Mycol. Res. 95 (6): 731-740 (1991) Printed in Great Britain 731 Revision of Australian Asterinaceae: Asterina species on Winteraceae and Eupomatiaceae G. RAHA YU AND THE LATE I. H. P ARBER Y Department of Botany, University of New England, Armidale 2351, Australia Four species of Asterina were identified on members of the Winteraceae and Eupomatiaceae. Amended descriptions of A. australiensis and A. drimidicola on Tasmannia insipida (Winteraceae) and A. eupomatiae on Eupomatia laurina (Eupomatiaceae) are provided. The presence of A. eupomatiae on E. bennettii is a new host record. Asterina queenslamlica and A. oppositipodia are described as new species on Bubbia (Winteraceae). Species are illustrated and the taxonomic significance of diagnostic characters discussed. Leaf spots caused by Asterina spp. have been recorded on various primitive dicotyledonous hosts in Australia (Sydow, 1937; Hansford, 1954, 1956). Two host families which exemplify this presence of asterinaceous fungi are the Winteraceae and Eupomatiaceae. Both are small families largely restricted in distribution to parts of the Southern hemisphere (Morley & Toelken, 1983). However, Asterina spp. have not been recorded on hosts from these families outside Australia. A. australiensis H. Sydow and A. drimidicola Hansf. have previously been found on the same host, Tasmannia insipida R. Br. ex DC (syn. Drimys insipida (R. Br. ex DC) Pilger, Winteraceae) from south-east Australia. A. eupomatiae (Henn.) Theiss. is a common parasite of Eupomatia laurina (Eupomatiaceae) in eastern Australia. Asterina australiensis, A. drimidicola and A. eupomatiae were originally described from single collections. This study utilized additional collections to determine hosts ranges and distributions in eastern Australia. The importance of ascospore ornamentation and mode of germination were also assessed. MATERIALS AND METHODS Leaf collections were obtained from various locations along the east coast of Australia between Atherton (17 0 S) and Eden (37 0 S). These specimens are depOSited in Herb. NE (Armidale). Collections were also obtained from QRS (Atherton), BRI and BRIP (Brisbane), NSW and DAR (Sydney). Specimens for microscopic examination were prepared by applying clear nail varnish to a leaf spot, removing the dried film and mounting in a drop of lactophenol. Permanent mounts of holotypes were obtained by removing the film from lactophenol to a clean slide, carefully irrigating with acetone to dissolve cellulose compounds and mounting in Eukitt (C Zeiss P IL). For scanning electron microscopy, air-dried leaf discs were stuck on a metal stub, sputter coated with gold and examined using a JEOL-JSM35 SEM at an accelerating voltage of 15-20 kV. RESULTS Winteraceae A. australiensis H. Sydow, AnnIs mycol. 35: 35 (1937). (Fig. I) Colonies hypogenous, scattered, mosl:1y confluent or sometimes singular, thin to subdense, with an irregular outline and up to 12 mm diam. Mycelia of dark brown, straight to flexuous hyphae, 4-5 I-lm wide, sometimes with indistinct septa (cells 17-44 I-lm long), branching mosl:ly alternate or unilateral. sometimes opposite to either another branch or a hyphopodium, at relatively wide angles and forming a loose network. Hyphopodia continuous, numerous, regularly scattered, appearing either in the middle or at the distal end of the cells, alternate or unilateral. occasionally opposite, mosl:ly cylindrical to hemispherical with entire margins, gradually attenuated or swollen at the tip or sometimes irregular in shape with sinuous to sublobate margins, mostly straight, 6-14 x 5-12 I-lm. Thyriothecia mostly singular or confluent, scattered, intercalary in origin on both sides of the hyphal cell, flat to moderately convex, orbicular in oul:line and up to 280 I-lm diam., with crenate or sometimes closely fimbriate margins, and with short fringing hyphae up to 30 I-lm long. Covering walls of flexuous hyphae with light brown rectangular cells and opening by stellate cracks, sometimes toward the margin. Basal walls indistinct hyaline membranes. Asci numerous, globose, sessile, bitunicate, 8-spored, maturing successively, 32-46 I-lm diam., embedded in a slimy matrix. Paraphyses not seen. Ascospores conglobate, dark brown, 1septate, strongly constricted at the septum, rounded at both ends, with subequal cells, one cell 13-18 x 11-18 I-lm, the other 12-17 x 10-16 I-lm, the total length 25-34 I-lm, with spinulose walls. Germination occurs at the apices of the cells, mosl:ly one or two hyphopodia being formed. No conidia seen. Specimens examined: On leaves of Tasmannia insipida R. Br.: DC. Salisbury, N.5.W., Aug. 1933, L. R. Fraser 37 (DAR 3529, holotype); Australian Asterinaceae 732 Fig. 1. Asterina australiensis on Tasmannia insipida, A. colony; B, hyphae with hyphopodia and thyriothecia initials; C germinating ascospores with spinulose walls; 0, covering wall of thyriothecium; E, asci with young ascospores. Hastings River, N.5.W., Apr. 1952, L. R. Fraser s.n. (DAR 4385); 75 km E of Walcha, N.5.W., 5 Apr. 1982, I. H. Parbery, NE 0461M; Big HilL Arrnidale-Kempsey Road, N.S.W., 9 Dec. 1981, L H. Parbery, NE 0571M, and 19 Apr. 1983, L H. Parbery, NE 1353M (DAR 63200), and 1 Aug. 1983, I. H. Parbery, NE 1633M (DAR 63202) and 16 Apr. 1985, L H. Parbery, NE 2879M (DAR 63208); Stockyard Creek, Oxley Highway, N.5.W., 29 Sept. 1982, L H. Parbery, NE 0953M (DAR 63198); Cloud's Creek, Ebor-Grafton Road, N.S.W., 7 Jul. 1983, L H. Parbery, NE 1479M (DAR 63201); Gibraltar Range National Park, N.5.W., 9 Nov. 1983, L H. Parbery, NE 1759M (DAR 63204); Raspberry Road, Styx River State Forest, N.5W., 22 Oct. 1984, L H. Parbery, NE 2551M (DAR 63206); Never-Never Area, Dorrigo National Park, N.5.W., 7 Dec. 1984, I. H. Parbery, NE 2611M (DAR 63207); Cameron's Camp, Mt Boss State Forest, N.5.W, 15 Jun. 1985, L H. Parbery, NE 3035M (DAR 63209); Cunningham's Gap, Qld, 21 June 1986, L H Parbery, NE 733 G. Rahayu and the late 1. H. Parbery ascospores with smooth exosporia. All specimens have ascospores which are consistently spinulose. Among the Asterina spp. observed on various Australian plants, the All specimens exhibited little variation in structure and formation of the hyphopodia of this species is atypical. They were very similar to the type description of A. australiensis are formed in clusters consisting of 2-4 hyphopodia which are (Sydow, 1937). The only significant differences from the irregularly scattered on the mycelium. original description concern the density and shapes of the The main differences between A. australiensis and A. hyphopodia. Re-examination of the holotype (DAR 3529) drimidicola are in vegetative characters and size of ascospores. indicates that colonies of A. australiensis are sometimes A. australiensis has well-developed hyphae with numerous intermixed with those of A. drimidicola on the same leaf. regularly scattered hyphopodia which are mostly cylindrical Moreover, it is of interest that both Sydow (1937) and with entire margins while a few are ovate with sinuous Hansford (1954) failed to observe this mixture of species in margins. In contrast, A. drimidicola has poorly-developed the holotypes of both A. australiensis and A. drimidicola. hyphae with few branches and a few irregularly scattered hyphopodia with mostly sublobate to lobate margins. The A. drimidicola Hansf., Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S. W. 79: 109 (1954). ascospores of A. australiensis are slightly larger than those of (Fig. 2) A. drimidicola. 3825M (DAR 63210); Myrtle Scrub, nr Oxley Highway, N.S.w., 8 May 1987. I. H. Parbery, NE 4067M (DAR 63211). Colonies hypogenous, scattered, mostly confluent or sometimes singular, thin to subdense, with irregular outlines, up to 8 mm diam. Mycelia of dark brown, flexuous to sinuous hyphae, 3-5 IJm wide, sometimes with indistinct septa (cells 20-48 IJm long), rarely branched, otherwise alternate, unilateral, or opposite to another branch at relatively wide angles and forming a loose network. Hyphopodia continuous, appearing either in the middle or at the distal end of the cells, few, irregularly scattered, alternate or unilateral, very few opposite, irregular in shaped with sinuous, sublobate to lobate margins, mostly straight, a few subantrorse, 6-12 x 5-12 IJm. Thyriothecia singular or confluent, scattered intercalary in origin on both sides of the hyphal celt flat to moderately convex, orbicular in outline with crenate margins and up to 260 I-lm diam. Covering walls of flexuous hyphae with light brown rectangular cells and opening by stellate cracks, sometimes towards the margin. Basal walls indistinct hyaline membranes. Asci numerous, globose, sessile, bitunicate, 6-8-spored, maturing successively, 28-42 I-lm diam., embedded in a slimy matrix. Aparaphysate. Ascospores conglobate, dark brown, 1septate, strongly constricted at the septum, rounded at both ends, with subequal cells, one cell 11-15 x 10-15 IJm, the other 10-14 x 8-14 IJm, the total length 21-28 IJm, with spinulose walls. Germination occurs at the middle of the cells always forming hyphopodia, or, occasionally at the end of the cells forming a primary hypha. Some cells may have two germ points. No conidia seen. Specimens examined: On leaves of Tasmannia insipida R. Br.: ex DC. Hastings River. N.5.W., Apr. 1952, L. R. Fraser s.n. (DAR 4385, holotype); Salisbury. N.5.W., Aug. 1933, L. R. Fraser 37 (DAR 3529); Cascade Trail, New England National Park, N.5.W., 9 Apr. 1983. I. H. Parbery, NE 1275M (DAR 63199); Big Hill, ArrnidaleKempsey Road, N.5.W., 1 Aug. 1983, I. H. Parbery. NE 1633M (DAR 63202) and 10 Apr. 1984. I. H. Parbery, NE 2114M (DAR 63205); Forest Way, Styx River State Forest. N.5.W., 30 Aug. 1983, I. H. Parbery, NE 1673M (DAR 63203); Raspberry Road, Styx River State Forest, N.5.W., 22 Od. 1984, I. H. Parbery, NE 2551M (DAR 63206); Cunningham's Gap, Qld, 21 Jun. 1986, I. H. Parbery, NE 3825M (DAR 63210); Myrtle Scrub, nr Oxley Highway, N.5.W., 8 May 1987, I. H. Parbery, NE 4067M (DAR 63211). Most of the specimens of A. drimidicola were parasitized by other fungi and some colonies were mixed with A. australiensis. Hansford (1954) incorrectly described this species as producing These Asterina spp. have only been found on the abaxial leaf surfaces of Tasmannia insipida. There are no records of Asterina spp. on other Tasmannia spp. found in Australia. A. oppositipodia Rahayu & 1. Parbery, sp. nov. (Fig. 3) Etym.: oppositus (L) - poda (L), in reference to the arrangement of hyphopodia of which more than 50 % are opposite Coloniae epigenae, tenues, interdum confluentes, irregulares, usque 8 mm diam. Mycelia ex hyphis radiantibus, atrobrunneis, subredis vel flexuosis, 5-6 I-lm crassis, septatis (cellulis 20-30 I-lm longis), plerumque opposite lateque ramosis, pauca singularis, dense reticulatis compositum. Hyphopodia continua, numerosa, regulariter dispersa, plerumque usque ad 50 % opposita, rarissime etiam singularia, versiformia, saepius ovata, apice obtuse attenuata, margine integra vel sublobata, plerumque reda, rarissime obliqua, 8-9 x 7-8 I-lm. Thyriothecia plerumque dispersa vel raro confluentes, intercalaria, applanata ad leniter convexa, orbicularia et usque 300 I-lill diam., margine irregulariter crenata vel breviter fimbriata. Hyphis fimbriarum usque ad 40 I-lm longis. Paries superiore ex hyphis radiantibus atrobrunneis compositus (cellulis redangularis) in segmentis angustis stellatim dehiscens. Paries inferiore indistindus, hyalinus. Asci numerosi, globosi vel late ovati, sessilis, bitunicati, in ordine maturescentes, 8-spori, 40-44 x 38-44 I-lm, in massa mucosa hyalina inclusi. Paraphyses simplices et crassae. Ascosporae conglobatae, atrobrunneae, l-septatae, fortiter constridae, utrinque rotundatae, cellulis subaequalibus vel superiore leniter crassiore, verrucosae, cellulis superiore 15-17 x 15-18 I-lm, cellulis inferiore 14-17 x 13-14 I-lm. Conidia non visa. Holotypus: In foliis vivis Bubbiae semecarpoidis var. whiteanae, Mt Misery on Mt Carbine Tableland, Qld, Sept. 1972, L. J. Webb & J. G. Tracey 10818 (BRI 209795). Colonies epigenous, thin, mostly confluent or sometimes singular, with irregular outlines, up to 8 mm diam. Mycelia of radiating dark brown, substraight to flexuous hyphae, 5-6 IJm wide, with distinct septa (cells 20-30 I-lm long), regularly branched, mostly opposite to another branch, a few single, at relatively wide angles and forming a close network. Hyphopodia continuous, numerous, regularly scattered, appearing either in the middle or at the distal end of the cells, mostly opposite, rarely singular, irregular in shape, mostly ovate with a somewhat pointed apex, margins entire, rarely depressed with sinuous to sublobate margins, mostly straight, rarely oblique, 734 Australian Asterinaceae Fig. 2. Asterina drimidicoJa on Tasmannia insipida, A, colony; B, asci with young ascospores; C covering wall of thyriotheciurn; D, hyphae with hyphopodia and thyriothecia initials; E, germinating ascospores with spinulose walls. 8-9 X 7-8 IJm. Thyriofhecia mostly singular or rarely confluent, intercalary in origin on both sides of the hyphal cell, flat to slightly convex, orbicular in outline and up to 300 IJm diam., with crenate to shott fimbriate margins. Fringing hyphae up to 40 IJm long. Covering walls of straight radiating, brown hyphae (of rectangular cells) and splitting radiately at maturity into narrow triangular segments to the margin. Basal walls indistinct hyaline membranes. Asci numerous, globose to broad ovate, sessile, maturing successively, bitunicate, 8spored, 40-44 x 38-44 IJm, embedded in a slimy matrix. Paraphyses simple and thick. Ascospores conglobate, dark brown, I-septate, strongly constricted at the septum, rounded at both ends, with subequal cells or the upper cell slightly wider, one cell 15-17 x 15-18 IJm, the other 14-17 x 13-14 IJm, total length 24-28 \-1m, with verrucose walls. Germination occurs randomly on the surface of the ascospores 735 G. Rahayu and the late 1. H. Parbery 20 pill E 20 pm Fig. 3. Asferina oppositipodia on Bubbia semecarpoides var. whiteana. A colony with thyriothecia initials; B, mature ascospores and germinating ascospores with spinulose walls; C covering wall of thyriothecium; D, hyphae with typical opposite hyphopodia; E, ascus with ascospores. forming hyphopodia, or occasionally with a supporting stalk. No conidia seen. Specimens examined: On leaves of Bubbia semecarpoides (F. Muell.) B. L. Burtt var. whiteana (A. C. Smith) Vink, Mt Misery on Mt Carbine Tableland, Qld, Sept. 1972, L.]. Webb & ]. G. Tracey 10818 (BRI 209795), (DAR. holotype); Mt Carter, Qld, 15 Sept. 1973, B. Hyland 7524 (BRI 263980). This is the first report of an Asferina species on this host genus which is found in some rainforest areas of North Queensland (Australia). On the basis of the hyphopodial characteristics which are markedly different from other species on Winteraceae, these specimens are described as a new species. A. oppositipodia possesses consistently ovate hyphopodia with mostly entire margins and over 50 % are arranged oppositely. A. queenslandica Rahayu & 1. Parbery, sp. nov. (Fig. 4) Etym.: Queensland, in reference to the location where the specimen was collected Coloniae epigenae, tenues, plerumque confluentes, irregulares, usque ad 6 mm diam. Mycelia ex hyphis radiantibus, atrobrunneis, 736 Australian Asterinaceae 20 11m Fig. 4. Asterina queenslandica on Bubbia semecarpoides. A, colony with thyriothecia initials; B, mature ascus with young ascospores; C germinating ascospores with spinulose walls; D, hyphae with hyphopodia; E, covering wall of thyriothecium. flexuosis, 4-5 j.lm crassis, indistincte septatis (cellulis 24-46 j.lm longis), plerumque opposite vel irregulariter lateque ramosis, laxe reticulatis compositum. Hyphopodia continua, numerosa, regulariter dispersa, altemata vel unilateralia, plerumque cylindracea integraque vel rarissime sinuosa, plerumque recta vel rarissime obliqua, apice aliquando curvata, 10-13 x 4-6 j.lm. Thyriothecia discreta vel arte gregaria, intercalaria, modice convexa, orbicularia, usque ad 160 j.lm diam., margine crenata. Paries superiore ex hyphis radiantoparallelibus, atrobrunneus compositus (cellulis rectangularis), in maturitate prope marginem in segmentis angustis stellatim dehiscentia. Paries inferiore indistinctus, hyalinus. Asci pauci, globosi vel late ovati, sessilis, bitunicati in ordine maturescentes, 8-spori, 26-34 x 24-28 I.un, aparaphysati in massa mucosa hyalina inclusi. Ascosporae conglobatae, l-septatae, atrobrunneae, fortiter constrictae, utrinque rotundatae, cellulis subaequalibus, cellula superiore crassiore 12-14 x 10-11 j.lm, cellular inferiore 12-14 x 9-11 j.lm, spinulosae, Conidia non visa. Holotypus: In foliis vivis Bubbiae semecarpoidis, SFR 650, Mt Fisher, Qld, 5 Mar. 1985, B. Gray 3954 (QRS 078894). Colonies epigenous, thin, mostly confluent, with irregular outlines and up to 6 mm diam. Mycelia of brown, flexuous hyphae, 4-5 \.lm wide, with distinct septa (cells 24-46 \.lm long), regularly branched mostly opposite to either a 737 G. Rahayu and the late 1. H. Parbery hyphopodium or another branch, alternate, or unilateral, at relatively wide angles and forming a loose network. Hyphopodia continuous, numerous, regularly scattered, appearing either in the middle or at the distal end of the cells, alternate or unilateral, cylindrical mostly with entire margins or rarely with sinuous margins, mostly straight and rarely slightly oblique with a slightly bent tip, 10-13 x 4-6 I-lm. Thyriothecia mostly singular or sometimes confluent, scattered, intercalary in origin on both sides of the hyphal cell, moderately convex, orbicular in outline with crenate margins and up to 160 I-lm diam. Covering walls of straight hyphae with dark brown rectangular cells and opening by stellate cracks. Basal walls indistinct, hyaline membranes. Asci few, globose to broad ovate, sessile, 8-spored, maturing successively, 26-34 x 24-28 >-1m, embedded in a slimy matrix. Ascospores conglobate, dark brown, I-septate, strongly constricted at the septum, rounded at both ends, with subequal cells, one cell 12-14 x 10-11 >-1m, the other 12-14 x 9-11 >-1m, total length 29-34 >-1m, with spinulose waiL Germination occurs at the tip of the cells forming hyphopodia. No conidia seen. Specimens examined: On leaves of Bubbia semecarpoides (F. Muell.) B. L. Burtt, SFR 650 Mt Fisher, Qld, 5 Mar. 1985, B. Gray 3954 (QRS 078894), (DAR. holotype); B. queenslandiana Vink var. australis Vink, SFR 755, Boonjie Logging Area, Atherton Tableland, Qld, 21 Dec. 1971, A. W. DockriJl 324 (QRS 023596). The consistently cylindrical shape of the hyphopodia distinguishes this species from others on Winteraceae. A. queenslandica tends to have cylindrical hyphopodia with entire margins and in singular arrangments. In contrast, A. oppositipodia has ovate hyphopodia which are arranged oppositely, while A. australiensis and A. drimidicola have relatively polymorphic hyphopodia. Eupomatiaceae A. eupomatiae (P. Henn.) Theiss., Abhandl. K.K. Zool.-Bot. Ges. Wien 7: 64 (1913) and Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S.W. 81: 25 (1954). (Figs 5-9) Asterella eupomatiae Henn., Hedwigia 42: 78 (1903). Colonies amphigenous, mostly hypogenous, singular or confluent and sometimes covering the whole leaf surface, thin to dense, orbicular in outline with singular colonies up to 7 mm diam. Mycelia of light to dark brown, straight to flexuous hyphae, 3-6 i-lm wide, with distinct septa (cells 18-44 >-1m long), branching mostly alternate or unilateral, sometimes opposite to either another branch or to a hyphopodium at relatively wide angles and forming a loose to close network. Hyphopodia mostly I-septate, usually appearing close to the distal end or in the middle of the hyphal cell, alternate or unilateral, a few opposite, mostly subantrorse to antrorse, very few straight. Stigmatopodia cylindric, 1-8 x 2-8 >-1m. Stigmatocysts cylindrical with entire margins or in various shapes with sinuous to lobate margins, usually forming 2-3 lobes, sometimes bent:, 5-13 x 4-1 I >-1m. Thyriothecia singular or confluent, scattered, intercalary in origin either on one side or both sides of the hyphal cell, flat to moderately convex, orbicular and up to 190 I-lm diam. The margins are mostly crenate, sometimes loosely fimbriate, often 47 with short fringing hyphae up to 17 I-lm long, occasionally up to 240 I-lm long. Covering walls thin and light brown, composed of flexuous hyphae with rectangular cells, opening by stellate cracks to the margin. Basal walls are indistinct hyaline membranes. Asci numerous, broad ovate or spherical, sessile, maturing successively, bitunicate 8-spored, 26-36 >-1m diam., with or without paraphyses. If paraphyses are present, usually simple, slender and persistent within a slimy matrix. Ascospores conglobate, dark brown, I-septate, slightly constricted at the septum, with rounded ends or gradually attenuated at one end with subequal cells, one cell 8-14 x 8-14 >-1m, the other 8-14 x 8-12 >-1m, the total length 16-26 I-lm, with spinulose walls. Germination occurs either at the cell apex or at the middle of the cell, forming two or three hyphopodia or primary hyphae. No conidia seen. Specimens examined: On leaves of Eupomatia laurina KBr., Cunning- ham's Gap, South Queensland, Qld, Aug. 1954, R. F. Langdon 1611 (BRIP 2875, neotype); Pee-Dee, Arrnidale-Kempsey Road, N.5.W., 9 Dec. 1981, 1. H. Parbery, NE 0181M (DAR 63214); Guy Fawkes National Park, N.5.W., 10 Dec. 1981, I. H. Parbery, NE 0209M (DAR 63215); Big Hill, ArmidaIe-Kempsey Road, N.5.W., 20 Apr. 1982, I. H. Parbery, NE 0480M (DAR 63216); 19 Apr. 1983, I. H. Parbery, NE 1340M (DAR 63221) & 10 Apr. 1984, I. H. Parbery, NE 2109M (DAR 63226); Huka, N.5.W., 15 Feb. 1983, I. H. Parbery, NE 1124M (DAR 63220); Horton's Creek, Ebor-Grafton Road, N.5.W., 7 Jul. 1983, I. H. Parbery, NE 1662M (DAR 63222); Moonpar State Forest, N.5.W., 24 Nov. 1983, I. H. Parbery, NE 1812M (DAR 63223) & NE 1892M (DAR 73224); Esk River, Huka Road, N.S.W., 7 Feb. 1984, I. H. Parbery, NE 1980M (DAR 63225); Kendall-Comboyne Road, N.5.W., 20 Jul. 1984, I. H. Parbery, NE 2329M (DAR 63227); WayWay State Forest, N.5.W., 30 Sept. 1984, I. H. Parbery, NE 2517M (DAR 63228); Cameron's Camp, Mt Boss State Forest, N.5.W.. 15 Jun. 1985, I. H. Parbery, NE 3083M (DAR 63217); 15 Jan East of Ulong, N.5.W., 17 Jul. 1985, I. H. Parbery, NE 3303M (DAR 63218); Giro State Forest, Walcha end, N.5.W., 25 Feb. 1987, I. H. Parbery, NE 4047M (DAR 63219); State Forest 809, Mt Glorious, nr Brisbane, Qld, 6 JuL 1972, V. K. Moriarty 952 (BRI 150553); Clyde Mtn, N.5.W., Aug. 1934, L. K Fraser s.n. (DAR 12941); Austinmer, N.5.W., Oct. 1934, J. McLuckie (L. R. Fraser 49, DAR 63259); Church Point, Oct. 1934, L. K Fraser s.n. (DAR 12933); on Eupomatia bennettii F. Muel!.: Woolgooiga Flora Reserve, N.5.W.. Sept. 1980, P. Woodland, NE 100359M; Lamington National Park, West Canungra Creek, below EIabana Falls, Qld, 3 Aug. 1956, L. S. Smith & M. Tindale, N.5.W. 126780; Mt Glorious, Qld, 30 Apr. 1959, L. S. Smith 10541, (BRI 017469); Boonjie, West of Bartle Frere, Qld, 1962, L. J. Webb & J. G. Tracey 6580 (BRI s.n.); nr Tullawalal Lookout, Lamington National Park, Qld, 20 Aug. 1977, W. J. F. McDonald & A. W. Graham, BRl 241853. This taxon was first established by Hennings (1903) as Astere/fa eupomatiae based on a single collection from South Queensland. Theissen (1913) re-examined this specimen and placed it in the genus Asterina. Another collection from Austinmer, N.s.W. (DAR 63259), was later identified by Sydow (1937). Subsequently, Hansford (1956) redescribed the species from a different specimen collected from a region (7) in South Queensland. As the holotype is thought to have been destroyed in Herb. B in 1942, the specimen described by Hansford (1956) on Eupomatia laurina and collected from Cunningham's Gap, South Queensland in Aug. 1954 by R. F. Langdon (BRIP 2875) is chosen as the neotype. Comparison of the description of A. eupomatiae by Theissen MYC 95 738 Australian Asterinaceae Fig. 5. Asferina eupomafiae on Eupomafia laurina. A, colony with thyriothecia initials; B, cover wall of thyriothecium; C. germinating ascospores with spinulose walls; D, mature asci with young ascospores; E, hyphae with 2-celled hyphopodia. (1913) and Hansford (1956) indicates significant differences According to Theissen, the thyriothecia did not have basal membranes. However, Hansford mentioned that the basal membranes of the thyriothecia were hyaline, thin and composed of indistinct tortuous, radiating hyphae. All the thyriothecia of the specimens which were examined have an indistinct basal membrane in which the cells are poorly organized. Theissen (1913) also stated that the ascospores had finely echinulate walls. In contrast, Hansford (1956) noted that this species had smooth-walled ascospores. All of the specimens which were examined, including the specimen which was described by Hansford have verrucose to spinulose ascospores. A few specimens contain smooth-walled ascospores although it is difficult to determine their maturity. Theissen (1913) and Hansford (1956) also asserted that the centrum of A. eupomatiae lacked paraphyses. The specimens G. Rahayu and the late 1. H. Parbery 739 Figs 6-9. Asterina eupomatiae on Eupomatia laurina. Fig. 6. Colony. Fig. 7. Thyriothecium initial. Fig. 8. Mature thyriothecium with stellate cracks. Fig. 9. Germinating ascospores with spinulose wall. which were examined were sometimes found to be pseudoparaphysate. The pseudoparaphyses are simple, thread-like, hyaline structures which tend to persist and become embedded in a slimy matrix. Two types of colony appearance occur within populations of A. eupomatiae. In some specimens the colonies have slender and fewer hyphopodia on thin light brown hyphae which form a loose network. In other specimens, the hyphopodia are numerous, short and broad on thick dark brown hyphae which forms a more dense mycelium. In both cases, epigenous colonies are mostly smaller than hypogenous colonies. Occasionally a few one-celled hyphopodia occur, but careful observation usually indicates the presence of a very short stigmatopodium. Long fringing hyphae around the thyriothecia can also form hyphopodia. DISCUSSION One species of Asterina has been previously known to occur on a host in the Winteraceae, viz. A. compacta Lev. on Drimys chilensis. However, Theissen (1913) indicated that this species was identical to Lembosia drimydis Lev. Following examination of the holotypes of both species and other Chilean collections, Arambarri (1985) concluded that there were actually two different species of the same genus, Parasterinella on the same host species, Drimys winteri. A similar parasitic pattern of two fungal species from the same genus occurring on the same host was also found on Australian Winteraceae. At least four Asterina species can be distinguished on Winteraceae in Australia. A. australiensis and A. drimidicola are restricted to the same host. Tasmannia insipida while the other 5 species of Tasmannia are apparently not infected by asterinaceous fungi. Bubbia spp. are new host records for A. oppositipodia and A. queenslandica. The distributions of these fungi are controlled by their limited host specificities and the distributions of their host in the warmer rainforest areas of eastern Australia. No anamorphs were found for these Asterina spp. The Asterina spp. on Australian Winteraceae have unicellular hyphopodia and spinulose-verrucose ascospores. Differences in the size, arrangement and the shape of hyphopodia and dimensions of ascospores provide primary characters for the delimitation of species. Although there is no indication of 47-2 Australian Asterinaceae specific points in exosporia where germination may begin, some basic differences in the mode of ascospore germination were observed. A. australiensis and A. queenslandica initially germinate by producing a hyphopodium at the apex of each cell of their ascospores. A few additional hyphopodia may then form laterally although it is more common for primary hyphae to emerge. The primary hyphae become septate and hyphopodia arise as lateral swellings. Germination of the ascospores of A. drimidicola always begins with the formation of I-celled hyphopodia from the lateral points. Some of these structures may develop into primary hyphae or occasionally primary hyphae emerge from the apex. In contrast, formation of hyphopodia and primary hyphae tends to occur randomly over the surface of the ascospores of A. oppositipodia. Some of these hyphopodia become septate and the proximal cell develops into a primary hypha. Differences in modes of germination have limited taxonomic importance but can facilitate identification of ascospores and very young colonies in the absence of mature colonies. Asterina eupomatiae is widely associated with its known host, Eupomatia laurina. The presence of this fungus on the relatively rare E. bennettii is a new host record. Unlike the Asterina spp. on Winteraceae, the hyphopodia of A. eupomatiae are consistently 2-celled. When the ascospores of A. eupomatiae germinate, 2-celled hyphopodia are produced mainly from the apex of the spores. Primary hyphae later emerge laterally, (Received for publication 29 June 1990) 740 become septate and form hyphopodia towards the distal end of each cell. There is no evidence of any of the Asterina spp. discussed in this paper causing any significant leaf diseases on their host plants. We wish to thank the curators of Herbs QRS, BRI, BRIP, NSW, DAR and NE for allowing the study and loan of specimens. Mr Peter Garlick and Mr Rick Porter (UNE) for scanning electron microscopy advice and Mr W. H. Sheather for technical assistance. Gayuh Rahayu gratefully acknowledges support from AUIDP for the scholarship. REFERENCES Arambarri. A. M. (1985). Microthyriales of Tierra del Fuego I: the Genus Parasterinella Spegazzini, Sydowia 38, 1-5. Hansford, C. G. (1954). Australian Fungi II: New records and revisions. Proceedings of the Linnaean Society of New South Wales 79, 97-141. Hansford, C. G. (1956). Australian Fungi III: New species and revisions. Proceedings of the Linnaean Society of New South Wales 81, 23-51. Hennings, P. (1903). Fungi australienses. Hedwigia 42, 73-88. Morley, B. D. & Toelken, H. R. (1983). Flowering Plants in Australia. Adelaide, Rigby. Sydow, H. (1937). Novae fungorum species xxv. Annales mycologici 35, 244-294. Theissen, F. (1913). Die Gattung Asterina. Abhandlungen der K.K. ZoologischBotanischen Gesse/schaft in Wein 7, 1-130.