BURENIA MYRRHIDENDRI SPEC NOV (PROTOMYCET ALES), A REMARKABLE BIOTROPHIC EXAMPLE OF ASCOMYCETES IN THE FRUIT OF A TREE-LIKE UMBELLIFER IN COSTA-RICA

Burenia myrrhidendri is described as a new species of the Protomycetal es (Ascomycetes). The parasite infects exclusively the fruits of the l arge, tree-like Myrrhidendron donnell-smithii (Umbelliferae) causing c onspicuous symptoms. The thick-walled very large ascogenous cells are formed throughout the walls of the pericarp. They germinate immediatel y without a rest period. Budding endospores are produced within the as cogenous cells. There is no formation of vesicles. Until now, B. myrrh idendri is only known from the high mountains of the Cordillera Centra l in Costa Rica.