New or Noteworthy Tremellales from Bolivia

Abstract

Early in 1958 I received for identification a number of tremellaceous fungi that had been collected by Dr. Rolf Singer in Bolivia. Later, in November and December of the same year I visited Bolivia in order to gather further information on the Tremellales. This paper summarizes the results of the investigation. When Patouillard described Platygloea javanica in 1898 only five other species were known. Recently, Bandoni (1) included 23 species in the genus, of which P. javanica was still the only foliose member, the others being resupinate and mostly inconspicuous. Apart from other fundamental differences among the species which make a reconsideration of their status desirable, the finding of a second foliose species emphasizes the need for a revision of the genus. The new fungus to be described is easily placed near P. javanica yet differs from it significantly in external and internal characteristics. Through the kindness of Dr. I. M. Lamb I have been able to examine the type of P. javanica, in its present condition, a blackish, lobed fragment about 6 x 4 mm. It conforms for the most part with Patouillard's description but I found the basidia somewhat larger than he indicated and frequently 3-5 septate. The hyphae bore numerous clamp connections. No spores were found. It is clear from a study of P. javanica and the new species that they should no longer be maintained within an already heterogeneous group. It is therefore proposed that a new genus be established to accommodate these and other foliose members that might be found in the future.