Recently discovered collections extend the geographical range of the smut fungus Sphacelotheca polygoni-serrulati to Cameroon and Zambia.

The smut fungus Sphacelotheca polygoni-serrulati Maire is newly reported from Cameroon on Persicaria decipiens (R. Br.) K. L. Wilson and from Zambia on P. pulchra (Blume) Sojak. Persicaria pulchra is a new host plant species for this smut fungus. The species is described and illustrated with line drawings of infected plants as well as LM and SEM micrographs. Information on the habitat of this species (based on the observation in Cameroon) is given for the fi rst time, its host range is reviewed and the global distribution is discussed and mapped. Sphacelotheca polygoni-serrulati is currently known from two widely spaced areas of occurrence, African and Australasian, with no intermediate localities in the Asian tropics.