Taxonomic And Distributional Notes on The Genus Sphaerophorus (Caliciales) In the Southern Hemisphere

Abstract

Sphaerophorus diplotypus Vainio is reported as new to mainland Africa (Tanzania). Sphaerophorus digitaius Wang-Yang & Lai is reduced to a synonym of S. diplotypus. The name Sphaerophorus dodgei Ohlsson is validated and a description of the species is given. Sphaerophorus dodgei is recorded as being widespread and common in the Valdivian rainforest of Chile and Argentina. Sphaerophorus imshaugii Ohlsson is reported as new to the North and South Islands of New Zealand. Sphaerophorus macrocarpus Ohlsson is reported as new to South America (Chile). In S. dodgei and S. macrocarpus the spore ornamentation consists of mazaedial material added to the spore wall after the spores have been released from the asci. Concentric bodies occur in young ascospores of S. macrocarpus. A protocetraric-acid-deficient strain of S. microsporus Ohlsson is reported for the first time. Sphaerophorus tibellii Wedin, from northern New Zealand, is described as new.