CRYPTODIAPORTHE MELANOCRASPEDA SP-NOV THE CAUSE OF BANKSIA-COCCINEA CANKER IN SOUTH-WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Cryptodiaporthe melanocraspeda sp. nov. and its anamorph Diplodina mel anocraspeda sp, nov. are described and illustrated and cultural charac teristics are given. The fungus differs from known Cryptodiaporthe spe cies by its long cylindrical asci, wide ellipsoid ascospores and by a blackened marginal zone which surrounds the stromatic tissues. The tax onomic position of the fungus in relation to other diaporthaceous fung i which produce a blackened marginal zone is discussed. The fungus cau ses a serious canker disease of Banksia coccinea and this is the first species of Cryptodiaporthe recorded on this host.