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A New Species and a New Record of Graphium from Freshwater Environment in Korea

Summary

Researchers found two types of fungi called Graphium in freshwater streams in Korea. One type (Graphium carbonarium) had been found before in other countries but never in Korea. The other type is completely new to science and was named Graphium aquaticum because it lives in water. This discovery is surprising because scientists previously thought these fungi only lived on wood and were spread by beetles, not in freshwater environments.

Background

The genus Graphium belongs to order Microascales and comprises known wood pathogens causing sapstain and wood degradation. While Graphium species are typically associated with bark beetles and wood, their presence in freshwater environments has not been previously studied. This investigation represents the first report of Graphium species from freshwater habitats in Korea.

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the genus Graphium in freshwater environments as a new habitat in Korea. The researchers isolated and identified fungal strains from freshwater samples using morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analysis to characterize new and unrecorded Graphium species.

Results

Strain CNUFC PYW4-15 was identified as Graphium carbonarium, representing a new record for Korea. Strains CNUFC BCW49 and CNUFC BCW48 were identified as a new species, named Graphium aquaticum sp. nov. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed these isolates formed distinct lineages within the genus Graphium.

Conclusion

This study describes the novel species Graphium aquaticum and documents a new record of G. carbonarium from freshwater environments in Korea. These findings represent the first report of Graphium species from freshwater habitats and expand knowledge of fungal biodiversity in Korean freshwater ecosystems, suggesting freshwater as a previously unrecognized habitat for the genus.
  • Published in:Mycobiology,
  • Study Type:Taxonomic Description and Characterization Study,
  • Source: PMID: 40321623, DOI: 10.1080/12298093.2025.2450892
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