Leucoscypha ovilla n. comb.,: a species new to Europe, found in northern Finland

Authors: Harmaja, Harri
Journal: Karstenia, Volume 17 (1977), Issue 2, pages 73-76.
Doi: https://doi.org/10.29203/ka.1977.126
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Abstract:  The author has found Peziza ovilla Peck (Pezizales), a species described from North America, in Kuusamo, northern Finland. This find is the first reported from Europe. The species is considered to belong to the genus Leucoscypha Boud. in its recently amended delimitation, and the following new combination is made: Leucoscypha ovilla (Peck) Harmaja. A description of L. ovilla is given, and the species is compared with the closely related L. rhodoleuca (Bres.) Svrček, type material of which has been examined. Both species possess exceptionally thick-walled excipular hairs, and their paraphysis cells contain four or two nuclei.
The nuclei of the cells of the apothecium of various species of Leucoscypha sensu lato, including the type species of the genus, are carminophilic. This feature, also observed previously in the genus, appears truly diagnostic of Leucoscypha and also supports the recently broadened delimitation of the genus.