Siemaszkoa ramificans T.Majewski

MB#363463

Fig. 13D–G

Polish Botanical Studies 2: 224 (Majewski 1991). –

Type: “ On Ptenidium turgidum Thomson. Bt. Bialowieza National Park, sect. 256, 18.6.1989 (4489 – holotype)”; KRAM. [Poland]

Diagnostic features

Receptacle consisting of (4–)5–6 superposed cells (cell I included). Appendage ramified into several branches above 2 nd –5 th cell; some of the branches bear narrowly elongated, flask-shaped antheridia (Fig. 13E–F, arrows). Cells of the base of the appendage typically inflated (Fig. 13D, *). Perithecium appears to be terminal on the receptacle axis. Perithecial apex asymmetric, with a protruding lip. [Detailed description: Majewski 1994b]

Distribution and hosts

Only known from Poland (type) on species of the genus Ptenidium (Col. Ptiliidae).

Collections examined from Denmark

On Ptenidium turgidum Thomson, 1855 (Col. Ptiliidae)

DENMARK – Nordøstjylland (NEJ) • Vesterskoven i Tofte Skov; 56°50.346′ N, 10°13.361′ E; NJ70; 7 Aug. 2013; JP 318; JP det.; ZMUC C-F-122797 . – Nordøstsjaelland (NEZ) • Stampeskov ved Rådvad; 55°48.367′ N, 12°33.322′ E; UB48; 23 Mar. 2017; JP 239; JP det.; ZMUC C-F-122719 . – Sydsjaelland (SZ) • Enemaerket ved Naesbyholm; 55°22.429′ N, 11°36.776′ E; PG63; 17 Nov. 2019; JP 1562; JP det.; ZMUC C-F-124322 .

Remarks

First record from Denmark and first since it was originally described. Unusual short thalli have been collected under the head of one host specimen, and we have decided to assign them to S. ramificans because of characters of the perithecial apex and the base of the appendage (Fig. 13D). A photo of this species is given here for the first time.