Melanomma

Nitschke ex Fuckel, 1870

Species Guides

1

Melanomma is the type of Melanommataceae, a of ascomycete fungi in the order Pleosporales. The genus is characterized by perithecial ascomata with trabeculate pseudoparaphyses, bitunicate asci, and pigmented phragmosporous ascospores. occur in terrestrial, freshwater, and marine , primarily as saprobic decomposers on dead plant material. The name Melanomma has also been used historically for a genus of (Lepidoptera), but this usage is now placed in Erebidae and is taxonomically unrelated to the fungal genus.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Melanomma: //ˌmɛləˈnɒmə//

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Identification

Distinguished from related in Melanommataceae by the combination of globose to subglobose or depressed perithecial ascomata, trabeculate pseudoparaphyses (a key -level character), bitunicate and fissitunicate asci, and pigmented phragmosporous ascospores. Molecular identification utilizes LSU, SSU, ITS, TEF-1, and rpb2 markers.

Habitat

Terrestrial on dead branches and trunks of woody plants; also reported from freshwater and marine environments. Occurs in temperate, subtropical, and tropical regions.

Distribution

distribution with most reported from Europe and North America; also documented in Central Asia (Uzbekistan), China (Yunnan, Guizhou), and other temperate to subtropical regions.

Diet

Saprobic on decayed plant material.

Ecological Role

Saprobic decomposer of dead plant material; some members exhibit fungicolous, hyperparasitic, or parasitic lifestyles, though specific documentation for Melanomma is limited.

Similar Taxa

  • MelanocamarosporioidesBoth in Melanommataceae with similar perithecial ascomata; distinguished by ascospore and molecular
  • MelanocucurbitariaBoth in Melanommataceae; separated by peridium type, pseudoparaphyses structure, and ascospore characteristics

Misconceptions

The name Melanomma has been used for a of (Lepidoptera: Erebidae), which is unrelated to the fungal genus. The moth usage appears in older literature and some databases but represents a separate taxonomic entity.

Sources and further reading