INTERSPECIFIC PARASITISM IN THE GYMNOSPERMS - UNPUBLISHED DATA ON 2 ENDEMIC NEW-CALEDONIAN PODOCARPACEAE USING SCANNING ELECTRON-MICROSCOPY

Parasitism of Parasitaxus ustus (Vieillard) de Laubenfels relative to Falacatifolium taxoides (Brongniart at Grisebach) de Laubenfels is the only presently known case in the Gymnosperms. The idea of parasitism between the two species is recent. Microphotographs usings SEM were do ne at different levels of the host and parasite. Penetration of the pa rasite up to the cambium of the host is accomplished under the form of fascicular system. The haustorial apparatus is localized at the level of the cambium. Host and parasite are infested by an mycelian endophy te showing appressoria and VA. Fungal fruiting bodies (fructifications ) show a characteristic conidiocarp of the Fungi imperfecti (Deuteromy cotina). It seems that this unique parasite is linked to a mycelian sy mbiosis.