Obryzum is a fungal genus in the monotypic family Obryzaceae, in the class Sordariomycetes. The relationship of this taxon to other taxa within the class is unknown (incertae sedis).[1] [2]
The genus name of Obryzum is derived from the Ancient Greek word ὄβρυζον meaning pure gold.
Reported as a parasitic on cyanobacterial lichens from the genus Leptogium.[3]
The genus is mainly lichenicolous but with green algae on rocks or tree bark and seldom on mosses. Sexual morph: Ascomata perithecial, pyriform (pear-like), astromatic, immersed. Ostiole periphysate. Peridium hyaline with ostiolar region appearing light brown at times. Asci 4-8-spored, unitunicate, clavate, closely ellipsoid to ovoid, short-pedicellate, with barely visible apical ring, deliquescent at the base. Ascospores overlapping 1–2-seriate, hyaline, aseptate, smooth-walled, fusiform to limoniform or ellipsoid, lacking any mucilaginous sheath or appendage. Asexual morph is undetermined (adapted from Cannon & Kirk 2007, Maharachchikumbura et al. 2016).[4] [5]
It is mostly found in the north temperate zones,[6] and scattered worldwide. With most sightings in North America and Europe, with a few in Australia.[7] Such as Obryzum corniculatum is found in several places in Great Britain.[8]
As accepted by Species Fungorum;[9]
Former species;