Seimatoantlerium tepuiense gen. nov., a unique epiphytic fungus promoting taxol from the Venezuelan Guyana

ABSTRACT

Seimatoantlerium gen. nov., type species, S.tepuiense sp. nov. is proposed for an acervular fungus producing 4-septate, holobastic conidia with 6-8 unbranched, apical appendages that dehisce as an appendage apparatus and also commonly possessing one or two exogenous basal appendages as well as a pedicel. It is compared with Seimatosporium, Seimatosporiopsis, and other genera. It is epiphytic on Maguireothamnus speciosus, a rubiaceous plant endemic to the tepuis of southeastern Venezuela. It produces the anti-oomycetous anticancer compound, taxol, as shown by immunological and spectroscopic methods. Taxol production is discussed relative to the ability of this fungus to exist in an extremely moist ecosystem, as well as to its relationship to other plant associated fungi. (AU)