Fresh Collections Research Articles

The status of Myriangiaceae (Dothideomycetes)

The family Myriangiaceae is relatively poorly known amongst the Dothideomycetes and includes genera which are saprobic, epiphytic and parasitic on the bark, leaves and branches of various plants. The family has not undergone any recent revision, however, molecular data has shown it to be a well-resolved family closely linked to Elsinoaceae in Myriangiales. Both morphological and molecular characters indicate that Elsinoaceae differs from Myriangiaceae. In Elsinoaceae, small numbers of asci form in locules in light coloured pseudostromata, which form typical scab-like blemishes on leaf or fruit surfaces. The coelomycetous, “Sphaceloma”-like asexual state of Elsinoaceae, form more frequently than the sexual state; conidiogenesis is phialidic and conidia are 1-celled and hyaline. In Myriangiaceae, locules with single asci are scattered in a superficial, coriaceous to sub-carbonaceous, black ascostromata and do not form scab-like blemishes. No asexual state is known. In this study, we revisit the family Myriangiaceae, and accept ten genera, providing descriptions and discussion on the generic types of Anhellia, Ascostratum, Butleria, Dictyocyclus, Diplotheca, Eurytheca, Hemimyriangium, Micularia, Myriangium and Zukaliopsis. The genera of Myriangiaceae are compared and contrasted. Myriangium duriaei is the type species of the family, while Diplotheca is similar and may possibly be congeneric. The placement of Anhellia in Myriangiaceae is supported by morphological and molecular data. Because of similarities with Myriangium, Ascostratum (A. insigne), Butleria (B. inaghatahani), Dictyocyclus (D. hydrangea), Eurytheca (E. trinitensis), Hemimyriangium (H. betulae), Micularia (M. merremiae) and Zukaliopsis (Z. amazonica) are placed in Myriangiaceae. Molecular sequence data from fresh collections is required to confirm the relationships and placement of the genera in this family.

Comparison of ocular tissue weights (volumes) and tissue collection techniques in commonly used preclinical animal species.

AbstractPurpose Ocular pharmacokinetic and distribution studies are key elements for the development of ophthalmic drugs and are used to correlate drug levels in preclinical species with human dosages and exposures. The purpose of this study was to compare ocular tissue weights for five commonly used preclinical species using two collection techniques.Methods Standard ocular tissues were collected from five males and five females of each species; New Zealand white (NZW) and Dutch Belted (DB) rabbits, beagle dogs, Gottingen minipigs, and Cynomolgus monkeys. Two collection techniques were used; a collection from fresh eyes (OS, immediately following enucleation) or a collection from frozen eyes (OD, following flash freezing). A specific procedure and collection sequence was followed for each technique.Results Aqueous and vitreous humor, cornea, lens, iris‐ciliary body, retina, choroid, and sclera were collected from each species; these tissues represented mean values of 70.0‐82.0% and 84.3‐88.9% of the total eye weight, respectively, for fresh and frozen collection. Tissue recovery levels were consistently higher using the frozen collection technique. Mean combined male & female vitreous humor weights using the frozen collection were 1.41, 1.31, 2.22, 2.34, and 2.04 g for NZW & DB rabbits, dogs, minipigs, and monkeys, respectively. Other tissue weights will be compared.Conclusion Comparative ocular tissue weights are presented for common preclinical species using fresh or frozen collection techniques. Vitreous humor and other tissue weights collected by the frozen technique accurately represent the weight (and volume assuming a VH density of 1) of the total tissue for comparative purposes to human vitreous volumes.

A re-assessment of Elsinoaceae (Myriangiales, Dothideomycetes)

The family Elsinoaceae is a relatively poorly known, but important family within Myriangiales, Dothideomycetes. The genera of this family are mostly plant pathogens and causes disease, such as apple and grape scab. In this paper we revisit the family by examining generic types and analysis of molecular sequence data available in GenBank. Elsinoaceae and Myriangeaceae are morphologically and phylogenetically well-supported families in Myriangiales. In Elsinoaceae, 3 to 10 asci form in locules in light coloured pseudoascostromata, which form typical scab-like blemishes on leaf or fruit surfaces, while Myriangeaceae forms raised, superficial, black ascostromata with single asci in each locule, genera may or may not form scab-like lesions. Elsinoe is the type of the family Elsinoaceae and is characterized by forming scab-like blemishes on leaves with few to numerous bitunicate, fissitunicate, globose asci forming inside each locule with a pseudoascostroma containing fungal and host tissues. Following examination of generic type material, Molleriella is retained in Elsinoaceae as it has characters similar to Elsinoe in forming scab-like lesions with pseudoascostromata containing few to numerous bitunicate asci inside each locule. Beelia, Butleria, Hemimyriangium, Hyalotheles, Micularia, Saccardinula, Stephanatheca and Xenodium are excluded from Elsinoaceae and their relative placement in Dothideomycetes is discussed. Fresh collections of these genera are needed so that molecular sequence data can be obtained and analysed to resolve their placement in families or orders of Dothidoemycetes.

Towards a natural classification of Dothideomycetes 4: The genera Bryopelta, Bryorella, Bryosphaeria, Lophiosphaerella and Maireella (Dothideomycetes incertae sedis)

In the latest classification of Ascomycota with 365 genera in the Dothideomycetes, most taxa are poorly known. In this paper we re-examine the type species of Bryopelta, Bryorella, Bryosphaeria, Lophiosphaerella and Maireella. By studying the generic types we suggest higher level placement and better understanding of morphology of these genera. It is hoped that this will stimulate fresh collections and sequence data for these genera so that we can place the taxa in a natural classification system.

Towards a natural classification of Dothideomycetes 2: The genera Cucurbidothis, Heterosphaeriopsis, Hyalosphaera, Navicella and Pleiostomellina (Dothideomycetes incertae sedis)

By re-examining the generic types of Dothideomycetes genera, incertae sedis we can propose higher level positions according to the morphology based on modern taxonomic concepts but, more importantly, we illustrate the taxa so that they are better understood. In this way the taxa can be recollected and molecular data can be used to place them in a natural taxonomic framework of the Ascomycota. The generic types of Cucurbidothis, Heterosphaeriopsis, Hyalosphaera, Navicella and Pleiostomellina were re-examined in this study. A synopsis of the history and descriptions and illustrations of these genera are provided. Cucurbidothis is placed in Cucurbitariaceae as a distinct genus, while Navicella and Pleiostomellina are referred to Melanommataceae and Parmulariaceae respectively based on the morphological similarities. Heterosphaeriopsis and Hyalosphaera are retained in Dothideomycetes genera incertae sedis as they are not typical of any existing families of Dothideomycetes. Fresh collections of these genera are needed for further studies, so that they can be epitypified and molecular data can be analyzed to stabilize their natural classification.

Neotypification and phylogeny of Kalmusia

Kalmusia ebuli, the type species of Kalmusia, lacks type material and therefore its phylogenetic position remains unresolved. As a consequence the familial position of Kalmusia is based on morphology and molecular phylogeny of species other than the type. A fresh collection of K. ebuli, recently obtained from decorticated wood of Populus tremula in the foothills of the French Pyrenees is, therefore, designated as neotype to stabilize the application of the species and/or genus name. The holotype of K. ebuli f. sarothamni represents a synonym of K. ebuli. The genus Kalmusia is shown to be polyphyletic within the family Montagnulaceae, with K. ebuli being distant from K. brevispora and K. scabrispora, which appear to represent a different genus.

Towards a natural classification of Dothideomycetes 5: The genera Ascostratum, Chaetoscutula, Ceratocarpia, Cystocoleus, and Colensoniella (Dothideomycetes incertae sedis)

In the Outline of Ascomycota 2009, 116 genera were listed under Dothideomycetes, genera incertae cedis. In the present study, we re-examined the generic types of Ascostratum, Chaetoscutula, Ceratocarpia, Cystocoleus and Colensoniella which are relatively poorly documented. We re-described and illustrated the type species of these genera and suggest higher level placements based on a modern classification system. Ascostratum is placed in Myriangiaceae because of similarities with Anhelia, both genera have ascostromata with numerous locules in the upper part and 4–7 transversely septate ascospores. Chaetoscutula is similar to Pododimeria in having the same host and septate, olivaceous-brown ascospores and thus is transferred to Pseudoperisporiaceae. Colensoniella has apothecioid ascomata but 1-septate oblong, uniseriately ascospores that many break in the centre form part-spores and is referred to Patellariaceae. Cystocoleus is a typical of any family of Dothideomycetes, but phylogenetic analysis showed this genus to cluster in Capnodiales incertae sedis. Ceratocarpia has glabrous ascomata, muriform ascospores and evanescent pseudoparaphyses so placed in Chaetothyriaceae. By illustrating the genera we hope to stimulate fresh collections so that these genera can be epitypified and molecular data analyzed to establish a truly natural classification.

Confusion surrounding Didymosphaeria—phylogenetic and morphological evidence suggest Didymosphaeriaceae is not a distinct family

Didymosphaeriaceae is a ubiquitous fungal family that is reported to include saprobic, endophytic and pathogenic species associated with a wide variety of substrates. The family is characterized by 1-septate ascospores and trabeculate pseudoparaphyses, mainly anastomosing above the asci. In recent treatments Appendispora, Didymosphaeria, Roussoella, Phaeodothis and Verruculina were placed in the family. The aim of the present study is to delineate phylogenetic lineages within Didymosphaeriaceae and allied genera. A new species, Didymosphaeria rubi-ulmifolii, was isolated and identified based on morphological characters and phylogenetic analyses of partial 18S nrDNA and 28S nrDNA nucleotide sequence data. Didymosphaeria rubi-ulmifolii clustered with Montagnulaceae as a separate genus, while two putative strains (HKUCC 5834 and CMW 22186) of D. futilis from GenBank clustered with Cucurbitariaceae and Didymellaceae, respectively. The new species is characterized by immersed to slightly erumpent ascomata immersed under a clypeus, a peridium with compressed cells of textura intricata, long trabeculate pseudoparaphyses, anastomosing mostly above the asci and brown, 1-septate ascospores with granulate ornamentation. Phylogenetic analysis in combination with morphology and a review of literature show that Appendispora, Phaeodothis, Roussoella and Verruculina should be excluded from the family. Phaeodothis belongs in Montagnulaceae, Verruculina in Testudinaceae, while Appendispora and Roussoella belong in Roussoellaceae. The position of Didymosphaeriaceae as a distinct family, based on 1-septate ascospores and trabeculate pseudoparaphyses, mainly anastomosing above the asci is doubtful. Fresh collections of more Didymosphaeria strains are needed for epitypification and to obtain sequence data to establish if this family can be maintained.

Genetic connectivity between trans-oceanic populations of Capreolia implexa (Gelidiales, Rhodophyta) in cool temperate waters of Australasia and Chile

Capreolia is a monospecific genus of gelidioid red algae and has been considered to be endemic to Australasia. This is the first report on the occurrence of Capreolia implexa outside of Australasian waters, based on investigations of fresh collections in southern Chile as well as Australia and New Zealand. Thalli are prostrate and form entangled turfs, growing on high intertidal rocks at three locations in Chile. Analyses of rbcL and cox1 revealed that C. implexa was of Australasian origin and also distinct from its relatives. Analyses of 1356bp of cox1 revealed cryptic diversity, consisting of two genealogical groups within C. implexa; one present in Australia and New Zealand, and the other in Chile and Stewart Island, New Zealand. The extremely low genetic diversity found in C. implexa in Chile and the absence of shared haplotypes between Chile and Australasia suggest genetic bottleneck possibly as a result of colonization after dispersal by rafting from Stewart Island, New Zealand to Chile.

Making mock-FNA smears from fresh surgical pathology specimens to improve smear preparation technique and to create cytohistological correlation series.

BackgroundFine needle aspiration (FNA) cytology is a well-established diagnostic method based on the microscopic interpretation of often scant cytological material; therefore, experience, good technique and smear quality are equally important in obtaining satisfactory results.Aims of StudyWe studied the use of fresh surgical pathology specimens for making so-called mock-FNA smears with the potential of cytohistological correlation. Additionally, we studied how this process aids the improvement of preparation technique and smear quality.MethodsCytological aspirates from 32 fresh biopsy specimens from various sites: lung (20), lymph nodes (6), and breast (6) were obtained, all with a clinical diagnosis of tumor. Aspiration was performed from grossly palpable tumors. 25G needle and Cameco-type syringe holder was used with minimal or no suction.ResultsUnfixed surgical specimens provided sufficient cytological material that resulted in good quality smears. After standard processing of specimens into microscopic sections from paraffin embedded tissues, cytohistological case-series were created. No significant alteration was reported in tissue architecture on hematoxylin-eosin stained sections after the aspiration procedure. A gradual, but steady improvement was observed in smear quality just after a few preparations.Discussions and ConclusionsOur study proved that surgical specimens may be used as a source of cytological material to create cytohistological correlation studies and also to improve FNA cytology skills. The use of very fine gauge needle (25G, 0,6 mm diameter) during the sampling process does not alter tissue architecture therefore the final histopathological diagnosis is not compromised. We conclude that by using fresh surgical specimens useful cytohistological collections can be created both as a teaching resource and as improving experience.

Biogeographical variability and re-description of an imperfectly known species Hamatocanthoscypha rotundispora (Helotiales, Hyaloscyphaceae)

Study on fresh collections and type material of Hamatocanthoscypha rotundispora showed that the original description is incomplete and that the variation range in the essential characters is too narrowly defined. In this paper we therefore provide a detailed description, including ascospore morphometry using length, width, length/width ratio and volume. Non-parametric statistics showed significant deviation of normal distribution and high variability of all morphometrical variables, suggesting that use of living material for ascospore morphometrical analysis is more reliable than that of a traditional approach. Geometric criteria for defining the simple spore shape regarding the length/width ratio, polarity and symmetry in straight symmetric spores are proposed. Refractive cytoplasmic globules are described as a new type of inclusions in living cells. Species ecology and biogeography is also discussed.

The millipede genus Riukiaria Attems, 1938 in continental China, with descriptions of new species (Diplopoda: Polydesmida: Xystodesmidae)

Fresh collections of Diplopoda from China contain five new species of the large, East Asian, warm temperate to subtropical genus Riukiaria: R. martensi sp. nov., from Shaanxi Province, as well as R. belousovi sp. nov., R. kabaki sp. nov., R. korolevi sp. nov. and R. davidiani sp. nov. from Sichuan Province. A key is given to all eight Riukiaria species currently known to occur in mainland China, including R. tianmu (Tanabe, Ishii & Yin, 1996), comb. nov. ex Sinoria Tanabe, Ishii & Yin, 1996, the latter genus a new junior subjective synonym of Riukiaria, syn. nov.

Evaluation of Barrett Esophagus by Multiphoton Microscopy

Multiphoton microscopy (MPM) based on 2-photon excitation fluorescence and second-harmonic generation allows simultaneous visualization of cellular details and extracellular matrix components of fresh, unfixed, and unstained tissue. Portable multiphoton microscopes, which could be placed in endoscopy suites, and multiphoton endomicroscopes are in development, but their clinical utility is unknown. To examine fresh, unfixed endoscopic biopsies obtained from the distal esophagus and gastroesophageal junction to (1) define the MPM characteristics of normal esophageal squamous mucosa and gastric columnar mucosa, and (2) evaluate whether diagnosis of intestinal metaplasia/Barrett esophagus (BE) could be made reliably with MPM. The study examined 35 untreated, fresh biopsy specimens from 25 patients who underwent routine upper endoscopy. A Zeiss LSM 710 Duo microscope (Carl Zeiss, Thornwood, New York) coupled to a Spectra-Physics (Mountain View, California) Tsunami Ti:sapphire laser was used to obtain a MPM image within 4 hours of fresh specimen collection. After obtaining MPM images, the biopsy specimens were placed in 10% buffered formalin and submitted for routine histopathologic examination. Then, the MPM images were compared with the findings in the hematoxylin-eosin-stained, formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded sections. The MPM characteristics of the squamous, gastric-type columnar and intestinal-type columnar epithelium were analyzed. In biopsies with discrepancy between MPM imaging and hematoxylin-eosin-stained sections, the entire tissue block was serially sectioned and reevaluated. A diagnosis of BE was made when endoscopic and histologic criteria were satisfied. Based on effective 2-photon excitation fluorescence of cellular reduced pyridine nucleotides and flavin adenine dinucleotide and lack of 2-photon excitation fluorescence of mucin and cellular nuclei, MPM could readily identify and distinguish among squamous epithelial cells, goblet cells, gastric foveolar-type mucous cells, and parietal cells in the area of gastroesophageal junction. Based on the cell types identified, the mucosa was defined as squamous, columnar gastric type (cardia/fundic-type), and metaplastic columnar intestinal-type/BE. Various types of mucosa seen in the study of 35 biopsies included normal squamous mucosa only (n = 14; 40%), gastric cardia-type mucosa only (n = 2; 6%), gastric fundic mucosa (n = 6; 17%), and both squamous and gastric mucosa (n = 13; 37%). Intestinal metaplasia was identified by the presence of goblet cells in 10 of 25 cases (40%) leading to a diagnosis of BE on MPM imaging and only in 7 cases (28%) by histopathology. In 3 of 35 biopsies (9%), clear-cut goblet cells were seen by MPM imaging but not by histopathology, even after the entire tissue block was sectioned. Based on effective 2-photon excitation fluorescence of elastin and second-harmonic generation of collagen, connective tissue in the lamina propria and the basement membrane was also visualized with MPM. Multiphoton microscopy has the ability to accurately distinguish squamous epithelium and different cellular elements of the columnar mucosa obtained from biopsies around the gastroesophageal junction, including goblet cells that are important for the diagnosis of BE. Thus, use of MPM in the endoscopy suite might provide immediate microscopic images during endoscopy, improving screening and surveillance of patients with BE.

Redisposition of species from the Guignardia sexual state of Phyllosticta

Several species named in the genus “Guignardia” have been transferred to other genera before the commencement of this study. Two families and genera to which species are transferred are Botryosphaeriaceae (Botryosphaeria, Vestergrenia, Neodeightonia) and Hyphonectriaceae (Hyponectria). In this paper, new combinations reported include Botryosphaeria cocoes (Petch) Wulandari, comb. nov., Vestergrenia atropurpurea (Chardon) Wulandari, comb. nov., V. dinochloae (Rehm) Wulandari, comb. nov., V. tetrazygiae (Stevens) Wulandari, comb. nov., while six taxa are synonymized with known species of Phyllosticta, viz. Phyllosticta effusa (Rehm) Sacc.[(= Botryosphaeria obtusae (Schw.) Shoemaker], Phyllosticta sophorae Kantshaveli [= Botryosphaeria ribis Grossenbacher & Duggar], Phyllosticta haydenii (Berk. & M.A. Kurtis) Arx & E. Muller [= Botryosphaeria zeae (Stout) von Arx & E. Muller], Phyllosticta justiciae F. Stevens [= Vestergrenia justiciae (F. Stevens) Petr.], Phyllosticta manokwaria K.D. Hyde [= Neodeightonia palmicola J.K Liu, R. Phookamsak & K. D. Hyde] and Phyllosticta rhamnii Reusser [= Hyponectria cf. buxi (DC) Sacc.]. In this paper, identification of “Guignardia” species is based on morphological characteristics. A large number of taxa labeled as “Guignardia” in literature, could not be loaned from various herbaria, or are lost or untraceable are listed as ‘doubtful species’ in view of insufficient supportive taxonomic data. Fresh collections, cultures and molecular sequence data are needed to clarify the phylogeny and taxonomy of cryptic species.

The effects of feeding resistant starch on apparent total tract macronutrient digestibility, faecal characteristics and faecal fermentative end-products in healthy adult dogs.

The benefits of whole grain consumption have been studied in human subjects, but little research exists on their effects in dogs. The objective of the present study was to test the effects of resistant starch (RS) in the diet of healthy adult dogs. Twelve adult Miniature Schnauzer dogs (eight males, four females; mean age: 3·3 (1·6) years; mean body weight: 8·4 (1·2) kg; mean body condition score: D/ideal) were randomly allotted to one of three treatment groups, which consisted of different amounts of RS supplied in a biscuit format. Dogs received either 0, 10 or 20g biscuits per d (estimated to be 0, 2·5 or 5g RS per d) that were fed within their daily energetic allowance. A balanced Latin square design was used, with each treatment period lasting 21d (days 0-17 adaptation; days 18-21 fresh and total faecal collection). All dogs were fed the same diet to maintain body weight throughout the study. Dogs fed 5g RS per d had lower (P=0·03) fat digestibility than dogs fed 0gRS per d, but DM, organic matter and crude protein digestibilities were not affected. Faecal fermentative end-products, including SCFA and branched-chain fatty acids, ammonia, phenols and indoles, and microbial populations were not affected. The minor changes observed in the present study suggest the RS doses provided to the dogs were too low. Further work is required to assess the dose of RS required to affect gut health.

A molecular and morphological reassessment of Diademaceae.

We revisit the family Diademaceae based on available sequence data and morphology. Diademaceae is characterized by ascomata opening with a flat circular lid and fissitunicate, short orbicular frequently cylindrical, pedicellate asci. Ascospores are frequently circular in section but narrowing to one end with three or more transverse septa, without longitudinal septa, and mostly with a thick sheath. In recent treatments Clathrospora, Comoclathris, Diadema, Diademosa, and Graphyllium were placed in the family. Following molecular and morphological study, Clathrospora, Comoclathris, and Diademosa, are excluded from the family and referred to Pleosporaceae. Graphyllium is excluded from Diademaceae, based on hysterothecium-like ascomata with a longitudinal opening, and tentatively placed in Hysteriaceae with uncertainty; species with hysterothecia have now been accommodated in at least five families. The study accepts only Diadema in the family. The status of Diademaceae as a distinct family, based on the ascomata opening by a flat circular lid, is thought to be doubtful. Fresh collections of Diadema are needed for epitypification and to obtain sequence data to establish if this is a well-resolved family.

Rediscovery of Pseudophilautus hypomelas (Günther, 1876) (Amphibia: Anura: Rhacophoridae) from the Peak Wilderness, Sri Lanka, a species thought to be extinct!

Pseudophilautus hypomelas (Gunther, 1876), was previously known from the type collection of 14 specimens deposited in the Natural History Museum, London. There has been no record of this species since the original description by Gunther in 1876, and subsequently this species was considered extinct. In recent explorations however, the species has been rediscovered from the Peak Wilderness, Central Hills of Sri Lanka, with a rediscription of the species from fresh collections.

Hymenoscyphus subcarneus, a little known bryicolous discomycete found in the Białowieża National Park

he discomycete <em>Hymenoscyphus subcarneus</em> was found to grow parasitic on the liverwort <em>Cephalozia catenulata</em> in the Białowieża National Park (Poland), and is described and illustrated from the fresh collection. Two characters, the ascus apical ring structure of the <em>Calycina</em> type and the contents of the living paraphyses (multiguttulate by low-refractive vacuolar bodies), have not been reported previously. In addition, a dried collection on <em>Pohlia gracilis</em> from Switzerland, Grimsel area, was studied. The relationship, taxonomy and infraspecific variation of the fungus are discussed. A new genus, <em>Roseodiscus</em>, is established to accomodate this bryicolous fungus together with two very similar equiseticolous species, <em>Hymenoscyphus rhodoleucus</em> and <em>H. equisetinus</em>. The three species are macroscopically characterized in the fresh state by a pale rosaceous-lilaceous hymenium and a mostly slender, concolorous or whitish stipe.<em> Roseodiscus</em> resembles <em>Hymenoscyphus</em> in various respects, but sharply deviates in the apical ring type which appears to indicate a more close relationship with genera like <em>Calycina</em> or <em>Stamnaria</em>. <em>Rhizoscyphus ericae</em> which forms a mycorrhiza with roots of Ericaceae, is compared with <em>Roseodiscus</em>. Based on vital observations of <em>R. ericae</em> this species is believed to be congeneric with the type of <em>Pezoloma, P. griseum</em>.

Towards a natural classification of Dothideomycetes: The genera Dermatodothella, Dothideopsella, Grandigallia, Hysteropeltella and Gloeodiscus (Dothideomycetes incertae sedis)

One-hundred and sixteen genera are listed as incertae sedis in the class Dothideomycetes. This is a first of a series of papers in which we re-examine the herbarium types of these genera, which are generally poorly known. By examining the generic types we can suggest higher level placements, but more importantly we illustrate the taxa so that they are better understood. In this way the taxa can be recollected, sequenced and placed in a natural taxonomic framework in the Ascomycota. In this study we re-examined the genera Dermatodothella, Dothideopsella, Gloeodiscus, Grandigallia and Hysteropeltella. We re-describe and illustrate the type species of these genera and discuss their placements using modern concepts. Dermatodothella is placed in Polystomellaceae, Dothideopsella in Phaeosphaeriaceae, Grandigallia in Shiraiaceae and Hysteropeltella in Schizothyriaceae, while Gloeodiscus is retained in Dothideomycetes incertae sedis. Fresh collections of these genera are needed for further studies, so that they can be epitypified and molecular data can be analyzed to obtain a natural classification.

A Systematic Revision of the GenusLejeuneaLib. (Marchantiophyta: Lejeuneaceae) in Malaysia

A revision of the genus Lejeunea in Malaysia based on examination of about six hundred fresh collections and about four hundred herbarium specimens leads to the recognition of 30 species and 2 varieties. All species are keyed and illustrated, their morphological characters are described and discussed in detail, and distribution and habitat in Malaysia and world distribution are given. In addition, notes are presented on little-used or neglected morphological characters including superior central cells, oil bodies and vegetative propagules. Two species, Taxilejeunea cuculliflora Steph. [= L. umbilicata (Nees) Nees] and Eulejeunea infestans Steph. (=L. papilionacea Steph.) are new synonyms. Eight species are reported for the first time from Peninsular Malaysia [L. alata Gottsche, L. cocoes Mitt., L. dimorpha Kodama, L. fleischeri (Steph.) Mizut., L. micholitzii Mizut., L. papilionacea Steph., L. tuberculosa Steph., and L. umbilicata (Nees) Nees] and one species from East Malaysia, i.e. L. compacta (Steph.) Steph.