Daedalea ryvardeniana

Daedalea ryvardeniana is a neotropical species of poroid fungus in the family Fomitopsidaceae. Found in Brazil, it was described as new to science in 2012.

Taxonomy

The type collection was made in Chapada dos Guimarães National Park, in the state of Mato Grosso. The specific epithet honours polypore specialist Leif Ryvarden.

Description

Morphological characteristics of this fungus include an irregular hymenophore, with relatively large pores numbering 1 to 3 per millimetre. The structure of the pore surface ranges from daedaloid, to somewhat labyrinthic, to gill-like. This hymenophore irregularity helps distinguish it from the similar
Daedalea stereoides. D. ryvardeniana also has larger spores, measuring 7.5–11.0 by 2.5–3.5 μm. The spores feature a unique central concavity next to the apiculum and a tapering tip. The fungus has a dimitic hyphal system, with thick-walled generative hyphae containing a winding lumen.

Habitat and distribution

The fungus, a saprophyte, grows on logs and fallen branches of angiosperms, in which it causes brown rot. It is found in dry and somewhat xerophytic areas in Caatinga and Cerrado ecosystems located in Ceará, Paraíba, and Pernambuco States. It was later recorded in the Caatinga area of Bahia.