Korfiella
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Korfiella | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Fungi |
| Division: | Ascomycota |
| Class: | Pezizomycetes |
| Order: | Pezizales |
| Family: | Sarcosomataceae |
| Genus: | Korfiella D.C.Pant & V.P.Tewari (1970) |
| Type species | |
| Korfiella karnika D.C.Pant & V.P.Tewari (1970) | |
Korfiella is a fungal genus in the family Sarcosomataceae. A monotypic genus, it contains the single species Korfiella karnika, found in India and described as new to science in 1970.
The first scientifically documented collections of Korfiella karnika were made in November, 1965. Fruitbodies of the fungus were found growing on the rotting stump of a tree in Nainital, India. Specimens were sent to the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, where mycologist R.W.G. Dennis noted their similarity to Plectania melastoma. After further consultation with Discomycetes authority Richard P. Korf, the authors Pant and Tewari erected a new genus, naming it in honour of Korf. The specific epithet karnika—derived from the Sanskrit karna, ("ear")—refers to the fruitbody shape.[1]
Pant and Tewari considered the fungus aligned with the tribe Urnuleae of the family Sarcoscyphaceae, according to the taxonomy of the time.[1] Korfiella is now classified in the Sarcosomataceae. The phylogenetics of the family was examined using molecular techniques in a 2013 paper, but "Unfortunately, Korfiella has not been included due to the temporary absence of available samples."[2]
