Taxonomy, phylogeny, molecular dating and ancestral state reconstruction of Xylariomycetidae (Sordariomycetes)

Requienella populi sp. nov. (Requienellaceae, Xylariales) from the bark of living aspen trees in Western Norway

The new species Requienella populi in the Requienellaceae is described from Western Norway. Multigene analysis of the four molecular markers ITS, LSU, RPB2 and TUB revealed it as a strongly supported sister clade within the genus. The new species appears to be restricted to old aspen Populus tremula trees and can be morphologically distinguished by submuriform and somewhat smaller ascospores compared to the other species of the genus. A table comparing species of Requienella is provided. The Requienellaceae received a moderate statistical support as a sister group to the Cainiaceae in our analysis and the circumscriptions of the two families need to be studied further using additional genetic markers. Citation: Andreasen M, Jordal JB, Nordén B (2025). Requienella populi sp. nov. (Requienellaceae, Xylariales) from the bark of living aspen trees in Western Norway. Fungal Systematics and Evolution 15: 225-234. doi: 10.3114/fuse.2025.15.10.

Unveiling Sordariomycetes taxa associated with woody litter in Northern Thailand

Sordariomycetes species are abundant in woody litter samples. In this study, we introduce two novel species, Diaporthethailandica (Diaporthaceae) and Occultithecachiangraiensis (Xylariaceae), from woody litter materials. We also describe a new host record of D.tulliensis and a new geographical record for D.melonis. All collections were identified based on morphology and phylogenetic analyses of combined datasets. The morphologies of the taxa fit the generic concepts of Diaporthe and Occultitheca, respectively. Diaporthethailandica formed a sister clade with D.raonikayaporum but differs from D.raonikayaporum in the sizes of conidiomata, conidiogenous cells, and beta conidia. Diaporthethailandica also differs from D.raonikayaporum by the absence of gamma conidia. Occultithecachiangraiensis differs from the sister taxon O.rosae in having smaller ascomata and a thicker mucilaginous sheath. We also provide a synopsis of Occultitheca species with details on their morphology, host, and country. These findings provide valuable insights into the diversity and ecological roles of Sordariomycetes, emphasising the need for continued exploration of fungal biodiversity in various environments.

Three new species of Apiospora (Amphisphaeriales, Apiosporaceae) in China

China is located in eastern Asia and has a large quantity and rich variety of bamboo resources. Bamboo resources also contain various fungal species such as Apiospora. The genus Apiospora is commonly used as plant pathogens, endophytes, and saprophytes, which are widely present in various host ranges around the world. The discovery of metabolites has been proven to play an important role in the pharmaceutical industry. Recently, 10 strains were isolated from bamboo in Guizhou Province, China, which were identified as five species of Apiospora based on multigene phylogenetic analysis of ITS, LSU, TEF1-α, and TUB2, and morphological observations, including two recognized species, Ap.arundinis and Ap.lophatheri, and three novel species, viz. Ap.bambusicaulis, Ap.bambusirimae, and Ap.bambusilentiginis. Illustrations and descriptions of these taxa are provided.

Highly diverse endophytic fungi from Serra do Amolar-Pantanal (Brazil) producing bioactive secondary metabolites against phytopathogens

Introduction

The exploration of new bioactive compounds for agricultural applications is critical for sustainable development. Endophytic fungi, particularly those from underexplored biomes in Brazil, represent a promising source of natural compounds. This study focused on isolation and bioprospecting endophytic fungi from the medicinal plant Vochysia divergens (Pohl), grown in Serra do Amolar (Brazilian Pantanal Biome), with an additional emphasis on conserving microbial biodiversity.

Methods and results

Leaves and petioles were collected from 18 V. divergens specimens, from which 293 endophytes were isolated and grouped by morphological characteristics into 91 phenotypes. One representative of each phenotype was selected for secondary metabolite extraction and taxonomic identification. Fungi belonging to 27 families and 32 different genera were identified, with Diaporthe, Phyllosticta, and Pseudofusicoccum as the most predominant. We also introduce and describe a new endophytic species, Diaporthe amolarensis. Multiple extracts inhibited mycelial growth of the phytopathogenic fungus Colletotrichum abscissum, with a superior effect compared to the fungicide control. These extracts were produced by Diaporthe amolarensis, Xylaria arbuscula, and Nemania primolutea. Additionally, the extract from one X. arbuscula isolate displayed moderate activity against the phytopathogen Phyllosticta citricarpa. HPLC-UV and HPLC-MS analyses of these most inhibitory extracts revealed natural products with beneficial potential that need characterization and to have their modes of action elucidated.

Discussion

Finally, a very important contribution of this study was the ex situ conservation of the biodiversity of the Serra do Amolar, allowing future studies and biotechnological applications involving endophytes from this region.

Sporocadaceae revisited

Sporocadaceae is a species-rich and cosmopolitan fungal family including species of plant pathogens, endophytes or saprobes, and parasites of humans and animals. The taxonomy of Sporocadaceae has recently been revised using a polyphasic approach. However, much remains unknown about the diversity of species and their host associations. A collection of 488 strains, mostly from China and associated with 129 host plant species, was studied based on morphological comparisons and multi-locus (LSU, ITS, tef-1α, tub2, and rpb2) phylogenies. Our results revealed that they belonged to 86 species, one new genus (Cavernicola gen. nov.) and seven known genera, including Discosia, Monochaetia, Neopestalotiopsis, Pestalotiopsis, Seimatosporium, Seiridium and Sporocadus. Of these, 43 new species and three new combinations (Dis. kaki, Mon. bulbophylli, and Neo. keteleeriae) are proposed in this paper. In addition, Neo. vaccinii, Pes. kaki and Pes. nanjingensis are synonymised under Neo. hispanica, Pes. menhaiensis and Pes. sichuanensis, respectively. We also corrected seven problematic sequences of type materials of previously published species, namely Neo. iranensis (tef-1α, ITS, tub2), Pes. jesteri (tef-1α), Pes. photinicola (ITS, tub2) and Pes. yunnanensis (ITS). Based on this study, Pestalotiopsis and Neopestalotiopsis are the most commonly detected genera within the Sporocadaceae family, associated with 84 and 70 plant species, respectively. Furthermore, considering the importance of Sporocadaceae and the fact that commonly used loci provide little valid information for species delimitation in this family, especially for Neopestalotiopsis and Pestalotiopsis, we initiated a phylogenomic project in this study. It will not only contribute to the knowledge of species boundaries but will also provide an important basis for evolutionary studies and research on secondary metabolites in Sporocadaceae. Taxonomic novelties: New genus: Cavernicola P. Razaghi, F. Liu & L. Cai. New species: Cavernicola guangxiensis P. Razaghi, F. Liu & L. Cai, Discosia ascidiata P. Razaghi, F. Liu & L. Cai, Discosia jiangxiensis P. Razaghi, F. Liu & L. Cai, Discosia navicularis P. Razaghi, F. Liu & L. Cai, Neopestalotiopsis ageratinae P. Razaghi, F. Liu & L. Cai, Neopestalotiopsis castanopsidis P. Razaghi, F. Liu & L. Cai, Neopestalotiopsis celtidis P. Razaghi, F. Liu, M. Raza & L. Cai, Neopestalotiopsis collariata P. Razaghi, F. Liu & L. Cai, Neopestalotiopsis dimorphospora P. Razaghi, F. Liu & L. Cai, Neopestalotiopsis dolichoconidiophora P. Razaghi, F. Liu & L. Cai, Neopestalotiopsis fijiensis P. Razaghi, F. Liu & L. Cai, Neopestalotiopsis fimbriata P. Razaghi, F. Liu & L. Cai, Neopestalotiopsis fuzhouensis P. Razaghi, F. Liu & L. Cai, Neopestalotiopsis guangxiensis P. Razaghi, F. Liu, M. Raza & L. Cai, Neopestalotiopsis guizhouensis P. Razaghi, F. Liu, M. Raza & L. Cai, Neopestalotiopsis jiangxiensis P. Razaghi, F. Liu & L. Cai, Neopestalotiopsis liquidambaris P. Razaghi, F. Liu & L. Cai, Neopestalotiopsis machili P. Razaghi, F. Liu & L. Cai, Neopestalotiopsis megabetaspora P. Razaghi, F. Liu, M. Raza & L. Cai, Neopestalotiopsis moniliformis P. Razaghi, F. Liu & L. Cai, Neopestalotiopsis nanningensis P. Razaghi, F. Liu, M. Raza & L. Cai, Neopestalotiopsis phyllostachydis P. Razaghi, F. Liu, M. Raza & L. Cai, Neopestalotiopsis poae P. Razaghi, F. Liu & L. Cai, Neopestalotiopsis smilacis P. Razaghi, F. Liu, M. Raza & L. Cai, Pestalotiopsis alloschemones P. Razaghi, F. Liu & L. Cai, Pestalotiopsis americana P. Razaghi, F. Liu & L. Cai, Pestalotiopsis biappendiculata P. Razaghi, F. Liu & L. Cai, Pestalotiopsis cratoxyli P. Razaghi, F. Liu, M. Raza & L. Cai, Pestalotiopsis exudata P. Razaghi, F. Liu & L. Cai, Pestalotiopsis fusiformis P. Razaghi, F. Liu & L. Cai, Pestalotiopsis ganzhouensis P. Razaghi, F. Liu & L. Cai, Pestalotiopsis leucospermi P. Razaghi, F. Liu & L. Cai, Pestalotiopsis lobata P. Razaghi, F. Liu & L. Cai, Pestalotiopsis machili P. Razaghi, F. Liu & L. Cai, Pestalotiopsis multiappendiculata P. Razaghi, F. Liu & L. Cai, Pestalotiopsis pruni P. Razaghi, F. Liu & L. Cai, Pestalotiopsis rubrae P. Razaghi, F. Liu, M. Raza & L. Cai, Pestalotiopsis wulichongensis P. Razaghi, F. Liu, M. Raza & L. Cai, Seimatosporium tibetense P. Razaghi, F. Liu & L. Cai, Seiridium rhododendri P. Razaghi, F. Liu & L. Cai, Sporocadus cavernicola P. Razaghi, F. Liu & L. Cai, Sporocadus hyperici P. Razaghi, F. Liu & L. Cai, Sporocadus tibetensis P. Razaghi, F. Liu & L. Cai. New combinations: Discosia kaki (Kaz. Tanaka et al.) P. Razaghi, F. Liu & L. Cai, Monochaetia bulbophylli (S.F. Ran & Yong Wang bis) P. Razaghi, F. Liu & L. Cai, Neopestalotiopsis keteleeriae (Y. Song et al.) P. Razaghi, F. Liu & L. Cai. Citation: Razaghi P, Raza M, Han SL, Ma ZY, Cai L, Zhao P, Chen Q, Phurbu D, Liu F (2024). Sporocadaceae revisited. Studies in Mycology 109: 155-272. doi: 10.3114/sim.2024.109.03.

Revisiting Xylaria diversity in Southern China: Descriptions of 40 new species

The genus Xylaria comprises a diverse group of fungi with a global distribution and significant ecological importance, known for being a source of bioactive secondary metabolites with antibacterial, antioxidative, anticarcinogenic, and additional properties. In this study, we present a comprehensive taxonomic revision of the species of Xylaria found in some parts of southern China, characterized by an extensive multilocus phylogeny analysis based on internal transcribed spacer (ITS), TUB2 (β‐tubulin), and DNA‐directed RNA polymerase II subunit 2 (rpb2) gene regions. Morphological examination and detailed comparative analyses of the collected specimens were conducted to determine the distinctiveness of each species. The multilocus phylogeny approach allowed us to infer evolutionary relationships and assess species boundaries accurately, leading to the identification of 40 novel Xylaria species hitherto unknown to science. The newly described species are: X. baoshanensis, X. bawanglingensis, X. botryoidalis, X. dadugangensis, X. doupengshanensis, X. fanglanii, X. glaucae, X. guizhouensis, X. japonica, X. jinghongensis, X. jinshanensis, X. kuankuoshuiensis, X. liboensis, X. negundinis, X. orbiculati, X. ovata, X. pseudoanisopleura, X. pseudocubensis, X. pseudobambusicola, X. pseudoglobosa, X. pseudohemisphaerica, X. pseudohypoxylon, X. puerensis, X. qianensis, X. qiongzhouensis, X. rhombostroma, X. serratifoliae, X. shishangensis, X. shuqunii, X. shuangjiangensis, X. sinensis, X. tongrenensis, X. umbellata, X. xishuiensis, X. yaorenshanensis, X. yinggelingensis, X. yumingii, X. yunnanensis, X. zangmui, and X. zonghuangii. The study's findings shed light on the distinctiveness of the newly described species, supported by both morphological distinctions and phylogenetic relationships with their close relatives. This taxonomic revision significantly contributes to our understanding the diversity of Xylaria in China and enriches the knowledge of fungal biodiversity worldwide.

Classes and phyla of the kingdom Fungi

Fungi are one of the most diverse groups of organisms with an estimated number of species in the range of 2–3 million. The higher-level ranking of fungi has been discussed in the framework of molecular phylogenetics since Hibbett et al., and the definition and the higher ranks (e.g., phyla) of the ‘true fungi’ have been revised in several subsequent publications. Rapid accumulation of novel genomic data and the advancements in phylogenetics now facilitate a robust and precise foundation for the higher-level classification within the kingdom. This study provides an updated classification of the kingdom Fungi, drawing upon a comprehensive phylogenomic analysis of Holomycota, with which we outline well-supported nodes of the fungal tree and explore more contentious groupings. We accept 19 phyla of Fungi, viz. Aphelidiomycota, Ascomycota, Basidiobolomycota, Basidiomycota, Blastocladiomycota, Calcarisporiellomycota, Chytridiomycota, Entomophthoromycota, Entorrhizomycota, Glomeromycota, Kickxellomycota, Monoblepharomycota, Mortierellomycota, Mucoromycota, Neocallimastigomycota, Olpidiomycota, Rozellomycota, Sanchytriomycota, and Zoopagomycota. In the phylogenies, Caulochytriomycota resides in Chytridiomycota; thus, the former is regarded as a synonym of the latter, while Caulochytriomycetes is viewed as a class in Chytridiomycota. We provide a description of each phylum followed by its classes. A new subphylum, Sanchytriomycotina Karpov is introduced as the only subphylum in Sanchytriomycota. The subclass Pneumocystomycetidae Kirk et al. in Pneumocystomycetes, Ascomycota is invalid and thus validated. Placements of fossil fungi in phyla and classes are also discussed, providing examples.

New Helminthosporium (Massarinaceae, Dothideomycetes) and Nigrospora (Incertae sedis, Sordariomycetes) species associated with walnut (Juglansregia L.) in China

Six collections of ascomycetes were obtained from samples collected from dead branches and leaves of Juglansregia in Guizhou and Yunnan provinces, China. By incorporating multigene phylogenetic analysis (ITS, LSU, rpb2, SSU, tef1-α, tub2) supplemented by morphological data, we establish two novel species, namely Helminthosporiumguizhouense and Nigrosporayunnanensis. In morphology, H.guizhouense can be distinguished from H.caespitosum by its narrower conidia (13-16 µm vs. 27.3-35.5 µm), and N.yunnanensis is characterized by black, globose conidia (16.2 × 14.4 µm). The phylogenetic results further substantiated them as novel taxa. The present study contributes to our comprehension of the range of fungi found in Juglansregia, thereby expanding our knowledge of the diversity of fungi within this host.

Addition of three new species of Xylariomycetidae fungi on bamboo from Southern China

In our ongoing research on bambusicolous Xylariomycetidae fungi, three new microfungi taxa were collected and identified as members of the genera Amphibambusa, Arecophila, and Nigropunctata. Amphibambusaaureae sp. nov., Arecophilagaofengensis sp. nov., and Nigropunctataxiaohensis sp. nov. are introduced based on morphological comparisons and phylogenetic analyses using combined ITS, LSU, tub2, and tef1α loci. Comprehensive morphological descriptions, illustrations, and a phylogenetic tree showcasing the placement of these new taxa are provided. Additionally, keys to Amphibambusa and Nigropunctata are provided.

 Stromatolinea, a new diatrypaceous fungal genus (Ascomycota, Sordariomycetes, Xylariales, Diatrypaceae) from China

Molecular phylogeny and morphological characteristics of collections of diatrypaceous fungi from Guizhou Province, China, lead to the establishment of a new genus, Stromatolinea, and the identification of four new species and two new combinations. The taxa were found growing on the dead culms of Phyllostachys bamboo. The new genus is distinguished by its well-developed, discrete linear stromata with yellow interior tissue and allantoid subhyaline ascospores. The newly described species are Stromatolineagrisea, S.guizhouensis, S.hydei, and S.xishuiensis. Additionally, two new combinations, Stromatolinealinearis and S.phaselina, are proposed based on comparative analysis and morphology. Phylogenetic analyses were conducted using ITS and TUB2 sequences. The study includes comprehensive morphological descriptions, illustrations, and a phylogenetic tree depicting the placement of the new taxa.

Morphology and multigene phylogeny reveal four new Xylaria (Xylariales, Xylariaceae) species from karst region in China

This study presents the identification of four novel Xylaria species, discovered in the karst region of China. The discovery was facilitated by a rigorous analysis that encompassed both morpho-anatomical features and multi-locus phylogenetics utilizing sequences from the ITS, rpb2, and TUB2 loci. The newly identified species are designated as Xylariajichuanii sp. nov., X.nanningensis sp. nov., X.orientalis sp. nov., and X.taiyangheensis sp. nov. The distinction of these species from their known counterparts was verified through comparison of morphological features and phylogenetic analysis. The study further provides detailed morphological descriptions, illustrative representations, and a phylogenetic tree, all of which contribute to the taxonomic positioning of these novel species.

Novel discoveries of Xylariomycetidae (Ascomycota) taxa from peat swamp forests and other terrestrial habitats in Thailand

In a comprehensive survey of fungi conducted in the northern (Chiang Rai Province) and southern (Narathiwat Province) regions of Thailand, several xylariales-like specimens were discovered. Through the integration of molecular phylogeny and morphological analyses, one previously undocumented taxon, Oxydothisnarathiwatensis sp. nov., was identified, along with Xylariabawanglingensis and Hypoxylonhypomiltum as new host and geographical records from Afzeliaxylocarpa, and Dalbergiacana, respectively. In addition, Annulohypoxylonthailandicum was identified as a new host record from Swieteniamacrophylla in Thailand. The morphological characters, including ascomata, asci, and ascospores, were compared with known Oxydothis, Xylaria, Hypoxylon, and Annulohypoxylon species. Multi-locus phylogenetic analyses based on ITS, LSU, and SSU (for Oxydothidaceae), ITS, rpb2, tub2, and act (for Xylariaceae), and ITS, LSU, rpb2, and tub2 (for Hypoxylaceae) gene regions were carried out to refine the taxonomic classifications of these specimens further. This research contributes to understanding fungal diversity in these ecologically significant regions, highlighting insights into the relationships among xylariales-like species.

Phylogeny, Taxonomy and Morphological Characteristics of Apiospora (Amphisphaeriales, Apiosporaceae)

Apiospora is widely distributed throughout the world, and usually identified as endophytes, pathogens or saprobes. In this study, six strains were isolated from Bambusaceae sp., Prunus armeniaca, Salix babylonica and saprophytic leaves in Shandong Province, China. Three new species were identified based on a multi-locus gene phylogenetic analysis using a combined dataset of ITS, LSU, TEF1α and TUB2 in conjunction with morphological assessments. Apiospora armeniaca sp. nov., Apiospora babylonica sp. nov., and Apiospora jinanensis sp. nov. have been comprehensively described and illustrated, representing significant additions to the existing taxonomy.

Paramphibambusabambusicola gen. et. sp. nov., Arecophilaxishuangbannaensis and A.zhaotongensis spp. nov. in Cainiaceae from Yunnan, China

Morphological comparisons and multi locus phylogenetic analyses (base on the combined genes of ITS, LSU, rpb2 and tub) demonstrated that three new saprobic taxa isolated from bamboo belong to Cainiaceae. These taxa comprise a novel genus Paramphibambusa (P.bambusicolasp. nov.) and two new species, Arecophilaxishuangbannaensis and A.zhaotongensis. The three new taxa belong to Cainiaceae (Xylariales, Sordariomycetes) a poorly studied family, which now comprises eight genera. Paramphibambusa can be distinguished from other Cainiaceae genera in having ascomata with a neck and ascospores lacking longitudinal striation, germ slits or germ pores. The two new Arecophila species clustered in a clade with Arecophila sp. and A.bambusae. Detailed morphological descriptions, illustrations, and an updated phylogenetic tree are provided for the new taxa.

Anthostomella-like fungi on bamboo: four new genera belonging to a new family Pallidoperidiaceae (Xylariales)

This study investigates the phylogeny and taxonomy of Anthostomella-like fungi (Xylariales, Sordariomycetes) found in association with bamboo in Japan. Four new genera, Amphigermslita (including three new species, i.e., A. deformis, A. fusiformis, and A. pseudofusiformis), monotypic Crassipseudostroma (C. phyllostachydis) and Minuticlypeus (M. discosporus), and Pallidoperidium (two new species, P. exasperatum and P. paraexasperatum), and one known genus, Nigropunctata (one new species, N. complanata) are recognized and described. These five genera were found to constitute a distinct monophyletic lineage based on molecular phylogenetic analyses utilizing sequences of ITS and LSU nrDNA, rpb2, and tef1-α sequences. A new family, Pallidoperidiaceae, is proposed to accommodate these bambusicolous Anthostomella-like fungi. The identification of this lineage contributes to our understanding of the evolutionary relationships and classification of these bambusicolous fungi. It suggests that these five genera share a unique evolutionary history and possess shared morphological and ecological characteristics.

Three New Species of Apiospora (Amphisphaeriales, Apiosporaceae) on Indocalamus longiauritus, Adinandra glischroloma and Machilus nanmu from Hainan and Fujian, China

Apiospora is widely distributed throughout the world, and most of its hosts are Poaceae. In this study, Arthrinium-like strains were isolated from non-Poaceae in the Hainan and Fujian provinces of China. Based on the combined DNA sequence data of the internal transcriptional spacer (ITS), partial large subunit nuclear rDNA (LSU), translation extension factor 1-α gene (TEF1-α) and β-tubulin (TUB2), the collected Apiospora specimens were compared with known species, and three new species were identified. Based on morphological and molecular phylogenetic analyses, Apiospora adinandrae sp. nov., A. bawanglingensis sp. nov. and A. machili sp. nov. are described and illustrated.

Additions to Diatrypaceae (Xylariales): Novel Taxa and New Host Associations

Diatrypaceae members have a broad distribution and are commonly found on decaying wood. Despite taxonomic and morphological challenges within this group, there has been a growing interest in Diatrypaceae in recent years. The dead branches of several plant hosts with fungal fruiting bodies were collected from Doi Tung National Park, Chiang Rai, and the Narathiwat Provinces in Thailand. Their morphological characteristics, coupled with a molecular phylogeny of combined ITS and tub2 sequence data, were used to introduce two novel Allodiatrype species (A. dalbergiae and A. eleiodoxae) and one new Melanostictus species (M. chiangraiensis). Moreover, four new host records, Diatrypella heveae, D. major, Melanostictus thailandicus, and Paraeutypella citricola on Microcos paniculata, Nayariophyton zizyphifolium, Dalbergia cultrata, and M. paniculata, respectively, as well as a new geographical record of D. major are reported. This research provides detailed descriptions of macro- and microcharacteristics, coupled with a phylogenetic tree for the newly introduced species and host records. The morphological features of Allodiatrype and Melanostictus are listed in the synoptic table.

Palm Fungi and Their Key Role in Biodiversity Surveys: A Review

Over the past three decades, a wealth of studies has shown that palm trees (Arecaceae) are a diverse habitat with intense fungal colonisation, making them an important substratum to explore fungal diversity. Palm trees are perennial, monocotyledonous plants mainly restricted to the tropics that include economically important crops and highly valued ornamental plants worldwide. The extensive research conducted in Southeast Asia and Australasia indicates that palm fungi are undoubtedly a taxonomically diverse assemblage from which a remarkable number of new species is continuously being reported. Despite this wealth of data, no recent comprehensive review on palm fungi exists to date. In this regard, we present here a historical account and discussion of the research on the palm fungi to reflect on their importance as a diverse and understudied assemblage. The taxonomic structure of palm fungi is also outlined, along with comments on the need for further studies to place them within modern DNA sequence-based classifications. Palm trees can be considered model plants for studying fungal biodiversity and, therefore, the key role of palm fungi in biodiversity surveys is discussed. The close association and intrinsic relationship between palm hosts and palm fungi, coupled with a high fungal diversity, suggest that the diversity of palm fungi is still far from being fully understood. The figures suggested in the literature for the diversity of palm fungi have been revisited and updated here. As a result, it is estimated that there are about 76,000 species of palm fungi worldwide, of which more than 2500 are currently known. This review emphasises that research on palm fungi may provide answers to a number of current fungal biodiversity challenges.

Taxonomy and evolution history of two new litter-decomposing Ciliochorella (Amphisphaeriales, Sporocadaceae)

The genus Ciliochorella is a group of pestalotioid fungi, which typically occurs in subtropical and tropical areas. Species from the Ciliochorella genus play important roles in the decomposition of litter. In this study, we introduce two new species (Ciliochorellachinensissp. nov. and C.savannicasp. nov.) that were found on leaf litter collected from savanna-like vegetation in hot dry valleys of southwestern China. Phylogenetic analyses of combined LSU, ITS and tub2 sequence datasets indicated that C.chinensis and C.savannica respectively form a distinct clade within the Ciliochorella genus. The comparison of the morphological characteristics indicated that the two new species are well differentiated within this genus species. Analysis of the evolutionary history suggests that Ciliochorella originated from the Eurasian continent during the Paleogene (38 Mya). Further, we find that both new species can produce cellulase and laccase, playing a decomposer role.

Four New Endophytic Apiospora Species Isolated from Three Dicranopteris Species in Guizhou, China

Endophytic fungi isolated from medicinal ferns serve as significant natural resources for drug precursors or bioactive metabolites. During our survey on the diversity of endophytic fungi from Dicranopteris species (a genus of medicinal ferns) in Guizhou, Apoiospora was observed as a dominant fungal group. In this study, seven Apiospora strains, representing four new species, were obtained from the healthy plant tissues of three Dicranopteris species-D. ampla, D. linearis, and D. pedata. The four new species, namely Apiospora aseptata, A. dematiacea, A. dicranopteridis, and A. globosa, were described in detail with color photographs and subjected to phylogenetic analyses using combined LSU, ITS, TEF1-α, and TUB2 sequence data. This study also documented three new hosts for Apiospora species.

Addition of Five Novel Fungal Flora to the Xylariomycetidae (Sordariomycetes, Ascomycota) in Northern Thailand

The deviation of conventional fungal niches is an important factor in the implications of hidden fungal diversity and global fungal numbers. The Xylariomycetidae (Sordariomycetes, Ascomycota), which is also referred to as xylarialean taxa, has a wide range of species that demonstrate a high degree of variation in their stromatic characteristics, showing either conspicuous or inconspicuous forms. In this study, samples were collected while focusing on temporal and spatial parameters and substrate characteristics. Based on internal transcribed spacer (ITS), 28S large subunit rDNA (LSU), RNA polymerase II second largest subunit (RPB2), and β-tubulin (TUB2) multigene phylogeny and morphology, five new species are introduced as Muscodor brunneascosporus, M. lamphunensis (Xylariaceae), Nigropunctata hydei, N. saccata (Incertae sedis), and Xenoanthostomella parvispora (Gyrotrichaceae). Plant substrates in the early stages of decay and attached to the host were feasible sample niches, with an emphasis on the collection of inconspicuous, hidden xylarialean species. The appearance of inconspicuous saprobic xylarialean forms during the rainy season may be linked to the change in nutritional mode, from endophytic mode during the dry season to saprobic in the wet. Therefore, it would be fascinating to concentrate future research on how seasonal fluctuations affect nutritional mode shifts, especially in northern Thailand, which would provide the optimal spatial characteristics. In order to establish a comprehensive linkage between endophytic and saprobic modes, it is imperative to have a substantial representation of endophytic isolate sequences resembling inconspicuous xylariaceous fungi within publicly accessible databases.

Morphological and phylogenetic analyses reveal three new species of Apiospora in China

Species of Apiospora are distributed worldwide as endophytes, pathogens and saprobes. In this study, we analysed Apiospora strains isolated from diseased leaves in Yunnan Province and dead culms in Shaanxi Province, China and we identified fungal species based on multi-locus phylogeny of ITS, LSU, tef1 and tub2 genes, along with the morphological characters, host and ecological distribution. Analyses revealed three new species, namely A.corylisp. nov., A.lophatherisp. nov. and A.oenotheraesp. nov. and one known species A.arundinis. Illustrations and descriptions of the four taxa are provided, along with comparisons with closely-related taxa in the genus.

Insights from the Endophytic Fungi in Amphisphaeria (Sordariomycetes): A. orixae sp. nov. from Orixa japonica and Its Secondary Metabolites

Endophytic fungi are a remarkably diverse group of microorganisms that have imperceptible associations with their hosts for at least a part of their life cycle. The enormous biological diversity and the capability of producing bioactive secondary metabolites such as alkaloids, terpenoids, and polyketides have attracted the attention of different scientific communities, resulting in numerous investigations on these fungal endophytes. During our surveys of plant-root-based fungi in the mountain areas of Qingzhen, Guizhou Province, several isolates of endophytic fungi were identified. In this study, a novel endophytic fungus was discovered in the roots of a medicinal plant (Orixa japonica) in Southern China and introduced as a new species (Amphisphaeria orixae) based on morphological evidence and molecular phylogenetic analysis (combined ITS and LSU sequence data). To the best of our knowledge, A. orixae is the first reported endophyte as well as the first hyphomycetous asexual morph in Amphisphaeria. A new isocoumarin, (R)-4,6,8-trihydroxy-5-methylisochroman-1-one (1), and 12 known compounds (2-13) were isolated from the rice fermentation products of this fungus. Using 1D- and 2D-NMR, mass spectrometry, and ECD studies, their structures were identified. The antitumor activity of these compounds was tested. Unfortunately, none of the compounds tested showed significant antitumor activity.

Diversity, morphology, and molecular phylogeny of Diatrypaceae from southern China

During an investigation of Diatrypaceae from southern China, 10 xylariales-like taxa have been collected. Morphological and multi-gene analyses confirmed that these taxa reside in Diatrypaceae and represent eight novel taxa and two new records belonging to six genera (viz., Allocryptovalsa, Diatrype, Diatrypella, Paraeutypella, Peroneutypa, and Vasilyeva gen. nov.). Vasilyeva gen. nov. was proposed to accommodate Vasilyeva cinnamomi sp. nov. Among the other collections, seven new species were introduced (viz., Diatrype camelliae-japonicae sp. nov., Diatrype rubi sp. nov., Diatrypella guiyangensis sp. nov., Diatrypella fatsiae-japonicae sp. nov., Paraeutypella subguizhouensis sp. nov., Peroneutypa hainanensis sp. nov., and Peroneutypa qianensis sp. nov.), while two were reported as new records from China (Allocryptovalsa rabenhorstii and Diatrype enteroxantha). For Diatrypaceae, the traditional taxonomic approach based on morphology may not be applicable.

Fungal diversity notes 1512-1610: taxonomic and phylogenetic contributions on genera and species of fungal taxa

This article is the 14th in the Fungal Diversity Notes series, wherein we report 98 taxa distributed in two phyla, seven classes, 26 orders and 50 families which are described and illustrated. Taxa in this study were collected from Australia, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Chile, China, Cyprus, Egypt, France, French Guiana, India, Indonesia, Italy, Laos, Mexico, Russia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam. There are 59 new taxa, 39 new hosts and new geographical distributions with one new combination. The 59 new species comprise Angustimassarina kunmingense, Asterina lopi, Asterina brigadeirensis, Bartalinia bidenticola, Bartalinia caryotae, Buellia pruinocalcarea, Coltricia insularis, Colletotrichum flexuosum, Colletotrichum thasutense, Coniochaeta caraganae, Coniothyrium yuccicola, Dematipyriforma aquatic, Dematipyriforma globispora, Dematipyriforma nilotica, Distoseptispora bambusicola, Fulvifomes jawadhuvensis, Fulvifomes malaiyanurensis, Fulvifomes thiruvannamalaiensis, Fusarium purpurea, Gerronema atrovirens, Gerronema flavum, Gerronema keralense, Gerronema kuruvense, Grammothele taiwanensis, Hongkongmyces changchunensis, Hypoxylon inaequale, Kirschsteiniothelia acutisporum, Kirschsteiniothelia crustaceum, Kirschsteiniothelia extensum, Kirschsteiniothelia septemseptatum, Kirschsteiniothelia spatiosum, Lecanora immersocalcarea, Lepiota subthailandica, Lindgomyces guizhouensis, Marthe asmius pallidoaurantiacus, Marasmius tangerinus, Neovaginatispora mangiferae, Pararamichloridium aquisubtropicum, Pestalotiopsis piraubensis, Phacidium chinaum, Phaeoisaria goiasensis, Phaeoseptum thailandicum, Pleurothecium aquisubtropicum, Pseudocercospora vernoniae, Pyrenophora verruculosa, Rhachomyces cruralis, Rhachomyces hyperommae, Rhachomyces magrinii, Rhachomyces platyprosophi, Rhizomarasmius cunninghamietorum, Skeletocutis cangshanensis, Skeletocutis subchrysella, Sporisorium anadelphiae-leptocomae, Tetraploa dashaoensis, Tomentella exiguelata, Tomentella fuscoaraneosa, Tricholomopsis lechatii, Vaginatispora flavispora and Wetmoreana blastidiocalcarea. The new combination is Torula sundara. The 39 new records on hosts and geographical distribution comprise Apiospora guiyangensis, Aplosporella artocarpi, Ascochyta medicaginicola, Astrocystis bambusicola, Athelia rolfsii, Bambusicola bambusae, Bipolaris luttrellii, Botryosphaeria dothidea, Chlorophyllum squamulosum, Colletotrichum aeschynomenes, Colletotrichum pandanicola, Coprinopsis cinerea, Corylicola italica, Curvularia alcornii, Curvularia senegalensis, Diaporthe foeniculina, Diaporthe longicolla, Diaporthe phaseolorum, Diatrypella quercina, Fusarium brachygibbosum, Helicoma aquaticum, Lepiota metulispora, Lepiota pongduadensis, Lepiota subvenenata, Melanconiella meridionalis, Monotosporella erecta, Nodulosphaeria digitalis, Palmiascoma gregariascomum, Periconia byssoides, Periconia cortaderiae, Pleopunctum ellipsoideum, Psilocybe keralensis, Scedosporium apiospermum, Scedosporium dehoogii, Scedosporium marina, Spegazzinia deightonii, Torula fici, Wiesneriomyces laurinus and Xylaria venosula. All these taxa are supported by morphological and multigene phylogenetic analyses. This article allows the researchers to publish fungal collections which are important for future studies. An updated, accurate and timely report of fungus-host and fungus-geography is important. We also provide an updated list of fungal taxa published in the previous fungal diversity notes. In this list, erroneous taxa and synonyms are marked and corrected accordingly.

Re-Evaluating Botryosphaeriales: Ancestral State Reconstructions of Selected Characters and Evolution of Nutritional Modes

Botryosphaeriales (Dothideomycetes, Ascomycota) occur in a wide range of habitats as endophytes, saprobes, and pathogens. The order Botryosphaeriales has not been subjected to evaluation since 2019 by Phillips and co-authors using phylogenetic and evolutionary analyses. Subsequently, many studies introduced novel taxa into the order and revised several families separately. In addition, no ancestral character studies have been conducted for this order. Therefore, in this study, we re-evaluated the character evolution and taxonomic placements of Botryosphaeriales species based on ancestral character evolution, divergence time estimation, and phylogenetic relationships, including all the novel taxa that have been introduced so far. Maximum likelihood, maximum parsimony, and Bayesian inference analyses were conducted on a combined LSU and ITS sequence alignment. Ancestral state reconstruction was carried out for conidial colour, septation, and nutritional mode. Divergence times estimates revealed that Botryosphaeriales originated around 109 Mya in the early epoch of the Cretaceous period. All six families in Botryosphaeriales evolved in the late epoch of the Cretaceous period (66-100 Mya), during which Angiosperms also appeared, rapidly diversified and became dominant on land. Families of Botryosphaeriales diversified during the Paleogene and Neogene periods in the Cenozoic era. The order comprises the families Aplosporellaceae, Botryosphaeriaceae, Melanopsaceae, Phyllostictaceae, Planistromellaceae and Saccharataceae. Furthermore, current study assessed two hypotheses; the first one being "All Botryosphaeriales species originated as endophytes and then switched into saprobes when their hosts died or into pathogens when their hosts were under stress"; the second hypothesis states that "There is a link between the conidial colour and nutritional mode in botryosphaerialean taxa". Ancestral state reconstruction and nutritional mode analyses revealed a pathogenic/saprobic nutritional mode as the ancestral character. However, we could not provide strong evidence for the first hypothesis mainly due to the significantly low number of studies reporting the endophytic botryosphaerialean taxa. Results also showed that hyaline and aseptate conidia were ancestral characters in Botryosphaeriales and supported the relationship between conidial pigmentation and the pathogenicity of Botryosphaeriales species.

Morphological and phylogenetic analyses reveal two new species and a new record of Apiospora (Amphisphaeriales, Apiosporaceae) in China

The genus Apiospora includes endophytes, pathogens and saprobes, with a wide host range and geographic distribution. In this paper, six Apiospora strains isolated from diseased and healthy tissues of bamboo leaves from Hainan and Shandong provinces in China were classified using a multi-locus phylogeny based on a combined dataset of ITS, LSU, tef1 and tub2, in conjunction with morphological characters, host association and ecological distribution. Two new species, Apiosporadongyingensis and A.hainanensis, and a new record of A.pseudosinensis in China, are described based on their distinct phylogenetic relationships and morphological analyses. Illustrations and descriptions of the three taxa are provided, along with comparisons with closely related taxa in the genus.

About spirals and pores: Xylariaceae with remarkable germ loci

Based on phylogenetic analyses of a multi-gene matrix of nuITS-LSU rDNA, RPB2 and TUB2 sequences and morphology, xylariaceous species with uni- to pauciperitheciate stromata and ascospores having a spirally coiling (helicoid) germ slit are revised and reclassified, including detailed descriptions and illustrations. The genus Helicogermslita is redefined and restricted to seven species with massive, erumpent, clypeus-like carbonaceous stromata, and Rosellinia somala is combined in Helicogermslita. Within the core Xylariaceae, the poorly known Leptomassaria simplex is shown to be closely related to Anthostoma insidiosum, for which the new genus Oligostoma is established, and Anthostoma rhenanum is demonstrated to be synonymous with O. insidiosum. The new genus Albicollum, characterised by immersed ascomata and a collar of white pseudostromatic tissues surrounding the ostioles, is established for Amphisphaeria canicollis, Anthostoma chionostomum, Sordaria (= Helicogermslita) fleischhakii and Anthostoma vincensii. Anthostoma ostropoides is synomymised with Albicollum canicolle, and Al. berberidicola, Al. longisporum and Al. novomexicanum are described as new species. Rosellinia (= Helicogermslita) gaudefroyi is transferred to the new genus Spiririma. Anthostoma amoenum and Euepixylon udum, both with a poroid germ locus, are shown to be only distantly related, and An. amoenum is reclassified within the asexual genus Digitodochium. Based on phylogeny, the genus Euepixylon is treated as a synonym of Nemania. A new species, Nemania ethancrensonii, which is closely related to the two formerly accepted Euepixylon species (E. sphaeriostomum, E. udum) but strongly deviates from the morphological concept of Euepixylon and Nemania, is described from the eastern USA. The genera Anthostomelloides, Clypeosphaeria, Digitodochium, Emarcaea, Induratia, Linosporopsis, Magnostiolata, Occultitheca and Spiririma are revealed to form a morphologically heterogeneous lineage in a basal position of Xylariaceae. Anthostoma vincensii, Quaternaria simplex and Rosellinia gaudefroyi are lectotypified, and Amphisphaeria canicollis, Anthostoma amoenum, An. rhenanum, An. vincensii, Quaternaria simplex, Rosellinia gaudefroyi and Valsa insidiosa are epitypified. Keys to uni- to pauciperitheciate xylariaceous genera with sigmoid to helicoid germ slits and to species of Albicollum are provided. Citation: Voglmayr H, Tello S, Jaklitsch WM, et al. 2022. About spirals and pores: Xylariaceae with remarkable germ loci. Persoonia 49: 58-98. https://doi.org/10.3767/persoonia.2022.49.02.

Insight into the Taxonomic Resolution of Apiospora: Introducing Novel Species and Records from Bamboo in China and Thailand

Taxonomic studies of bambusicolous fungi in China and Thailand have resulted in the collection of three fascinating saprobic coelomycetes strains. Morphology coupled with combined gene analysis of ITS, LSU, TUB2, and TEF1-α DNA sequence data showed that they belong to the genus Apiospora, family Apiosporaceae. A new species from Thailand, Apiospora mukdahanensis, and new records of A. locuta-pollinis from China are herein described. In addition, based on both morphological data coupled with phylogenetics and nomenclatural analyses, A. mori is proposed as a new combination. Maximum likelihood, maximum parsimony and Bayesian analyses were performed to clarify the phylogenetic affinities of the species obtained in this study. Newly obtained strains are compared with morphologically- and phylogenetically-related taxa. The comprehensive descriptions, illustrations, and updated phylogeny are provided and discussed for intra-and intergeneric relationships within Apiospora species.

Note on the genus Nemania (Xylariaceae) - first records and a new species of the genus from Iran

In a survey of xylarialean fungi in northern Iran, some specimens attributable to the genus Nemania were collected, cultured and sequenced. Morphological evidence and phylogenetic analyses of a combined ITS, LSU, RPB2 and TUB2 gene dataset confirmed the presence of Nemaniadiffusa and N.serpens in Iran for the first time. Furthermore, the new species N.hyrcana, which shows similarities to N.subaenea and its putative synonym N.plumbea, but significantly differs from the latter in its DNA sequences, was encountered. All species are illustrated, described and discussed. In the phylogenetic analyses, for the first time, the overlooked ex-type ITS sequences of the neotype of the generic type, N.serpens and that of the holotype of N.prava, were added to a multi-gene matrix of Nemania. This revealed that the two accessions of N.serpens (HAST 235 and CBS 679.86), for which multigene data are available in GenBank, are misidentified, while the Iranian accession of N.serpens has an almost identical ITS sequence to the neotype, confirming its morphological species identification. The two previously accepted species of Euepixylon, E.udum and E.sphaeriostomum, are embedded within Nemania and are revealed as close relatives of N.serpens, supporting the inclusion of Euepixylon in Nemania.

Rhizomaticola guizhouensis gen. et sp. nov. and Five Rosellinia Like Species Isolated from Decaying Wood

During the investigation of xylarialean taxa in China and Thailand, six rosellinia like taxa were collected. Rhizomaticola gen. nov. with type species of Rh. guizhouensis is established based on its morphology and multi-gene molecular data. Rhizomaticola owns no carbonaceous stromata and has black ascospores without a germ slit which are distinguished from those of Rosellinia, Dematophora, Stilbohypoxylon and Xylaria. Five rosellinia like species are introduced based on their morphology, inducing three new species (Dematophora populi,Rosellinia thailandica, Ro. vitis), one new record for China (Ro. cainii) and one known species (D. necatrix). Their descriptions and illustrations are detailed.

New studies on Apiospora (Amphisphaeriales, Apiosporaceae): epitypification of Sphaeriaapiospora, proposal of Ap.marianiae sp. nov. and description of the asexual morph of Ap.sichuanensis

In the present work, an epitype for Sphaeriaapiospora, the basionym of the type species of the genus Apiospora, Apiosporamontagnei, is selected among collections growing in the host plant species reported in the original protologue, Arundomicrantha. Most samples obtained from localities near that of the lectotype (Perpignan, France) belong to the same species, which is not significantly different from the clade previously named Ap.phragmitis, suggesting that this name is a later synonym of Ap.montagnei. In addition, the name Ap.marianiae is here proposed to accommodate a newly discovered species found in the Balearic Islands (Spain), and the asexual state of Ap.sichuanensis is described for the first time from samples growing in the same islands.

A new Arthrinium-like genus of Amphisphaeriales in China

Species of Arthrinium s. l. are usually known as endophytes, pathogens or saprobes occurring on various hosts and substrates and are characterised by globose to subglobose, sometimes irregular, dark brown and smooth-walled or finely verruculose conidia, always with a truncate basal scar. Currently, Arthrinium s. l. contains two phylogenetically distinct clades, namely, Apiospora and Arthrinium s. s. However, Arthriniumtrachycarpi and Ar.urticae have still not been properly classified. With new isolates from diseased leaves of Lithocarpusglaber collected in China, we propose the new Arthrinium-like genus Neoarthrinium in Amphisphaeriales. Based on the morphology and phylogeny of multiple loci, the new genus is established with the type species, N.lithocarpicola and three new combinations, N.moseri (syn. Wardomycesmoseri), N.trachycarpi (syn. Ar.trachycarpi) and N.urticae (syn. Ar.urticae) are added to this genus.

The numbers of fungi: contributions from traditional taxonomic studies and challenges of metabarcoding

The global diversity of fungi has been estimated using several different approaches. There is somewhere between 2–11 million estimated species, but the number of formally described taxa is around 150,000, a tiny fraction of the total. In this paper, we examine 12 ascomycete genera as case studies to establish trends in fungal species descriptions, and introduce new species in each genus. To highlight the importance of traditional morpho-molecular methods in publishing new species, we introduce novel taxa in 12 genera that are considered to have low species discovery. We discuss whether the species are likely to be rare or due to a lack of extensive sampling and classification. The genera are Apiospora, Bambusicola, Beltrania, Capronia, Distoseptispora, Endocalyx, Neocatenulostroma, Neodeightonia, Paraconiothyrium, Peroneutypa, Phaeoacremonium and Vanakripa. We discuss host-specificity in selected genera and compare the number of species epithets in each genus with the number of ITS (barcode) sequences deposited in GenBank and UNITE. We furthermore discuss the relationship between the divergence times of these genera with those of their hosts. We hypothesize whether there might be more species in these genera and discuss hosts and habitats that should be investigated for novel species discovery.