Additions to the genera Asterolibertia and Cirsosia (Asterinaceae, Asterinales), with particular reference to species from the Brazilian Cerrado

Abstract

Four new Asterolibertia species and a new variety of Cirsosia splendida, all found on native Cerrado plants, belonging to three host families are described, illustrated and named as: A. bahiensis sp. nov. on Erythroxylum sp. (Erythroxylaceae); A. barrinhensis sp. nov. on Diospyros burchellii (Ebenaceae); A. campograndensis sp. nov. on Hirtella glandulosa (Chrysobalanaceae); A. parinaricola sp. nov. on Parinari obtusifolia (Chrysobalanaceae); and Cirsosia splendida var. laevigata var. nov., showing both sexual and asexual morphs, on H. glandulosa and H. gracilipes (Chrysobalanaceae). Finally, A. licaniae is reported on a new host, H. gracilipes. Keys to all the known species of Asterolibertia and Cirsosia are included.

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volume 7 · no. 1
Additions to the genera Asterolibertia and Cirsosia (Asterinaceae, Asterinales),
with particular reference to species from the Brazilian Cerrado
André Luiz Firmino1, Carlos Antonio Inácio2, Olinto Liparini Pereira1, and José Carmine Dianese3
1Departamento de Fitopatologia, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, 36570-900, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil
2Departamento de Fitopatologia, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, 23851-970, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
3Departamento de Fitopatologia, Universidade de Brasília, 70910-900, Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brazil; corresponding author e-mail: jcarmine@
gmail.com
Abstract: Four new Asterolibertia species and a new variety of Cirsosia splendida, all found on native
Cerrado plants, belonging to three host families are described, illustrated and named as: A. bahiensis sp.
nov. on Erythroxylum sp. (Erythroxylaceae); A. barrinhensis sp. nov. on Diospyros burchellii (Ebenaceae);
A. campograndensis sp. nov. on Hirtella glandulosa (Chrysobalanaceae); A. parinaricola sp. nov. on Parinari
obtusifolia (Chrysobalanaceae); and Cirsosia splendida var. laevigata var. nov., showing both sexual and
asexual morphs, on H. glandulosa and H. gracilipes (Chrysobalanaceae). Finally, A. licaniae is reported on a
new host, H. gracilipes. Keys to all the known species of Asterolibertia and Cirsosia are included.
Article info: Submitted: 7 September 2015; Accepted: 5 January 2016; Published: 13 January 2016.
INTRODUCTION
Molecular data are generally unavailable for members of
Asterinaceae and the taxonomy of most genera in this family
to date relies chiey on morphological data. That is the case
of Asterolibertia and Cirsosia. Overcoming this limitation will
depend on recollecting the taxa described in the past and
where appropriate epitypifying these after extracting and
sequencing genomic DNA. There have been a few cases
where this was performed successfully from old herbarium
specimens (Telle & Thines 2008, O’Gorman et al. 2010,
Hawksworth 2013, Guatimosim et al. 2015, Thomas et al.
2015).
The genera of Asterinaceae are presently segregated using
well-dened morphological characters, such as the presence
or absence of appressoria on the external mycelium, setae
on ascomata and/or on the external mycelium, appressorium
type (intercalary or lateral), and ascospore septation (Bezerra
2004, Hosagoudar 2012). Within the family, only three genera
have intercalary appressoria: Asterolibertia, Cirsosia, and
Bheemamyces (Arnaud 1918, Bezerra 2004, Hosagoudar
2010, 2012). However, in Bheemamyces the appressoria are
both lateral and intercalary (Hosagoudar et al. 2010).
For almost a century, Asterolibertia was considered a
well-supported genus, due to the presence of intercalary
appressoria as originally established by Arnaud (1918), and
this has been always regarded as a strong morphological
character. However, Hongsanan et al. (2014), without any
molecular basis and morphological justication, recombined
species of Asterolibertia into Asterina, a genus with species
showing only lateral appressoria. Such recombinations must
be regarded as questionable, particularly in the absence of
molecular data.
Currently, Asterolibertia includes 35 species (Tables
1–2) found only in the tropics and mainly on the host
families Chrysobalanaceae, Malpighiaceae, and Rubiaceae
(Hosagoudar 2010, Farr & Rossman 2015). The genus
Cirsosia accommodates 15 species and one variety, all
from the tropics (Tables 3–4), found mainly on Arecaceae,
Chrysobalanaceae, Dipterocarpaceae, and Malpighiaceae
(Hosagoudar 2010, Farr & Rossman 2015).
Asterolibertia couepiae, the type species of the genus,
was collected in the Brazilian Cerrado by Ule in 1892, while
C. manaosensis, the type species of Cirsosia, also from Brazil,
was collected also by Ule in the Amazonian forest (Arnaud
1918). Asterolibertia species are characterized by having
circular thyriothecial ascomata opening by a central star-
shape ssure, adhering to the host by supercial hyphae with
intercalary appressoria, and showing 2-celled ascospores.
Cirsosia species differ from Asterolibertia in the lirelliform or
V–Y-shaped ascomata, opening by a longitudinal ssure.
However, as in Asterolibertia, Cirsosia species have supercial
hyphae with intercalary appressoria and 2-celled ascospores
(Bezerra 2004, Hosagoudar 2010, 2012). The specimens
studied here were collected from different areas of the Brazilian
Cerrado (including a fragment of Cerrado vegetation inserted
in an area of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest in the State of Bahia)
and yielded what is here recognised as novel taxa and host-
associations for Asterolibertia and Cirsosia.
This paper describes four new Asterolibertia species,
a new variety of C. splendida, and illustrates A. licaniae in
association with a new host.
Key words:
biotrophic ascomycetes
foliicolous fungi
fungal taxonomy
neotropical mycodiversity
doi:10.5598/imafungus.2016.07.01.02 IMA FUNGUS · 7(1): 9–28 (2016)

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Table 1. Morphometric characteristics of Asterolibertia species (µm), including ve new ones described in this study.
Asterolibertia Species Ascomata Hyphae Appressoria Asci Ascospores Source and country
anisopterae (Syd. & P. Syd.) Hansf. < 800 × 300−450 6−7 15−20 × 10−15 50−70 × 45−55 28−38 × 17−22 Hansford (1949), Philippines
bahiensis Firmino, Inácio & Dianese 175−235 4−5 14−17.5 × 9−10 35−52.5 × 30−42.5 32.5−37.5 × 10−14 Present study, Brazil
bakeri (Syd. & P. Syd.) Hansf. < 350 3−5 10−15 × 5−8 50−70 × 30−40 26−36 × 12−14 Hansford (1949), Philippines
barrinhensis Firmino & Dianese 105−167.5 4−5 9−15 × 7.5−10 30−42.5 diam 20−27.5 × 9−12.5 Present study, Brazil
bredemeyerae (Rehm) Arx 170−280 4−5.5 − 55−70 × 18−27 18−25 × 8−10 Müller & Arx (1962), Brazil
burchelliae (Doidge) Doidge 90−120 3−4 5−5.5 wide 27−37.5 × 16−20 13−17.5 × 5−6.5 Doidge (1942), South Africa
campograndensis Firmino & Dianese 75–160 5–7 9–14 × 7.5–12 30–40 × 20–32.5 22.5–30 × 9.5–10.5 Present study, Brazil
couepiae (Henn.) G. Arnaud 150−200 6−8 − 30−35 × 26−32 16−24 × 8−13 Arnaud (1918), Brazil
crustacea (Ellis & Everh.) Hansf. < 400 4.5−5.5 4.5−5.5 wide 100 × 20−25 25−28 × 8−14 Hansford (1955), Dominican Republic
cryptocaryae (Cooke) Hansf. < 300 4−5 − 100 × 35 25−32 × 11−13 Hansford (1954b), Australia
gibbosa (Gaillard) Hansf < 90 5−6 10−14 × 7−8 27−32 × 18−24 17−21 × 8−9 Hansford (1949), Brazil
hiiranensis (W. Yamam.) W. Yamam. 35−62 3−4.5 7−11 × 5.5−7 23−30 × 16−23 14−16 × 6.5−7 Yamamoto (1957), Taiwan
hydnocarpi Hosag. & T.K. Abraham < 264 11−13.5 14−16 × 11−13.5 < 67 diam 49−51.5 × 26−32.5 Hosagoudar & Abraham (1997), India
inaequalis (Mont.) Toro 180−280 6−9 9−14 wide 100 diam 32−40 × 18−25 Toro (1933), French Guiana
licaniae (Cooke) Hansf. < 450 × 300 6−9 7−13 × 9−13 − 30−33 × 18−20 Hansford (1949), Brazil
licaniicola Hansf. 170 4−5 9−11 × 6−7 − 24−28 × 12−15 Hansford (1949), Brazil
malpighii Bat. & H. Maia 120−185 4−8 13.5−21 × 4−8 37−43 × 27−32 29−35 × 15−16.5 Batista & Maia (1960a), Brazil
mangiferae Hansf. & Thirum. 250−300 712−15 × 10−11 < 70 diam 35−42 × 16−19 Hansford & Thirumalachar (1948), India
megathyria (Doidge) Doidge 140−200 5−6 7.5−10 wide 27−40 × 15−20 16−20 × 8−9 Doidge (1942), South Africa
myocoproides (Sacc. & Berl.) Arx 500 8.5−9 16−20 wide 50−60 × 20−22 26−28 × 10−12 Müller & Arx (1962), Brazil
nodulifera (Syd. & P. Syd.) T.A. Hofmann 320−420 4.5−7 9−13 × 8−12 33−36 × 13−15 33−36 × 13−16 Hofmann & Piepenbring (2014), Philippines
nodulosa (Speg.) Hansf. < 250 5−6 10−15 × 10−12 100 × 50 30−40 × 14−18 Hansford (1949), Costa Rica
nothopegiae Hosag. & T.K. Abraham < 265 5−7 10−12 × 9.5−11 32−35 × 24−27 19−21 × 9−10 Hosagoudar & Abraham (1997), India
parinaricola Firmino, Inácio et al. 150–207.5 4.5–5.5 10–15 × 7–9 37.5–47.5 × 29–32.5 34−40 × 10–14 Present study, Brazil
parinarii (Syd.) Hansf. 130−160 3−4.5 6.5−7.5 × 5−6 30−38 × 25−35 18−22.5 × 5−6 Hansford (1947), Democratic Republic of the Congo
peruviana Hansf. 200 4−6 4−6 wide − 17 × 8 Hansford (1955), Peru
pogonophorae Bat. & H. Maia. 125−175 4−6 10−12 × 6−8 43−55 × 33−35 33−35 × 10−12 Batista et al. (1961), Brazil
randiae (Doidge) Arx 75−100 2−4 20 × 5−8 − 15−18 × 5−6.5 Müller & Arx (1962), Southern Africa
santiriae (Syd. & P. Syd.) Hansf. 400 × 250−300 5−7 15−20 × 8−10 50−75 × 45−60 32−36 × 17−22 Hansford (1954a), Philippines
schroeteri (Rehm) Arx 220−300 6−8 10−13 wide 60−70 × 42−46 38−42 × 11−13 Müller & Arx (1962), Brazil
spatholobi Hansf. 250 5−6 6−8 × 6−8 45 × 35 18−20 × 7.5−8.5 Hansford (1954a), Java
sporoboli E. Castell. & Graniti 60−110 66−16 × 7−10 − 16−22 × 7−9 Castellani & Graniti (1950), Ethiopia
thaxteri Hansf. 250 3−5 6−7 × 4−7 − 50−55 × 21−24 Hansford (1957), Grenada
ulei Hansf. 200 6−7 8−12 × 9−11 − 24−30 × 12−17 Hansford (1949), Brazil
vateriae Hosag. 300−400 × 150−250 11−13 10−15 × 2−14 < 35 diam 36−39 × 21−23 Hosagoudar et al. (2006), India

Asterolibertia and Cirsosia from the Cerrado
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MATERIAL AND METHODS
Leaves bearing black colonies were collected and dried
in a plant press before being processed and deposited in
the Fungarium known as the UB Mycological Collection, a
part of Herbarium UB (Universidade de Brasília). Colonies
were initially examined using a Zeiss Discovery v.8
stereomicroscope. Entire colonies were removed from the
leaves by applying small drops of nail polish. After these
had solidied and fungal structures became embedded
preventing the collapse of the colonies, these were
peeled from the leaf surfaces. These colonies and small
samples taken directly from the leaves were mounted
on slides containing lacto-glycerol for light microscopic
observations. Imaging and measurements were done
using a Leica DM 2500 light microscope adapted with a
DFC 490 Leica digital camera, operated by a Leica Qwin
Plus digital image-processing software. For scanning
electron microscopy (SEM), air-dried material was xed
to disks using carbon double-sided tape, and then treated
with gold using a 25-mA current, at 1.10–2 mbar for 2 min
and 30 s. Photographs were obtained using a JEOL Model
JSM-700 1 F SEM.
RESULTS
A total of 35 species of Asterolibertia have previously been
described on 19 different host families (Hosagoudar 2010,
Farr & Rossman 2015). These have been described on the
families: Chrysobalanaceae (9 species, including two new
species described here), Rubiaceae (4); Anacardiaceae,
Annonaceae, Dipterocarpaceae, Fabaceae, and
Malpighiaceae (2 on each); and Achariaceae, Arecaceae,
Bignoniaceae, Bromeliaceae, Burseraceae, Ebenaceae
(described here), Erythroxylaceae (described here),
Euphorbiaceae, Lauraceae, Melastomataceae,
Myrtaceae, Poaceae, Polygalaceae, and Styracaceae
(1 on each; Table 2). Asterolibertia bredemeyerae was
reported from two different families (Polygalaceae and
Fabaceae), as well as A. schroeteri (Annonaceae and
Chrysobalanaceae) and A. peruviana (Bignoniaceae and
Chrysobalanaceae). However, A. peruviana apparently
belongs to Microthyriaceae due to the well-dened circular
ostiole present on the ascomata (Hansford 1955, Wu et al.
2011). As Asterolibertia species are usually host specic, a
reevaluation of the three species that occur in two different
host families is recommended.
A total of 15 species and one variety of Cirsosia have
been described on six different host families (Hosagoudar
2010, Hofmann & Piepenbring 2014, Farr & Rossman
2015): Dipterocarpaceae (5 species); Arecaceae (4);
Chrysobalanaceae (3, including the new variety described
here); Malpighiaceae (2); and Burseraceae and Lauraceae
(1 on each; Table 4). There is no record of the same
Cirsosia species being found on two different host families
(Hosagoudar 2010, Farr & Rossman 2015).
TAXONOMY
The data in Tables 1–4 that include the characteristics of the
new taxa herein proposed were used to formulate the keys
provided for the identication of Asterolibertia and Cirsosia
species, thus simplifying the text.
Asterolibertia bahiensis Firmino, Inácio & Dianese,
sp. nov.
MycoBank MB813315
(Fig. 1)
Etymology: Refers to the state of Bahia where the fungus
was collected.
Diagnosis: Asterolibertia bahiensis is quite close to A.
nodulifera but differs in having smaller paraphysate ascomata
and larger appressoria.
Type: Brazil: Bahia: Una, Bolandeira Farm, on an enclosure
of Cerrado vegetation in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, close
to the entrance to Comandatuba Island, 15° 21’ 12.7” S 39°
00’ 7.7” W, on leaves of Erythroxylum sp. (Erythroxylaceae),
26 Aug. 1995, M. Sanchez (UB-Mycol Col. 9882 – holotype).
Description: Colonies amphigenous, circular to irregular,
single to conuent, black, 1–12 mm diam. Hyphae straight
to exuous, branching irregularly, pale brown, septate,
hyphal cells cylindrical, 4–5 μm diam, smooth. Appressoria
numerous, entire, sessile, intercalary, elongated with a
lateral protuberance, unicellular, 14–17.5 × 9–10 μm, brown,
penetration peg central on the appressorial cell. Ascomata
supercial, thyriothecia, scutiform, on top of mycelial mat,
circular, single to conuent, fringed at margins, randomly
distributed in the colony, 175–235 μm diam, opening by a
central star-shaped ssure, dark brown; wall of textura
radiata, cells cylindrical. Pseudoparaphyses cylindrical,
septate, branched, hyaline, to 1 μm wide. Asci bitunicate
in structure, ssitunicate, disposed as an upright palisade
layer, globose to ovoid, 8-spored, hyaline, 35–52.5 × 30–
42.5 μm. Ascospores cylindrical, ends rounded, straight or
slightly arched, 1-septate, constricted at the septum at the
supramedian septum, hyaline, becoming brown at maturity,
verruculose, 32.5–37.5 × 10–14 μm. Asexual morph not seen.
Other specimens examined: On leaves of Erythroxylum sp.
(Erythroxylaceae). Brazil: Minas Gerais: Buritis, Pedra Grande Farm,
8 May 1993, J. C. Dianese 863 (UB-Mycol Col. 3934). Bahia: Una,
on an enclosure of Cerrado vegetation in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest
at Fazenda Bolandeira, near entrance to Comandatuba Island, J.C.
Dianese (UB-Mycol Col. 9871).
Notes: The type material was collected in a rare small
enclosure of Cerrado vegetation in the Brazilian Atlantic
Forest. However another specimen (UB – Mycol Col. 3934)
was found in a typical Cerrado natural landscape in Buritis,
Minas Gerais. In addition, this is the rst Asterolibertia
species found on a member of Erythroxylaceae (Hosagoudar
2010, Farr & Rossman 2015).

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Table 2. Summary of the main characteristics of Asterolibertia species indicating respective host family, host species, and morphology of colonies, appressoria, paraphyses, asci, and ascospores.
Species Host Families Colonies Appressoria Pseudoparaphyses Asci Ascospores
anisopterae Anisoptera thurifera Dipterocarpaceae epiphyllous protuberance towards one
side
absent globose constricted in the upper third,
verruculose
bahiensis sp.nov. Erythroxylum sp. Erythroxylaceae amphigenous protuberance towards one
side
branched globose to ovoid constricted in the upper third,
verruculose
bakeri Calamus sp. Arecaceae epiphyllous barrel-shaped to
subglobose
absent ovoid constricted in the upper third,
verruculose
barrinhensis sp. nov. Diospyrus burchellii Ebenaceae epiphyllous protuberance towards one
side
unbranched globose to ovoid constricted in the upper third,
verruculose
bredemeyerae Bredemeyera lucida Polygalaceae amphigenous subglobose unbranched ovoid to clavate-
cylindrical
constricted at the central septum,
smooth
Sweetia nitens Fabaceae
burchelliae Bertiera racemosa Rubiaceae epiphyllous barrel-shaped to cylindrical absent ellipsoid-ovoid constricted in the upper third,
smooth
Burchellia bubalina
Cremaspora triora
Tarenna pavettoides
campograndensis
sp.nov.
Hirtella glandulosa Chrysobalanaceae epiphyllous protuberance towards one
side
unbranched globose to ovoid constricted in the upper third,
smooth
couepiae Couepia grandiora Chrysobalanaceae epiphyllous protuberance towards one
side
absent globose to subglobose constricted in the upper third,
smooth
crustacea Psidium guajava Myrtaceae epiphyllous cylindrical absent clavate to cylindrical constricted in the upper third,
smooth
cryptocaryae Cryptocarya grandis Lauraceae amphigenous −absent ellipsoid constricted in the upper third,
smooth
gibbosa Basanacantha spinosa Rubiaceae amphigenous barrel-shaped to cylindrical absent ovoid to globose constricted in the upper third,
smooth
hiiranensis Styrax hayataianus Styracaceae epiphyllous −absent obovoid to subglobose constricted at the central septum,
smooth
Styrax suberifolius
hydnocarpi Hydnocarpus macrocarpa Achariaceae epiphyllous globose to ovoid −globose constricted in the upper third,
smooth
inaequalis Melastomataceae
member
Melastomataceae epiphyllous barrel-shaped to
subglobose
absent subglobose constricted in the upper third,
verruculose
licaniae Licania sp. Chrysobalanaceae epiphyllous barrel-shaped absent globose constricted at the central septum,
smooth
licaniicola Licania sp. Chrysobalanaceae epiphyllous barrel-shaped absent −constricted at the central septum,
smooth
malpighii Malpighiaceae member Malpighiaceae epiphyllous protuberance towards one
side
absent ellipsoid to
subglobose
constricted at the central septum,
verruculose
mangiferae Mangifera indica Anacardiaceae epiphyllous barrel-shaped absent globose constricted in the upper third,
smooth

Asterolibertia and Cirsosia from the Cerrado
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Table 2. (Continued).
Species Host Families Colonies Appressoria Pseudoparaphyses Asci Ascospores
megathyria Tricalysia capensi Rubiaceae amphigenous barrel-shaped −ovoid to clavate-
cylindrical
constricted in the upper third,
smooth
T. lanceolata and
T. sonderiana
myocoproides Guzmania plumieri Bromeliaceae amphigenous −branched ovoid to cyllindrical constricted at the central septum,
verruculose
nodulifera Angelesia splendens Chrysobalanaceae amphigenous protuberance towards one
side
absent globose to ovoid constricted in the upper third,
verruculose
nodulosa Guatteria dolichopoda Annonaceae epiphyllous barrel-shaped to
subglobose
absent ovoid to ellipsoid constricted at the central septum,
verruculose
nothopegiae Nothopegia aureofulva Anacardiaceae epiphyllous globose −ovoid constricted at the central septum,
smooth
parinaricola sp. nov. Parinari obtusifolia Chrysobalanaceae epiphyllous protuberance towards one
side
branched globose to ovoid constricted in the upper third,
verruculose
parinarii Parinari subcordata Chrysobalanaceae epiphyllous protuberance towards one
side
unbranched ellipsoid to
subglobose
constricted in the upper third,
smooth
peruviana Bignoniaceae member Bignoniaceae epiphyllous cylindrical − − constricted in the upper third,
smooth
Licania macrophylla Chrysobalanaceae
pogonophorae Pogonophora
schomburgkiana
Euphorbiaceae epiphyllous protuberance towards one
side
absent oblong to subglobose constricted in the upper third,
smooth
randiae Randia dumetorum,
Keetia gueinziiand
Canthium capensis
Rubiaceae amphigenous protuberance towards one
side
−ovoid to subclavate constricted in the upper third,
smooth
santiriae Santiria sp. Burseraceae amphigenous globose absent ovoid to ellipsoid constricted in the upper third,
smooth
schroeteri Annona sp. Annonaceae epiphyllous protuberance towards one
side
absent ovoid to ellipsoid constricted in the upper third,
smooth
Chrysobalanus icaco Chrysobalanaceae
spatholobi Spatholobus ferrugineus Fabaceae epiphyllous barrel-shaped to cylindrical absent ovoid to globose constricted in the upper third,
smooth
sporoboli Sporobolus ruspolianus Poaceae epiphyllous globose to ellipsoid − − constricted in the upper third,
verruculose
thaxteri unknown plant - hypophyllous − − − constricted in the upper third
ulei Malpighiaceae member Malpighiaceae epiphyllous subglobose absent ovoid to globose constricted in the upper third,
verruculose
vateriae Vateria indica Dipterocarpaceae amphigenous oblong to ovoid −ovoid to globose constricted at the central septum,
smooth

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䄀
Fig. 1. A–H. Asterolibertia bahiensis (UB-Mycol. Col. 9882 – holotype): A. Colony showing thyriothecial ascomata on supercial mycelium. B.
Central star-shape ssure in SEM. C. Intercalary appressoria with lateral protuberance. D. Immature ascus. E. Globose to ovoid mature ascus.
F. Immature ascospores. G. Brown, verruculose, cylindrical ascospores. H. Verruculose ascospores in SEM. Bars: A = 100 μm; B = 50 μm, and
all others = 10 μm.

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volume 7 · no. 1
Asterolibertia barrinhensis Firmino & Dianese, sp.
nov.
MycoBank MB813316
(Fig. 2)
Etymology: Epithet refers to the type locality in Brazil,
Barrinha.
Diagnosis: Asterolibertia barrinhensis is quite close to A.
campograndensis but differs in having opposite hyphal
branching, loose ascomatal fringes and verruculose
ascospores.
Type: Brazil: Minas Gerais: Divinópolis, Barrinha Farm,
right side of Highway from Divinopólis to Formiga, 20° 13’
54.9” S 45° 05’ 33.7” W, on leaves of Diospyros burchellii
(Ebenaceae), 16 Feb. 1994, J. C. Dianese (UB-Mycol Col.
5890 – holotype).
Description: Colonies epiphyllous, circular to irregular,
single to conuent, black, 1–8 mm diam. Hyphae straight
to exuous, with opposite branches, ferruginous to brown,
septate, hyphal cells cylindrical, 4–5 μm diam, smooth.
Appressoria numerous, entire, intercalary, elongated
with a lateral protuberance, unicellular, 9–15 × 7.5–10
μm, ferruginous to brown, penetration peg central on
the appressorial cell. Ascomata supercial, thyriothecia,
scutiform, on top of mycelial mat, circular, single to
conuent, fringed at the margins, randomly distributed
in the colony, 105–167.5 μm diam, opening by a central
star-shaped ssure, brown; wall of textura radiata, cells
isodiametric to cylindrical. Pseudoparaphyses cylindrical,
septate, unbranched, hyaline, to 2.5 μm wide. Asci
bitunicate in structure, ssitunicate, forming as an upright
palisade layer, globose to ovoid, 8-spored, hyaline, 30–42.5
μm diam. Ascospores cylindrical, oblong-clavate, ends
broadly rounded, straight, 1-septate, slightly constricted at
supramedian septum, hyaline, becoming brown at maturity,
verruculose, 20–27.5 × 9–12.5 μm. Asexual morph not seen.
Other specimens examined: On leaves of Diospyros burchellii
(Ebenaceae). Brazil: Minas Gerais: Divinópolis, Barrinha, 16
Feb. 1994, J. C. Dianese (UB-Mycol Col. 5891, and 5901); Goiás:
Mineiros, Parque Nacional das Emas, Água Ruim, 18° 8’ 12.04” S
52° 58’ 44.06” W, 7 Apr. 1997, J. C. Dianese (UB-Mycol Col. 13844).
Notes: This new Asterolibertia species is the rst reported on
a member of Ebenaceae (Hosagoudar 2010, Farr & Rossman
2015). It shows characteristics in common with several
species (Tables 1–2), including the one described below,
but clear differences persist as shown in the discussion that
follows the description of A. campograndensis.
Asterolibertia campograndensis Firmino & Dianese,
sp. nov.
MycoBank MB813317
(Fig. 3)
Etymology: Epithet refers to the city where the fungus was
collected, Campo Grande.
Diagnosis: Asterolibertia campograndensis differs from
A. parinarii in having larger hyphae, appressoria and
ascospores, and globose to ovoid asci.
Type: Brazil: Mato Grosso do Sul: Campo Grande, left lane
of BR-163 Highway, 200 m from the roundabout turn to São
Paulo, behind Cerealista Juliana, 20° 35’ 8.58” S 54° 34’ 49.51”
W, on leaves of Hirtella glandulosa (Chrysobalanaceae), 22
Aug. 1996, M. Sanchez (UB-Mycol Col. 12712a – holotype).
Description: Colonies epiphyllous, circular to irregular,
single to conuent, black, 1–6 mm diam. Hyphae straight
to exuous, mostly showing opposite seldom irregular
branches, ferruginous to brown, septate, hyphal cells
cylindrical, 5–7 μm diam, smooth. Appressoria numerous,
entire, intercalary, elongated with a lateral protuberance,
unicellular, 9–14 × 7.5–12 μm, ferruginous to brown,
penetration peg central on the appressorial cells. Ascomata
supercial, thyriothecia, scutiform, on top of mycelial mat,
circular, single to conuent, fringed at margins, massed in the
centre of the colony, 75–160 μm diam, opening by a central
star-shaped ssure, dark brown; wall of textura radiata to
irregulata, cells cylindrical to irregular. Pseudoparaphyses
cylindrical, septate, unbranched, hyaline, to 1 μm wide. Asci
bitunicate in structure, ssitunicate, disposed as an upright
palisade layer, globose to ovoid, 8-spored, hyaline, 30–40
× 20–32.5 μm. Ascospores oblong-clavate, rounded ends,
straight, 1-septate, septum supramedian, constricted at
septum, hyaline, becoming brown at maturity, smooth, 22.5–
30 × 9.5–10.5 μm. Asexual morph not seen.
Notes: Seven species of Asterolibertia have been
reported previously in association with living leaves of
chrysobalanaceous hosts. Four of these were recorded from
Brazil: A. couepiae on Couepia grandiora, A. licaniae and
A. licaniicola on Licania sp., and A. peruviana on Licania
macrophylla. Additionally, A. nodulifera was recorded on
Angelesia splendens from the Philippines, A. parinarii on
Parinari subcordata from the Democratic Republic of the
Congo, and A. schroeteri on Chrysobalanus icaco from India
(Arnaud 1918, Hansford 1947, 1949, 1955, Müller & von Arx
1962, Hosagoudar 2010, Hofmann & Piepenbring 2014, Farr
& Rossman 2015).
Asterolibertia campograndensis differs from the species
previously reported on Chrysobalanaceae (Table 1) (Arnaud
1918, Hansford 1947, 1949, 1955, Müller & von Arx 1962,
Hosagoudar 2010, Hofmann & Piepenbring 2014, Farr &
Rossman 2015). It is closest to A. parinarii, which has smaller
appressoria and ascospores, narrower hyphae, and ellipsoid
to subglobose asci. Asterolibertia couepiae is distinct from
the new species in having black hyphae, larger thyriothecial
ascomata, lacking pseudoparaphyses, 4–6-spored asci, and
ovoid ascospores. Asterolibertia nodulifera has amphigenous
colonies, no pseudoparaphyses, larger ascomata and larger,
echinulate ascospores. Asterolibertia licaniae differs from A.
campograndensis in the dark brown hyphae, barrel-shaped
and larger appressoria, ascomatal dehiscence by an irregular
ssure, a lack of fringes at the margins of the ascomata, the
absence of pseudoparaphyses, and nally larger, ellipsoidal,
dark brown ascospores with a central septum. Asterolibertia

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Fig. 2. A–H. Asterolibertia barrinhensis (UB-Mycol. Col. 5890 – holotype): A. Colony showing thyriothecial ascomata on supercial mycelium. B.
Ascomata showing central star-shape ssure in SEM. C. Supercial mycelium showing intercalary appressoria. D. Intercalary appressoria with
lateral protuberance. E. Globose to ovoid mature ascus. F. Immature ascospores. G. Brown smooth cylindrical to oblong-clavate ascospores. H.
Smooth ascospores in SEM. Bars: A = 100 μm; B = 50 μm, and all others = 10 μm.

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Fig. 3. A–H. Asterolibertia campograndensis (UB-Mycol. Col. 12712a – holotype): A. Colony showing thyriothecial ascomata on supercial
mycelium. B. Ascomata showing central star-shape ssure in SEM. C. Supercial mycelium with intercalary appressoria. D. Intercalary
appressoria with lateral protuberance E. Immature ascus. F. Globose to ovoid mature ascus. G. Light brown immature ascospores. H. Brown,
smooth, oblong-clavate ascospores, constricted at septum on its upper third. Bars: A = 100 μm; B, C = 50 μm, and all others = 10 μm.

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Firmino et al.
licaniicola differs from A. campograndensis in the wider
hyphae, barrel-shaped appressoria, larger ascomata,
absence of pseudoparaphyses, and dark brown ascospores
with a central septum. Asterolibertia peruviana has
narrower appressoria, larger ascomata that are not fringed
at the margins, and smaller appressoria and ascospores.
Asterolibertia schroeteri differs in the larger ascomata with
an irregular ssure, the absence of pseudoparaphyses,
and larger asci and ascospores (Tables 1–2) (Arnaud 1918,
Hansford 1947, 1949, 1955, Müller & von Arx 1962, Hofmann
& Piepenbring 2014).
Asterolibertia campograndensis is morphologically
rather similar to A. barrinhensis. However, these species
differ in important morphological details such as ascospore
ornamentation, the shape of the ascomatal fringes (loosely set
in A. barrinhensis), and hyphal branching patterns (opposite
in A. barrinhesis, and irregular in A. campograndensis).
Asterolibertia campograndensis is the fth species
of Asterolibertia reported on hosts belonging to
Chrysobalanaceae in Brazil, and the rst on Hirtella.
Asterolibertia parinaricola Firmino, Inácio & Dianese,
sp. nov.
MycoBank MB813319
(Fig. 4)
Etymology: Refers to the host genus, Parinari.
Diagnosis: Asterolibertia parinaricola differs from A.
licaniicola in having conspicuous lateral protuberance of
the appressoria, presence of pseudoparaphyses, and much
larger, verruculose ascospores constricted at a supramedian
septum.
Type: Brazil: Distrito Federal: Brasília, PAD-DF, on leaves
of Parinari obtusifolia (Chrysobalanaceae), 10 Nov. 1992, C.
Furlanetto (UB-Mycol Col. 2567 – holotype).
Description: Colonies epiphyllous, circular or irregular, single
or conuent, black, 3–10 mm diam. Hyphae straight, with
opposite branches, brown, septate, hyphal cells cylindrical,
4.5–5.5 μm diam, smooth. Appressoria numerous,
entire, intercalary, elliptical or with a lateral protuberance,
unicellular, 10–15 × 7–9 μm, brown, penetration peg central
on the appressorial cells. Ascomata supercial, thyriothecia,
scutiform, on top of a mycelial mat, circular, single to
conuent, fringed at the margins, randomly distributed in the
colony, 150–207 μm diam, opening by a central star-shaped
ssure, dark brown; wall textura radiata, with isodiametrical
cells. Pseudoparaphyses cylindrical, septate, branched,
hyaline, 1–1.5 μm wide. Asci bitunicate in structure,
ssitunicate, disposed as an upright palisade layer, globose
to ovoid, 8-spored, hyaline, 37.5–47.5 × 29–32.5 μm.
Ascospores oblong to oblong-clavate, ends rounded, straight
to slightly arched, 1-septate, constricted at the supramedian
septum, hyaline, becoming pale brown to brown at maturity,
verruculose, 34–40 × 10–14 μm. Asexual morph not seen.
Other specimens examined: On leaves of Parinari obtusifolia
(Chrysobalanaceae). Brazil: Maranhão: Nogueiras, 60 km North of
Balsas, 6° 57’ 52.47” S 46° 10’ 13.19” W, 11 Apr. 1995, M. A. de
Freitas (UB-Mycol Col. 8020). Distrito Federal: Brasília, PAD-DF, 04
Nov. 1993, C. Furlanetto (UB-Mycol Col. 2568 and 2569).
Notes: Seven species of Asterolibertia have been
reported previously in association with living leaves of
chrysobalanaceous hosts. Asterolibertia couepiae on
Couepia grandiora from Brazil, A. nodulifera on Angelesia
splendens from the Philippines, A. licaniae and A. licaniicola
on Licania sp. from Brazil, A. parinarii on Parinari subcordata
from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, A. peruviana
on Licania macrophylla from Brazil, and A. schroeteri on
Chrysobalanus icaco from India (Arnaud 1918, Hansford
1947, 1949, 1955, Müller & von Arx 1962, Hosagoudar 2010,
Hofmann & Piepenbring 2014, Farr & Rossman 2015).
Asterolibertia parinaricola differs from the species
previously reported on Chrysobalanaceae (Table 1) (Arnaud
1918, Hansford 1947, 1949, 1955, Müller & von Arx 1962,
Hosagoudar 2010, Hofmann & Piepenbring 2014, Farr
& Rossman 2015), and is most similar to A. licaniicola.
However, the latter has barrel-shaped appressoria, no
pseudoparaphyses, and much smaller, smooth ascospores
constricted at the central septum. Asterolibertia couepiae
differs from the new species in the wider hyphae, lack of
pseudoparaphyses, smaller asci and ascospores, and
smooth ascospores. Asterolibertia nodulifera differs in
the amphigenous colonies, smaller thyrothecia, lack
of pseudoparaphyses, and echinulate ascospores.
Additionally, A. licaniae differs from the new species in
the larger thyriothecia and wider hyphae, barrel-shaped
appressoria, the lack of pseudoparaphyses, and smaller,
ellipsoidal, smooth ascospores that are constricted at the
central septum. Asterolibertia parinarii has narrower hyphae,
unbranched pseudoparaphyses, smaller appressoria, asci
and ascospores, and also smooth ascospores. Asterolibertia
parinaricola and A. parinarii are described on the same host
genus, but on different Parinari species. Besides, there is
no record of the host species of A. parinarii in Brazil, further
supporting that they are really distinct species (Sothers et
al. 2015). Asterolibertia peruviana has narrower appressoria
without a lateral protuberance to one side of the hypha,
and smaller, smooth ascospores. Finally, A. schroeteri
differs from A. parinaricola in the larger thyriothecia, asci
and hyphae, the lack of pseudoparaphyses, and smooth
ascospores (Tables 1–2) (Arnaud 1918, Hansford 1947,
1949, 1955, Müller & von Arx 1962, Hofmann & Piepenbring
2014). Asterolibertia campograndensis, newly described
above, differs in the unbranched pseudoparaphyses and
smaller, smooth ascospores.
Asterolibertia parinaricola is distinct from all seven
species known on Chrysobalanaceae, and represents the
sixth species of Asterolibertia reported on this host family in
Brazil. This is the second species of Asterolibertia described
on Parinari, and the rst species found on P. obtusifolia.
Asterolibertia licaniae (Cooke) Hansf., Proc. Linn.
Soc. Lond. 160: 140 (1949).
MycoBank MB284420
(Fig. 5)
Basionym: Asterina licaniae Cooke, Grevillea 12: 85 (1884).

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Fig. 4. A–H. Asterolibertia parinaricola (UB-Mycol. Col. 2567 – holotype): A. Colony showing thyriothecial ascomata on supercial mycelium.
B. Ascomata showing central star-shape ssure in SEM. C. Supercial mycelium with intercalary appressoria. D. Intercalary elliptic appressoria
showing a lateral protuberance. E. Globose to ovoid immature ascus. F. Mature ascus. G. Pale brown to brown, ascospores, constricted at
septum on its upper third. H. Verrucolose ascospores on SEM. Bars: A, B = 100 μm; C = 50 μm, and all others = 10 μm.

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Fig. 5. A–H. Asterolibertia licaniae (UB-Mycol. Col. 9715): A. Colony showing thyriothecial ascomata on supercial mycelium. B. Ascomata
showing central to irregular ssure in SEM. C. Supercial mycelium with intercalary appressoria. D. Intercalary, elliptical appressoria. E–F.
Globose immature asci. G. Immature ascospores. H. Brown to ferruginous smooth ascospores constricted at middle septum. Bars: A, B = 100
μm; C = 50 μm, and all others = 10 μm.

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Specimen examined: Brazil: Rondônia: RO-494 Highway, 82 km
from Pimenta Bueno towards Parecis, 11° 45’ 16.43” S 61° 18’ 54.45”
W, on leaves of Hirtella gracilipes (Chrysobalanaceae), 13 Jul. 1995,
M. Sanchez (UB-Mycol Col. 9715).
Description: Colonies epiphyllous, circular to irregular, single
to conuent, dark brown to black, 3–5 mm diam. Hyphae
straight or exuous, branching irregularly, pale brown to
brown, septate, hyphal cells cylindrical, 5–8 μm diam,
smooth. Appressoria numerous, entire, intercalary, elliptical,
unicellular, 9–15 × 7.5–10 μm, pale brown, penetration
peg central on the appressorial cell. Ascomata, supercial,
thyriothecial, scutiform, radiate, arising on top of a mycelial
mat, circular, single to conuent, fringed at the margins,
randomly distributed in the colony, 180–410 μm diam, opening
by a central star-shaped ssure, dark brown; wall textura
radiata, cells cylindrical. Pseudoparaphyses cylindrical,
septate, branched, hyaline, 1–1.5 μm wide. Asci bitunicate in
structure, ssitunicate, disposed as an upright palisade layer,
globose, 8-spored, hyaline, 57.5–65 μm diam. Ascospores
oblong, ends rounded, straight, 1-septate, constricted at the
median septum, hyaline, becoming brown to ferruginous at
maturity, smooth, 30–35 × 19–22.5 μm. Asexual morph not
seen.
Notes: The specimen described above was collected in the
state of Rondônia on living leaves of Hirtella gracilipes, a new
host for A. licaniae. This species was originally described by
Hansford (1949) based on material from Brazil collected on
leaves of Licania sp.
Key to the known Asterolibertia species
See Tables 1–2 for further information on the characters of the species keyed out here.
1 Colonies amphigenous or epiphyllous ............................................................................................................................ 2
Colonies hypophyllous ..................................................................................................................................... A. thaxteri
2 (1) Ascospores smooth ......................................................................................................................................................... 3
Ascospores verruculose ................................................................................................................................................ 24
3 (2) Ascospores medianly constricted .................................................................................................................................... 4
Ascospores constricted supramedianly ........................................................................................................................... 9
4 (3) Ascomata with fringed margin ......................................................................................................................................... 5
Ascomata with uniform margin ......................................................................................................................... A. licaniae
5 (4) Ascomata opening by a stellar ssure ............................................................................................................................ 6
Ascomata opening by an irregular ssure ....................................................................................................... A. vateriae
6 (5) Colonies epiphyllous ....................................................................................................................................................... 7
Colonies amphigenous ......................................................................................................................... A. bredemeyerae
7 (6) Ascospores more than 16 µm in length .......................................................................................................................... 8
Ascospores14−16 × 6.5−7 µm ................................................................................................................... A. hiiranensis
8 (7) Ascospores 19−21 × 9−10 µm ................................................................................................................ A. nothopegiae
Ascospores 24−28 × 12−15 µm .................................................................................................................. A. licaniicola
9 (3) Colonies amphigenous .................................................................................................................................................. 10
Colonies epiphyllous ..................................................................................................................................................... 14
10 (9) Ascomata with a fringed margin ..................................................................................................................................... 11
Ascomata with a uniform margin ................................................................................................................................... 12
11 (10) Ascospores 15−18 × 5−6.5 µm ........................................................................................................................ A. randiae
Ascospores 32−36 × 17−22 µm ..................................................................................................................... A. santiriae
12 (10) Ascomata over 90 µm diam .......................................................................................................................................... 13
Ascomata to 90 µm diam ................................................................................................................................ A. gibbosa
13 (12) Ascospores 16−20 × 8−9 µm ..................................................................................................................... A. megathyria
Ascospores 25−32 × 11−13 µm ............................................................................................................. A. cryptocaryae
14 (9) Ascomata opening by stellar or irregular ssure ........................................................................................................... 15
Ascomata opening by ostiole [may belong in Mycrothyriaceae] .................................................................. A. peruviana

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15 (14) Pseudoparaphyses present .......................................................................................................................................... 16
Pseudoparaphyses absent ............................................................................................................................................ 17
16 (15) Ascospores 22.5−30 × 9.5−10.5 µm ............................................................................................. A. campograndensis
Ascospores 18−22.5 × 5−6 µm ....................................................................................................................... A. parinarii
17 (15) Ascomata with a fringed margin .................................................................................................................................... 18
Ascomata with a uniform margin ............................................................................................................... A. hydnocarpi
18 (17) No leaf discoloration under the colonies ....................................................................................................................... 19
Conspicuous leaf discoloration under the colonies ...................................................................................... A. crustacea
19 (18) Ascomata opening by a stellar ssure .......................................................................................................................... 20
Ascomata opening by an irregular ssure ................................................................................................... A. schroeteri
20 (19) Appressoria showing a lateral protuberance ................................................................................................................. 21
Appressoria barrel-shaped to cylindrical ...................................................................................................................... 22
21 (20) Ascospores 16−24 × 8−13 µm ...................................................................................................................... A. couepiae
Ascospores 33−35 × 10−12 µm ........................................................................................................... A. pogonophorae
22 (20) Ascospores less than 30 µm in length .......................................................................................................................... 23
Ascospores 35−42 × 16−19 µm ................................................................................................................. A. mangiferae
23 (22) Ascospores 13−17.5 × 5−6.5 µm ............................................................................................................... A. burchelliae
Ascospores 18−20 × 7.5−8.5 µm ................................................................................................................ A. spatholobi
24 (2) Ascomata with a fringed margin .................................................................................................................................... 25
Ascomata with a uniform margin .................................................................................................................. A. sporoboli
25 (24) Ascospores medianly constricted .................................................................................................................................. 26
Ascospores constricted supramedianly ......................................................................................................................... 28
26 (25) Pseudoparaphyses absent ............................................................................................................................................ 27
Pseudoparaphyses present ................................................................................................................. A. myocoproides
27 (26) Appressoria with a lateral protuberance ........................................................................................................ A. malpighii
Appressoria barrel-shape to subglobose without a lateral protuberance ...................................................... A. nodulosa
28 (25) Colonies epiphyllous ..................................................................................................................................................... 29
Colonies amphigenous .................................................................................................................................................. 34
29 (28) Pseudoparaphyses present .......................................................................................................................................... 30
Pseudoparaphyses absent ............................................................................................................................................ 31
30 (29) Pseudoparaphyses branched .................................................................................................................. A. parinaricola
Pseudoparaphyses unbranched ............................................................................................................. A. barrinhensis
31 (29) Appressoria showing a lateral protuberance ............................................................................................. A. anisopterae
Appressoria barrel-shaped to subglobose without a lateral protuberance .................................................................... 32
32 (31) Hyphae 3−5 µm wide ......................................................................................................................................... A. bakeri
Hyphae more than 5 µm wide ....................................................................................................................................... 33
33 (32) Ascospores 24−30 × 12−17 µm .............................................................................................................................. A. ulei
Ascospores 32−40 × 18−25 µm .................................................................................................................. A. inaequalis
34 (28) Pseudoparaphyses present ......................................................................................................................... A. bahiensis
Pseudoparaphyses absent .......................................................................................................................... A. nodulifera

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Cirsosia splendida var. laevigata Firmino &
Dianese, var. nov.
MycoBank MB813320
(Figs 6–7)
Etymology: Refers to the smooth ascospores.
Diagnosis: Cirsosia splendida var. laevigata differs from
C. splendida var. splendida in having smaller ascomata,
pseudoparaphyses, and the smooth ascospores.
Type: Brazil: Mato Grosso do Sul: Campo Grande, BR-
163 Highway left lane, 200 m from the roundabout turn
to São Paulo, behind Cerealista Juliana, 20° 35’ 8.58”
S 54° 34’ 49.51” W, on leaves of Hirtella glandulosa
(Chrysobalanaceae), 22 Aug. 1996, M. Sanchez (UB-Mycol
Col. 12712b – holotype).
Description: Sexual morph: Colonies hypophyllous, circular
or irregular, single or conuent, black, 1–9 mm diam. Hyphae
straight or exuous, with opposite branches, rarely unilateral
or irregular, brown, septate, hyphal cells cylindrical, 2.5–5
μm wide, smooth. Appressoria numerous, entire, intercalary,
elongated with a lateral protuberance, unicellular, 10–15
× 4.5–7.5 μm, brown, penetration peg central or at the
distal part of the appressorial cell. Ascomata supercial,
hysterothecia, lirelliform, V–Y-shaped, on top of a mycelia
mat, single to conuent, fringed at margins, randomly
distributed in the colony, 110–290 × 60–90 μm, opening by
longitudinal ssures, brown; wall of textura radiata, cells
isodiametric to cylindrical. Pseudoparaphyses cylindrical,
septate, branched, hyaline, to 1 μm wide. Asci bitunicate
in structure, ssitunicate, disposed as an upright palisade
layer, globose to subclavate, 8-spored, hyaline, 25–37.5 ×
17.5–27.5 μm. Ascospores cylindrical to oblong-clavate,
ends rounded, straight, 1-septate, slightly constricted at the
supramedian septum, hyaline, becoming brown to ferruginous
at maturity, smooth, 17.5–27.5 × 6–9.5 μm. Asexual morph:
Colonies amphigenous, circular or irregular, single or
conuent, black, 1–8 mm diam. Hyphae straight or exuous,
branching irregularly, septate, hyphal cells cylindrical, 2.5–3
μm wide, smooth. Appressoria numerous, entire, intercalary,
elongated with a lateral protuberance, unicellular, 10–15 ×
5–7.5 μm, brown, penetration peg central on the appressorial
cell. Conidiomata supercial, pycnothyrial, scutiform, on
top of a mycelium mat, circular, single to conuent, fringed
at margins, randomly distributed in the colony, 80–120 μm
diam, centrally ostiolate, light to dark brown; wall textura
radiata, cells isodiametric to cylindrical. Hymenium lining the
inner side of upper wall of the conidioma. Conidiogenous
cells monoblastic, single, hyaline. Conidia initially 1–celled
becoming 2–celled at maturity, ellipsoidal, upper cell with
rounded end and lower cell with a truncate base, ends
rounded when mature, straight, medianly or supramedianly
1-septate, not constricted at the septum, hyaline, becoming
brown to ferruginous at maturity, smooth, 20–25 × 4.5–5 μm.
Other specimen examined: Brazil: Rondônia: RO494 Highway, 82 km
from Pimenta Bueno towards Parecis, on leaves of Hirtella gracilipes
(Chrysobalanaceae), 13 Jul. 1995, M. Sanchez (UB-Mycol Col. 23245).
Table 3. Morphometric characteristics of Cirsosia species (µm), including a new one described in this study.
Cirsosia Species Ascomata Hyphae Appressoria Asci Ascospores Source and country
arecacearum Hosag. & M. Pillai 200−500 × 230−257 3−5 9−9.5 × 8−9.5 43−59 × 24−28 27−31 × 12−14 Hosagoudar & Pillai (1994), India
dipterocarpi (Henn.) Bat. & H. Maia 315−388 × 242−267 5−7 8−10 × 13.5−15 64−70 × 54−60 30−43 × 18−19 Batista & Maia (1960b), Philippines
abellariae (Syd.) Bat. & H. Maia 240−300 × 141−178 3−5.5 8−16 × 6.5−8 27−29.5 × 19−24 24−27 × 14−16 Batista & Maia (1960b), Sierra Leone
globulifera (Pat.) Arx 240−350 × 150−200 3−6.5 9−12.5 × 7−9.5 60−74.5 × 31−46.5 43−46.5 × 15−18.5 Müller & Arx (1962), Vietnam
hopeae Hosag., Jac. Thomas & D.K. Agarwal 300−470 × 250−300 9−12 9−15 wide 35−44 diam 22−25 × 11−13 Hosagoudar et al. (2011), India
hughesii Bat. & H. Maia 1090−1750 × 300−365 2.5−5.6 8−10.5 × 6.5−10.5 51−62 × 40.5−43 32.5−38 × 13.5−16.5 Batista & Maia (1960b), Ghana
irregularis (Syd.) Arx 500−1100 × 190−280 6−8 − 60−80 × 50−65 32−38 × 15−18 Müller & Arx (1962), Philippines
litseae Hosag. & G.R. Archana 156−392 × 78−196 3−5 11−22 × 3−7 32−40 × 35−40 17−26 × 11−15 Hosagoudar (2012), India
manaosensis (Henn.) G. Arnaud 200−450 × 130−160 4−7 9−13 wide 30−40 diam 25−30 × 12−15 Arnaud (1918), Brazil
moquileae Bat. & H. Maia 150−375 3.5−5 10−12.5 × 6−7.5 25−45 × 22.5−40 20−25 × 14−20 Batista & Maia (1960b), Brazil
moulmeinensis Thaung < 600 × 340 3.5−5.5 7.5−18.5 × 5.5−12 44.5−57.5 × 37−48 26−33.5 × 15−20.5 Thaung (1976), Myanmar
santiriae Bat. & H. Maia 542−752 × 303−364 5.5−6.5 8−10.5 × 3−5.5 75−85 × 56.5−57.5 32.5−35 × 19−21.5 Batista & Maia (1960b), Philippines
splendida Bat. & H. Maia 330−510 × 160−250 2.5−5 8.5–15 × 4–7.5 20−31 × 17.5−28 17.5−21.5 × 6−7.5 Batista & Maia (1960b), Brazil
splendida var. laevigata Firmino & Dianese n. var. 110–290 × 60–90 2.5–5 10–15 × 4.5–7.5 25–37.5 × 17.5–27.5 17.5–27.5 × 6–9.5 Present study, Brazil
transversalis (Syd.) Deighton 300−900 × 180−280 4−5 11−14 × 7−8 60−80 × 50−70 40−46 × 16−20 Hughes (1952), Philippines
vateriae Hosag. 245−345 × 90−245 7−9 14−18 × 9−11 35−50 diam 28−32 × 15−18 Hosagoudar (2012), India

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Table 4. Summary of the main characteristics of Cirsosia species indicating respective host family and species, and morphology of colonies, appressoria, paraphyses, asci, and ascospores.
Species Host Families Colonies Appressoria Pseudoparaphyses Asci Ascospore
arecacearum Calamus thwaitesii Arecaceae epiphyllous globose −ovoid constricted at the central
septum, smooth
dipterocarpi Dipterocarpus grandiorus Dipterocarpaceae epiphyllous protuberance towards one side branched globose to subglobose constricted at the central
septum, verruculose
abellariae Flabellaria pedunculata Malpighiaceae epiphyllous barrel-shaped unbranched subglobose to ovoid constricted at the central
septum, verruculose
globulifera Calamus sp. Arecaceae epiphyllous globose −globoso to ovoid constricted at the central
septum, smooth
hopeae Hopea ponga Dipterocarpaceae epiphyllous globose to barrel-shaped −globose constricted at the central
septum, verruculose
hughesii Ancistrophyllum sp. Arecaceae epiphyllous globose unbranched subglobose to ovoid constricted in the upper third,
smooth
irregularis Vatica obtusifolia Dipterocarpaceae hypophyllous −absent globose to ovoid constricted at the central
septum, verruculose
litseae Litsea travancorica Lauraceae hypophyllous barrel-shaped −globose to ovoid constricted at the central
septum, smooth
manaosensis Malpighiaceae member Malpighiaceae epiphyllous globose to barrel-shaped present ovoid constricted at the central
septum, verruculose
moquileae Licania tomentosa Chrysobalanaceae amphigenous protuberance towards one side branched subglobose constricted in the upper third,
smooth
moulmeinensis Dipterocarpus sp. Dipterocarpaceae epiphyllous protuberance towards one side absent globose to ovoid constricted in the upper third,
smooth
santiriae Santiria nitida Burseraceae amphigenous globose to barrel-shaped branched subglobose to ellipsoid constricted at the central
septum, smooth
splendida Hirtella americana Chrysobalanaceae hypophyllous globose unbranched subglobose constricted in the upper third,
verruculose
splendida var.
laevigata
Hirtella glandulosa Chrysobalanaceae hypophyllous protuberance towards one side branched globose to subclavate constricted in the upper third,
smooth
transversalis Arecaceae member Arecaceae epiphyllous protuberance towards one side branched subglobose to ellipsoid constricted at the central
septum, verruculose
vateriae Vateria indica Dipterocarpaceae amphigenous globose −globose constricted at the central
septum, smooth

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Fig. 6. A–H. Cirsosia splendida var. laevigata, sexual morph (UB-Mycol. Col. 12712b): A. Colony showing opened lirelliform ascomata on supercial
mycelium. B–C. Ascomata opened by a longitudinal ssure seen in SEM and light microscopy, respectively. D. Intercalary elliptic appressoria
showing a lateral protuberance. E–F. Globose to subclavate asci. G. Immature ascospores. H. Brown to ferruginous, smooth, cylindrical to subclavate
ascospores, showing slight constriction at septum. Bars: A = 100 μm; B = 50 μm; C = 20 μm; G, H = 5 μm, and all others = 10 μm.

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Fig. 7. A–H. Cirsosia splendida var. laevigata, asexual morph (UB-Mycol. Col. 12712b): A. Colony showing opened pycnothyrial condidiomata
on supercial mycelium. B–C. Ostiolate pycnothyrium. D. Surface mycelium with intercalary appressoria. E. Intercalary appressorium showing
lateral protuberance. F. Immature conidia. G. Brown to ferruginous, smooth, ellipsoidal germinating conidia. H. Smooth-walled conidium seen in
SEM. Bars: A, B = 50 μm; D = 20 μm; E = 5 μm, and all others =10 μm.
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Notes: Two species of Cirsosia have been reported previously
in association with living leaves of chrysobalanaceous hosts:
C. moquileae on Licania tomentosa from Brazil, and C.
splendida on Hirtella americana, Chrysobalanus icaco, and H.
triandra from Brazil, Panama, and Puerto Rico, respectively
(Batista & Maia 1960b, Hosagoudar 2010, Hofmann &
Piepenbring 2014, Farr & Rossman 2015).
Cirsosia splendida var. laevigata, the rst Asterinaceae
reported on H. glandulosa and H. gracilipes, is almost identical
to C. splendida, except for the smaller ascomata, presence of
pseudoparaphyses, and smooth ascospores (Batista & Maia
1960b, Hofmann & Piepenbring 2014). Such differences are
here considered enough to recognize the specimen studied
as a new variety of C. splendida. Furthermore, both occur on
the same host genus in Brazil, but on different species.
Finally, Cirsosia moquileae differs from the new variety by
dehiscence through a central star-shaped ssure (instead of
the longitudinal ssure normally shown in Cirsosia species),
and narrower ascospores (Batista & Maia 1960b). Indeed,
such a form of dehiscence and the shape of the ascomata
in C. moquileae indicate that that species could be better
accommodated in Asterolibertia (Batista & Maia 1960b).
Key to the known Cirsosia species
See Tables 3–4 for further information on the characters of the species keyed out here.
1 Ascospores smooth ......................................................................................................................................................... 2
Ascospores verruculose ................................................................................................................................................ 10
2 (1) Ascospores medianly constricted .................................................................................................................................... 3
Ascospores supramedianly constricted ........................................................................................................................... 7
3 (2) Colonies amphigenous .................................................................................................................................................... 4
Colonies hypophyllous or epiphyllous ............................................................................................................................. 5
4 (3) Ascospores 28−32 × 15−18 µm ...................................................................................................................... C. vateriae
Ascospores 32.5−35 × 19−21.5 µm ............................................................................................................... C. santiriae
5 (3) Colonies epiphyllous ....................................................................................................................................................... 6
Colonies hypophyllous ....................................................................................................................................... C. litseae
6 (5) Asci 4-spored .......................................................................................................................................... C. arecacearum
Asci 8-spored ............................................................................................................................................. C. globulifera
7 (2) Ascomata opening by a longitudinal ssure .................................................................................................................... 8
Ascomata opening by a stellar ssure ........................................................................................................ C. moquileae
8 (7) Appressoria having a lateral protuberance ..................................................................................................................... 9
Appressoria globose ...................................................................................................................................... C. hughesii
9 (8) Ascospores 17.5–27.5 × 6–9.5 µm ....................................................................................... C. splendida var. laevigata
Ascospores 26−33.5 × 15−20.5 µm .................................................................................................... C. moulmeinensis
10 (1) Ascospores medianly constricted ................................................................................................................................... 11
Ascospores supramedianly constricted ............................................................................... C. splendida var. splendida
11 (10) Colonies epiphyllous ..................................................................................................................................................... 12
Colonies hypophyllous ................................................................................................................................ C. irregularis
12 (11) Appressoria with a lateral protuberance ........................................................................................................................ 13
Appressoria barrel-shaped to globose .......................................................................................................................... 14
13 (12) Appressoria 8−10 × 13.5−15 µm .............................................................................................................. C. dipterocarpi
Appressoria 11−14 × 7−8 µm .................................................................................................................. C. transversalis
14 (12) Hosts in Malpighiaceae ................................................................................................................................................. 15
Hosts in Dipterocarpaceae ............................................................................................................................... C. hopeae
15 (14) Asci 27−29.5 × 19−24 µm .......................................................................................................................... C. abellariae
Asci 55−65 × 45−50 µm ......................................................................................................................... C. manaosensis

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
We dedicate this publication to the memory of Mariza Sanchez
recently deceased, UB Mycol. Col. Curator for over 24 years. We
thank CNPq for fellowships, and acknowledge the nancial support
from PPBIO/CNPq/MCTI- Projeto Fungos do Cerrado.
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