Phylogenetic and morphological appraisal of Diatrype lijiangensis sp. nov. (Diatrypaceae, Xylariales) from China

Abstract

The majority of Diatrype species are saprobes, while a few species are pathogens which form cankers on forest trees. The placement of several species in the genus Diatrype is uncertain, as the phylogeny has yet to be well-resolved with extensive taxon sampling and authentic ex-type cultures. In this study, a diatrype-like taxon was found on decaying wood in Lijiang, Yunnan Province, China. Morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analyses of combined ITS and βtubulin sequences, supported the conclusion that the taxon is a new species, which is named as Diatrype lijiangensis. The new species differs from other species of Diatrype in asci and ascospore characteristics. The morphological similarities and dissimilarities of the new species with phylogenetically close alliances are discussed. Micro-morphological characteristics of this novel taxon are illustrated with descriptions.