Hagenia abyssinica and its fungal decayers in natural stands

Abstract

Hagenia abyssinica J.F. Gmel. (Rosaceae) is an Afromontane endemic, whose range extends from Ethiopia in the north to Zimbabwe and Mozambique in the south. This thick-stemmed but low-growing tree is restricted to East African high mountains, and is one of the dominants of upper montane forests, often making up the timberline. In this paper 17 aphyllophoroid basidiomycetes are reported on Hagenia from Tanzania. Trees which have been partly debarked by elephants are often troubled by Hymenochaete ochromarginata Talbot. A new species, Hyphodontia submucronata Hjortstam & Renvall is described. Dendrothele griseocana (Bres.) Bourdot & Galzin is reported for the first time from Africa.