THE GENUS LINDBLADIA

The monotypic genus Lindbladia (Myxomycetes, Liceales, Cribrariaceae) was described by Elias Fries in 1849. The type locality is Sodermanlan d, Sweden, not Germany as given in monographs. There are nine synonyms representing seven different genera recorded for this taxon. We obser ved the holotype using light and electron microscopy, provided a detai led description, compared its morphology with other specimens assigned to this species, and described the variation attributed to this speci es based on collections from many parts of the world. The excellent st ate of holotype preservation is shown in habit photographs and scannin g electron micrographs. Other specimens examined resemble the holotype except that the holotype has fewer pigmented dictydine granules prese nt on the inner peridial surface. This is a variable species in its ge neral habit, size of fructification, inner peridial surface markings, and spore color. Birefringence properties were variable for structures of the fruiting bodies. X-ray microanalysis showed the presence of ca lcium in the dictydine granules. The terms plasmodic granules, dictydi ne granules, and lime globules used previously in myxomycete literatur e are reviewed and discussed. Lindbladia is recognized as a monotypic and variable genus most closely related to Cribraria argillacea. The t ransfer of Lindbladia cribrarioides to the genus Cribraria is recogniz ed and discussed.