Cyphobasidium hypogymniicola #

Taxon #

Cyphobasidium hypogymniicola

Organization #

Class Cystobasidiomycetes, Lichenicolous Fungi

Identification #

It forms large fruticose galls on Hypogymnia species and could offer confusion in the identification of its hosts. These subspherical galls are irregularly knobby and warty, with constricted bases. They later become bullate (CLH). Some of the most well-developed specimens we have seen in Alaska approach the size of a billiard ball.

Substrate #

Growing on the thalli of Hypogymnia species.

Notes #

Fewer than expected records, possibly overlooked. We have found it as far north as the Little Susitna River near Big Lake.