NAME Lyonomyces pyriformis
AGE Early Devonian.   AGE span: 416...397.5 mya
K&J CLASSIFICATION (2000) Chytridiomycetes, Chytridiales.
FIGURE(S)
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Pl.19fig.14.jpg
FIGURE REFERENCE Taylor TN, Hass H, Remy W. 1992. Devonian fungi: interaction with green alga Palaeonitella; Mycologia, v. 84, p. 901-910.
SPECIES, AUTHORITY L. pyriformis Taylor, Hass & Remy 1992, p. 906, fig. 19 (arrow).
LOCATION Rhynie, Aberdeenshire, Scotland.
ORIG DESCRIPTION* As for the genus [combined description].
COMMENTS* There are numerous aquatic fungi with the same morphological features as those noted for Lyonomyces pyriformis. Particularly noteworthy are species of Rhizophydium. The overall comparative size of the fossil and living thallus might exclude some taxa; however, in the absence of other potentially diagnostic features, the association with the Charophyte Palaeonitella might be of value in more accurately determining the systematic affinities of this fungus. Interestingly, Sparrow (1960) records more than a dozen living fungi that have been found on Charophytes, and this number is no doubt appreciably larger today. As additional specimens are discovered it may be possible to expand the description of this fungus to include other features that will more accurately identify the systematic position of Lyonomyces.

Etymology: The generic name Lyonomyces is proposed in honor of A.G. Lyon for his many significant paleobotanical contributions and continuing interest in the Rhynie Chert flora; pyriformis refers to the general shape of the thallus.
PUBLICATION REFERENCE Taylor TN, Hass H, Remy W. 1992. Devonian fungi: interaction with green alga Palaeonitella; Mycologia, v. 84, p. 901-910.
K&J REMARKS
TYPE
ALL NAMES (Including synonyms) Lyonomyces pyriformis
SERIAL NUMBER 897
PUBLIC COMMENTS
 *For source, see Publication Reference.