During an investigation of endophytic fungi associated with medicinal plants in Guangdong Province, China, a new species of Neoarthrinium was isolated from asymptomatic leaves of Kaempferia galanga (Zingiberaceae). The novel species, Neoarthrinium kaempferiae sp. nov., is introduced based on morphological characteristics and multi-locus phylogenetic analyses. It is characterized by smooth, cylindrical, ampulliform to subglobose conidiogenous cells, and globose to ellipsoidal, dark brown to black conidia that are mostly refractive blue in water mounts. Phylogenetic analyses of combined internal transcribed spacer (ITS), large subunit of ribosomal DNA (LSU), translation elongation factor 1-alpha (tef1-alpha), and beta-tubulin (tub2) sequences support the taxonomic distinctness of N. kaempferiae from other species in the genus. This study represents the first record of Neoarthrinium species associated with Kaempferia galanga, expanding the known host range of this genus.

Species within Distoseptispora have demonstrated an exceptional rate of expansion with an ongoing investigation of lignicolous microfungi from freshwater and terrestrial habitats. In just one year (2025), a remarkable 36 species were described. However, despite the substantial increase in documented species, our understanding towards the specific/generic delimitation of Distoseptispora remains insufficient. In this study, we explored a mangrove habitat, a special aquatic habitat under salt stress, for Distoseptispora to facilitate a comprehensive understanding of this group. The specimen was collected from an estuarine mangrove wetland at the Hanjiang River in Guangdong Province, China. Multi-locus phylogenetic analysis of a concatenated LSU, ITS, tef1-alpha, and rpb2 dataset and morphological study identified our new collection as a novel species, Distoseptispora mangrovei. Distoseptispora mangrovei is unique by its short, solitary conidiophores and variable conidia, which are solitary or occasionally catenate, mostly elongated, obclavate, not or slightly constricted at the septa, but sometimes deeply constricted at some septa. Percurrent proliferation from cut ends of conidia is also occasionally observed.

Vamsapriya species are primarily associated with bamboo substrates in Asian countries, including China. However, they have not been thoroughly investigated in Guangdong Province, where a high diversity of bambusicolous fungi has been discovered. In this study, a new species, Vamsapriya pseudosasae, was isolated from decaying culms of Pseudosasa japonica (Poaceae) in Guangdong Province. The identification is based on multilocus phylogenetic analyses (SSU-ITS-LSU-rpb2-tef1-alpha-tub2) and morphological characteristics. Vamsapriya pseudosasae differs from its closely related species V. yadongensis in having ovoid, obovoid, irregular-shaped, and dark brown to black conidia with a distinctly wider and darker septum. A morphological description and illustration of the holotype are provided, along with an updated phylogenetic analysis. In addition, the taxonomic problems between Diabolocovidia, Didymobotryum, and Vamsapriya are proposed and discussed. This study enhances the understanding of the diversity and geographical distribution of bambusicolous fungi in China and establishes a more robust phylogenetic framework for Xylariales species.

Online fungal databases are essential resources for nomenclature, classification, sequence identification, biodiversity assessment and applied mycology. However, because these databases are curated independently and updated at different times, inconsistencies in taxonomic placement can occur across platforms. In this study, we compared 10,693 genus-level records from the 2024 Outline of Fungi and fungus-like taxa with corresponding classifications in Species Fungorum, MycoBank, Fungal Names, GenBank and UNITE to evaluate the extent and nature of classification discrepancies among major fungal databases. Classifications were compared at the ranks of family, order, subclass, class, subphylum and phylum. Disagreements were detected at all examined ranks, with the highest number of conflicts occurring at the family level, followed by order, subclass, class, subphylum and phylum. Of the 10,693 genera included, 6,127 (57.29%) had differences between the 2024 Outline of Fungi and fungus-like taxa with corresponding classifications in Species Fungorum, MycoBank, Fungal Names, GenBank and UNITE. To provide biological context for these database-level patterns, selected case studies were examined from major fungal groups (in different ranks), including Agaricales, Diaporthales (Orders), Xylariomycetidae (Sub Class), Dothi¬deomycetes, Eurotiomycetes, Sordariomycetes (Classes), Basidiomycota (Phylum), lichenized fungi, plant pathogens, yeasts, and non-Dikarya (Sub Kingdom). These case studies illustrate how inconsistencies arise from rapid phylogenetic revision, unstable family boundaries, asynchronous database updates, incomplete adoption of recent classifications, inconsistent treatment of incertae sedis taxa, historical classification concepts, and cross-code homonyms. Particularly problematic were cases in which fungal generic names were linked to plant, algal and protist (Microsporidia and Rozellomycota) classifications in broader biological databases. Such inconsistencies have important consequences for fungal taxonomy, biodiversity inventories, ecological studies, sequence annotation, metabarcoding, plant pathology, medical mycology, biotechnology, and conservation research. The purpose of this paper is to show the inconsistencies across the main fungal databases in order to promote a move towards standardization and is not a criticism of any database, which requires huge resources to maintain. We, however, recommend improved synchronization among major fungal databases, the use of stable and kingdom-aware taxon identifiers, clearer treatment of homonyms and uncertain placements, complete hierarchical classifications, versioned updates, and links to supporting literature. This study highlights the need for a standardized, transparent and interoperable fungal classification framework to improve the reliability and reproducibility of fungal research.

Bambusicolous fungi comprise a diverse assemblage of species that inhabit a wide range of bamboo species. During an ongoing investigation of bambusicolous fungi in Guangdong Province, China, two interesting strains were isolated from decaying culms of Phyllostachys edulis and Bambusa sinospinosa. Based on morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analysis, the two collections are identified as the sexual and asexual states of a new species, Roussoella yangjiangensis. Roussoella yangjiangensis is characterized by bi-loculate ascostromata, cylindrical asci, fusiform, yellowish brown to dark brown, 1-septate, longitudinally striated ascospores with a sheath, and an asexual morph producing pseudostromatic pycnidia, monophialidic conidiogenous cells, and cylindrical to oblong, brown, aseptate conidia. Phylogenetic analysis of combined LSU, ITS, tef1-alpha, and rpb2 sequence data reveals that R. yangjiangensis is closely related to R. aseptata and R. yunnanensis, but forms a separate branch. A morphological comparison among these phylogenetically related taxa and other morphologically similar species further support the establishment of the novel species. In this study, the polyphyletic nature of Roussoella is also revealed, and the classification of R. arundinacea, R. chinensis and R. mexicana is discussed.

During an ongoing survey of lignicolous freshwater fungi in Guangxi Province, China, an interesting hyphomycete is discovered and introduced. Based on morphological comparison and multi-locus phylogenetic analyses of combined internal transcribed spacer, partial large subunit nuclear rDNA, and partial translation elongation factor 1-alpha (tef1-alpha) sequence data, Aquapteridospora guangxiensis sp. nov. is identified. The new species is characterized by macronematous, simple conidiophores, polyblastic conidiogenous cells with sympodial proliferations, and obovoid, pale brown, mostly 2-septate conidia, without a sheath. A detailed description, illustration, an updated phylogenetic tree, and a key to the genus are provided.

Ascomycota, the most speciose phylum of fungi, is a complex entity, comprising three diverse subphyla: Pezizomycotina, Saccharomycotina, and Taphrinomycotina. The largest and most diverse subphylum, Pezizomycotina, is a rich tapestry of 16 classes and 171 orders. Saccharomycotina, the second largest subphylum, is a diverse collection of seven classes and 12 orders, while Taphrinomycotina, the smallest, is a unique assembly of six classes and six orders. Over the past decade, numerous taxonomic studies have focused on the generic, family, and class classifications of Ascomycota. These efforts, well-documented across various databases, are crucial for a comprehensive understanding of the classification. However, the study of taxonomy at the ordinal level, a crucial tier in the taxonomic hierarchy, has been largely overlooked. In a global collaboration with mycologists and lichenologists, this study presents the first comprehensive information on the orders within Pezizomycotina and Taphrinomycotina. The recent taxonomic classification of Saccharomycotina has led to the exclusion of this subphylum from the present study, as an immediate revision is not necessary. Each order is thoroughly discussed, highlighting its historical significance, current status, key identification characteristics, evolutionary relationships, ecological and economic roles, future recommendations, and updated family-level classification. Teaching diagrams for the life cycles of several orders, viz. Asterinales, Helotiales, Hypocreales, Laboulbeniales, Meliolales, Mycosphaerellales, Ophiostomatales, Pezizales, Pleosporales, Phyllachorales, Rhytismatales, Sordariales, Venturiales, Xylariales (Pezizomycotina) and Pneumocystidales, Schizosaccharomycetales and Taphrinales (Taphrinomycotina) are provided. Each diagram is explained with a representative genus/genera of their sexual and asexual cycles of each order. Within Pezizomycotina, Dothideomycetes contains the highest number of orders, with 57, followed by Sordariomycetes (52 orders), Lecanoromycetes (21 orders), Eurotiomycetes and Leotiomycetes (12 orders each), Laboulbeniomycetes (3 orders), and Arthoniomycetes and Xylonomycetes (2 orders each). Candelariomycetes, Coniocybomycetes, Geoglossomycetes, Lichinomycetes, Orbiliomycetes, Pezizomycetes, Sareomycetes, and Xylobotryomycetes each contain a single order, while Thelocarpales and Vezdaeales are treated as incertae sedis within Pezizomycotina. Notably, the classes Candelariomycetes, Coniocybomycetes, Geoglossomycetes, Sareomycetes, and Xylonomycetes, all recently grouped under Lichinomycetes, are treated as separate classes based on phylogenetic analysis and current literature. Within Lecanoromycetes, the synonymization of Sporastatiales with Rhizocarpales and Sarrameanales with Schaereriales is not supported in the phylogenetic analysis. These orders are retained separately, and the justifications are provided under each section as well as in the discussion. Within Leotiomycetes, the order Medeolariales, which was once considered part of Helotiales, is treated as a distinct order based on phylogenetic evidence. The classification of Medeolariales may change as more data becomes available from different gene regions. Lahmiales (Leotiomycetes) is not included in the phylogenetic analysis due to a lack of molecular data. Sareomycetes and Xylonomycetes are treated as separate classes. Spathulospora mixed with Lulworthiales and the inclusion of Spathulosporales within Lulworthiomycetidae is supported and extant molecular sampling is important to resolve the phylogenetic boundaries of members of this subclass. The majority of the classes of Pezizomycotina and Taphrinomycotina formed monophyletic clades in the phylogenetic analysis conducted based on SSU, LSU, 5.8S, TEF and RPB2 sequence data. However, Arthoniomycetes nested with the basal lineage of Dothideomycetes and formed a monophyletic clade also known as the superclass, Dothideomyceta. In Taphrinomycotina, a single order is accepted within each class.

This article is the 19th contribution to the fungal diversity notes series, in which 106 taxa distributed in 3 phyla, 11 classes, 35 orders, and 64 families are treated. Taxa described in the present study include a new family, 5 new genera, 69 new species, 3 new combinations, 25 new host, habitat, and geographical records, a new name, a new collection, as well as reinstating a previously suppressed genus. The newly established family is Parasporidesmiaceae and the five new genera described herein are Dematiodidymosporum, Neoacrogenospora, Parasporidesmium, Speluncomyces, and Uniomyces. The 69 new species are Acrocalymma triseptatum, Agaricus darjeelingensis, Annellophorella aquatica, Anteaglonium menghaiense, Balsamia microspora, Bambusicola dehongensis, Barriopsis menglaense, Benjaminiomyces bergonzoi, Camporesiomyces aquaticus, Camporesiomyces wurfbainiae, Cercospora palmata, Chrysomphalina cantharella, Colletotrichum heteropanacicola, Conioscypha guizhouensis, Conioscypha yadongensis, Cora dalfornoae, Cylindromonium brasiliense, Dematiodidymosporum aquaticum, Distoseptispora dinghuensis, Distoseptispora zunyiensis, Ebollia neocarnea, Eudimeromyces aequatorialis, Eudimeromyces euconni, Funalia indica, Fuscosporella ovalis, Fuscosporella yunnanensis, Halobasidium csapodyae, Halokirschsteiniothelia hunanensis, Hongkongmyces xishuangbannaensis, Inocybe ispartaensis, Laboulbenia neofrancoisiana, Lachnella kunmingensis, Lasmenia thailandica, Leptospora cannabini, Lycoperdon sridharii, Myxospora neomasonii, Natipusilla aquatica, Neoacrogenospora aquatica, Neomassaria sinensis, Neovaginatispora juglandis, Niesslia yunnanensis, Ophiocordyceps aseptatospora, Oxneriaria sheosarensis, Paramicrosphaeropsis vitis, Paramyrothecium strychni, Parapaucispora aquatica, Parasporidesmium aquaticum, Parmelia neosaxatilis, Periconia bambusicola, Periconia neohongheensis, Peroneutypa thailandica, Polyozellus albus, Porina magnoliae, Porostereum subspadiceum, Pseudosperma subvolvatum, Pseudothyridariella caseariae, Rhexocercosporidium ferulae, Russula rubroglutinata, Septoriella iranica, Seriascoma asexuale, Sesquicillium flavum, Sirastachys zhongkaiensis, Speluncomyces lunatus, Sporidesmiella yunnanensis, Striaticonidium xishuangbannaensis, Trametopsis indica, Tulostoma hyderabadensis, Uniomyces hakkeijimanus, and Virgaria guizhouensis. The three new combinations are Lycoperdon alpinum, Lycoperdon lloydii, and Lycoperdon macrogemmae. The 25 new records comprise Acremonium sclerotigenum, Agroathelia rolfsii, Alfaria terrestris, Aspergillus cejpii, Colletotrichum brevisporum, Coriolopsis brunneoleuca, Coriolopsis hainanensis, Cytospora tamaricicola, Fomitopsis malicola, Fulvifomes fastuosus, Fulvifomes thailandicus, Funalia cystidiata, Funalia subgallica, Longididymella vitalbae, Lopharia mirabilis, Metarhizium viridulum, Neopestalotiopsis haikouensis, Occultibambusa aquatica, Phaeoacremonium scolyti, Phaeocytostroma virdimurae, Puccinia mysuruensis, Rhizopus stolonifer, Serpula similis, Trametes ellipsospora, and Vamsapriya shiwandashanensis. In addition, the new name is Irpiciporus pseudoxuchilensis, and the new collection is Aspergillus sydowii. The previously suppressed genus Eudimeromyces has been taxonomically reinstated.

Species within Rhamphoriaceae are distributed in both terrestrial and aquatic habitats worldwide, yet the investigation into their distribution and diversity in South China remains insufficient. Through a comprehensive morphological assessment and phylogenetic analysis utilizing a combined dataset of ITS, LSU, SSU, tef1-α, and rpb2 sequences, we have isolated and identified a novel species, Xylolentia bambusae, in Rhamphoriaceae from decaying bamboo culms in Guangdong Province, China. This study provides detailed description and illustration of the novel species, along with an updated backbone tree of Rhamphoriaceae to enhance our understanding of the genera/species relationships within the family.

Members of Stachybotryaceae are distributed worldwide, with certain species playing a significant role as bio-degraders and some causing diseases in plants, humans, and animals. Other species within this family can be found in soil and have been reported as saprobes in various plants. In this study (2021-2022), fungal taxa resembling Stachybotryaceae, isolated from dead leaves of Agavesisalana and a dead stem of Wurfbainiavillosa in Guangdong Province, China, are identified based on morphological characteristics and molecular data. Multi-locus phylogeny based on calmodulin (cmdA), internal transcribed spacer (ITS), the large subunit nuclear rDNA (LSU), RNA polymerase II second largest subunit (rpb2), the partial translation elongation factor 1-α (tef1-α), and β-tubulin (tub2) revealed that nine strains were grouped within Stachybotryaceae. Nigrosynnemaguangdongense gen. et sp. nov., typical of Stachybotryaceae but having unusual olivaceous brown to black synnemata that are narrower towards the apex and produce phialidic, aseptate, slimy conidia in black and glistening heads, is introduced. Additionally, Brevistachyswurfbainiae and Sirastachysguangdongensis are introduced as new species. Stachybotrysmicrosporus is a new host record for Agavesisalana. The present study provides comprehensive descriptions, illustrations, and molecular data analyses of the newly discovered taxa and newly recorded species as a taxonomic and phylogenetic contribution to Stachybotryaceae. Furthermore, a new combination, Nigrosynnemanatarajanensis, is proposed for the previously described Virgatosporanatarajanensis.

Hongkongmyces is a genus of particular interest, as its type species was isolated from a biopsy specimen of a patient with an invasive foot infection, making it the only member of Lindgomycetaceae associated with human infections. However, most Hongkongmyces species have been identified as saprobes from freshwater habitats. During our ongoing investigation into the taxonomy and diversity of freshwater fungi in southern China and along a north-south gradient, we discovered a novel species, Hongkongmyces wuhanensis, from a freshwater lake in Wuhan City, China. The classification of the new species is supported by morphological characteristics and multi-locus phylogeny using combined LSU, SSU, ITS and tef1-α rDNA sequence data. Hongkongmyces wuhanensis is distinguished by its narrowly fusiform or vermiform, yellowish brown, mostly 5-septate ascospores. A detailed description, illustration, and an updated phylogenetic tree are presented. In addition, we discuss the possibility of Clohesyomyces being the asexual morph of Aquimassariosphaeria.

Fungal endophytes have generally been considered as hidden microorganisms that reside asymptomatically within plant tissues and have been exploited for their potential in medicine and plant pathology. They are ubiquitous and associated with nearly all plant species sampled. Even though the exact roles of endophytic fungi within a plant is yet to be established, many speculate that they play important roles in obtaining nutrients and thus improve plant growth, confer plant immunity and promote resistance against biotic and abiotic stresses. It has been postulated that endophytes can exhibit different lifestyles and can even switch lifestyle (i.e., from endophytic to pathogenic or saprobic depending upon plant growth stages). However, there is limited evidence as to whether this switch really happens in vivo. Along the same line, with increasing knowledge of endophytic diversity, defining endophytes has not been easy given their multifaceted functions. The present study provides an updated account with comprehensive knowledge on several aspects including problems with existing definitions, isolation and identification techniques, theoretical and experimental evidence of the role of endophytes, contribution to fungal diversity as well as agenda for future research avenues. For years there has been a number of controversies and debates surrounding as to what exactly is an endophyte. Most of the previous definitions were ephemeral in nature and rather vague and could not realistically define an endophyte. Taking into account numerous biological aspects, we propose herein that endophytes can be defined as “asymptomatic microbial partners that are intimately associated and co-inhabit within healthy internal plant tissues with the ability to confer benefits, co-evolve and alter their lifestyle depending upon plant life stages and adverse conditions”. We also discuss the evolution of endophytes based on fossil data and their co-evolution with their host partners. Studies on fungal endophytes have relied mostly on culture-dependent methods to enable their characterization. However, it is generally well known that these methods suffer drawbacks and there is a need to address the challenges associated with lack of sporulation to enable morphological characterization, slow growth on artificial media, as well as contamination issues. These issues are discussed and addressed in detail here. The molecular mechanisms underlying endophytic colonization, avoidance of plant defense mechanisms, lifestyle changes, as well as their genomics and transcriptomics, are also reviewed. We analyze the possibility of endophytes being host-specific or associated with certain hosts and finally provide an account of their economic importance. This outline of fungal endophytes will provide a more comprehensive understanding of endophytes and can serve for boost research into the exploration and their potential applications in the future.

This article is the 18th contribution to the Fungal Diversity Notes series, in which we document 98 taxa across two phyla, eight classes, 21 orders, 46 families, and 59 genera. The represent samples of taxa were collected from a diverse range of regions, including Australia, Benin, Bolivia, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Canada, China, Czechia, India, Japan, Madagascar, Mexico, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Togo, USA, Uzbekistan and Venezuela. Among these, we introduce one new genus, 59 new species, 13 new combinations, one new name and 24 new records, along with information on their hosts and geographic distributions. The newly introduced genus is Fusicastoreum, and the newly described species include: Acrogenospora guangxiensis, Agaricus longistipitatus, A. sunanensis, Anthosulcatispora sichuanensis, Anthracoidea siccatae, Bjerkandera meridionalis, Camarophyllopsis brunnea, Candolleomyces analalavaensis, C. kely, C. macrosporus, Ceriporia yunnanensis, Choiromyces mongolicus, Colletotrichum duohuaense, Coprinus variicolor, Cystoderma alticola, C. microspore, C. yadongense, Cytospora lhaluensis, Diaporthe amberina, D. mangiferae, Elsinoe fuzhouensis, Epicocum maxima, Fulvifomes shailashikhara, Fusarium tuberculatum, Fusicastoreum arenarium, F. occidentale, F. pisiglareum, F. trappei, Gyalidea lluxitensis, Gymnopilus rimopileus, Hohenbuehelia triloba, Hymenagaricus ruber, Hypholoma darjeelingensis, Laccaria guizhouensis, Lactifluus aureoelephanti, L. croceivillus, Leucoagaricus ankarafantsikaensis, L. rutilus, Micropsalliota squamulosa, M. vinacea, Neomyrmecridium triseptatum, Niesslia wurfbainiae, Nigropunctata conspicosa, Ophiocordyceps jilinensis, Oxydothis dehongensis, Panaeolus ranwuensis, Pestalotiopsis buxicola, Pleurocordyceps puerensis, Pseudocercospora cunninghamia, Psilocybe zhushanensis, Remotididymella tachibana, Russula gaoligongensis, R. guilinensis, R. pseudovirescens, Sarocladium solani, Septoriella saviya-ramazanovaii, Seriascoma oblonga, Talaromyces pseudorugulosus and Tricholosporum madagascariense. Additionally, species newly transferred from Psilocybe include Deconica caespitosa, D. californica, D. goniospora, D. josecastilloi, D. latispora, D. novozoncuantlensis, D. oregonensis, D. venezuelana and D. vialis. Russula afroscrobiculata is newly transferred from Lactarius afroscrobiculatus, and Puccinia hamamelidis, P. hydrangeicola, P. philadelphi are newly transferred from Aecidium. Furthermore, the new name Puccinia shojiana is proposed as a replacement for Aecidium akebiae. The 24 new records of hosts and geographical distributions include: Agaricus pallidobrunneus, Bovista cretacea, Candolleomyces subsingeri, Clitopilus chichawatniensis, Collybiopsis gibbosa, C. subumbilicata, Curvularia geniculate, Cystoderma japonicum, Cytospora diatrypelloidea, C. schulzeri, Elsinoe leucospermi, Fulvifomes aurantiacus, Laccaria macrobasidia, Menisporopsis pandanicola, M. pirozynskii, Multifurca pseudofurcata, Musicillium elettariae, Myrmecridium pulvericola, Ophiocordyceps asiana, O. campes, Phellinus resupinatus, Phylloporia afrospathulata, Tropicoporus linteus and Typhula incarnate. All taxa are supported by both morphological and phylogenetic analyses.

This special edition of Mycosphere Notes commemorates the 70th birthday of Kevin D. Hyde, a seminal figure in fungal taxonomy whose work has profoundly influenced the study of fungal diversity and classification. In this paper, we provide entries on a new genus, 41 new species, five new geographical records, six new host records, and a new habitat record across 42 families, 22 orders, eight classes, and two phyla, continuing the invaluable work of Kevin D. Hyde in advancing our understanding of fungal biodiversity and distribution. The fungal species introduced in this paper were found as endophytes, epiphytes, pathogens, and saprobes on plant material and litter substrates across diverse ecosystems, including terrestrial, freshwater, and cave habitats in Brazil, China, India, the Philippines, Thailand, and Uzbekistan. Species boundaries were meticulously determined based on a rigorous process of morphological characteristics and molecular phylogenetic analysis, ensuring the accuracy of species delimitation. Heterohelminthosporium is introduced as the new genus in Massarinaceae, Pleosporales and the newly described 41 species are Allocryptovalsa hydei, Amorocoelophoma hydei, Annulohypoxylon hydei, Brunnipila hydei, Candolleomyces aliensis, Candolleomyces hydei, Ceramothyrium hydei, Corynespora hydei, Coryneum hydei, Crepidotus yunnanensis, Dacrymyces undulatomarginatus, Diaporthe hydei, Diorygma hydei, Distoseptispora monospora, Heterohelminthosporium hydei, Hevansia hydei, Hysterobrevium hydei, Keraliethelia hydei, Laccaria flavumbilicatus, Laccaria hydei, Lomaantha guizhouensis, Melomastia hydei, Microdochium guizhouensis, Muyocopron cavernae, Neoheleiosa hydei, Neottiosporina imperatae, Nigrospora guangdongense, Nigrosynnema hydei, Ophioceras hydei, Ophiocordyceps bannaensis, Orbilia longispora, Ostropomyces hydei, Periconia hydei, Phaeoseptum kunmingensis, Pseudosporidesmium hydei, Roussoella hydei, Stilbocrea hydei, Stilbocrea yunnanensis, Trichoderma hydei, Xylochrysis hydei, and Zasmidium hydei. Notably, one species was discovered in the air within a cave habitat. In addition, Favolaschia variistipitata and Hermatomyces indicus are reported as a new geographical record, and Comoclathris pimpinellae, Corynespora cassiicola, Dothiora sorbi, and Pseudocercospora snelliana are reported as new host records. Allodiatrype elaeidicola and Fusarium guangdongense are reported as new host and geographical records, and Leptobacillium coffeanum is reported as a new geographical and habitat record. We provide new molecular data for all collected species and updated phylogenetic trees, spanning multiple phyla, classes, orders, and families. This study highlights the expanding diversity of fungi and represents Kevin D. Hyde’s global collaborations in Mycology. We respectfully pay tribute to Kevin D. Hyde’s invaluable contributions to mycology, which have significantly advanced our understanding of fungal diversity.

During a survey for microfungi associated with traditional medicinal plants in Guangdong Province, China, an interesting species in the Tetraplosphaeriaceae was isolated from the dead stem of Wurfbainia villosa (Zingiberaceae). The new collection is characterised by brown to dark brown, cylindrical to ovate, four-columned conidia, mostly with four straight or slightly flexuous, smooth, and long apical appendages. The phylogenetic analysis of the combined dataset of internal transcribed spacer (ITS), large subunit nuclear rDNA (LSU), the partial translation elongation factor 1-alpha (tef1-alpha), and beta-tubulin (tub2) further indicated that the new collection forms a distinct branch in Tetraploa and clusters as a sister taxon with T. dwibahubeeja. Thus, we introduce a new species, Tetraploa wurfbainiae, based on distinct morphology and multi-locus phylogeny, accompanied by a description, illustration, and morphological comparison with related taxa. This is the first report of Tetraploa species on the medicinal plant W. villosa. This study enhances our understanding of the fungal species associated with the medicinal plant W. villosa.

Species within Tetraplosphaeriaceae have been frequently documented in recent years with the extensive investigations of microfungi along a latitudinal gradient from north to south in the Asian/Australian region. Both bamboo substrates and freshwater habitats serve as extensive reservoirs, hosting a rich diversity of fungi that exhibit broad geographical distributions. The most common fungi in these two environments are generally distributed in distinct families. However, our statistics have revealed an intriguingly distinct preference of Tetraplosphaeriaceae species for inhabiting both bamboo substrates and freshwater habitats. The genera Pseudotetraploa (100%) and Triplosphaeria (100%) exhibit a strong preference, followed by Shrungabeeja (71%) and Quadricrura (67%). Our taxonomic and phylogenetic study of microfungi in southern China have identified four additional novel species, viz., Aquatisphaeria bambusae sp. nov., Pseudotetraploa phyllostachydis sp. nov., Pseudotetraploa yangjiangensis sp. nov., and Tetraploa submersa sp. nov. from bamboo substrates and freshwater habitats. In addition, Aquatisphaeria thailandica has previously been documented from freshwater habitats in Thailand; however, we have once again isolated this species from decaying bamboo substrates in Guangdong, China. The new findings substantiate our hypothesis that the preference of Tetraplosphaeriaceae species for colonizing bamboo substrates and freshwater habitats will be more evident through more extensive investigations conducted in such environments.

This article is the 17th in the Fungal Diversity Notes series which allows the researchers to publish fungal collections with updated reports of fungus-host and fungus-geography. Herein we report 97 taxa with four new genera distributed in three phyla (Ascomycota, Glomeromycota and Mucoromycota), 11 classes, 38 orders and 62 families collected from various regions worldwide. This collection is further classified into taxa from 69 genera with four novel genera namely Jinshana, Lithophyllospora, Parapolyplosphaeria and Stegonsporiicola. Furthermore, 71 new species, 21 new records, one new combination and four novel phylogenetic placements are provided. The new species comprise Acrocalymma estuarinum, Aggregatorygma isidiatum, Alleppeysporonites elsikii, Amphibambusa aquatica, Apiospora hongheensis, Arthrobotrys tachengensis, Calonectria potisiana, Collariella hongheensis, Colletotrichum squamosae, Corynespora chengduensis, Diaporthe beijingensis, Dicellaesporites plicatus, Dicellaesporites verrucatus, Dictyoarthrinium endophyticum, Distoseptispora chiangraiensis, Dothiora eucalypti, Epicoccum indicum, Exesisporites chandrae, Fitzroyomyces pseudopandanicola, Fomitiporia exigua, Fomitiporia rondonii, Fulvifomes subthailandicus, Gigaspora siqueirae, Gymnopus ailaoensis, Hyalorbilia yunnanensis, Hygrocybe minimiholatra, H. mitsinjoensis, H. parviholatra, H. solis, H. vintsy, Helicogermslita kunmingensis, Jinshana tangtangiae, Kirschsteiniothelia dujuanhuensis, Lamproderma subcristatum, Leucoagaricus madagascarensis, Leucocoprinus mantadiaensis, Lithophyllospora australis, Marasmius qujingensis, Melomastia aquilariae, Monoporisporites jansoniusii, M. pattersonii, Monoporisporites valdiyae, Mucispora maesotensis, Mucor soli, Muyocopron yunnanensis, Nigrospora tomentosae, Ocellularia psorirregularis, Ophiocordyceps duyunensis, Oxneriaria nigrodisca, Oxydothis aquatica, O. filiforme, Phacidiella xishuangbannaensis, Phlebiopsis subgriseofuscescens, Pleurothecium takense, Pleurotus tuber-regium, Pseudochaetosphaeronema puerensis, Pseudodactylaria guttulate, Racheliella chinensis, Rhexoacrodictys fangensis, Roussoella neoaquatica, Rubroboletus pruinosus, Sanghuangporus subzonatus, Scytalidium assmuthi, Shrungabeeja kudremukhensis, Spirographa skorinae, Stanjehughesia bambusicola, Stegonsporiicola aurantiaca, Umbelopsis hingganensis, Vararia tenuata, Verruconis pakchongensis, Wongia bandungensis, and Zygosporium cymodoceae. The new combination is Parapolyplosphaeria thailandica (≡ Polyplosphaeria thailandica). The 21 new hosts, geographical and habitat records comprise Acrocalymma fici, Apiculospora spartii, Aspergillus subramanianii, Camposporium ramosum, Clonostachys rogersoniana, Colletotrichum brevisporum, C. plurivorum, Collybiopsis gibbosa, Dictyosporium tratense, Distoseptispora adscendens, Exosporium livistonae, Ganoderma gibbosum, Graphis mikuraensis, Gymnosporangium paraphysatum, Lasiodiplodia thailandica, Moesziomyces bullatus, Penicillium cremeogriseum, P. echinulonalgiovense, P. javanicum, P. lanosocoeruleum, P. polonicum, and Pleurotus tuber-regium. Graphis chlorotica, G. panhalensis and G. parilis are given as novel phylogenetic placements. In addition, we provide the morphology of Tarzetta tibetensis which was missing in the previous Fungal Diversity Notes 1611–1716. Identification of characterization of all these taxa are supported by morphological and multigene phylogenetic analyses.

Pestalotiopsis phyllostachydis sp. nov. is introduced during a study of the diversity of bambusicolous fungi in Guangdong Province, China. The new species exhibits similar conidial morphology, pigmentation, and dimensions to its relatives; however, it can be distinguished by the length of its apical and basal appendages. The identification is corroborated by a phylogenetic analysis incorporating combined ITS, tef1-α and tub2 sequence data. A refined description and illustration of P. phyllostachydis are provided, accompanied by a morphological comparison of this new taxon and its closely related taxa compiled in a table. In addition, the common morphological characteristics utilized for interspecific identification are discussed incidentally.

Estimates of global fungal diversity have varied widely, suggesting a range from fewer than one million to over 10 million species, with each of the estimates drawing data from various criteria. In 2022, Fungal Diversity published a special issue on fungal numbers. It had been hoped that the editorial would provide a more accurate account of the numbers of fungi. Instead, it was concluded that this was not possible based on present evidence and, some of the data necessary for accurate assessments was put forward, and the present paper expands on this short article. The review first looks at estimates of fungal numbers and what these estimates are based on. It then presents future research needs that will help us to gain a more accurate estimate of fungal numbers. This includes work that needs to be done in tropical rainforests, where the greatest diversity is expected, where whole rainforests, canopy diversity, and palm fungi are addressed. Case studies for lichens and associated fungi, soil and litter fungi, evidence from particle filtration, freshwater fungi, marine fungi, mushrooms, and yeasts will also be given. Once we have such information, we can obtain a more accurate estimate of fungal numbers.

Over the past two decades, numerous novel species have been identified within Dictyosporiaceae, primarily in Dictyocheirospora and Dictyosporium. A recent monograph has revealed that these two genera exhibit a distinct preference for freshwater habitats, particularly in southern China. However, further investigation into the distribution and diversity of the two genera in Guangdong and Guizhou Provinces remains insufficient. In this study, we conducted an analysis of four intriguing cheiroid hyphomycetes collected from flowing rivers in these two regions. Through morphological and phylogenetic analyses incorporating combined LSU, SSU, ITS, and tef1-α sequence data, we have identified them as a novel species in Dictyocheirospora (Dictyoc. submersa sp. nov.), two novel species in Dictyosporium (Dictyos. guangdongense sp. nov. and Dictyos. variabilisporum sp. nov.), and one previously documented species (Dictyos. digitatum). Specifically, the identification of Dictyos. guangdongense is primarily based on its distinct morphology, characterized by complanate, cheiroid, and brown to dark brown conidia, with a hyaline, short, and atrophied appendage arising from the apical cell of the outer row. In addition, the morphological distinctions between Dictyocheirospora and Dictyosporium are further clarified based on our new data. This study also highlights a few phylogenetic matters regarding Dictyosporiaceae.