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The saxicolous lichenized ascomycete Diploicia africana comb. nov. (Physciaceae) is endemic in the Cape Floral Kingdom (South Africa). Its taxonomy, morphology, chemistry, biogeography, and ecology is discussed. The most important characters of the genus Diploicia and the better known species of the genus are outlined.

A new genus, Ramalinora, in the family Ramalinaceae, is described. It includes one species, the Australian endemic R. glaucolivida, formerly placed in Lecanora. The morphology, anatomy, chemistry and ascomatal development of the new genus are described. The ascus structure and ascoma ontogeny show that the genus is best placed in the Ramalinaceae, although the thallus is crustose rather than fruticose as in other Ramalinaceae.

The monotypic lichen generaAphanopsisandSteiniahave various ecological and anatomical features in common. Both genera exhibit a particular ascus type and are recognized as representing a family of their own, the Aphanopsidaceae. This family is preliminarily placed in the order Lecanorales.

Immersaria olivacea, its lichenicolous fungusPolycoccum decolorans, andImmersaria mehadianaare described as new species from Spain and Romania, respectively. A new combination,Immersaria cupreoatrais proposed, and a revised concept of the generaBellemereaandImmersariais supplied.

Abstract:  A considerable amount of data has been published on morphological and anatomical characteristics of ectomycorrhizae but these are dispersed in several, sometimes not easily available, journals. The few keys that exist are mostly based upon host tree genera. No comprehensive determination tools for non-experts are available. An information system for specific characters of ectomycorrhizae and an interactive key are now provided by DEEMY on CD-ROM.