Lichens are characteristically found in environments subject to extremes of temperature, desiccation and low nutrient status. Despite this sexual structures are often formed in abundance. The underlying mechanisms of sex in lichen-forming fungi are discussed, together with possible ecological reasons for the persistence of sexuality. Special features of lichen sex are highlighted including sex at the limits of life on earth in Antarctica, re-lichenization following sex and dispersal, and the perennial nature of lichen fruiting bodies.

Unguiculella tityrii (Velen.) Huhtinen & Spooner, a tiny discomycete with whitish apothecia associated with pyrenomycete fruitbodies mainly in rabbit dung has been found in several localities in Scotland and one in England. It was previously unknown in Britain. A description and brief account of this species is provided.

We investigated post-fire morels (Morchella species), especially the “gray” morels of Idaho and Montana, by collecting ecological and genetic data and by interviewing commercial mushroom harvesters and buyers. Gray morels fruited exclusively in high-elevation Picea/Abies forests that had burned the preceding summer, predominantly in zones of moderate fire intensity as indicated by a layer of dead conifer needles on top of the fire ash. Genetic analysis revealed five varieties of morels among our specimens. Mushroom harvesters confirmed that gray morels are economically crucial to their business because they are typically large, heavy, and durable. Harvesters and buyers described the varieties of morels they encountered differently than mycologists did, but cooperative research could facilitate mutual understanding of morel diversity and benefit everyone involved.

The new genus Celatogloea is proposed to accommodate a monosterigmate, heterobasidiomycetous, intrahymenial parasite of Corticium roseum, previously not distinguished from its host. The new combination Celatogloea simplicibasidium is proposed, based on Laeticorticium simplicibasidium.

Individual fungal cells within genetically-uniform populations can exhibit striking phenotypic variability. This phenotypic heterogeneity has been proposed recently to promote the fitness of fungal populations, independently of fitness contributions arising from genetic diversity. Consequently, several major recent studies have been focused on unravelling the physiological and molecular bases for heterogeneity. This article provides an overview of the current state of play in this emerging field, with a focus on heterogeneity in the single-cell yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae and on the novel methodologies being developed to study heterogeneity.

The host range and distribution of species of Epichloë in Britain are investigated based on herbarium material held at Kew and an assessment of the literature and other available records. Six species of the genus can now be recognised in Britain, three of which are reported for the first time, and Holcus mollis is confirmed as a host for E. clarkii. A potential seventh species, E. elymi, requires confirmation as British. Brief descriptions, with host range, and a key for the identification of these species are presented.