Bartheletia paradoxa is an enigmatic microscopic basidiomycete restricted to leaves of ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) in litter. This species forms a basal lineage to Agaricomycotina and its life cycle and ultrastructure are unique among members of this subdivision. To date, it has been recorded mostly in the litter of ginkgos planted as ornamental trees in gardens and parks. In this paper we report new collections of this fungal species and also a new phenotypic phenomenon in its life cycle, i.e. the formation of secondary conidia. They are oval to ovoid, hyaline and are formed terminally on stalks growing out of the conidia. The function of these secondary conidia as actively discharged ballistoconidia is discussed. They are supposed to enhance either short- or long-range dispersal of B. paradoxa.
Koukol O., Lotz-Winter H. (2016): Secondary conidia observed in Bartheletia paradoxa. – Czech Mycology 68(1): 79–84.
