Asterochloris phycobiontica, gen. et spec., nov., der Phycobiont der Flechte Varicellaria carneonivea.

Varicellaria carneonivea is lichenized with Asterochloris phycobiontica, a new member of the Chlorococcales. In the free-living state this species reproduces by zoo- and aplanospores; autospores are lacking. Sporangia develop an internal local thickening of the wall, which marks the later aperture. A group of dictyosomes apparently contributes to the formation of this thickening. Secondary carotenoids dissolved in droplets or irregular masses of oil are deposited around and within the pyrenoid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]