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

Summary

Researchers discovered 12 new species of fungi growing on medicinal plants in Southwestern China. These fungi were identified using a combination of physical characteristics and genetic analysis. The findings help us understand the fungal communities associated with medicinal plants and may have implications for ensuring the quality and effectiveness of Chinese herbal medicines.

Background

Medicinal plants are crucial resources for preventing and controlling diseases, with approximately 25% of modern drugs derived from natural products. The quality of medicinal plants is influenced by various factors including fungal pathogens. The relationships between medicinal plants and microfungi remain an important research focus for understanding fungal diversity within specialized ecological niches.

Objective

To document and characterize hyphomycetous fungi associated with medicinal plants in Southwestern China through morphological and phylogenetic analyses. The study aims to expand understanding of fungal diversity on medicinal flora and establish foundations for exploring interactions between medicinal plant quality and associated microfungi.

Results

Thirty-nine hyphomycetous collections representing nineteen species were identified from three families (Dictyosporiaceae, Melanommataceae, and Stachybotryaceae). Twelve novel species were described including Camposporium alangii, C. polygoni, Dendryphiella verrucosispora, Jalapriya cheirospora, and five Memnoniella species. Three new host records and four new host and geographical records were reported, with Memnoniella nilagirica synonymized under M. pseudonilagirica.

Conclusion

The study provides comprehensive illustrations, descriptions, and phylogenetic evidence for 12 new fungal species and multiple new records from medicinal plants in China. This research marks the first report of these species from medicinal plant hosts and contributes valuable insights for quality assurance of Chinese herbal medicines and understanding fungal diversity in specialized plant ecosystems.
  • Published in:Mycology,
  • Study Type:Taxonomic and Phylogenetic Study,
  • Source: 10.1080/21501203.2024.2444436, PMID: 40937139
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