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Chionosphaera apobasidialis

Chionosphaera apobasidialis is a fascinating lichenicolous fungus, meaning it lives as a parasite on lichens.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Chionosphaera apobasidialis D.E. Cox, 1976
• Family: Chionosphaeraceae
• Subphylum: Pucciniomycotina
• Type: Fungi: Basidiomycota: Pucciniomycotina: Agaricostilbomycetes: Incertae sedis: Agaricostilbales

Distribution and Habitat

• This fungus has been found in Illinois.
• It has been observed on dying twigs of trees, specifically Quercus macrocarpa (Bur Oak).

Morphological Characteristics

• Chionosphaera apobasidialis is described as having tiny white capitate synnemata (groups of conidiophores) as basiodiocarps.
• The basidia are apobasidia, a type common among gasteromycetes but unique in this context.
• Cells grown on corn meal agar appear ovoid, ellipsoid to sausage-shaped, measuring 3-7 by 1.24 ?m.

Genetic Information

• Sequences for the 18S ribosomal RNA gene (partial sequence internal transcribed spacer 1, 5.8S ribosomal RNA gene) and 26S ribosomal RNA gene (partial sequence) are available (e.g., AF444599, AF177407).

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Chionosphaera apobasidialis is a lichenicolous fungus, parasitizing living lichens.
• It has also been found on an ascomycete.
• Phylogenetic analysis suggests relationships with other fungi such as Stilbum vulgare.
• It can co-occur with other microorganisms, including bacteria (e.g., *Brevundimonas diminuta*) and yeasts (e.g., *Cryptococcus laurentii*, *Candida curvata*).

Further Information

• Culture collections such as CBS (Centraal Bureau voor Schimmelcultures) and ATCC (American Type Culture Collection) maintain strains of Chionosphaera apobasidialis (e.g., CBS 7431, ATCC 52639).
• Information can be found in databases such as GBIF (Global Biodiversity Information Facility) and Encyclopedia of Life.