Revision of the genus Podospora

Abstract

A key is provided for the 64 recognized species of Podospora. The genus is restricted to species in which the ascospores have an apical germ pore, a basal hyaline cell, and gelatinous appendages. Illustrations are given for 56 species. Detailed descriptions are included for species which are not readily available and the remaining species are briefly described. The following 10 new species found on dung are described and illustrated: P. attoeochaeta from Mexico; P. didyma, Quebec; P. dolichopodalis, Louisiana and Mexico; P. gigantea, Louisiana and Arkansas; P. karachiensis, Pakistan; P. macropodalis, Mexico; P. mexicana, Mexico; P. miniglutinans, Mexico; P. pistilata, Mexico; P. venezuelensis, Venezuela, Mexico, Louisiana, South Pacific. The following new combinations are proposed: P. aloides (Sordaria aloides Fuckel), P. apiculifera (S. apiculifera Speg.), P. argentinensis (S. argentinensis Speg.), P. austro-americana (Hypocopra austro-americana Speg.), P. ellisiana (Pleurage ellisiana Griff.), P. longicollis (Schizothecium longicollis Ames), P. seminuda (Sordaria seminuda Griff.), P. tarvisina (Philocopra tarvisina Sacc.), and P. vesticola (Sphaeria vesticola Berk. & Br.).