cretaceum, primo lineare, 2-5 x 1-2 mm, resupinatum, coalescens ad 5 cm longum; superficies hymenii alba, pruinosa, demum alte areolatae rimosa. Contextus albus, 120-160 µ crassus; hyphae generatoriae ad 6 µ diam., hyalinae, enodulosae, parietibus 1 µ crassis. Basidia subclavata, 16-25 x 5-6 µ. Acanthophyses clavati, ad 6 µ diam., in apice 5-14 digitalis processis. Gloeocystidia flexuouo-cylindricalia, 45-80 x 8-10 µ. Sporae elliptico-oblongae, apicibus rotundis, apiculatae, 7-9 x 4-5 µ, parietibus levibus, 0.2 µ crassis, amyloidibus.

Separated from other species present in this region by the clavate acanthophyses, abundant gloeocystidia, small basidia, elliptical smooth spores and effused resupinate hymenophore with a well developed intermediate layer. Arrangement of the context is similar to that of most species of Corticium, and the small basidia and spores strengthen the resemblance. As acanthophyses are present, and spores amyloid, the species has been treated as an Aleurodiscus. Because of its unusual morphology for a member of this genus the specific name has been given.
The species resembles A. cerussatus (Bres.) Hoehn. & Litsch. in surface features, presence of apically spined acanthophyses, gloeocystidia and smooth elliptical spores. It differs in that basidia are smaller, clamp connexions absent, and spores are smaller and of different shape. In most collections the hymenial surface is white, and remains so or changes to cream on drying; the collection from Coriaria is rich cream with sulphur yellow areas where growing in bark crevices. It is identical in microfeatures.
This and the following species [Aleurodiscus sparsus] are resupinate and effused, with the context composed of both basal and intermediate tissues. A. candidus, though colonies are usually pulvinate, is treated under the resupinate section since it possesses a similar type of context and colonies are sometimes coalesced and form resupinate areas. Species may be divided into four sections according to the types of acanthophyses and dendrophyses. Acanthophyses of A. aberrans are clavate with apices crowned with digitate processes or spines, coralloid in A. coralloides, A. coronatus and A. sparsus, and botryose in A. botryosus. Dendrophyses of somewhat simple type are present in A. acerinus, A. candidus, A. nivosus and A. aurantius.

Leptospermum scoparium Forst. Auckland: Mt. Te Aroha, 1,100ft, December, 1953, G.H.C., type collection, P.D.D. herbarium, No. 15238

Nothofagus cliffortioides (Hook. f.) Oerst. Wellington: Pangarara River, Mt. Tongariro, 3,500ft, December, 1946, G.H.C.; Oturere River, Mt. Tongariro, 3,000ft, December, 1946, G.H.C.; Mt. Holdsworth, Tararuas, 3,500ft, December, 1952, G.H.C.; Featherston Reserve, 100ft, December, 1952, G.H.C.; Waikato River, Kaimanawa Ranges, 2,800ft, January, 1955, G.H.C. Nothofagus fusca (Hook. f.) Oerst. Auckland: Little Barrier Island, October, 1945, J.M. Dingley; Lake Waikaraemoana, March, 1949, P.M. Ambler; Upper Mohaka River, Kaimanawas, 2,000ft, May, 1953, J.M. Dingley. Wellington: York Bay, September, 1920, E.H. Atkinson; same locality, 300ft, July, 1923, E.J. Butler-G.H.C., part of type collection of A. peziculoides. Mt. Reeves, Tararuas, 2,000ft, February, 1931, E.E. Chamberlain; Butterfly Reserve, May, 1946, G.B. Rawlings; Day's Bay, May, 1947, J.M. Dingley. Westland: Staircase Creek, Reefton, 2,000ft, November, 1952, S.D. Baker; Orwell Creek, Ahaura, November, 1954, April, 1955, J.M. Dingley; Totara Flat, Glandville [sic; = Granville] Forest, April, 1955, J.M. Dingley. Nothofagus menziesii (Hook. f.) Oerst. Auckland: Upper Mohaka River, Kaimanawas, April, 1953, J.M. Dingley. Otago: Lake Manapouri, February, 1949, Mrs. O. Turbott. Nothofagus truncata (Col.) Ckn. Auckland: Little Barrier Island, November, 1947, J.M. Dingley; Wairongomai Valley, Te Aroha, 500ft, October, 1948, J.M. Dingley.

Hymenophore annual, sometimes reviving a second season, coriaceous, pilei at first scattered or crowded, but discrete, pulvinate, orbicular, attached by a broad base, 0.5-2 mm diameter. becoming confluent into discoid areas 1-1.5 cm across, finally deeply creviced into irregular polygonal segments; exterior margin at first even and rounded, naked, becoming crenulate; hymenial surface at first convex, pruinose and even, cream or ochre, at length rugulose or irregular, radiately crenate, finally deeply creviced and discoloured dingy brown. Context white or isabelline, to 1 mm thick, composed of densely woven, cemented, partly gelatinized hyphae, almost sclerotioid near the base, embedding massive gloeocystidia and masses of crystals; generative hyphae to 10 µ diameter in the base, 4-5 µ in the hymenial layer, walls 1-1.5 µ thick, lumen capillary in context hyphae, hyaline, branched, with clamp connexions. Hymenial layer 50-60 µ deep, a dense palisade of basidia, paraphyses, acanthophyses and gloeocystidia. Basidia subclavate, some cylindrical, projecting slightly, 20-30 x 5-6 µ, 2-4-spored; sterigmata upright, slender, to 5 µ long. Paraphyses subclavate, about the same length but narrower than the basidia. Acanthophyses subclavate, 4-6 µ diameter, covered on the upper third with closely arranged bluntly pointed spines, naked below. Gloeocystidia abundant, arising in all parts of the context and hymenium, some penetrating to the surface, 80-160 x 14-18 µ in the hymenial layer, in the context 30-56 µ diameter with walls 4-8 µ thick, hyaline, variable in shape, in the sub-hymenium fusiform, clavate, or flexuous-cylindrical, sometimes bearing apically a single gemma, in the context convoluted and distorted. Spores suballantoid with rounded or acuminate ends, 9-12 x 4-4.5 µ, apiculate, walls smooth, hyaline, 0.2 µ thick, amyloid.

TYPE LOCALITY. Maungatua, Otago, New Zealand.
DISTRIBUTION. New Zealand.

HABITAT. Crowded on bark of attached dead branches and dead standing saplings.

On examination the type of Hypocrea berggreni in Kew herbarium, ex "Maungatua, S. Berggren, No. 241" proved to be an Aleurodiscus identical with that later described as A. peziculoides. The species is endemic and confined to four endemic species of Nothofagus, where it develops upon attached dead branches or dead standing saplings. At first pilei are small, pulvinate, scattered or crowded, and cream or ochre. This is the stage upon which were erected Hypocrea berggreni and Aleurodiscus peziculoides. Later, between them develop other pilei which become confluent, forming large disciform fructifications with roughened surfaces, scalloped margins and discoloured edges. Finally these larger plants become creviced deeply, segments separate and persist as separate entities, in this stage resembling mature fructifications of Stereum frustulosum Fr. In fact they have been so identified by overseas workers, as was pointed out in a previous paper (Cunningham, 1956). Separately, these two conditions are so diverse in appearance that each would be regarded as a different species; but intermediate stages are present in the collections listed showing transition from the pulvinate to the disciform stage. In microfeatures both are identical, so must be regarded merely as conditions of growth of one species. The older form is often biennial, reviving a second season. Pilei then exhibit on the margins discoloured or black often zoned areas indicating stages of growth.
Context hyphae and acanthophyses are similar to those of certain other species of Aleurodiscus. Hyphae are thick-walled, densely compacted so that basal tissues of the context appear sclerotioid, the lumen often being capillary. Acanthophyses are abundant, subclavate and bear upon the upper third crowded blunt spines. They resemble somewhat those of Stereum frustulosum. Basidia, on the other hand, are much smaller than those of typical species of the genus, and bear delicate sterigmata.
Gloeocystidia are large, abundant, with unusually thick walls in those present in the context. They were mistakenly described as basidia by Miss Wakefield in her account of A. peziculoides. Spores are abundant, amyloid, and may be seen embedded in the hymenial layer as well as lying upon the surface when sections are treated with Melzer's reagent. When fresh, specimens are scented not unlike sandalwood.
A. aberrans and A. berggreni are the only species present in New Zealand in which acanthophyses are clavate and apically crowned with spines, and spores and basidia are of relatively small size.

Nothofagus cliffortioides (Hook. f.) Oerst. Wellington: York Bay, 300ft, January, 1925, April, 1926, D.W. McKenzie; Pangarara River, Mt. Tongariro, 3,000ft, December. 1946, G.H.C.; Waihouhounou River, Mt. Tongariro, 3,500ft, January, 1947, J.D. Atkinson; Waikato River, Kaimanawas, 3,000ft, March, 1952, G.H.C., type collection, P.D.D. herbarium, No. 4971; same locality, January, 1955, G.H.C.; Ohakune, 2,000ft, December, 1953, J.M. Dingley. Nothofagus fusca (Hook. f.) Oerst. Auckland: Mamaku Forest, 1,800ft; October., 1955, G.H.C. Wellington: Day's Bay, May, 1947, J.M. Dingley; Kaimanawa Ranges, 2,800ft, April, 1955, J.M. Dingley. Westland: Staircase Creek, Reefton, 2,000ft, December, 1952, S.D. Baker; Ahaura, November, 1954, April, 1955, J.M. Dingley; Glandville [sic; = Granville] Forest, April, 1955, J.M. Dingley. Nothofagus menziesii (Hook. f.) Oerst. Auckland: Upper Mohaka River, Kaimanawas, 2,000ft, May, 1953, J.M. Dingley. Wellington: Mt. Ruapehu, 3,500ft, January, 1954, S.D. Baker. Nothofagus truncata (Col.) Ckn. Auckland: Lake Waikaraemoana, trig track, 2,300ft, September, 1950, G.H.C.; Orere, Hunua Range, 900ft, March, 1953, J.M. Dingley.

Hymenophore resupinate, annual, cretaceous, adnate, at first composed of numerous small orbicular scattered colonies 1-2 mm diameter, soon coalescing to form effused linear areas to 15 x 3 cm; margins thinning out, irregular, arachnoid, adnate; hymenial surface chalk-white, sometimes tinted cream or pallid pink, deeply areolately creviced, crevices following lines of coalescence, even or irregularly tuberculate. Context white, to 0.5 mm thick, composed of loosely arranged hyphae radiating from points of attachment, embedding masses of crystals; generative hyphae 3-6 µ diameter, walls 0.5 µ thick, or lumen almost capillary, hyaline, branched, septate, with clamp connexions. Hymenial layer vaguely defined, to 80 µ deep, a scanty palisade of basidia, paraphyses and acanthophyses. Basidia subclavate, often distorted and geniculated, projecting, soon collapsing, 60-115 x 16-26 µ, 4-spored; sterigmata arcuate, subulate, to 24 µ long. Paraphyses subclavate, scanty, buried in the tissues, to 110 x 12 µ. Acanthophyses coralloid, branched, freely spinose, varying in shape and size, arising from the hyphae of the context and at different levels, projecting, lumen capillary. Gloeocystidia absent. Spores commonly oval, many subglobose, a few globose, 18-25 x 16-22 µ, walls irregularly aculeate, 1 µ thick, hyaline, amyloid, spines reaching a length of 3 µ.

DISTRIBUTION. New Zealand.

HABITAT. Effused on bark of dead branches, twigs and standing dead saplings.

Hymenophorum cretaceum, resupinatum, ad 15 x 3 cm; superficies hymenii cretaceo-alba, interdum cremea vel pallide rosea, alte areolatae rimosa. Contextus albus, ad 0.5 mm crassus; hyphae generatoriae 3-6 µ diam.; hyalinae, nodulosae, parietibus 0.5 µ crassis. Basidia subclavata, 60-115 x 16-26 µ, celeriter corruntia. Acanthophyses coralloides, crasse ramosi et spinis inaequalibus tecti. Sporae fere ovales, multae subglobosae, 18-25 x 16-22 µ, parietibus inaequaliter areolato-verrucosis, l µ crassis, amyloidibus.

Three of the effused resupinate species present in New Zealand may be grouped by the coralloid acanthophyses, namely A. coralloides, A. coronatus and A. sparsus. The first is common on four endemic species of Nothofagus and may be identified by the chalk-white or pink deeply creviced hymenophore, oval, irregularly aculeate spores and thick-walled acanthophyses. The hymenophore, though effused, is in reality composed of numerous small, coalesced, orbicular colonies. In sections each individual may be recognized since the context hyphae develop from a small submerged base, and are arranged radiately from its centre. Hyphae merge with those of neighbouring colonies, at points of coalescence being less densely compacted. On the surface margins of the colonies are indicated by deep crevices. Acanthophyses are produced in such masses as to mask the scanty hymenium. They simulate branches of coral, being short-branched, both stems and branches bearing spines and possessing walls so thickened that the lumen is capillary. An almost endless variety of shapes may be seen in any one section, so that exact descriptions are not easy to draw. Among the acanthophyses are buried the paraphyses and young basidia. The latter, when mature, elongate and project above the hymenial surface, produce spores, then collapse. Spores are produced in large numbers and may be found lying upon the surface and scattered through the hymenial tissues. Although appearing almost smooth in lactic acid aniline blue mounts they are seen to be coarsely and irregularly aculeate when treated with Melzer's reagent. The abundant acanthophyses give to the hymenial surface and to sections their chalky appearance, and because of their characteristic form, the specific name has been given.

Waikato River, Kaimanawas, 3,000ft, March, 1952, G.H.C., type collection, P.D.D. herbarium, No. 4971

Hymenophore annual, resupinate, coriaceous, adnate, effused forming linear areas to 10 x 1 cm; hymenial surface white, then pallid cream, finally creviced; margin thinning out, white, fibrillose, adnate. Context white, 100-150 µ thick, basal layer of a few woven hyphae, intermediate layer scanty, of upright hyphae, embedding masses of crystals; generative hyphae to 4 µ diameter, walls 0.25 µ thick, hyaline, branched, septate, with clamp connexions. Hymenial layer to 60 µ deep, a scattered palisade of basidia, paraphyses, acanthophyses and gloeocystidia. Basidia cylindrical, 50-65 x 12-14 µ, 4-spored; sterigmata arcuate, subulate, to 16 µ long. Paraphyses cylindrical, fusiform, subclavate or obclavate, irregular, 30-60 x 8-12 µ. Acanthophyses coralloid, arising from the base of the intermediate layer and forming the bulk of the hymenial layer, apically branched and covered with fine spines, some of the pedicels spinose, others naked. Gloeocystidia arising in the basal layer, some penetrating to the surface, narrowly ovate, clavate, or broadly fusiform, 50-80 x 20-28 µ, apically crowned with irregular spinous processes. Spores elliptical or obovate, strongly apiculate, 16-22 x 8-12 µ, walls delicately verruculose, 0.5 µ thick, hyaline, amyloid.

DISTRIBUTION. New Zealand.

HABITAT. Effused on bark of dead branches and twigs.

Hymenophorum ceraceum, resupinatum, effusum, lineare ad 10 x 1 cm; superficies hymenii alba, deinde pallide cremea, demum rimosa. Contextus albus, 100-150 µ crassus; hyphae generatoriae ad 4 µ diam., hyalinae, nodulosae, parietibus 0.25 µ crassis. Basidia cylindricalia, 50-65 x 12-14 µ. Acanthophyses coralloides, apice ramosi et tenuibus spinis tecti. Gloeocystidia anguste ovata vel late fusiformis, 50-80 x 20-28 µ. Sporae ellipticae vel obovatae, apiculatae, 16-22 x 8-12 µ, parietibus tenuiter verruculosis, 0.5 µ crassis, amyloidibus.

Specific features are the resupinate effused thin hymenophore, acanthophyses of the coralloid type, large coronate gloeocystidia and narrow, delicately verruculose, elliptic-obovate, strongly apiculate, amyloid spores. Spines on spore walls may be seen as a rule only under an oil immersion objective, unless spores are treated with Melzer's reagent when they become more conspicuous. Masses of crystals, often discoloured, are embedded in the tissues of the context. Gloeocystidia bear irregular spines at their apices, hence the specific name. Acanthophyses are of the coralloid type but more delicate and thin-walled than those of A. coralloides. In macrofeatures the species resembles A. aurantius, and both develop upon the same host. Separation may be made by the different gloeocystidia and spores.

Leucopogon fasciculatus (Forst. f.) A. Rich. Auckland: Orere, Hunua Range., 900ft, March, 1953, J.M. Dingley, type collection, P.D.D. herbarium, No. 12482.

Leptospermum ericoides A. Rich. Auckland: Great Island; Three Kings, December, 1945, January, 1951, G.T.S. Baylis; Whangarei Heads, 300ft, July, 1947, G.H.C.; Silverdale, October, 1950, J.M. Dingley; Kauri Glen; Northcote, August, 1951, J.M. Dingley; Cornwallis, 50ft, November, 1952, J.D. Atkinson; Atkinson Park, Titirangi, 900ft, June, 1953, J.M. Dingley; Karekare, July, 1954, J.M. Dingley. Wellington: Waikato River, Kaimanawa Ranges, 2,800ft; January, 1955, G.H.C. Leptospermum scoparium Forst. Auckland: Huka Falls, 1,200ft, September, 1938, G.W. Matthews; Birkenhead Kauri Park, July, 1946, J.M. Dingley; Orakei Bush, September. 1948, D.W. McKenzie; Cascades, Waitakeres, September; 1948, P.M. Ambler; Parahaki, Whangarei, May, 1949, J.M. Dingley; Titirangi, Waitakeres, 900ft, July, 1951, J.M. Dingley; Anawhata Road, Waitakeres, 900ft, May, 1954, J.M. Dingley; Rereatukahia Reserve, Katikati, 350ft, September, 1954, G.H.C. Wellington: York Bay, 300ft, August, 1922, G.H.C., part of type collection, P.D.D. herbarium, No. 630; York Bay, 350ft, March, 1923, E.J. Butler-G.H.C.; Featherston, November. 1947, G.H.C.; Turangi, 1,200ft, October, 1949, J.M. Dingley; Pangarara River, Mt. Tongariro, 3,000ft, September, 1953, G.H.C. Nelson: Maitai Valley, 500ft, September, 1953, L.W. Tiller.

Hymenophore annual, coriaceous, pezizoid, orbicular with margins free and attached by a narrow base, 2-7 mm diameter, often laterally confluent, forming linear areas to 2.5 cm in length; exterior surface white, tomentose, margins inturned, acute, entire or lobed; hymenial surface slightly concave, pruinose, even or dimpled in large specimens, flesh colour, not creviced. Context white, to 0.5 mm thick, composed of compacted hyphae radiately arranged, with embedded crystals at the base of the subhymenium; tomentum of two types (1) long, cylindrical and unbranched. covered with densely arranged spines; (2) angled hyphae bearing hooked spines near the bends; generative hyphae to 6 µ diameter, walls 0.5-1.5 µ thick, hyaline, branched, septate, with clamp connexions. Hymenial layer to 190 µ deep, a dense palisade of basidia, paraphyses, acanthophyses and gloeocystidia. Basidia clavate, projecting slightly, 110-160 x 16-22 µ, 4-spored; sterigmata arcuate, subulate, to 16 µ long. Paraphyses subclavate, to 100 x 10 µ. Acanthophyses arising in the base of the subhymenium and traversing the hymenium, cylindrical, to 8 µ diameter, covered throughout with lateral blunt spines 2-4 µ long. Gloeocystidia arising in the base of the subhymenium and traversing the hymenium to different levels, flexuous-cylindrical, 60-250 x 7-12 µ, walls 0.5 µ thick. Spores obovate, elliptical with one side slightly flattened, or a few D-shaped, 18-20 x 12-15 µ, walls finely verruculose-aculeate, hyaline, 0.5 µ thick, amyloid.

TYPE LOCALITY. York Bay, Wellington, New Zealand.
DISTRIBUTION. New Zealand.

HABITAT. Scattered or confluent on bark of dead branches and stems.

Fructifications are pezizoid, rarely cupulate, and attached by a narrow base with margins free. The hymenial layer is deep, and densely compacted. Acanthophyses are abundant, cylindrical, and covered throughout with bluntly pointed lateral spines. In the surface tomentum there are present both this type of acanthophyses and angled branched hyphae bearing long, acuminate, often hooked spines. Spores are for the most part obovate or elliptical with a basal apiculus, though a few detached spores were seen to be D-shaped. They are smaller than those of A. mirabilis and A. zealandicus. The species appears to be confined to two species of Leptospermum.
Lloyd's description of the type is faulty in most particulars. Pilei are pezizoid, not resupinate; the hymenial surface is flesh-pink, not ochraceous; there are no filiform paraphyses, and acanthophyses are crowded, not rare; spores are not compressed-globose and smooth, but obovate or elliptical and verruculose-aculeate.
Three species. A. mirabilis, A. ochraceo-flavus and A. zealandicus, show a close resemblance to one another. Fructifications are pezizoid, tomentose at margins witlh branched spinose hairs and acanthophyses, basidia are similar in size and shape, spores are verruculose-aculeate, and acanthophyses cylindrical and spinose. Separation may be made upon the differences in spores, acanthophyses and tomentum. Acanthophyses are spinose on the upper third in A. zealandicus, throughout their length in A. ochraceo-flavus, and of two types in A. mirabilis. Spores are commonly D-shaped or citriform in A. mirabilis and A. zealandicus, obovate or elliptical in A. ochraceo-flavus, coarsely aculeate in A. zealandicus and finely verruculose-aculeate in A. mirabilis and A. ochraceo-flavus.

Beilschmiedia tawa (A. Cunn.) Hook. f. & Benth. Auckland: Earthquake Flat, Rotorua, 1,500ft, June, 1952, G.H.C. Coprosma foetidissima Forst. Otago: Horseshoe Bay, Stewart Island, February, 1954, J.M. Dingley. Fuchsia excorticata L.f. Taranaki: Mt. Egmont, 4,000ft, April, 1946; J.M. Dingley. Hedycarya arborea Forst. Auckland: Mt. Pirongia, 2,000ft, May, 1947, G.H.C. Leptospermum ericoides A. Rich. Wellington: Oturere River, Mt. Tongariro, 4,000ft, December, 1946, G.H.C. Nothofagus fusca (Hook. f.) Oerst. Westland. Staircase Creek, Reefton, 2,000ft, December, 1952, S.D. Baker. Nothopanax colensoi (Hook. f.) Seem. Taranaki: Mt. Egmont, 3,000ft, March, 1951, J.M. Dingley; Mt. Egmont, 4,000ft, February, 1952, G.H.C. Wellington: Whakapapa Valley, Mt. Ruapehu, 3,000ft, October; 1949, J.M. Dingley. Nothopanax simplex (Forst. f.) Seem. Otago: Bullerfields Bay, Stewart Island, February, 1954, J.M. Dingley. Olearia colensoi Hook. f. Taranaki: Mt. Egmont, 4,000ft, August, 1955, G.H.C. Pittosporum tenuifolium Banks & Sol. Auckland: Earthquake Flat. Rotorua, 1,500ft, June, 1952, G.H.C. Phyllocladus trichomanoides Don. Wellington: Mt. Tongariro, 2,500ft, March, 1952, G.H.C. Pseudowintera colorata (Raoul) Dandy. Auckland: Upper Mohaka River, Kaimanawas, 2,000ft. May, 1953, J.M. Dingley. Quintinia serrata A. Cunn. Westland: Weheka, 700ft, November, 1954, J.M. Dingley; Pukekura, November, 1954, J.M. Dingley; Harihari, November, 1954, J.M. Dingley. Rhipogonum scandens Forst. Auckland: Earthquake Flat, Rotorua, 1,500ft, June, 1952, G.H.C. Suttonia salicina Hook. f. Auckland: Te Moehau, Coromandel Peninsula, 2,500 ft., December, 1946, J.M. Dingley; Hauhaungaroa Range, 2,800ft, March, 1953; J.M. Dingley. Weinmannia raccmosa L.f. Auckland: Mamaku Forest, 1,800ft, September, 1954, G.H.C., type collection, P.D.D. harbarium, No. 15218. Wellington: Ohakune Track, Mt. Ruapehu, 2,500ft, December, 1953, J.M. Dingley. Westland: Orwell Creek, Ahaura, April, 1955, J.M. Dingley.

Hymenophore annual, membranous, scutellate, consisting of numerous orbicular colonies 2-10 mm diameter, coalescing to form irregular linear areas to 6 cm long; margins in young specimens upturned slightly, tan, hirsute, becoming plane, definite, white, arachnoid; hymenial surface ivory-white, or cream, remaining so or becoming ochre, buff with reddish tints, olive-brown or dingy-brown, finally deeply areolately creviced, segments separating widely. Context white, to 0.5 mm thick, basal layer of mainly. parallel hyphae radiately arranged, crystals embedded between the basal layer and subhymenium; generative hyphae 4-6 µ diameter, walls 1-1.5 µ thick, hyaline, freely branched, septate, without clamp connexions. Hymenial layer to 100 µ deep, a dense palisade of basidia, paraphyses, pseudophyses and gloeocysticlia. Basidia subclavate, 65-85 x 12-16 µ, 4-spored; sterigmata slightly arcuate, subulate, to 12 µ long. Paraphyses subclavate, to 60 x 9 µ. Pseudophyses cylindrical, slightly projecting, near the surface often bent or angled, apices acuminate or rounded, sometimes forked. Gloeocystidia scanty or abundant in different collections, arising in the base of the subhymenium, flexuous-cylindrical, 80-160 x 6-16 µ, apices rounded. Spores broadly elliptical, oval or obovate, obliquely apiculate, 12-16 x 8-10 µ, walls smooth, hyaline, 0.25 µ thick, amyloid.

DISTRIBUTION. New Zealand.

HABITAT. Adnate on bark of dead branches.

Hymenophorum membranaceum, orbiculatum, scutellatum, angusta basi adjunctum, marginibus liberis et planis, 2-10 mm diam., inaequaliter coalescens ad 6 cm longum; superficies hymenii eburnea deinde cremea, ochracea vel bubalina, demum alte areolate rimosa. Contextus albus, ad 0.5 mm crassus; hyphae generatoriae 4-6 µ diam., hyalinae, enodulosae, parietibus 1-1.5 µ crassis. Basidia subclavata, 65-85 x 12-16 µ. Pseudophyses cylindricales, ad 6 µ diam., saepe geniculati. Gloeocystidia flexuoso-cylindricalia. 80-160 x 6-16 µ. Sporae late ellipticae, ovales vel obovatae, oblique apiculatae, 12-16 x 8-10 µ, parietibus levibus, 0.25 µ crassis, amyloidibus.

Separated from other species in this section by the scutellate pilei which are usually plane with the surface of the substratum, and often attached throughout their breadth. The hymenial surface may be white (as in the type), buff, or olivaceous, and the context is soft and readily sectioned. Colonies soon merge to form irregular areas, which may extend to 6 cm. In most collections the surface is scantily creviced; in two they are creviced so deeply that the white basal layer is exposed, and segments separated by 0.5-1 mm. Gloeocystidia usually form a palisade in the hymenial layer and are also scattered in the context. In one series they are abundant and attain a diameter of 16 µ; in a second they are scanty and do not exceed a diameter of 9 µ. Masses of crystals are usually embedded at the. base of the hymenial layer.

Weinmannia raccmosa L.f. Auckland: Mamaku Forest, 1,800ft, September, 1954, G.H.C., type collection, P.D.D. harbarium, No. 15218.

Phyllocladus alpinus Hook. f. Wellington: Maungatorutoru Valley, Mt. Ruapehu, 3,000ft, March, 1948, J.M. Dingley; Whakapapa Valley, Mt. Ruapehu, 3,000ft, October, 1949, J.M. Dingley, type collection, P.D.D. herbarium, No. 7449.

Hymenophore annual, membranous, brittle when dry, pateriform or cupulate, attached by a small central base, margins free, 2-10 mm diameter; exterior surface finely radiately villose, tan or bay-brown; margin inturned, even, bay-brown; hymenial surface concave, even, cream or pallid ochre. Context white, to 0.3 mm thick, composed of closely arranged parallel hyphae radiating from the point of attachment, tinted towards the margins, intermediate layer wanting; generative hyphae to 4 µ diameter, walls 0.5 µ thick, hyaline, branched, septate, with clamp connexions. Hymenial layer to 130 µ deep, a close palisade of basidia, paraphyses, pseudophyses and gloeocystidia. Basidia subclavate, 64-80 x 10-14 µ, 4-spored; sterigmata arcuate, subulate, to 14 µ long. Paraphyses subclavate, about one-third the length and diameter of the basidia. Pseudophyses filiform, slightly projecting, to 4 µ diameter, apices rounded. Gloeocystidia arising from the base of the subhymenium, penetrating the hymenium but not projecting, forming a dense palisade, flexuous-cylindrical, 110-160 x 10-16 µ. Spores globose or subglobose, 14-17 µ diameter, walls sparsely and coarsely aculeate, 0.5-1 µ thick, amyloid, spines to 2.5 µ long, tinted.

DISTRIBUTION. New Zealand.

HABITAT. Scattered on bark of dead branches.

Hymenophorum membranaceum, pateriforme vel cupulatum, parva media basi adjunctum, marginibus liberis et recurvatis, 2-10 mm diam.; superficies hymenii concave, aequa, cremea vel pallide ochracea. Contextus albus, ad 0.3 mm crassus; hyphae generatoriae ad 4 µ diam., hyalinae, nodulosae, parietibus 0.5 µ crassis. Basidia subclavata, 64-80 x 10-14 µ. Pseudophyses filiformes, ad 4 µ diam. Gloeocystidia flexuoso-cylindricalia, 110-160 x 10-16 µ. Sporae globosae vel subglobosae, 14-17 µ diam., parietibus subtiliter aculeatis, 0.5-1 µ crassis, amyloidibus.

Specific features are the small saucer-shaped pilei with exterior surfaces clothed in downpressed hairs, brittle context; globose aculeate spores and large prominent gloeocystidia forming a dense palisade. In its aculeate spores the species resembles A. amorphus. It differs in that spores are of different shape, much smaller, gloeocystidia are present, and pilei larger and of different shape.
Four species possess fructifications which are at first pateriform with upturned margins, naked cylindrical pseudophyses and cylindrical gloeocystidia. Three are endemic and form a small section which appears to be confined to this region. Pilei of A. patellaeformis and A. pateriformis retain their pateriform shape. Those of A. parmuliformis and A. limonisporus soon coalesce to form effused areas with peripheral margins upturned or plane. Each colony is then indicated by ridges at points of coalescence (A. limonisporus), different lines of colour, or crevices (A. parmuliformis).

Whakapapa Valley, Mt. Ruapehu, 3,000ft, October, 1949, J.M. Dingley, type collection, P.D.D. herbarium, No. 7449.

Hymenophore annual, coriaceous, pateriform, with upturned margins and broad bases, 5-28 mm diameter, sometimes connate laterally when extending to 4 cm; exterior bay-brown, strongly radiate-striate, naked; margin chestnut-brown, crenate, inturned; hymenial surface plane, ochre or pallid plum, at length creviced irregularly. Context isabelline, 0.5-0.75 mm thick, basal layer of densely compacted radiately arranged hyphae, more densely woven peripherally; generative hyphae 4-5 µ diameter, walls 1-1.5 µ thick, hyaline, branched, septate, without clamp connexions. Hymenial layer 90-130 µ deep, a dense palisade of basidia, paraphyses, pseudophyses and gloeocystidia. Basidia projecting slightly, subclavate, 64-110 x 10-12 µ, 4-spored; sterigmata slightly arcuate, subulate, to 12 µ long. Paraphyses subclavate, to 40 x 8 µ. Pseudophyses flexuous-cylindrical, 5-6 µ, diameter, slightly projecting, Gloeocystidia (1) penetrating the hymenial layer, arising from the base of the subhymenium, flexuous-cylindrical, to 130 x 6-8 µ, (2) arising deeply in the context and penetrating the base of the hymenial layer, flexuous-cylindrical or apically fusiform and expanded, to 10 µ diameter, soon collapsing and leaving lacunae in the tissues. Spores elliptical or obovate, apiculate, 11-16 x 8-10 µ, walls smooth, hyaline, 0.2 µ thick, amyloid.

DISTRIBUTION. New Zealand.

HABITAT. Scattered or crowded on bark of dead stems.

Hymenophorum coriaceum, pateriforme, late basi adjunctum, marginibus liberis et recurvatis, 5-28 mm diam.; superficies hymenii plana, ochracea vel pallide rubro-purpurea, demum . inaequaliter rimosa. Contextus isabellinus, 0.5-0.75 mm crassus; hyphae generatoriae 4-5 µ diam., hyalinae, enodulosae, parietibus 1-1.5 µ crassis. Basidia subclavate, 64-110 x 10-12 µ. Pseudophyses flexuoso-cylindricales, inaequales, 5-6 µ diam. Gloeocystidia flexuoso-cylindricalia, ad 130 x 6-8 µ, corruentia. Sporae ellipticae vel obovatae, apiculatae, 11-16 x 8-10 µ, parietibus levibus, 0.2 µ crassis, amyloidibus.

Fructifications are larger in diameter than in any other species examined, saucer-shaped, with broad bases and upturned naked margins, and resemble somewhat in macrofeatures pilei of certain species of Stereum. Spores are of the same size and shape as those of A. parmuliformis. Gloeocystidia which penetrate the hymenial layer arise at the base of the subhymenium and vary appreciably in diameter, most being flexuous-cylindrical with thin walls; those which extend into the base of the hymenial layer arise deeply in the context, often exceed 150 µ in length, and may be flexuous-cylindrical or simulate conducting vessels with apices slightly inflated. The latter finally collapse, leaving lacunae in the base of the subhymenium.

Olearia rani (A. Cunn.) Ckn. Wellington: Gable-end Ridge, Tararuas, 2,500ft, November, 1932, E.E. Chamberlain, type collection, P.D.D. herbarium, No. 3837.

Leucopogon fasciculatus (Forst. f.) A. Rich. Wellington: York Bay, 300ft, August, 1922, G.H.C. Metrosideros umbellata Cav. Auckland: Nihotupu, Waitakeres, 700ft, May, 1946, J.M. Dingley. Westland: Waiho, 600ft, November, 1954, J.M. Dingley.

Hymenophore annual, ceraceous, pezizoid, attached by a narrow base with margins free, scattered when 2-7 mm diameter, sometimes confluent into small groups of 2-4; exterior surface at first white, then tan or isabelline, tomentose, soon smooth, save at margins; margin raised slightly, upright or inturned, acute, entire; hymenial surface flesh-pink or salmon, farinose, dimpled or slightly rugulose. Context white, becoming flesh-pink, to 0.5 mm thick, of radiately arranged densely compacted hyphae, convoluted and partly cemented towards the base; generative hyphae 4-6 µ diameter, walls 1-2 µ thick, hyaline, branched, septate, with clamp connexions; tomentum near the hymenial surface composed of cylindrical acanthophyses covered throughout with blunt spines, remainder of branched hyphae naked or bearing a few coarse spines. Hymenial layer to 180 µ deep, a close palisade of basidia, paraphyses, acanthophyses and gloeocystidia. Basidia subclavate, projecting slightly, 60-150 x 20-24 µ, 4-spored; sterigmata arcuate, subulate, to 20 µ long. Paraphyses subclavate, to 70 x 8 µ. Acanthophyses arising in the base of the subhymenium, not projecting, cylindrical, to 6 µ diameter, bearing upon the upper third closely arranged blunt spines, naked below, occasionally branched near the apices when branches alone bear spines. Gloeocystidia abundant, arising in the upper layers of the context, penetrating the hymenium to different levels, flexuous-cylindrical, 60-150 x 10-14 µ, walls 0.5 µ thick. Spores obovate, citriform or D-shaped, with one or two apiculi, 24-30 x 15-20 µ, walls coarsely aculeate, hyaline, 0.5-1.5 µ thick, amyloid.

TYPE LOCALITY. Winton, Otago, New Zealand.
DISTRIBUTION. New Zealand.

HABITAT. Scattered on bark of dead branches.

Fructifications show a close resemblance to those of A. ochraceo-flavus, for in both species pilei are pezizoid, orbicular and attached by a narrow base. A. zealandicus differs mainly in the more simple type of tomentum, acanthophyses which are covered with short spines only upon the upper third, abundant gloeocystidia forming the bulk of the hymenium, larger differently shaped aculeate spores, and different host range. Collections listed match the type of Cyphella zealandica in Kew herbarium, ex "Winton, N.Z., No. 230, Dr. S. Berggren".