Lichenochora epinashii sp nov and L-sinapispermae sp nov (Phyllachorales, Ascomicetes), two new lichenicolous fungi growing in Caloplaca

Description of two new species of Lichenochora (Phyllachorales, lichenicolo us fungi) : Lichenochora epinashii Nav.-Ros. et Etayo sp. nov. and L. sinap ispermae Etayo et Nav.-Ros. sp. nov. L. epinashii is so far known from Baja California (Mexico), growing on thallus of Caloplaca nashii Nav. Ros., Gay a et Hladun which occurs on caliche (desertic soil encrustment), and L. sin apispermae is described from Navarra (N Spain) and Alps of Haute Provence ( SE France), occurring on thallus of Caloplaca sinapisperma, on (sub) alpine soil. By the spore size, (16.5)18.5-23(27) x (7)8.0-10.5(12) mum, L. epina shii is closely related to L. constrictella, a specific fungus of Fulgensia bracteata; however, L. epinashii always shows 8-spored asci, never 4-spore d like L. constrictella. By the spore size, (11,5)12-17(18) x (5,5)6-8(8,5) mum, L. sinapispermae is similar to L. epimarmorata and L. pyrenodesmiae, two species also growing on Teloschistaceae, but it differs from both by ha ving a very distinguished, slightly prominent, torus in the septum of the s pores. This character has never been observed in other known species of Lic henochora. Another characteristic feature distinguishing L. sinapispermae f rom the other related species is the ascomata size, these are bigger than t he ascomata of the previously mentioned taxa. Lichenochora aff. epidesertor um is recorded based on a specimen from Genova (Italy), which differs from the typus by growing on different host, Caloplaca variabilis var. Mva, and by having no constantly 8-spored asci. A key to the species of Lichenochora growing on Teloschistaceae is provided. (C) 2001 Adac/Editions scientifiqu es et medicales Elsevier SAS.