Ravenelia cenostigmatis is described as a new species of plant rust (Uredinales) on
Cenostigma gardnerianum (Caesalpiniaceae) from Brazilian Cerrado. Teliospore heads of
R. cenostigmatis exhibit an unusually complex structure with four different kinds of cells: teliospore cells, sterile apical cells (intercalary
between pedicel hyphae and teliospores), sterile hygroscopic cysts, and morphologically distinct border cells. The last are
flattened, elaborately ornamented and probably sterile cells that are wedged between the teliospores and the cysts.
Ravenelia cenostigmatis probably belongs to a natural assemblage of ravenelias that occur on caesalpiniaceous hosts and exhibit similar morphological
traits.
Key Words Caesalpiniaceae -
Kernkampella
- systematics - teliospore morphology
Part 179 of the series “Studies in Heterobasidiomycetous Fungi” of the Botanical Institute, University of Tübingen