Sarcotrochila alpina (type species of the genus Sarcotrochila) has long been known as a saprotroph colonising larch needles in litter. During a survey of mycobiota colonising needles in litter, we regularly observed apothecia of this species on larch needles cultivated in damp chambers, and isolated the fungus from its ascospores into culture. Analysis of ITS rDNA obtained from these cultures revealed a surprising connection to the anamorph-typified species Rhabdocline (= Meria) laricis, a weak pathogen of European larch. A new combination, Rhabdocline alpina, is proposed, reflecting their conspecificity and the priority of the epitheton alpina. A proposal to protect the much more often used generic name Rhabdocline against the older Sarcotrochila is planned. The morphology of the species in vital condition is presented, and for the two examined type specimens of Orbilia retrusa and Hyalinia nostra (both synonyms of R. alpina) in dead condition. A comparison of our findings with descriptions in the literature is presented.
Koukol O., Lukáčová K., Baral H. -O. (2024): Phylogenetic placement of Sarcotrochila alpina, the hitherto unknown teleomorph of Rhabdocline laricis. – Czech Mycology 76(1): 17–32.
