RELATIONSHIP OF 2 CORTICOID BASIDIOMYCETES TO ALGAE

Two Basidiomycetes belonging to the Aphyllophorales-Corticiaceae show special relations to algae; these relations are thinkable as first steps of a more rigorous lichenization. Odontia bicolor is regularly associated with the alga Coccomyxa glaronensis, which is to be found in abundance in the trama of the fungus, and which partly may be missing only in young intensively growing thalli. No doubt the hyphae of the fungus do not develop neither haustoria nor covers around the algae, but nevertheless they signify a clear influence of these ones by a more intensive ramification nearby the algae. Athelia epiphylla attacks free-living algae as well as the lichen Lecanora conizaeoides and develops abundant haustoria in the host-algae. The attack results in a quick dying off of the covering of algae and lichenthalli. Both cases are shortly discussed. © 1969 Springer-Verlag.