Genus Microsomyces Thaxt.

MB#3190

Memoirs of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences 16: 184 (Thaxter 1931). –

Type species: M. psammoechi Thaxt.

Brief description

Monoecious. Receptacle three-celled. Cell I continues in a branched rhizoidal haustorium that penetrates the host. Cell II becomes ± corticated by small cells, some of which giving rise to perithecia or secondary appendages bearing flask-shaped antheridia. Cell III supports a simple primary appendage ending in a solitary spinose flask-shaped antheridium. Perithecium outer wall with four cells for each vertical row.

Remarks

The genus consists of two species, of which one in Europe. Benjamin (1985) studied the morphology of the genus, especially of the second species, Microsomyces telephani, and emended the generic description. This work is a must to understand the complicate morphological structure of thalli in this unusual genus.