A new species of Heterobasidion (Polyporaceae) from Australasia

Heterobasidion araucariae sp.nov., previously considered to be a form of H. annosum (Fr.)Bref., is distinguished by larger pores, basidiospores and conidia, by homothallic sexuality, by a restricted host range and distribution, and by a reduced level of pathogenicity.A key to the three accepted species of Heterobasidion is provided.Heterobasidion Bref. is a well defined polypore genus characterised by pilei with a distinct cuticle, dextrinoid skeletal hyphae, asperulate basidiospores, and a Spiniger Stalpers anamorph.The genus has been considered as containing only 2 species, the saprophytic H. insulare (Murr.)Ryv.confined to Asia, and the widespread, economically important root pathogen of conifers, H. annosum (Fr.)Bref.H. annosum was first described from Betula (Fries, 1821), and is reported from most temperate regions of the northern hemisphere as well as parts of Australasia (Anon., 1980).Comparison of the fungus described as H. annosum from the two hemispheres reveals differences in fruitbody morphology, sexuality, pathogenicity, and host range, and justifies the description of the Australasian fungus as a new species.HETEROBASIDION ARAUCARIAE sp.nov.(Fig. 1-3)

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