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Ann. Bot. Fennici 44: 298–302 ISSN 0003-3847
Helsinki 28 August 2007 © Finnish Zoological and Botanical Publishing Board 2007
Steccherinum tenuispinum (Polyporales, Basidiomycota),
a new species from Russia, and notes on three other
species
Wjacheslav Spirin¹, Ivan Zmitrovich² & Vera Malysheva²
1) University of the Humanities, Fuchika 15, St. Petersburg, 192238 Russia
2) Komarov Botanical Institute, Popova 2, St. Petersburg, 197376 Russia
Received 12 Sep. 2007, revised version received 30 Oct 2006, accepted 8 Nov. 2006
Spirin, W., Zmitrovich, I. & Malysheva, V. 2007: Steccherinum tenuispinum (Polyporales, Basidio-
mycota), a new species from Russia, and notes on three other species. — Ann. Bot. Fennici 44:
298–302.
A new species, Steccherinum tenuispinum Spirin, Zmitr. & V. Malysheva is described.
Its closest relative is S. robustius, and it differs in having lighter-coloured spines,
smaller spores, and a peculiar ecology. Steccherinum narymicum is reported for
the rst time after its original description in 1936. New records and some data on
morphology, anatomy and ecology of S. murashkinskyi are given and S. bourdotii is
reported as new to Russia.
Key words: new species, Steccherinum, taxonomy, wood-rotting fungi
This paper deals with four species of the hyd-
noid genus Steccherinum. Like its closest rela-
tives, Antrodiella and Junghuhnia, this genus
comprises numerous species complexes, which
deserve much closer study. Some Antrodiella
and Junghuhnia species have very distinct eco-
logical preferences, growing on wood previously
decayed by other fungi. It was a surprise to nd
still an unnamed Steccherinum species growing
on dead basidiocarps of the polypore Fomitopsis
pinicola and on wood decomposed by it. This
species is here described as Steccherinum ten-
uispinum. In the second part of this paper the
rare species S. murashkinskyi and S. narymicum
are re-described, and their ecology is discussed.
The microscopic characters were studied with
a Karl Zeiss amplival microscope. The chemical
reagents used in the microscopic examination
are 5% solution of potassium hydroxide (KOH),
Melzer’s reagent (IKI) and Cotton Blue (CB).
The measurements were made in CB; total of
30 spores from each specimen were measured.
For presenting the variation in spore size, 5% of
measurements were excluded from each end of
the range, and are given in parentheses. The type
material is placed in the herbarium of Botani-
cal Museum, University of Helsinki (H); the
duplicates and some specimens were carried into
Mycological Herbarium of Komarov Botanical
Institute (St. Petersburg, Russia, LE).
Steccherinum tenuispinum Spirin, Zmitr.
& V. Malysheva, sp. nova (Figs. 1 and 2)
Fungus effuso-reexus vel resupinatus, habitu
Steccherinum robustius similis. Hymenopho-
rum hydnoideum, pallido-ochraceum vel vina-
ANN. BOT. FENNICI Vol. 44 • Steccherinum tenuispinum, a new species from Russia 299
ceo-armeniacum; aculeis 3–4 per mm. Systema
hypharum dimiticum; pseudocystidia adsunt in
hymenio. Sporae lato-ellipsoideae, 2.8–3.9 ¥
2.4–2.8 µm.
Holotype: Russia. Nizhny Novgorod Reg., Sharanga
Dist., Kilemarsky Nat. Res., dead Fomitopsis pinicola on
Populus tremula, 16.VIII.2004 Spirin 2116 (H; isotype LE).
Basidiocarp annual, effused-reexed to
resupinate, 12–50 mm in longest dimension,
brillose-membranaceous when fresh, leathery
in herbarium specimens, easily separable from
substrate. Caps small, 2–6 mm wide, appearing
as reexed upper margin (pseudopilei); upper
surface smooth to indistinctly zonate, whitish to
dirty-ochraceous. Margin of effused and reexed
parts uneven, often slightly undulating or inroll-
ing, more or less split, whitish to cream-coloured,
developing short mbriate rhizomorphs (0.5–1.5
mm thick) under mosses or in wood gaps. Con-
text papery to densely membranaceous, striate,
ochraceous to blackish-brown near substrate,
white to cream-coloured between spines, 0.5–1
mm thick. Spines (1–)1.5–4(–5) mm long, thin,
acute, often in conical groups, rst cream-col-
oured to pale-ochraceous, in mature state pale
orange to reddish with grayish or vinaceous-
brown tints, in older specimens dirty-brownish,
3–4 per mm. No distinct odour, taste mild.
Hyphal structure dimitic. Context monomitic,
consisting of thick-walled skleried generative
hyphae (4.5–)5–7 µm wide, with large clamps
and secondary septa. Spines dimitic, hyphae
strictly parallel; skeletals (2–)2.5–3.4(–3.8) µm
wide, thick-walled to subsolid, CB+; genera-
tive hyphae thin-walled or with thickened walls,
clamped, 2–2.6 µm wide; in older basidiocarps
hyphae agglutinated by yellowish amorphous
matter and becoming gelatinous in KOH. Pseu-
docystidia thick-walled, with hyaline or pale-
yellowish crystalline encrustation, arising from
tramal skeletal hyphae, 60–150 ¥ 7–10 µm. Spine
tips dimitic, consisting of generative hyphae
and secondary-septate skeletals with thickened
walls and rounded apices. Basidia clavate, four-
spored, clamped, 12–24 ¥ 3.5–4.8 µm. Basid-
iospores broadly-ellipsoid, (2.7–)2.8–3.9(–4.1)
¥ (2.3–)2.4–2.8(–2.9) µm, thin-walled, hyaline,
sometimes guttulate, IKI–, CB–.
This new species looks like an intermedi-
ate between two other closely related hydnoid
species, Steccherinum ochraceum and S. robus-
tius. Morphologically the rst one differs from
S. tenuispinum in having shorter (up to 2 mm
long) and densely arranged (5–7 per mm) pale
ochraceous spines, while the second is character-
ized by brighter, orange-brownish hymenophore.
However, the clear differences can be seen only
with microscope. The best diagnostic character
of S. tenuispinum is the spore size, since the
spores of S. ochraceum are smaller and nar-
rower, 3.2–3.5(–4) ¥ (2–)2.2–2.5 µm (Eriksson
et al. 1984). Steccherinum robustius has larger
spores (3.5–)3.6–4.8(–5.0) ¥ (2.7–)2.8–3.2 µm,
Fig. 1. Steccherinum tenuispinum (holotype). Basidio-
carps on dead Fomitopsis pinicola. Scale bar = 0.5 cm.
Fig. 2. Steccherinum tenuispinum (ho lotype).
Hymenium and spores. Scale bar = 10 µm.
300 Spirin et al. • ANN. BOT. FENNICI Vol. 44
larger (8–15 µm wide) brownish pseudocystidia,
and up to 35 µm long basidia.
The other boreal species in the S. ochra-
ceum complex are S. mukhinii, S. bourdotii, and
S. laeticolor. The rst-mentioned species is a
strictly resupinate counterpart of S. ochraceus
differing by its dark-brown colour; their micro-
scopic structures are almost identical, except for
the brown cystidia of S. mukhinii (Kotiranta &
Mukhin 1998). The general habit and colour of S.
laeticolor are similar to those of S. tenuispinum,
but the spores of S. laeticolor are smaller, short-
cylindrical (2.6–)2.7–3.5(–3.6) ¥ (1.7–)1.8–2.1
µm, and it has true pilei. Steccherinum bourdotii
is also distinctly pileate, and has larger subglo-
bose spores (see below).
The main ecological feature of S. tenuispinum
is its growth on dead Fomitopsis pinicola, and
on wood previously decayed by that polypore.
Seven specimens were collected from the basidi-
ocarps of its predecessor, and four times these
species were observed together. When develop-
ing on spruce trunks, S. tenuispinum often occurs
with Antrodiella citrinella, another successor of
F. pinicola. Once S. tenuispinum was growing on
an aspen trunk, decomposed by Phellinus tremu-
lae, on which Junghuhnia pseudozilingiana was
seen, too. It seems that the favoured substrates of
Steccherinum tenuispinum are aspen (six nds)
and spruce (four nds); only one record is on
linden wood.
The preferred habitats of S. tenuispinum are
old southern-taiga forests with large fallen aspen
trees and spruce trunks. Steccherinum ochra-
ceum and S. robustius have evidently different
ecological preferences: they mostly occur in
broad-leaved forests, inhabiting fallen branches
and logs of Quercus robur and Corylus avellana.
In the boreal zone S. ochraceum prefers intra-
zonal plant communities, i.e. alder or willow
thickets, where it is commonly associated with
Fomes fomentarius or the species of the Phelli-
nus igniarius group.
otHer specimens examined. — Steccherinum tenuispinum
(paratypes). Russia. Nizhny Novgorod Reg., Sharanga Dist.,
Kilemarsky Nat. Res., dead Fomitopsis pinicola and wood of
P. tremula, Picea abies, and Tilia cordata, 28.IX.1999 and
16–20.VIII.2004 Spirin 2117, 2206, 2211, 2222, 2227, 2230,
2256 (H; LE 213584); Arzamas Dist., Pustynsky Nat. Res.,
dead Fomitopsis pinicola on Picea abies, 18.VII.2000 Spirin
(LE 210061); Lukoyanov Dist., Panzelka, P. tremula inhab-
ited by Phellinus tremulae and Junghuhnia pseudozilingiana,
23.VII.1999 Spirin (LE 213698). — Steccherinum laeticolor.
Russia. Nizhny Novgorod Reg., Bogorodsk, Caragana arbo-
rescens, Spirin (LE 213419); Lukoyanov Dist., Razino, Acer
platanoides, Spirin 2507 (H, LE). — Steccherinum mukhinii.
China. Jilin Prov., Antu County, Changbaishan Nat. Res.,
Abies, Dai 29876 & Niemelä (H). — Steccehrinum ochra-
ceum. Russia. Nizhny Novgorod Reg., Lukoyanov Dist.,
Sanki, Corylus avellana, Spirin (LE 213508). — S. robus-
tius. Russia. Nizhny Novgorod Reg., Arzamas Dist., Pustyn-
sky Nat. Res., Populus tremula, Spirin (LE 210062).
Steccherinum bourdotii Saliba & David
Cryptogamie Mycologie 9: 100. 1988.
This species is here reported as new to Russia.
Its morphology, anatomy and distribution were
thoroughly described by Niemelä (1998). Stec-
cherinum bourdotii often develops minute caps
2–4 mm thick, with pubescent or tomentose
upper surface; spines are cylindrical or slightly
attened, pale rose to pale reddish, in older
basidiocarps grayish to brownish, 3–4 per mm.
The basidiospores are subglobose, in our speci-
mens (4.2–)4.4–5.1(–5.6) ¥ (3.2–)3.4–4.2 µm,
very thin-walled and occasionally guttulate.
This species is evidently widespread in hemi-
boreal (nemoral) and boreal zones, where it was
overlooked or confused with S. ochraceum until
recently. Our records derive from moist broad-
leaved forests, dominated by Quercus robur,
Tilia cordata and Populus tremula, and growing
on rich calcareous soils. Steccherinum bourdotii
occurs on both standing and recently fallen thin
trunks of deciduous trees. The basidiocarps are
often overwintered and, probably, biennial.
specimens examined. — Russia. Leningrad Reg., Otrad-
noye, Betula pubescens, 5.VIII.2003 Zmitrovich (LE).
Nizhny Novgorod Reg., Lukoyanov Dist., Sanki, Ulmus
scabra, Spirin 2318 (H, LE); Pochinki Dist., Kommunar,
Salix caprea, Spirin (LE 213690).
Steccherinum murashkinskyi (Burt) Maas
Geest. (Fig. 3)
Persoonia 2: 405. 1962. — Hydnum murashkinskyi Burt.
Basidiocarps annual, sessile, pileate to decur-
ANN. BOT. FENNICI Vol. 44 • Steccherinum tenuispinum, a new species from Russia 301
rent. Caps 5–14 ¥ 10–50 ¥ (0.5–)1–5 mm, coria-
ceous, fragile when dry, rmly attached to the
substrate; cap surface tomentose, later naked,
concentrically zonate, rather uneven, cinnamon
brown. Margin distinct, sharp or blunt, bolster-
like, even or in some specimens distinctly down-
curved, in resupinate basidiocarps well-devel-
oped, dull yellow to pale buff, 0.5–2 mm wide.
Context at rst cottony, later densely brillose,
pale cinnamon, 1–2 mm thick. Hymenophore
hydnoid; teeth conical, 0.5–5 mm long, dense,
smoke-brown, 4–6 per mm; in exceptional cases
hymenophore irpicoid or even poroid, consisting
of teeth fusing together by their tips and produc-
ing irregular, lacerate pores 4–5 per mm. Odour
distinct, spicy, persisting very long in herbarium
specimens.
Hyphal structure dimitic. Context monomitic,
consisting of thick-walled skleried generative
hyphae (4.5–)5–7 µm wide, with large clamps.
Spines dimitic, hyphae strictly parallel; skeletal
hyphae thick-walled, with clear lumina, straight,
non-branching, 2.2–5.4 µm wide, brownish,
CB+; generative hyphae thin- to slightly thick-
walled, 1.5–2.5 µm wide, hyaline to pale yel-
lowish. Pseudocystidia thick-walled, encrusted,
deeply-rooting, 4.5–7.5 µm wide at the apex.
Spine tips dimitic, often without cystidia. Basidia
four-spored, narrowly clavate, clamped, 9–12
¥ 2.4–3.6 µm. Basidiospores short-cylindrical,
(3.3–)3.6–4.5(–4.7) ¥ (1.7–)1.8–2.3(–2.4) µm,
occasionally guttulate, IKI–, CB–.
On wood of deciduous trees. Causes a white
rot.
This species can be easily distinguished due
to its pileate basidiocarps with cinnamon shades,
and highly specic odour reminiscent that of
the polypore Antrodiella fragrans. The primary
microscopic feature are the small cylindrical
spores. Poroid fruitbodies may be confused with
old specimens of Irpex lacteus, which, however,
has larger pores and a quite different microscopy
(no clamps).
In Russia this species has a nemoral (hemibo-
real) distribution. In southern parts of European
Russia (so-called oak zone) it is very common
on fallen broad-leaved trees (mostly on Quer-
cus robur); some nds from birch and aspen
were made, too. In northern mixed forests S.
murashkinskyi prefers wood of Salicaceae,
which often is decayed by Phellinus species;
the favorite habitats are moist, herb-rich aspen
forests or mixed forests with large corticated
fallen logs.
selected specimens examined. — Russia. Nizhny
Novgorod Reg., Arzamas Dist., Pustynsky Nat. Res., Populus
tremula and dead Phellinus tremulae, Spirin (LE 210120);
Lukoyanov Dist., Razino, Betula pubescens decayed by
Phellinus laevigatus and Elmerina caryae, 16.VII.1999
Spirin (H; LE 210682 — specimen with porioid hymeno-
phore), Salix alba decayed by Phellinus igniarius, Spirin
(LE 211304); Panzelka, Populus tremula and Quercus robur,
Spirin 2054, 2367, 2371 (H, specimen 2371 with porioid-
irpicoid hymenophore); Sanki, Q. robur, Spirin 2388 (H).
Samara Reg., Zhiguli Nat. Res., P. tremula, V. Malysheva
53 (LE).
Steccherinum narymicum (Pilát) Parmasto
Consp. Syst. Cort.: 173. 1968. — Mycoleptodon narymicus
Pilát.
Basidiocarps annual, resupinate, 1–2 mm
thick (incl. spines), waxy-brillose. Margin pru-
inose, gradually merging the substrate, up to
0.5 mm wide, without rhizomorphs. Subiculum
very thin, occose. Spines 0.5–1.5 mm long,
thin, with sharp or slightly attened apices, pale-
cream to pale straw-coloured, 3–4 per mm.
Hyphal structure dimitic throughout. Spines
consisting of strictly parallel hyphae; skeletals
thick-walled, with clear lumina and occasional
branchings, 2–2.5 µm wide, swelling and partly
dissolving in KOH, slightly amyloid, CB+; gen-
erative hyphae thin-walled, mostly clamped,
2.5–3.5(–4) µm wide. Pseudocystidia encrusted,
thick-walled, 60–120 ¥ 4–7.5 µm (encrusted part
30–60 µm long). Basidia clavate, four-spored,
clamped, 14–18 ¥ 4.5–6 µm. Basidiospores ellip-
Fig. 3. Steccherinum murashkinskyi. Basidiocarp with
‘poroid’ hymenophore (LE 210682). Scale bar = 1 cm.
302 Spirin et al. • ANN. BOT. FENNICI Vol. 44
soid, (3.4–)3.6–5.1(–5.4) ¥ (2.6–)2.8–3.4(–3.5)
µm, slightly attened on ventral side, IKI–,
CB– or only faintly CB+.
On wood of Padus avium. Causes a white rot.
The species was described by Pilát (1936)
from Siberia (Tomsk Region, Russia) and until
now known only from the type locality (Spirin
2004). As noted by Nikolaeva (1961), S. narym-
icum is similar to S. litschaueri, and differs
macroscopically by its pruinose margin, which
is mbriate and rhizomorphic in S. litschaueri.
Maas Geesteranus (1974) was of the opinion that
the spores in holotype of S. narymicum are imma-
ture, measuring 3.8–4 ¥ 2.7 µm; in our specimen
the spores are larger but partly overlap the type
material. Spore size is the main difference to
distinguish S. narymicum from S. litschaueri; the
spores of the latter are cylindrical and curved,
(3.6–)3.7–5.4(–5.6) ¥ (1.8–)1.9–2.2 µm.
specimens examined. — Steccherinum narymicum.
Russia. Nizhny Novgorod Reg., Lukoyanov Dist., Panzelka,
Padus avium, 20.VII.1999 Spirin (H; LE 210692). — S.
litschaueri. Russia. Nizhny Novgorod Reg., Sharanga Dist.,
Kilemarsky Nat. Res., Picea abies, Spirin (LE 210119),
Spirin 2189 (H).
References
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ticiaceae of an isolated forest of Abies nephrolepis in
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and Steccherinum. — Persoonia 7: 443–581.
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Nikolaeva, T. L. [Nikolaeva, T. L.] 1961: [Hydraceous
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