| Bunodophoron | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Bunodophoron melanocarpum | |
Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Fungi |
| Division: | Ascomycota |
| Class: | Lecanoromycetes |
| Order: | Lecanorales |
| Family: | Sphaerophoraceae |
| Genus: | Bunodophoron A.Massal. (1861) |
| Type species | |
| Bunodophoron australe (Laurer) A.Massal. (1861) | |
| Synonyms[1] | |
Bunodophoron is agenus oflichen-formingfungi in the familySphaerophoraceae.[2] The genus has a broad distribution in the Southern Hemisphere, with several species also present in oceanic regions of the Northern Hemisphere.[3] Established in 1861 by the Italian botanistAbramo Bartolommeo Massalongo, the genus comprises about 20 accepted species that form shrubby, often tufted growths with flattened, strap-like branches. These lichens are characterised by their distinctive black, powderyspore masses that develop at the tips of fertile branches and their production of variouslichen products includingsphaerophorin andusnic acid.
The genus wascircumscribed in 1861 byAbramo Bartolommeo Massalongo, withBunodophoron australe assigned as thetype species. In his original description, Massalongo explained that while he did not fully understand how certain lichenologists could maintain separate genera for what he considered closely related species, he had decided to keep together taxa such asSphaerophoron coralloides andS. australe, while distinguishing them from other genera likeNephroma andCollema. He noted thatSphaerophoron australe and related species formed distinct taxa from the new genusBunodophoron, whilst reducing otherSphaerophoron species tosynonymy under established names.[4]
Massalongo provided an anatomical description ofBunodophoron australe, noting its flattened thallus structure composed of distinct layers. He described an outer layer of bright green algal cells, followed by a darker layer lacking these cells, and finally a central core of elongated, branched cells mixed with a white, starchy substance. He observed that the internal structure consisted of a white layer lacking algae corresponding to an upper layer, followed by two additional layers as seen in the exterior, with the outermost portions showing the characteristic branching pattern.[4]
Bunodophoron forms a shrubby (fruticose), often tuftedthallus that may stand upright or trail along thesubstrate. Its branches are usually flattened like narrow straps, but longer fertile shoots tend to become almost cylindrical and rise above a carpet of shorter, sterile branches. The internalgreen algal partner (photobiont) is of theTrebouxia type.[5]
The lichen'ssexual organs areapothecia (fruiting bodies) positioned at the tips (and occasionally on the underside) of the fertile branches. As they mature, the apothecia lose their surroundingthalline rim and develop distinctive, black, powdery spore masses calledmazaedia. Each cylindricalascus contains eightascospores arranged in a single file (uniseriate). These spores start out colourless, spherical, and without internalsepta; with age they darken and acquire an irregular, grainy ornamentation.[5]
Minuteasexual structures (pycnidia) are embedded at branch tips and along the lower sides of terminal branches, releasing rod-shapedconidia—mitotic fungal spores that provide an asexual dispersal route for the mycobiont. Chemically,Bunodophoron synthesises severallichen substances—includingsphaerophorin, various β-orcinol depsidones,usnic acid, anddibenzofuran derivatives—which contribute to its characteristic colour and help deterherbivory and microbial attack.[5]
As of July 2025[update],Species Fungorum accepts 19 species ofBunodophoron.[6]