First report of Microstoma apiculosporum (Sarcoscyphaceae, Pezizales) from Japan

Abstract

A rare cup fungus, Microstoma apiculosporum was reported from Japan for the first time. This species is characterized by the ascospores with bipolar hemispherical apiculi, which is a unique feature in the genus Microstoma. This species was originally described from central Taiwan in 2004 and has not been reported from outside of the type locality. We provided its morphological description based on the vital taxonomic method and chemical reaction. Furthermore, we found a cell layer of textura angularis–globulosa between the medullary excipulum and hymenium near the margin, and the cyanophobic perispores that formed the bipolar apiculi of the ascospores.