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Morphological and phylogenetic evaluation of a new species of Rhodoveronaea (Rhamphoriaceae, Rhamphoriales) associated with Quercus fabrei (Fagales) in Yunnan Province, China

Summary

Scientists discovered a new fungal species called Rhodoveronaea querci living on dead oak wood in Yunnan Province, China. The fungus was identified through detailed microscopic examination and DNA analysis, comparing it to similar species. This discovery adds to our understanding of the diverse fungi living on oak and other trees in Asian forests.

Background

Rhodoveronaea is a genus of saprotrophic fungi in the family Rhamphoriaceae. During mycological exploration of Fagales-associated fungi in Yunnan Province, China, a new species was discovered on decayed wood. The diversity and ecological roles of Rhodoveronaea within Fagaceae remain largely unexplored despite their occurrence in diverse ecological niches.

Objective

To establish and characterize Rhodoveronaea querci as a new species based on unique morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analyses of combined LSU, ITS, SSU, tef1-α and rpb2 sequences.

Results

Rhodoveronaea querci was identified as a morphologically distinct hyphomycete with straight or slightly flexuous, septate conidiophores and ellipsoidal to narrowly-obovoid, mostly 1-septate conidia. Phylogenetic analysis showed the species formed a sister clade to R. aquatica, R. hainanensis, and R. nieuwwulvenica with distinct genetic differences across all analyzed loci.

Conclusion

Rhodoveronaea querci represents a new fungal species enriching the taxonomic framework of Rhodoveronaea and expanding knowledge of microfungal diversity within Fagaceae in Yunnan. This discovery highlights the potential for discovering new fungal species on Fagales plants in understudied regions and the need for further investigation of Rhodoveronaea ecological roles.
  • Published in:Biodiversity Data Journal,
  • Study Type:Taxonomic Description, Phylogenetic Analysis,
  • Source: 10.3897/BDJ.13.e154654, PMID: 40703222
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