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The Lichinomycetes is an independent lichenized lineage within the Ascomycota comprising ca. 390 species and 50 genera. Very few studies have dealt with family and genus classification using molecular data and many groups are in need of thorough revision. Thus, we constructed a multilocus phylogeny (mtSSU, RPB2 and mcm7 gene regions) including 190 specimens of Lichinomycetes belonging to 126 species. Ancestral state reconstruction analyses were carried out to trace the evolution of selected characters. The current classification scheme of the Lichinomycetes based on morphological and anatomical characters is in great conflict with the phylogenetic relationships resulting from the present study. The results suggest substantial non-monophyly at the family and genus levels. A revised classification is proposed here and an overview of genera accepted in the Lichinomycetes is given. Ancestral Lichinomycetes are reconstructed as crustose with pycnoascocarps and octosporous asci. We used a combination of characters to delineate groups including the ascoma development and the type of asci. The revised classification includes 11 new genera, five resurrected genera, and 54 new combinations distributed in four families (three emended and one new). Three new species are also described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A first checklist is provided for the lichenised fungi of Niue. Based on field-work undertaken during May 2024, when 130 collections were made over a 10-day period, 55 species are recognised, representing 33 genera and 22 families. Six genera include three or more species: Coccocarpia (5 species), Graphis (3), Lepidocollema (3), Physcia (6), Pyrenula (5), and Ramalina (3). In addition, nineteen collections referable to the genera Bacidia, Coccocarpia, Herpothallon, Leptogium, Megalaria, Pertusaria and Toninia could not be identified to species level due to infertile, immature, or depauperate specimens. This checklist is undoubtedly incomplete, and it is hoped that future studies will expand the island’s known lichen diversity. A number of the new records reported here for Niue are also first reports for islands of the wider Pacific Ocean or southwestern Polynesia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two corticolous species of Coenogonium viz., C. pseudonepalense and C. submoniliforme are described as new to science. Coenogonium pseudonepalense is characterized by a crustose, greenish‐grey thallus, pale‐orange apothecial disc and 13.0–17.0 × 2.5–3.0 µm ascospores. Coenogonium submoniliforme is characterized by appressed‐filamentous thallus, small‐sized apothecia (up to 0.4 mm in diameter), pale orange apothecial disc and 14.0–18.0 × 2.8–3.8 µm ascospores. Coenogonium lueckingii and C. pineti are new records for Indian lichen biota. An updated world key to the known species of Coenogonium is also provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sepultariella semi-immersa (Pyronemataceae, Ascomycota) was identified in a new locality for macrofungal diversity in Türkiye from Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University Terzioğlu Campus. S. semi-immersa, which constitutes a species comlex, is included in the Sepultariella clade. This study gives a detailed description of the species, geographical coordinates, photographs taken in its natural habitat, and its phylogenetic position in the genus Sepultariella based on molecular data. The Internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region sequence determined the evolutionary and phylogenetic relationship within the genus but S. semi-immersa, which might constitute a species complex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the study; 123 macrofungal samples were collected from different stations in Armutlu (Yalova) region between 2010 and 2017. As a result of field and laboratory studies, belonging to the Ascomycota and Basidiomycota sections; 6 orders, 16 families and 23 economically valueable species belonging to these families have been described. Taxa identified in the study; localities, habitats, collection dates and sample numbers are given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A meticulous morphological study of the genus Minimelanolocus and related genera reveals that several species within the genus are not congeneric. As a result, two new genera, Acuminavicula and Zelofuscophialis, are proposed to accommodate Minimelanolocus chimonanthi and M. bicolorata, respectively. Additionally, a new species, M. eucalypti, is proposed. Seven species of Minimelanolocus are reassigned to the genera Kylindria, Nigrolentilocus, Pyriculariopsis, Repetophragma and Thysanorea. Two synonyms are proposed for Belemnospora verruculosa and Repetophragma dennisii. The new combination Kylindria yunnanensis is suggested based on morphological and phylogenetic analysis. A synoptic table and illustrations of conidia of accepted species are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents the first-ever report of lichens from Sholayar 10 ha permanent plot, with a total of 38 species under 23 genera and 14 families. Of these, one species, Allographa cinerea (Fée) Lücking and Kalb reported as new to India, and nine species namely Coenogonium dilucidum (Kremp.) Kalb and Lücking, Crypthonia albida (Fée) Frisch, Enterographa divergens (Müll. Arg.) Redinger, Graphis indica J. Kalb and Kalb, Malmidea fuscella (Müll. Arg.) Kalb and Lücking, Malmidea piae (Kalb) Kalb, Malmidea subgranifera (Kalb and Elix) Kalb and Elix, and Porina subinterstes (Nyl.) Müll. Arg. as new distributional records to Kerala. The genus Crypthonia is reported for the first time in Kerala. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four species of lichens were reported as new to Lithuania: Flavoplaca arcis, Kuettlingeria teicholyta, Ramalina europaea, Xanthoria calcicola. Of these, two calcicolous lichens, Kuettlingeria teicholyta and Flavoplaca arcis, were recorded for the first time in the Baltic States. Two species, namely Cladonia turgida and Peltigera aphthosa, previously considered extinct, were re-found after more than 50 years in Lithuania. The conservation value of some of the listed species was discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lophium arboricola is known as a saprotrophic fungus from different substrates, but it was mainly reported from conifers. In this study, two strains of fungi found growing on resin were molecularly identified as Lophium arboricola. The species was isolated from the resin of Picea abies and Abies alba in Poland. It is the first report of L. arboricola from resin substrate and, simultaneously, the first indication of a resinicolous lifestyle of this species. Isolated strains were morphologically characterized. The phylogenetic analysis was conducted based on ITS and LSU rDNA regions. Moreover, it is the first published report of L. arboricola from Poland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two species of lichenicolous fungi viz. Didymocyrtis cladoniicola (Diederich, Kocourk. and Etayo) Ertz and Diederich, and Epicladonia simplex D. Hawksw., inhabiting Cladonia species are discovered as new records for India, besides four species known earlier from India. Cladonia, a dimorphic genus is one of the most suitable hosts for the fungal spores to colonize easily for the growth of lichenicolous fungi. The brief taxonomic descriptions of species, distribution and illustrations are provided to facilitate their identification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to report three new species of Conoideocrella and Moelleriella from Yunnan Province, Southwestern China. Species of Conoideocrella and Moelleriella parasitize scale insects (Coccidae and Lecaniidae, Hemiptera) and whiteflies (Aleyrodidae, Hemiptera). Based on the phylogenetic analyses of the three-gene nrLSU, tef-1α, and rpb1, it showed one new record species (Conoideocrella tenuis) and one new species (Conoideocrella fenshuilingensis sp. nov.) in the genus Conoideocrella, and two new species, i.e., Moelleriella longzhuensis sp. nov. and Moelleriella jinuoana sp. nov. in the genus Moelleriella. The three new species were each clustered into separate clades that distinguished themselves from one another. All of them were distinguishable from their allied species based on their morphology. Morphological descriptions, illustrations, and comparisons of the allied taxa of the four species are provided in the present paper. In addition, calculations of intraspecific and interspecific genetic distances were performed for Moelleriella and Conoideocrella. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Members of the fungal order Diaporthales are sac fungi that include plant pathogens (the notorious chestnut blight fungus), as well as saprobes and endophytes, and are capable of colonizing a wide variety of substrates in different ecosystems, habitats, and hosts worldwide. However, many Diaporthales species remain unidentified, and various inconsistencies within its taxonomic category remain to be resolved. Here, we aimed to identify and classify new species of Diaporthales by using combined morphological and molecular characterization and coupling this information to expand our current phylogenetic understanding of this order. Fungal samples were obtained from dead branches and diseasedleaves of Camellia (Theaceae) and Castanopsis (Fagaceae) in Fujian Province, China. Based on morphological characteristics and molecular phylogenetic analyses derived from the combined nucleotide sequences of loci of the internal transcribed spacer regions with the intervening 5.8S nrRNA gene (ITS), the 28S large subunit of nuclear ribosomal RNA gene (LSU), the translation elongation factor 1-α gene (tef1), the partial beta-tubulin gene (tub2), and partial RNA polymerase II second-largest subunit gene (rpb2), three new species of Diaporthales were identified and characterized. They are as follows: Chrysofolia camelliae sp. nov., Dendrostoma castanopsidis sp. nov., and Pseudoplagiostoma wuyishanense sp. nov. They are described and illustrated. This study extends our understanding of species diversity within the Diaporthales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Micarea (Ascomycota, Pilocarpaceae) is a large cosmopolitan genus of crustose lichens. We investigated molecular systematics and taxonomy of the poorly known Micarea melaeniza group focussing on M. melaeniza, M. nigella and M. osloensis. A total of 54 new sequences were generated and using Bayesian and maximum likelihood analysis of two markers (nuITS and mtSSU), we discovered two previously unrecognized phylogenetic lineages, one of which is described here as Micarea eurasiatica Kantelinen & G. Thor, sp. nov., morphologically characterized by pycnidia that are sessile to emergent, cylindrically shaped, with greenish-black K+ olive green, wall pigmentation and containing large mesoconidia up to 6 µm in length. The species is known from Japan and Finland. In addition, we show that the reproduction biology of M. osloensis has been poorly understood and that the species often occurs as an anamorph with stipitate pycnidia. We present a species synopsis and notes on pigments. Our research supports previous results of asexuality being an important reproductive strategy of species growing on dead wood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pleosporales is the largest order of Ascomycota which is distributed worldwide. Among the wide range of hosts, Pleosporales species are frequently isolated from palms. During the surveys of palm fungi from 2020 to 2021, rotting tissues of Licuala peltata var. sumawongii, Phoenix roebelenii and Trachycarpus fortunei were collected in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China. Fungal isolates were identified based on morphological characteristics and multi-gene phylogenetic analyses. In the present study, we introduce two new species viz. Byssosphaeria guangdongense and Paraconiothyrium guangdongensis. In addition, we introduce a new host record for Trachycarpus fortunei. Photo plates, detailed descriptions, and in-depth phylogenetic analysis results are provided for all identified taxa. Our findings expand the understanding of the fungi that are associated with palm hosts. Moreover, our data will contribute to the knowledge of the biodiversity of South China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three new species of thelotremoid lichens, Ampliotrema subglobosum Poengs. & Lumbsch, Ocellularia lichexanthonica Poengs. & Lumbsch and O. saxiprotocetrarica Poengs. & Lumbsch, are described and illustrated based on specimens from southern Thailand. Ampliotrema subglobosum is similar to A. globosum but differs by having larger ascospores with more septa. Ocellularia lichexanthonica differs from O. subdolichotata in ascomata diameter and by containing lichexanthone. Ocellularia saxiprotocetrarica is similar to O. gentingensis in ascospore length and the number of ascospore septa but has narrower ascospores and contains protocetraric acid. Fifteen species are reported for the first time for Thailand: Austrotrema bicinctulum (Nyl.) I. Medeiros et al., Baeomyces heteromorphus Nyl. ex C. Bab. & Mitt., Chapsa niveocarpa Mangold, Chiodecton sphaerale Ach., Erythrodecton malacum (Kremp.) G. Thor, Lecanora subjaponica L. Lü & H. Y. Wang, Leucodecton subcompunctum (Nyl.) Frisch, Myriotrema concretum (Fée) Hale, M. neoterebrans Frisch, Ocellularia khasiana (Patw. & Nagarkar) Kraichak et al., O. upretii S. Joshi et al., Pseudotopeliopsis scabiomarginata (Hale) Parnmen et al., Sulzbacheromyces sinensis (R. H. Petersen & M. Zang) Dong Liu & Li S. Wang, Thelotrema diplotrema Nyl., and T. isidiophorum (Kremp.) Zahlbr. Ampliotrema globosum (Hale) Poengs. & Lumbsch is proposed as a new combination. The genus Erythrodecton G. Thor is a new genus for the lichen flora of Thailand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new species of the genus Lecidella, one with a North American-maritime Antarctic distribution and one with a so far exclusively southern South American-maritime Antarctic distribution, are described using molecular and morphological tools. Lecidella ayazii is a species growing on soil and also on mosses and has so far been found on the Antarctic Peninsula, as well as in the alpine areas of the La Sal Mountains, Utah, USA and in the Kivalliq Region (Nunavut) in the north of Canada, whereas L. drakensis occurs mainly on siliceous rocks, rarely on mosses, and has been recorded on both sides of the Drake Passage in southern Patagonia and the Antarctic Peninsula. Phylogenetic analysis of the nrITS sequence data shows that both species belong in the L. elaeochroma clade, each forming a highly supported and distinct group. Furthermore, they also differ in morphological and chemical characters from the species described so far in this clade. In addition, five further accessions were recorded from the maritime Antarctic, which were placed in the cosmopolitan and heterogeneous L. stigmatea clade, of which one could be assigned to the bipolar species L. siplei. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper illustrates two species in the lichen-forming family Arthoniaceae from southern China, including a new species of Herpothallon, H. fibrosum L.L. Liu & Lu L. Zhang and a new record of Cryptothecia, C. striata G. Thor for China. Herpothallon fibrosum has fluffy, cylindrical pseudoisidia, like a bundle of fiber, and psoromic acid and confluentic acid are present. Furthermore, the new record of Cryptothecia striata has been identified by morphological, anatomical, chemical, and molecular studies. The systematic position of the two species was clarified by the molecular sequence data from the small subunit of the mitochondrial ribosomal DNA (mtSSU). Detailed taxonomic descriptions, chemical characters, comparisons, and discussion of the characteristics of similar species are provided for the two species; the relationship between Cryptothecia and Herpothallon is also discussed here. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on morphological, chemical and molecular studies, two new species of the lichen genus Letrouitia are newly described from China. Letrouitia arcuata is distinguished by its arcuate ascospores [8–10(–12)-locular, (28–)33–50(–62.5) × (8–)10–14.5 µm] and L. sinuosa by its ascomata with wavy margins and ascospores with lens-shaped locules [6–8-locular, (18–)19.5–32(–34) × (6.5–)8–14 μm]. In addition, L. magenta is reported for the first time as a new record in China, characterized by small and round ascomata. The descriptions, distribution and phylogenetic analysis of the respective species have been actualized and a key to the Letrouitia species known from China is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four species of the genus Sticta are described as new from Bolivia, based on morphological examination and phylogenetic analysis of the fungal ITS barcoding marker. Additionally, two species are reported as new to Bolivia (their identification confirmed by molecular data) and one previously reported species is confirmed by molecular data for the first time. Detailed morphological and anatomical descriptions are provided for all new species. Two of the new species, S. isidiolobulata Ossowska, B. Moncada, Lücking & Kukwa and S. madidiensis Ossowska, B. Moncada, Lücking & Kukwa belong to clade I, as defined in previous studies. In contrast, S. montepunkuensis Ossowska, B. Moncada, Lücking & Kukwa and S. macrolobata Ossowska, B. Moncada, Lücking & Kukwa, also described here as new to science, belong to clade III. Sticta isidiolobulata has an irregular to suborbicular thallus of medium size, with isidia developing into spathulate lobules, cyanobacterial photobiont and apothecia with entire to weakly-crenate margins. The large irregular thallus of the cyanobacteria-associated S. macrolobata has broad lobes, apothecia with verrucous to tomentose margins and cyphellae with raised margins, whereas S. madidiensis has a medium-sized, palmate to irregular thallus with a stipe, but without vegetative propagules and apothecia. Sticta montepunkuensis has large and irregular thalli with green algae as photobiont, apothecia with crenate to verrucous margins and urceolate cyphellae with a wide pore and a scabrid basal membrane. Two species, S. beauvoisii Delise and S. riparia Merc.-Díaz are reported as new to Bolivia (the latter also as new to South America) and belong to clade III. Sticta tomentosa (Sw.) Ach., species confirmed from Bolivia by molecular data, belongs to clade II. Sticta beauvoisii is characterised by a smooth yellowish-brown upper surface with darker apices and abundant, marginal isidia and a brown lower surface with golden-chocolate brown primary tomentum and sparse, golden-brown rhizines. Sticta riparia has a strongly branched thallus, with undulate lobes and abundant, marginal, palmate, grey to dark brown phyllidia and greyish-brown lower surface with the primary tomentum absent towards the margins. Sticta tomentosa has palmate, bluish thalli with white cilia and abundant, submarginal apothecia and creamy-white lower surface with a sparse, white primary tomentum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arthopyrenia parolinii Beltr. is one of the few species of the lichen genus Arthopyrenia A. Massal. described by Italian authors of the XIX century, lacking type formal association. In this regard, the name Arthopyrenia parolinii is hereby lectotypified using a specimen stored in the lichen herbarium of A.B. Massalongo at VER. Additional original material was found only at M, while another specimen at MSNVE , labelled as Spermatodium parolinii, although referable to this species, should not be considered as original material. Arthopyrenia parolinii is among the least well-known species in the genus. Given the genus Arthopyrenia is still very poorly known, it is important to clarify the original material of the species and propose the lectotyping. The selected lectotype is the only sample among the analyzed ones reporting complete data on the locus classicus; it conforms to the characters described in the protologue and comes from the Herbarium Beltramini. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cryptothecia and Myriostigma are important elements of crustose lichen communities in tropical to subtropical forests, but little research has been done on these two genera in China. Morphological and molecular phylogenetic approaches to investigate species diversity of Cryptothecia and Myriostigma from Southern China were carried out in this study. We find five species of Cryptothecia and Myriostigma in our study, including three new species (M. flavescens, M. hainana and M. laxipunctata) and two new records (C. bartlettii and C. inexspectata). In addition, a phylogenetic tree based on mtSSU, RPB2 and nLSU illustrates the placement of the five species and supports the delimitation of the three new taxa. Detailed descriptions of morphological, ecological and chemical characteristics and illustrations are provided for every species. A key to all known Chinese Cryptothecia and Myriostigma species is also provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atractilina Dearn. & Barthol. and Spiropes Cif. are genera of asexual fungi that comprise species mainly hyperparasitic on black mildews (Meliolales, Ascomycota). Although a common group of anamorphic fungi, they have been described up to now only by morphology and their systematic position is unknown. The present study provides a morphological treatise of all known species of Atractilina and Spiropes hyperparasitic on Meliolales, including insights into their systematic position, based on DNA sequences generated here for the first time. The study was conducted, based on 33 herbarium specimens and 23 specimens recently collected in Benin and Panama. The obtained DNA sequence data (28S rDNA and ITS rDNA) of A. parasitica and of two species of Spiropes show systematic placements in the Dothideomycetes and Leotiomycetes, respectively. The sequence data of the two Spiropes spp. do not group together. Moreover, the anamorph-teleomorph connection between Atractilina parasitica and Malacaria meliolicola, a pseudothecioid fungus, is confirmed. Three species in the genus Spiropes are proposed as new to science, namely S. angylocalycis, S. carpolobiae and S. croissantiformis. Four species are reported for Benin for the first time, three species for Panama and one species for mainland America. Atractilina and Spiropes are currently two genera with highly heterogeneous species and they might have to be split in the future, once the taxonomic concepts are validated by morphology and molecular sequence data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The tropical areas in southern and south-western Yunnan are rich in fungal diversity. Additionally, the diversity of seed flora in Yunnan Province is higher than in other regions in China and the abundant endemic species of woody plants provide favourable substrates for fungi. Rubber plantations in Yunnan Province are distributed over a large area, especially in Xishuangbanna. During a survey of rubber-associated fungi in Yunnan Province, China, dead rubber branches with fungal fruiting bodies were collected. Morphological characteristics and multigene phylogenetic analyses (ITS, LSU, SSU, rpb2 and tef1-α) revealed four distinct new species, described herein as Melomastia puerensis, Nigrograna lincangensis, Pseudochaetosphaeronema lincangensis and Pseudochaetosphaeronema xishuangbannaensis. Detailed descriptions, illustrations and phylogenetic trees are provided to show the taxonomic placements of these new species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wickerhamomyces is a well-known genus of the family Wickerhamomycetaceae in the class Ascomycetes. These fungi can survive in a variety of substrates and environments and perform many valuable roles in both industrial processes and the natural ecosystems. During our investigation of yeast diversity associated with plant materials, 53 Wickerhamomyces isolates were obtained from rotting wood and plant leaves collected in Fujian, Guizhou, Henan, and Yunnan Provinces of China. Isolates were identified as 14 Wickerhamomyces species, including 1 species known previously to occur in China (W. anomalus), 9 new record species in China (W. arborarius, W. ciferrii, W. edaphicus, W. lynferdii, W. pijperi, W. subpelliculosa, W. xylosica, W. strasburgensis, and W. sydowiorum), and 4 novel species (W. guiyangensis sp. nov., W. paramyanmarensis sp. nov., W. quanzhouensis sp. nov., and W. phyllophilus sp. nov.). This study presents a detailed account of these new species, illustrating their morphology and analyzing their phylogenetic relationships with other Wickerhamomyces species. Our study is the first comprehensive study on Wickerhamomyces species associated with plant materials from tropical and subtropical China. The results of this study update our understanding of the phylogenetic relationships, systematics, and ecology of Wickerhamomyces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Members of the lichen-forming fungal genus Oxneriaria are known to occur in cold polar and high altitudinal environments. Two new species, Oxneriaria crittendenii and O. deosaiensis, are now described from the high altitude Deosai Plains, Pakistan, based on phenotypic, multigene phylogenetic and chemical evidence. Phenotypically, O. crittendenii is characterised by orbicular light-brown thalli 1.5-5 cm across, spot tests (K, C, KC) negative, apothecia pruinose, hymenium initially blue then dark orange in response to Lugol's solution. Oxneriaria deosaiensis is characterised by irregular areolate grey thalli 1.5-2 cm across, K test (light brown), KC test (dark brown), apothecia epruinose, hymenium initially blue then dark blue in response to Lugol's solution. Both species share the same characters of thalli with black margins and polarilocular ascospores. The closest previously reported species, O. pruinosa, differs from O. crittendenii and O. deosaiensis in having non-lobate margins, thin thalline exciple (45-80 µm thick), short asci (55-80 × 25-42 µm) and K positive (yellow) and KC negative tests and divergent DNA sequence in the ITS, LSU and mt SSU regions. The newly-described Oxneriaria species add to growing evidence of the Deosai Plains as a region of important arctic-alpine biodiversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The lichenised fungal genus Pyrenula is a very common crustose lichen element in tropical to subtropical forests, but little research has been done on this genus in China. During our study on Pyrenula in China, based on morphological characteristics, chemical traits and molecular phylogenetic analysis (ITS and nuLSU), three new 3-septate species with red or orange oil in over-mature ascospores were found: Pyrenula inspersa sp. nov., P. thailandicoides sp. nov. and P. apiculata sp. nov. Compared to the known 3-septate species of Pyrenula with red or orange oil, P. inspersa is characterised by the inspersed hamathecium; P. thailandicoides is characterised by the IKI+ red hamathecium and the existence of an unknown lichen substance; and P. apiculata is characterised by the absence of endospore layers in the spore tips and the absence of pseudocyphellae. It is reported for the first time that the presence of a gelatinous halo around the ascospores of Pyrenula is common. A word key for the Pyrenula species with red or orange oil in over-mature ascospores is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two species of Ceratosporella collected on leaf litter of Mohru Oak Quercus floribunda in Uttarakhand, India, are described herein and compared with closely allied species. They are Ceratosporella deviata and Ceratosporella cheiroidea. Among them, C. cheiroidea is newly recorded from India. Morphological descriptions, illustrations, and comments are provided for the aforementioned species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Octospora pulchrispora Sochorová et Eckstein is described as a new species based on finds from the Czech Republic. It features a remarkable ascospore ornamentation formed by low, branching, cyanophilous ridges. It parasitises the acrocarpous moss Cynodontium polycarpon (Rhabdoweisiaceae) and induces galls on the rhizoids. In the phylogenetic analysis based on the LSU, SSU and EF1) loci, O. pulchrispora formed a highly supported clade with Octospora gyalectoides agg., O. leucoloma, O. gemmicola, O. axillaris, O. excipulata, O. bridei and two undescribed Octospora species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eurotiales is a relatively large order of Ascomycetes, well-known for their ability to produce secondary metabolites with potential beneficial applications. To understand their diversity and distribution, different environmental sources including soil, freshwater, insect, and indoor air were investigated. Eight strains of Eurotiales were isolated and identified based on their morphological characters and a multi-gene phylogenetic analysis of the ITS, BenA, CaM, and RPB2 regions. We identified eight taxa that were previously not reported from Korea: Aspergillus baeticus, A. griseoaurantiacus, A. spinulosporus, Penicillium anthracinoglaciei, P. labradorum, P. nalgiovense, Talaromyces atroroseus, and T. georgiensis. Detailed descriptions, illustrations, and phylogenetic tree for the eight new records species are presented, and information regarding the records is also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article represents information about the known diversity of xylarialean fungi of Bulgaria. Fifty-seven species, including three varieties and one subspecies, are listed in five families of Xylariales in alphabetical order. Information on the species distribution by floristic regions and their host plants or substrata is included. Anthostoma decipiens is reported for the first time for Bulgaria, and Hypoxylon howeanum has been recorded on Diatrype stigma. The first molecular results are reported for Diatrypella quercina, Hypoxylon fuscum, H. fragiforme, and Jackrogersella cohaerens from Bulgaria, based on the examination of some recent Bulgarian collections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Toninia pakistanica sp. nov. is described from Darel Valley, Gilgit Baltistan, Pakistan. Its place within the genus Toninia A. Massal. was validated by a comparative morpho-anatomical investigation and ITS based molecular studies. The taxon is characterized by dark brown lobate squamules, epruinose to weakly pruinose with dark olive to black thallus, densely pruinose upper surface, more thicker epinecral layer 60 µm, 25–45 µm thick grey to blackish grey lower cortex and with the absence of apothecia and secondary metabolites. Its positioning in a separate branch in the phylogenetic tree also makes it distinct from the other known species. Phylogenetic analysis based on ITS-nrDNA sequencing placed our species relative to Toninia cinereovirens (Schaer.) A. Massal. Kiliasia nordlandica (Th. Fr.) Kistenich, Timdal, Bendiksby & S. Ekman is included and reported as new record to Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cryptic species are common in lichen-forming fungi and have been reported from different genera in the most speciose family, Parmeliaceae. Herein, we address species delimitation in a group of mainly asexually reproducing Parmelina species. The morphologically distinct P. pastillifera was previously found nested within a morphologically circumscribed P. tiliacea based on several loci. However, these studies demonstrated a relatively high genetic diversity within P. tiliacea sensu lato. Here, we revisit the species delimitation in the group by analyzing single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) through genome-wide assessment using Restriction-Site-Associated sequencing and population genomic methods. Our data support previous studies and provide further insight into the phylogenetic relationships of the four clades found within the complex. Based on the evidence suggesting a lack of gene flow among the clades, we recognize the four clades as distinct species, P. pastillifera and P. tiliacea sensu stricto, and two new species, P. clandestina sp. nov. and P. mediterranea sp. nov. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Applying molecular methods to fungi establishing lichenized associations with green algae or cyanobacteria has repeatedly revealed the existence of numerous phylogenetic taxa overlooked by classical taxonomic approaches. Here, we report taxonomical conclusions based on multiple species delimitation and validation analyses performed on an eight-locus dataset that includes world-wide representatives of the dolichorhizoid and scabrosoid clades in section Polydactylon of the genus Peltigera. Following the recommendations resulting from a consensus species delimitation approach and additional species validation analysis (BPP) performed in this study, we present a total of 25 species in the dolichorhizoid clade and nine in the scabrosoid clade, including respectively 18 and six species that are new to science and formally described. Additionally, one combination and three varieties (including two new to science) are proposed in the dolichorhizoid clade. The following 24 new species are described: P. appalachiensis, P. asiatica, P. borealis, P. borinquensis, P. chabanenkoae, P. clathrata, P. elixii, P. esslingeri, P. flabellae, P. gallowayi, P. hawaiiensis, P. holtanhartwigii, P. itatiaiae, P. hokkaidoensis, P. kukwae, P. massonii, P. mikado, P. nigriventris, P. orientalis, P. rangiferina, P. sipmanii, P. stanleyensis, P. vitikainenii and P. willdenowii; the following new varieties are introduced: P. kukwae var. phyllidiata and P. truculenta var. austroscabrosa; and the following new combination is introduced: P. hymenina var. dissecta. Each species from the dolichorhizoid and scabrosoid clades is morphologically and chemically described, illustrated, and characterised with ITS sequences. Identification keys are provided for the main biogeographic regions where species from the two clades occur. Morphological and chemical characters that are commonly used for species identification in the genus Peltigera cannot be applied to unambiguously recognise most molecularly circumscribed species, due to high variation of thalli formed by individuals within a fungal species, including the presence of distinct morphs in some cases, or low interspecific variation in others. The four commonly recognised morphospecies: P. dolichorhiza, P. neopolydactyla, P. pulverulenta and P. scabrosa in the dolichorhizoid and scabrosoid clades represent species complexes spread across multiple and often phylogenetically distantly related lineages. Geographic origin of specimens is often helpful for species recognition; however, ITS sequences are frequently required for a reliable identification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: The Funga of the Patagonian Nothofagus forests is being studied since the late 19th century, but despite many efforts is still far from being completely known. The aim of this paper is to present detailed descriptions and data on geographical distribution of some genera and species of mitosporic ascomycetes that constitute new records for Argentina and for the Neotropical Region. M&M: Bark and woody debris from native Nothofagaceae were collected and studied. Reproductive structures were hand-sectioned and examined following traditional mycological techniques. Results: Six species of mitosporic ascomycetes were identified: Avettaea salvadorae, Bactrodesmium atrum, Dwiroopa ramya, Gilmaniella multiporosa, Monodictys paradoxa and Pycnopeziza quisquiliaris. Full descriptions, comments on identification and data on distribution and habitat of each species are provided, along with photographs illustrating diagnostic features. Conclusions: Two genera, Dwiroopa and Pycnopeziza, and one species, M. paradoxa, are registered for the first time in the Neotropical Region, two other species are first recorded in South America (B. atrum and G. multiporosa). This constitutes the second record of A. salvadorae in the continent, thus expanding its area of distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Varicellaria was originally erected for a single species that was similar to the species then included in Pertusaria, which all had simple ascospores, but differed in having 1-septate ascospores. However, a molecular analysis has shown that septate ascospores is not a genus-level trait in the group and that Varicellaria was better characterised by the thallus containing lecanoric acid, and several species lacking a septum have subsequently been transferred to Varicellaria from Pertusaria. Here, Varicellaria cacuminum is described as new to science from rocks on the summits of several mountains on Campbell Island/ Motu Ihupuku, New Zealand. It is characterised by the thallus lacking soralia, the presence of lecanoric acid, and huge ascospores up to 315 µm long. The new species is compared with other members of the genus and Pertusaria otagoana, a species with similar sized ascospores. Pertusaria otagoana, which has only been reported from its type locality near Dunedin, is also reported from Campbell Island and South Island, New Zealand. The status of the New Zealand species of Pertusaria transferred to Lepra is discussed and it is concluded that Pertusaria erubescens and P. muricata should be retained in Pertusaria, whereas it is not currently possible to determine the correct generic placement of the other three species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Estuaries are considered promising habitats for the presence of marine and freshwater fungal species because of their favourable environmental conditions. Janhula paraensis sp. nov. was found on decaying wood collected in the intertidal zone in fluvial beaches of Mosqueiro Island, Pará, Brazil. The new species differs from others in the genus by its morphology including dark brown ascospores, with thick and dark bands at septum when mature, a hyaline cap at both ends and the absence of a mucilaginous sheath. It was not possible to obtain molecular data for the new species. New records of Boerlagiomyces websteri, Corollospora pseudopulchella, Falciformispora lignatilis, and Savoryella lignicola for South America and Annulusmagnus triseptatus for Brazil are reported. Morphological descriptions and illustrations are presented for all species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

More specimens of Hydnotrya have been collected from southwestern China in recent years. Morphological and molecular analyses showed that they belonged to three species of Hydnotrya, of which two are new to science, H. oblongispora and H. zayuensis. The third one was H. laojunshanensis, previously reported in 2013. The new species are described, and their relationship to other species of Hydnotrya is discussed. H. laojunshanensis is re-described in more detail. The main morphological characters of 17 species of Hydnotrya are compared and a key to them is provided as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species, Byssoloma orientale K. Miyaz. & Y. Ohmura, is described from East Asia. It is characterized by a minutely farinose light green thallus, apothecia with a well-developed byssoid margin that spreads laterally over the thallus surface, a pure black apothecial disc caused by the presence of an aeruginous pigment in the epithecium, (7–)9–12(–17)-septate cylindrical colourless ascospores, and oblong conidia. This species grows on living leaves as well as on tree bark. The molecular phylogenetic position of B. orientale within this genus was inferred based on mtSSU sequences, and the species was shown to be closely related to B. vanderystii , which has up to 7-septate ascospores and an absence of aeruginous pigment in the epithecium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A first integrative survey of the genus Usnea in the southern Philippines, taking into account morphological, anatomical, chemical and molecular characters, resulted in the recognition of 20 taxa, including three species new to science: Usnea angulata Ach., U. baileyi (Stirt.) Zahlbr., U. bismolliuscula Zahlbr., U. brasiliensis (Zahlbr.) Motyka, U. confusa Asah., U. croceorubescens Stirt., U. dasaea Stirt., U. himalayana C. Bab., U. krogiana P. Clerc, U. longissima Ach., U. nidifica Taylor, U. norsticornuta A. Gerlach & P. Clerc sp. nov. (characterized by a moderately thick cortex and by the presence of norstictic acid), U. paleograndisora A. Gerlach & P. Clerc sp. nov. (characterized by an orange subcortical pigmentation in the medulla, with enlarging soralia and a moderately thick and shiny cortex), U. pectinata Taylor, U. pygmoidea (Asahina) Y. Ohmura, U. rubicunda Stirt., U. rubrotincta (Stirt.) Zahlbr., U. spinulifera (Vain.) Motyka, U. subscabrosa Motyka and U. yoshihitoi P. Clerc & A. Gerlach sp. nov. (characterized by a lax medulla with non-conglutinated hyphae). Usnea krogiana is a new record for Asia; Usnea brasiliensis , Usnea confusa and U. croceorubescens are new records for the Philippines. This is the first phylogenetic study to include DNA sequences of Usnea from the Philippines. Molecular data from the ITS rDNA (76 newly generated sequences) are presented for most taxa except for U. himalayana , U. longissima and U. subscabrosa. At least six further taxa remain unidentified, awaiting the collection of additional specimens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thelocarpon periphysatum sp. nov. is described from marl quarries in the Netherlands. The species is characterized by perithecioid ascomata that have a green-yellowish ring around the ostiole, abundant periphyses and periphysoids that are up to 120 μm long, the absence of paraphyses and the wide, oblong and often somewhat asymmetrical ascospores. The perithecia are immersed in black cyanobacterial crusts on calcareous rocks. A worldwide key is provided to the 30 species of Thelocarpon that are currently accepted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a number of specimens of the genus Diploschistes were collected from different areas of Pakistan and characterized using morpho-anatomical and molecular techniques. The present work revealed that collected specimens belong to two species of genus Diploschistes i.e. Diploschistes gypsaceus and D. neutrophilus which are additions to the lichen biota of Pakistan. Complete morpho-anatomical descriptions, ecology and distribution, along with ITS-based molecular analysis are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The new genus Nimisora Pérez-Ort., M. Svenss. & J. C. Zamora is introduced to accommodate a puzzling lecideoid epiphyte common in the central Iberian Peninsula. Nimisora is characterized by the following combination of characters: lecideoid apothecia, excipulum composed of sparingly branched radiating hyphae with narrow lumina, thick walls and swollen terminal cells, the presence of a brown K+ olivaceous green pigment in the epihymenium, an ascus tip similar to the Bacidia -type, and the presence of simple ellipsoid ascospores. Molecular analyses based on nrITS, nrLSU and mtSSU sequences unequivocally place the new genus within the Lecanoraceae ; however, its phylogenetic affinities with other genera of the family remain largely unresolved. Comparisons with the morphologically closest genera are provided. The single species of the genus, Nimisora iberica Pérez-Ort., Turégano, M. Svenss. & J. C. Zamora sp. nov., is also described as new to science. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arthonia epipolytropa Hafellner & Grube and Arthonia subclemens Hafellner, Grube & Muggia are described as new to science. Both are specific parasites of Lecanora polytropa s. lat., but of differing pathogenicity and of very different appearance. Whereas the clearly parasitic Arthonia epipolytropa with its agglomerated ascomata is presently known with certainty from a number of localities along the arch of the Alps (Austria, Italy, Switzerland), other parts of Europe (Norway, Albania) and northern America (USA), the less harmful A. subclemens with its isolated sunken ascomata is currently known only from a small number of localities in the Eastern Alps (Austria, Italy) and various mountain ranges in southern Europe (Spain, North Macedonia, Greece). The species are compared with other Arthonia species known from Lecanora or one of its recently segregated genera. A key to the fungi regularly found on Lecanora polytropa s. lat. is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three twig-growing lichen species belonging to the family Teloschistaceae from southern Patagonia are described as new to science: Marchantiana pyramus sp. nov., with minute apothecia, orange due to dominant content of emodin, M. ramulicola sp. nov., with minute olive apothecia with dominant parietin and Austroplaca thisbe sp. nov., with clear yellow apothecia also with dominant parietin. Marchantiana subpyracea , M. epibrya and M. queenslandica are new combinations for species which, so far, are known only from New Zealand and Australia. Blastenia circumpolaris is shown to be very common in Patagonia and Marchantiana asserigena is documented for the first time from the Southern Hemisphere, viz. the Falkland Islands. The genus Marchantiana is analyzed here using three genes and is shown to be closely related to Yoshimuria ; although appearing as paraphyletic, a monophyletic origin cannot be ruled out. Morphology, ecology and distribution support a monophyletic treatment and Marchantiana is therefore treated as such. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The manna lichens, a group of vagrant species with subfruticose and subfoliose thalli in the genus Circinaria Link, have received attention for millennia. Here, a new manna lichen species, Circinaria nimisii sp. nov. (Megasporaceae), is described and illustrated. This vagrant lichen is found on Mount Olympus in Greece and is the fourth known manna lichen in Europe. The new taxon is characterized by its subfruticose, densely-branched thallus with a muddy, earthy colour, whitish pseudocyphellae on tips of branches, mature apothecia distinctly adnate to stipitate, and paraplectenchymatous cortex tissue. Molecular sequence data from the standard barcoding marker (nrITS) also corroborate the distinction of this species from closely related congeners. Finally, Agrestia zerovii , previously known only from its type locality in Ukraine, is proposed as a new synonym of Circinaria hispida. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Five species of Schaereria Körb. are known to occur in Australia (including Tasmania). The new species S. australis Kantvilas is described from alpine Tasmania and New South Wales; it is characterized by a thallus lacking lichen substances, apothecia with only brown pigments, and ellipsoid, uniseriate ascospores, 10−17 × 6−9 μm. Also treated are: S. bullata Kantvilas, endemic to Tasmania; S. dolodes (Nyl. ex Hasse) Schmull & T. Sprib., first described from North America and recorded here for the first time from the Southern Hemisphere (Tasmania); the bipolar S. fuscocinerea (Nyl.) Clauzade & Cl. Roux and the Australian endemic S. xerophila Rambold & H. Mayrhofer, both recorded for the first time from Tasmania. The species are illustrated and an identification key is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focused on the taxonomic evaluation of the genus Verrucaria Shrad (Ascomycota, Verrucariaceae) in northeast Iran. Lichen samples were collected from the Khorasan Razavi province and their morphological, anatomical, and ecological characteristics were investigated. According to the result, the species Verrucaria ahtii Pykälä, Launis and Myllys, Verrucaria cataleptoides (Nyl.) Nyl., Verrucaria dolosa Hepp., Verrucaria hochstetteri Fr., and Verrucaria muralis Ach., are new records from Iran. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article reports a new marine fungus, Lanspora dorisauae (Phomatosporales, Sordariomycetes, Ascomycota), on trapped wood collected in coastal sites of Taiwan. This new fungus was subjected to a morphological examination and a phylogenetic study based on a combined analysis of the 18S, 28S, ITS rDNA, TEF1-a and RPB2 genes. Lanspora dorisauae is characterized by dark-coloured ascomata with a short neck, periphysate ostioles, subclavate, deliquescing asci without an apical ring, presence of wide paraphyses, striated wall ascospores with crown-like appendages on one pole of the ascospores. Phylogenetically, L. dorisauae grouped with Lanspora coronata (type species) with strong support. Lanspora coronata lacks paraphyses and appendages occur on both ends of the ascospores, while paraphyses are present and ascospore appendage is unipolar in L. dorisauae. Lanspora cylindrospora formed a sister clade with L. coronata and L. dorisauae, but it significantly differs in morphology with the latter two species in having cylindrical asci with an apical Jring, smooth ascospore wall and no ascospore appendages, and may be better referred to a new genus. Lanspora, together with Phomatospora and Tenuimurus, belong to the Phomatosporaceae, Phomatosporales. Phomatospora berkeleyi should be sequenced to test the validity of the order Phomatosporales and the family Phomatosporaceae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Six species of Lecanora with multispored asci (multispored species) viz., L. flavothallina, L. himachalensis, L. jatoliensis, L. pruinomarginata, L. shimlaensis, and L. uttarkashiensis are described as new to science. Lecanora flavothallina is characterized by having characteristic yellow pigments at the thallus margin, L. himachalensis is characterized by having a chlarotera-type epihymenium and the presence of hypoprotocetraric acid, L. jatoliensis has pruinose apothecial discs and usnic acid, L. shimlaensis is characterized by having dark brown to black apothecial discs, and an allophana-type amphithecium. L. pruinomarginata has whitish pruinose apothecial margins and fumarprotocetraric acid, while L. uttarkashiensis is characterized by having orange-brown epruinose apothecial discs and zeorin. All six species are reported from Himalayan regions at elevations of 2000 to 3800 m. An updated world key to the known multispored species of Lecanora is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]