A Taxonomic Study of Tremella in North America

Speairs, Richard

ABSTRACT: This work is a taxonomic study of the genus Tremella in North America. Examinations of over three hundred and fifty specimens from four mycological herbaria, and a review of the literature have shown nineteen valid species of Tremella to be present. A key has been prepared for these species. The synonyms, description, type locality, habitat, distribution, illustrations, and specimens examined of each of these species are given. Variations within the species, T. lutescens and T. mesenterica were found to be of such magnitude that often inter-gradation of so-called distinguishing characteristics occurred. Absence of any adequate single differentiating characteristic was noted. Original descriptions and subsequent collections and descriptions of T. fimbriata , T. foliacea, and T. frondosa were reviewed noting emphasis placed on substrate, color, and minor morphological differences, none of which were constant and peculiar to a particular species, It is concluded here that Tremella mesenterica is synonymous with T. lutescens, and that T. foliacea and T. frondosa are synonyms which should be cited as T. fimbriata Fries. Stratification of the various species was studied and found to be of limited use. The status of fifty-seven species names of fungi recorded in the literature in North America as Tremella was determined. Fifty-four such names are assignable as synonyms to other genera, one name is a species rejiciendum, another a nomen nudum, while a third is a species inquirendum. Ten of the nineteen species of Tremella indigenous to North America have been found in Louisiana. One or more of the nineteen species have been found in thirty-four states of the United States.