Ascomycetes and anamorphic fungi growing on Plagiochila (Hepaticae) in Finland

Abstract

<small>Over 400 Finnish herbarium specimens of the hepatics <em>Plagiochila asplenioides</em> and the closely related <em>P. porelloides</em> were screened for the presence of fungi. The screening yielded ca. 200 recordings of bryicolous species belonging to the ascomycete genera <em>Bryomyces, Dactylospora, Epibryon, Lichenopeltella, Octosporella, Pleostigma, </em> and the anamorphic genus <em>Epicoccum</em>. With the exception of <em>Epibryon plagiochilae</em>, the species are new to Finland. They are described and illustrated. Their morphology, taxonomy and ecology are discussed and their distribution in Finland is mapped. A key is given to all known bryicolous fungi found on <em>P. asplenioides</em> (incl. <em>P. porelloides</em>).</small>