Notes on the cyanophily of spores, with a discussion of the genus Leucogyrophana (Corticiaceae)

The genus Leucogyrophana Pouz. has been placed in the Coniophoraceae by some authors on account of the cyanophilous spores, by which character the Coniophoraceae are said to differ from the Corticiaceae. Contrary to this opinion it is shown that not all the species of the Coniophoraceae exhibit cyanophily. Moreover the same spore reaction has been observed in a rather large number of species of the Corticiaceae. This means that ‘cyanophily’ is not a conclusive key character for a distinction between the two families mentioned. It is proposed to maintain Leucogyrophana in the Corticiaceae. A key to the accepted species of this genus is presented.