Groenewaldia (Lentitheciaceae), a new corticolous fungal genus from India

North-western India is well-known for its unique fungal biodiversity, especially for asexual Ascomycota. The present study introduces yet another new fungus from this region, characterized by forming unusual synnemata-like structures that give rise to pigmented dictyoconidia. Phylogenetic analyses, based on SSU, LSU, ITS, and TEF1 alpha sequence data revealed that this unique synnematous fungus formed a distinct lineage within Lentitheciaceae. Groenewaldiagen. nov., based on Groenewaldia indica, is introduced here for this fungus isolated from the bark of Eucalyptus tereticornis collected in the Hoshiyarpur area of the state of Punjab. Groenewaldia is the first synnematous member of Lentitheciaceae, having dictyosporous conidia. Phylogenetically, Groenewaldia is distant from all known genera of Lentitheciaceae and forms a basal lineage adjacent to Pseudomurilentithecium.

Automated summary

North-western India is a hotspot for unique fungal biodiversity, particularly asexual Ascomycota. A new fungus with unusual synnemata-like structures and pigmented dictyoconidia was discovered in this region. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that this fungus belongs to a distinct lineage within Lentitheciaceae, and a new genus called Groenewaldia is introduced for it. Groenewaldia is the first synnematous member of Lentitheciaceae and is phylogenetically distant from all known genera in this family, forming a basal lineage adjacent to Pseudomurilentithecium.