MARINE AND MANGROVE FUNGI FROM THE INDIAN-OCEAN COAST OF SOUTH-AFRICA

A total of 93 species of marine fungi were identified from three habit ats: mangroves, intertidal rocky shores and sandy beaches. The highest number (55 species) were obtained from mangrove wood, while 12 specie s and 19 species were collected from intertidal wood and sandy beaches , respectively. The high numbers obtained from the mangroves at Beachw ood and on wood of Avicennia marina (Forssk.) Vierh. probably reflect the high intensity of sampling. Although some of the marine fungi can be regarded as cosmopolitan, the majority have affinities with tropica l/subtropical areas. The high numbers of marine fungi obtained in this survey suggest that these organisms have a significant role to play i n our estuarine and marine ecosystems.