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Morpho-phylogenetic evidence reveals novel hyphomycetous fungi on medicinal plants in Southwestern China

Summary

Scientists discovered twelve new species of fungi growing on medicinal plants in southwestern China. Using microscopy and DNA analysis, researchers identified these fungi and studied how they relate to each other genetically. The study is important because these fungi can affect the quality of herbal medicines that millions of people use worldwide. This research helps protect medicinal plant quality and expands our knowledge of fungi in nature.

Background

Medicinal plants are important sources of biological ingredients used in disease prevention and treatment, with over 70% of the global population relying on them. Fungal pathogens and associated microfungi significantly influence medicinal plant quality and clinical efficacy. This study investigates the taxonomy and phylogeny of microfungi from medicinal plants in Southwestern China.

Objective

To characterize and identify hyphomycetous fungi collected from medicinal plants in Southwestern China using morphological and phylogenetic analyses. The study aims to expand understanding of fungal diversity within medicinal plant niches and contribute to quality assurance of Chinese herbal medicines.

Results

Thirty-nine hyphomycetous collections belonging to Dictyosporiaceae, Melanommataceae, and Stachybotryaceae were identified, representing 19 distinct species. Twelve novel species were described including Camposporium alangii, C. polygoni, Dendryphiella verrucosispora, and others. Three new host records and four new host and geographical records were reported.

Conclusion

The study documents substantial fungal diversity associated with medicinal plants in Southwestern China and establishes a foundation for exploring interactions between medicinal plant quality and associated microfungi. These findings contribute valuable insights for quality assurance of Chinese herbal medicines and expand understanding of fungal-plant relationships in specialized niches.
  • Published in:Mycology,
  • Study Type:Taxonomic Study,
  • Source: 10.1080/21501203.2024.2444436, PMID: 40937139, PMCID: PMC12422052
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