Hassiella monospora gen. et sp nov., a microfungus from the 400 million year old Rhynie chert

A new microfungus, Hassiella monospora gen. et sp. nov., consisting of coenocytic hyphae is associated with degraded plant material in the Early Devonian silicified Rhynie chert ecosystem. Some hyphae produce small bulb-like projections that subsequently develop into spherical, thick-walled and highly ornamented reproductive structures. Mature reproductive structures are characterized by a prominent, funnel-shaped appendage that is interpreted as an amphigynous antheridium. When combined, these features are suggestive of the oogonia/oosporangia in certain extant members of the Peronosporomycetes (Oomycota). (c) 2006 The British Mycological Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.