Taxonomic novelties and phylogenetic insights into Cainiaceae (Xylariales, Sordariomycetes) associated with Poaceae hosts from Southwestern China

By

Dissanayake, Lakmali S.
Maharachchikumbura, Sajeewa
Marasinghe, Diana S
Gao, Ying
Faraj, Turki Kh
Xu, Jianchu
Dhanushka N., Wanasinghe

Type

Article

Date of Publication

2026-2-2

Original Publication

MycoKeys

Volume

128

Pages

1--27

Subjects

Ascomycota , grassland fungi , host specificity , morphological characterization , multigene phylogeny , multigene phylogeny , multigene phylogeny

Contributed by

Pensoft Publishers

Language

English

Published by

Sofia, Bulgaria Pensoft Publishers 2011-

Identifiers

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3897/mycokeys.128.178090

 

Abstract

<br> Cainiaceae (Xylariales, Sordariomycetes) includes fungi primarily associated with hosts of the Poaceae and Arecaceae families. Recent studies have advanced the taxonomy of this family, highlighting its ecological and morphological diversity. Investigations focusing on microfungi associated with bamboo and other grass hosts in biodiversity-rich regions, such as Sichuan and Yunnan Provinces in China, have notably increased, driven by a growing recognition of their ecological and taxonomic importance. Fungal sampling was conducted on bamboo and related Poaceae hosts across various locations in Sichuan and Yunnan Provinces. Morphological characteristics were observed and recorded. Multilocus phylogenetic analyses, using the ITS and LSU regions, were conducted to determine phylogenetic relationships and confirm taxonomic placements. We introduce two new species and document one previously known species of<br> Arecophila<br> , and also describe two new species in<br> Amphibambusa<br> and<br> Longiappendispora<br> . Detailed morphological descriptions, illustrations and phylogenetic trees clearly delineate these taxa, highlighting their distinct affiliations with existing species. This study enriches the current understanding of fungal biodiversity within Cainiaceae, emphasizing their host associations and ecological specificity. Our findings underline the importance of continued fungal exploration in grassland ecosystems and contribute data towards stabilising the taxonomy of the Cainiaceae.<br>