Morphological diversity in the hyphophores of Gomphillaceae (Ostropales, lichenized Ascomycetes)

Abstract

Hyphophores are highly specialized conidia-producing structures characteristic of the Gomphillaceae. In this paper the high diversity and variability of these structures is evaluated. New setiform hyphophores of unidentified species of the genera Calenia, Echinoplaca and Tricharia are described. A new grouping is proposed, based on the external morphology and the possible ontogeny of these conidiomata