Ceratocarpia cactorum Rolland, Bull. Soc. mycol. Fr. 12(1): 2 (1896), Figure 7
MycoBank number: MB 217302; Index Fungorum number: IF 217302; Facesoffungi number: FoF 10335;
Saprobic on branches of Erica sp. in terrestrial habitats. Sexual morph: Ascomata 100–235 × 110–190 μm (x̅ = 169 × 128 μm, n=10), dense, gregarious, sub-immersed in the thallus of the dark brown or black subiculum, not easily removed, globose to subglobose. Ostiole inconspicuous. Wall of ascoma 22–35 μm (x̅ = 31 μm, n=10) wide, comprising two layers, externally comprising pigmented, dark brown, thick-walled cells of textura globulosa, with inner layer thinner, composed of lightly pigmented to hyaline, thin-walled cells of textura angularis. Hamathecium lacking paraphyses or evanescent, asci embedded in mucilage matrix. Asci 30–65 × 12–32 μm (x̅ = 41× 18 μm, n=10), 8-spored, bitunicate, fissitunicate, clavate to broadly clavate, pedicellate, lacking a distinct ocular chamber. Ascospores 20–32 × 8–11 μm (x̅ = 27 × 10 μm, n=10), bi-seriate or multi-seriate, irregularly arranged, ellipsoid to fusiform, dictyosporous, constricted at the central septum, light brown to brown, with up to 4 μm long germ tube-like protuberances at each end, smooth and thick-walled, lacking a gelatinous sheath or appendages. Asexual morph: Undetermined.
Material examined: France, La Molle: Var, in the branches of Erica sp. (Ericaceae), April 1911, G. Arnaud (S F46332).
Figure 7 Ceratocarpia cactorum (S! F46332). a, b Herbarium material. c, d Ascomata on the twigs of the host. e, f Vertical section of ascoma. g–i Asci with ascospores. j Vertical section through ascoma wall. k–o Ascospores. Scale bars: c, d = 100 µm, e, f = 50 µm, g–i =10 µm, j = 20 µm, k–o = 5 µm.