Flora of New Zealand Series

Description : Lichenicolous, immersed to superficial on surface of host (Parmotrema perlatum). Apothecia scattered, at first immersed, becoming superficial, brown-black, waxy, hemispherical, immarginate, 0.15–0.3 mm diam. Asci clavate, 8-spored, 45–60 × 10–12 μm. Ascospores biseriate in ascus, soleiform, 1-septate, brownish, the upper cell slightly larger than the lower cell, slightly constricted at septum, 7.5–8.5 × 6–6.5 μm.

S: Canterbury (Waihi Gorge), Otago (Mihiwaka, Dunedin), Southland (Waihopai Reserve, Invercargill). Known also in Great Britain, Europe, North America (Hawksworth 1981, 1983a; Diederich 1986, 1989, 2003, 2004b; Clauzade et al. 1989; Diederich & Sérusiaux 2000; Scholz 2000; Cole & Hawksworth 2001; Triebel & Scholz 2001).

Cosmopolitan

Host : Parmotrema perlatum. Known elsewhere from species of Flavoparmelia, Flavopunctelia and Punctelia (Cole & Hawksworth 2001: 309; Diederich 2003: 44).

Illustrations : Tulasne (1852: 116, pl. 16, figs 22–26).

* Abrothallus microspermus is characterised by: the lichenicolous habit (on Parmotrema perlatum as host); the scattered, brown-black apothecia, 0.15–0.3 mm diam.; and the brown, 1-septate ascospores 7.5–8.5 × 6–6.5 μm.