Actinopolymorpha pittospori sp nov., an endophyte isolated from surface-sterilized leaves of an apricot tree (Pittosporum phylliraeoides)

A member of the genus Actinopolymorpha, designated PIP 143(T), was isolated from the leaves of an Australian native apricot tree (Pittosporum phylliraeoides). The isolate was a Gram-reaction-positive, aerobic actinobacterium, with a well-developed substrate mycelium that fragmented into small rods. Phylogenetic evaluation based on 16S rRNA gene sequences placed the isolate in the family Nocardioidaceae. Strain PIP 143(T) was most closely related to Actinopolymorpha cephalotaxi 106-2230(T) (98.7%) and Actinopolymorpha rutila YIM 45725(T) (98.1%). Chemotaxonomic data, including cell-wall components, menaquinones and fatty acids, confirmed the affiliation of strain PIP 143(T) to the genus Actinopolymorpha. Phylogenetic analysis and physiological and biochemical studies, in combination with DNA DNA hybridization studies, allowed the differentiation of strain PIP 143(T) from its closest phylogenetic neighbours with validly published names. Therefore, a novel species is proposed, with the name Actinopolymorpha pittospori sp. nov. The type strain is PIP 143(T) (=DSM 453541 =ACM 5288(T) =NRRL B-24810(T))