Comparative observations on Cephaleuros parasiticus and C. virescens (Trentepohliaceae, Chlorophyta) from India

Abstract

Cephaleuros parasiticus and C. virescens were collected from Kerala and Tamil Nadu, India. Macroscopic and microscopic features were observed and their comparative features were discussed. The lesions of C. parasiticus occur on the upper and lower leaf surfaces although zoosporangia form only on the lower surface. The thalli grow subepidermally and intramatrically, causing necrosis of whole leaf tissue. On the other hand C. virescens thalli develop on the upper surface and zoosporangia form on the upper surface, the thalli grow subcuticularly, and only the host epidermal and palisade cells are necrosed. Syzygium aromaticum and Polyalthia longifolia are new host plants of C. parasiticus and C. virescens, respectively. © 2014 The Korean Society of Phycology.