Bryocentria hypothallina (Hypocreales) – a new species on Metzgeria furcata

Abstract

Bryocentria hypothallina (Bionectriaceae, Hypocreales) is described as a new species. It grows necrotrophically on the liverwort Metzgeria furcata (Metzgeriales), causing bleached, insular infections. Ascomata are formed on the ventral side of the thalli and perforate them from below. The novel ascomycete species is recorded from France, Norway, and Spain. Thus, the obligately bryophilous genus Bryocentria now includes eight species. Our new species is characterized ecologically by its specialized microhabitat, and morphologically by having ascospores bearing tiny cyanophilous warts. Bryophily, hepaticolous ascomycetes, liverworts as hosts, necrotrophic parasites, thallus perforation.