A revision of Phyllachora (Ascomycotina) on hosts in the angiosperm family Asclepiadaceae, including P. gloriana sp. nov. on Tylophora benthamii from Australia

Abstract

We have monographed species of Phyllachora occurring on the pantropical plant family Asclepiadaceae using traditional taxonomic methods. Eight Phyllachora species have been described previously from the Asclepiadaceae. We have found that five of these taxa are untenable. In addition, P. gloriana sp. novo on Tylophora benthamii, north Queensland, Australia, is described. Phyllachora gloriana differs from other Phyllachora species occurring on the Asclepiadaceae in having larger ascospores surrounded by a distinct mucilaginous sheath, and larger asci with an apical apparatus. The accepted Phyllachora species from the Asclepiadaceae are described and illustrated with interference contrast micrographs.