Ajaysinghia dendriscostictae a new genus and species of lichenicolous fungus growing on Dendriscosticta praetextata (Peltigerales: Peltigeraceae) in India

Abstract

The new commensalistic lichenicolous genus Ajaysinghia , is described, illustrated, and compared with other morphologically similar fungi. The type species, A. dendriscostictae , grows on the thallus of the corticolous lichen Dendriscosticta praetextata in temperate and subalpine regions of Central Himalaya (Uttarakhand, India). It is distinguished from other lichenicolous ascomycetes described so far in having pseudoperithecia growing in clumps making it appear like galls, (0–)1-septate, brown ascospores [(12–)14.2–17.3(–18) × (3–)3.7–4.8(–5) μm, l/b = (2.8–)3.3–4.2(–4.6) μm], with rounded to pointed ends, slightly constricted at the septum and a cyanobacterial host ( Dendriscosticta praetextata ).