Rhytismatales of Australia: the genus Coccomyces

Abstract

Thirteen species of Coccomyces are reported for Australia; a further species is recognised but not described because of insufficient material. Six of the species are described as new. Most of the Australian species are C. leptosporus-like in morphology, a characteristic of most Coccomyces spp. from tropical and Southern Hemisphere regions. One of the new species, C. cunninghamii, found on Nothofagus cunninghamii, is morphologically similar to Lophodermium medium, a species occurring on N. menziesiiin New Zealand. The seven previously described species also occur in New Zealand, and three of them are widespread in tropical Asia and tropical America. All species are described and illustrated, and a key to the Australian Coccomyces species is provided.