Biodiversity of fungi on submerged wood in Hong Kong streams

Woody substrates were collected in 5 freshwater streams in Hong Kong and th e fungi on these substrates were investigated. A total of 153 species were identified, comprising 61 ascomycete and 92 mitosporic taxa, and 20% were p reviously undescribed. About 30% of the ascomycetes belonged to the genera Annulatascus (Annulatascaceae), Aniptodera, Savoryella (Halosphaeriaceae), Ophioceras, Pseudohalonectria (Magnaporthaceae) and Massarina (Lophiostomat aceae). Endophragmiella, Helicosporium and Sporoschisma were common mitospo ric genera. Species overlap occurred between different streams, and a few f ungi were common in Hong Kong streams. Species composition in the Tung Chun g River was distinct, and factors causing variations are discussed. Samplin g techniques, the ecological role and distribution of fungi on submerged wo od are discussed.