Description of Dermea persica (Dermateaceae, Helotiales), a new asexual Ascomycete from Iran, and an updated key to Dermea species

We found one specimen of Dermea on dead branches of an unknown tree in Arasbaran forests of Iran in 2015. Based on phylogenetic analysis of combined ITS, LSU, SSU sequence data, as well as morphological observations, a new species of Dermea, D. persica, is described and illustrated here. This species, the only species of Dermea lacking a sexual morph, is mainly characterized by beaked pycnidia, hyaline to pale brown at the base and dark brown at the apex, opening by a circular ostiole, discrete or integrated conidiogenous cells with a minute periclinal wall thickening and falcate, aseptate conidia, 20-25(-30) x 2.5-3.5 mu m, and lacking microconidia. The relatedness between D. persica and its close relatives is discussed. An updated key to Dermea species is also provided.