Involuntary Transport of Plants and AnimalsAuthor(s): E. Charles NelsonSource: The Irish Naturalists' Journal, Vol. 20, No. 10 (Apr., 1982), p. 453Published by: Irish Naturalists' Journal Ltd.Stable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/25538617 .

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Ir. Nat. J. Vol. 20 No. 10 1982 453

LOPHIUM ELATUM GREVILLE IN IRELAND

Lophium elatum Greville (Hysteriales, Ascomycetes) was collected in lune 1980 and again in

July 1981 on Salix 'atrocinerea' in woodland peripheral to Kilcleagh Park, SW of Moate, Co

Westmeath (H 23). The fungus was found both on the bark and on the decorticated wood of the

partially decayed outer branches of the living plant. The species is rare. There appears to be only one previous gathering of it in Ireland. Adams and

Pethybridge in * Census Catalogue of Irish Fungi* note it from M2 (SE Munster)

? a report based

apparently on the work of W. T. Alexander (1818-1872), a Cork botanist who was later a British

Naval Surgeon. Alexander published *A list of fungi detected in Cloyne and its vicinity, in 1852\ in

the Phytologist 4:1852:727-734 and this catalogue named 256 species including 'Lophium elatum ?

pine-bark'. No locality is given. L. elatum is a distinctive fungus. It was first described by Robert Greville in 1825 on conifers in

Scotland. The fructifications are conchiform (in the manner of a bivalve) and are perched upright on

the substratum, anchored by strands of mycelium reminding one of byssus threads. The laterally

compressed, wedge-shaped, shining, black structures are attached at the narrow end. The broad face

of each is transversly striate and opens by vertical slits. The filiform spores have feint cross-walls

rather difficult to detect even with high magnification. Dennis in British Ascomycetes (1968) reported the species on old wood and bark of conifers and

described it as 'one of the rarest of fungi*. It is infrequent in Britain but there are some recent sightings.

Specimens from Kilcleagh have been distributed to other herbaria, to K, EDIN, BEL. 1 thank Dr

B. Coppins for confirming the identification and Dr D A Reid for providing information on recent

records in Britain.

Herbarium, National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin, Dublin. M. J. P. SCANNELL

ENT AD A GIGAS (L.) F. & R., DRIFT SEED, ON WEST MAYO COAST

In late October 19811 found at top of storm beach at Bunlehinch SW of Louisburgh, West Mayo

(H 26) a single drift seed of Entada gigas (?. scandens). The identification was made by Miss M. Scannell, National Herbarium, Glasnevin. Dr Nelson

reports that whereas these seeds can almost always be germinated (1978, Watsonia 12: 103-112),

fungal attack is common, usually heavy and it is virtually impossible to keep the seedlings alive. The

seed is therefore now in my possession. 2 Sandymount Road, Sandymount, Dublin 4. R. L. C. ROHU

CORRESPONDENCE

INVOLUNTARY TRANSPORT OF PLANTS AND ANIMALS

Madam ? Judging from reports published occasionally in journals, such as the Irish Naturalists'

Journal, and from personal contacts, there seems to be a keen, if fleeting interest in the long-distance

transportation (by means of wind and ocean currents) of plants and animals to Ireland. These

occasional "events" hold substantial interest for biogeographers. While I am personally interested in

long-distance transport of plant disseminules, especially the so-called drift-seeds of tropical origin which are washed ashore on beaches, I am aware of other work being carried out on trans-oceanic

transport of molluscs and other sedentary marine animals, and of the recording of American bird

species in Ireland.

I would like to hear from anyone interested in this general subject, who would be prepared to

participate in an informal one-day meeting, perhaps in the autumn of 1982. No plans have been made, but if a sufficient number of people indicate their willingness to speak and/or attend, I would be

willing to organize a suitable venue. I am particularly keen to hear from ornithologists and

entomologists, and from anyone working in oceanography and meteorology who would be prepared to provide biologists with the physical background to these phenomena. Yours etc.

National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin, Dublin 9. E. CHARLES NELSON

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