Morpho-phylogeny characterization of Linocarpon bambusina sp. nov. (Linocarpaceae, Chaetosphaeriales) associated with bamboo in Yunnan Province, China

Yunnan Province (China) is one of the most bamboo-rich regions in the world. In this study, a saprophytic fungus was collected from dead bamboo in Yunnan Province. Based on molecular phylogenetic analyses of combined LSU, SSU, and tef1-alpha sequence data, our collections grouped within Linocarpon and formed a separate clade with high statistical support. The morphological comparison showed that our collections has some characteristics such as semi-immersed ascomata, fusiform asci, and ascospores with 28-30 septa, which are different from other species in Linocarpon. Therefore, based on morpho-phylogenetic evidence, our collection is identified as a new bambusicolous species in China and named Linocarpon bambusina sp. nov. A full description, photo plate, and a phylogenetic tree are provided for the new species.

Automated summary

A new saprophytic fungus, named Linocarpon bambusina sp. nov., was discovered in the bamboo-rich region of Yunnan Province, China. Molecular phylogenetic analyses and morphological comparisons were conducted to confirm its distinct characteristics, such as semi-immersed ascomata, fusiform asci, and ascospores with 28-30 septa. The findings of this study contribute to a better understanding of the diversity in the bamboo ecosystem in China.