30 - Endomyces Rees

Abstract

This chapter focuses on Endomyces genus and its constituent species. The colonies of this genus on natural substrates are white, floccose, pseudomycelial, or are true hyphae. Conidia, if present, are sympodially produced in short chains. The species are homothallic and the asci are subglobose to clavate, thin-walled, and open by a rupture at the apex. The ascospores are 2-12 per ascus, hyaline, ellipsoidal, or unilaterally flattened and helmet-shaped in outline due to a unilateral slimy brim. The constituent species of this genus include Endomyces cortinarii, Endomyces decipiens, Endomyces polyporicola, and Endomyces scopularum. The colonies of the Endomyces cortinarii are white and floccose. Its hyphae are hyaline, profusely branched, and slightly constricted at the septa. The conidia are sympodially produced in short chains, and are hyaline and clavate. The colonies of Endomyces decipiens on natural substrates are white and floccose. The colonies of Endomyces polyporicola on natural substrates are whitish and hamper the development of the host carpophore. Its ascospores are hyaline, ellipsoidal, unilaterally flattened, and have a thin slime sheath which forms a brim at the flattened spore side.