Molecular and morphological data reveal two new species of Tropicoporus (Hymenochaetaceae, Basidiomycota) from Australia and tropical Asia.

Phylogenetic analyses and morphological examination confirmed two new species in the tropical polypore genus Tropicoporus, T.oceanianus and T.zuzaneae, from Australia and tropical Asia, respectively. A phylogenetic analysis based on the two DNA markers including the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region and the large subunit (nLSU) gene shows that these two new species form two independent lineages nested in the genus Tropicoporus. T.oceanianus is characterized by perennial and ungulate basidiomata, the occasional presence of hymenial setae, a trimitic hyphal structure in the context and a dimitic hyphal system in the trama, and broadly ellipsoid to subglobose basidiospores measuring 5.2-6 × 4-5 µm. T.zuzaneae is characterized by perennial and resupinate basidiomata with distinct receding margin, glancing pores, very thin to almost lacking subiculum, a dimitic hyphal structure, the absence of any setal elements, broadly ellipsoid to subglobose basidiospores measuring 3.8-4.9 × 3-4.2 µm. The differences among the new species and their phylogenetically related and morphologically similar species are discussed.

Species diversity and taxonomy of Scytinostroma sensu stricto (Russulales, Basidiomycota) with descriptions of four new species from China.

Scytinostroma is species-rich genus in Peniophoraceae, Russulales and has been shown to be polyphyletic. In this study, we performed phylogenetic analyses on the core clade of Scytinostroma based on concatenated ITS1-5.8S-ITS2-nrLSU sequence data. Fifteen lineages including four new species from China, Scytinostromabeijingensis, S.boidinii, S.subduriusculum, and S.subrenisporum, were recognized. The genus Michenera was nested within the Scytinostroma s.s. clade in the phylogenetic tree of Peniophoraceae. Sequences of S.portentosum (type species) and S.hemidichophyticum from Europe formed a strongly supported lineage sister to the S.portentosum sample from Canada. It is supposed that the European "S.portentosum" is S.hemidichophyticum, and the former species is restricted in distribution to North America. Scytinostromaduriusculum is supposed to be a species complex. Samples from Sri Lanka (the type locality) formed a lineage sister to those from China, Thailand and Vietnam (described herein as S.subduriusculum) and two samples from France that might represent an undescribed species. The four new species are described and illustrated, and an identification key to all the 14 Scytinostroma s.s. species worldwide is provided. Until now, seven species of Scytinostroma s.s. have been found in China. Our results increased the knowledge of species diversity and taxonomy of corticioid fungi in China.

Taxonomy and phylogeny of brown-rot corticioid fungi in China: Coniophora beijingensis and Veluticeps subfasciculata spp. nov.

Brown-rot fungi account for a small portion of the wood-decaying fungi. There are a few corticioid genera causing brown rot of wood, and their species diversity is still under investigated and studied, especially in subtropical and tropical areas. Two new brown-rot corticioid fungi, Coniophora beijingensis and Veluticeps subfasciculata were found during the investigation of corticioid fungi in China. Phylogenetic analyses of the two genera were carried out separately based on ITS-28S sequence data. Coniophora beijingensis was collected from Beijing, north China, from different kinds of angiosperm and gymnosperm trees, and is characterized by possessing a monomitic hyphal system with colorless hyphae and relatively small pale yellow basidiospores 7-8.6 µm× 4.5-6 µm. Veluticeps subfasciculata was collected from Guizhou and Sichuan Provinces, southwestern China, on Cupressus and is characterized by the resupinate to effused-reflexed basidiomes with a colliculose hymenophore, nodose-septate generative hyphae, fasciculate skeletocystidia and subcylindrical to subfusiform basidiospores 8-11 µm × 2.5-3.5 µm. Descriptions and illustrations are provided for the two new species, and identification keys to Coniophora and Veluticeps species in China are given. Coniophora fusispora is reported in China for the first time.

New corticioid taxa in Phanerochaetaceae (Polyporales, Basidiomycota) from East Asia.

The species diversity, taxonomy, and phylogeny of five corticioid genera of Phanerochaetaceae, namely, Hyphodermella, Roseograndinia, Phlebiopsis, Rhizochaete, and Phanerochaete, in East Asia are studied by using the morphological and molecular methods. Phylogenetic analyses were performed separately for the Donkia, Phlebiopsis, Rhizochaete, and Phanerochaete clades based on ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 and nrLSU sequence data. In total, seven new species were found, two new combinations are suggested, and a new name is proposed. In the Donkia clade, Hyphodermella sensu stricto was strongly supported with two new lineages, namely H. laevigata and H. tropica, which were recovered. Hyphodermella aurantiaca and H. zixishanensis are members of Roseograndinia, while R. jilinensis is proved to be a later synonym of H. aurantiaca. In the Phlebiopsis clade, P. cana sp. nov. was found on the bamboo from tropical Asia. In the Rhizochaete clade, four new species, R. nakasoneae, R. subradicata, R. terrestris, and R. yunnanensis were recovered based mainly on molecular analyses. In the Phanerochaete clade, P. subsanguinea nom. nov. is proposed to replace Phanerochaete rhizomorpha C.L. Zhao & D.Q. Wang, which is an invalid name because it was published after Phanerochaete rhizomorpha C.C. Chen, Sheng H. Wu & S.H. He, representing another species. Descriptions and illustrations are provided for the new species, and discussions are given for new taxa and names. Identification keys to Hyphodermella species worldwide and Rhizochaete species in China are given separately.

Taxonomy and Phylogeny of Corticioid Fungi in Auriculariaceae (Auriculariales, Basidiomycota): A New Genus, Five New Species and Four New Combinations.

The Auriculariaceae accounts for most of the species in the Auriculariales, and all species in the family are wood-decaying fungi with gelatinous, crustaceous, or woody basidiomes. Many new taxa were published recently, but the taxonomy and phylogeny of the corticioid species in the Auriculariaceae are far from resolved. We undertook a comprehensive taxonomic and phylogenetic study of the family with emphasis on corticioid specimens collected from East and Southeast Asia. Phylogenetic analyses on concatenated ITS and 28S rDNA sequences of representative taxa of the Auriculariaceae and the genera Eichleriella and Heteroradulum were carried out that resolved five new lineages. Heterocorticium gen. nov. is established for two species with resupinate coriaceous basidiomes with smooth, pigmented hymenophores. Five new species, H. bambusicola (generic type), H. latisporum, Eichleriella alpina, E. bambusicola, and Heteroradulum maolanense, are described and illustrated. In addition, Heterochaete delicata, H. discolor, and H. sinensis are transferred to Eichleriella, whereas H. roseola is regarded as a synonym of Kneiffia discolor (= H. discolor). Eichleriella aculeobasidiata is treated as a synonym of Heterochaete sinensis (= E. sinensis). Heterochaete mussooriensis is transferred to Heteroradulum with Heteroradulum semis as a heterotypic synonym. The present study contributes to the understanding of species diversity, taxonomy, and phylogeny of corticioid fungi in Asia.

Taxonomy and Phylogeny of Peniophora Sensu Lato (Russulales, Basidiomycota).

Peniophora is an old corticioid genus, from which two small satellite genera, Dendrophora and Duportella, were derived based on morphological differences. Molecular systematic studies showed that they belong to Peniophoraceae, Russulales, but the inter- and intra-generic phylogenetic relationships are still unclear. Moreover, the species diversity of this group in subtropical and tropical Asia has not been sufficiently investigated and studied. In this study, we carried out an intensive taxonomic and phylogenetic study on Peniophora sensu lato based on analyses of concatenated ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 (ITS, Internal Transcribed Spacer) and 28S (D1-D2 domains of nuc 28S rDNA) sequence data of all available species worldwide. In the phylogenetic trees, species of Peniophora s. l. (sensu lato) including types of Peniophora s.s. (sensu stricto), Dendrophora and Duportella were interspersed within a strongly supported clade. It means that the morphological delimitations of the three genera are not reliable, and they should be regarded as a large genus. As a result, eight species of Duportella were transferred to Peniophora, although five of them have not been sequenced. Four new distinct lineages, corresponding to Peniophora cremicolor, P. major, P. shenghuae and P. vietnamensis spp. nov., were recovered in the trees. Peniophora taiwanensis is treated as a later synonym of P. malaiensis based on morphological and molecular evidence. Duportella renispora is excluded from Peniophoraceae, because BLAST results of the ITS and 28S sequences of the holotype showed that it is closely related to Amylostereum. Descriptions and illustrations are provided for the four new species, and an identification key is given for all 25 species of Peniophora in China. Our results indicated that the species diversity of the corticioid fungi in Asia is rich and deserves further study.

Taxonomy and Phylogeny of Cystostereaceae (Agaricales, Basidiomycota): A New Genus, Five New Species, and Three New Combinations.

This paper aims to understand the species diversity, taxonomy, and phylogeny of Cystostereaceae (Agaricales), which is based primarily on material from East and Southeast Asia. Cystostereaceae is a small, understudied family of saprobes of woody plants with a worldwide distribution. Phylogenetic analyses of the LSU and ITS sequences revealed four distinct clades in the Cystostereaceae, representing the genera Crustomyces, Cystostereum, Effusomyces gen. nov., and Parvodontia. In addition, phylogenetic analyses showed that Cystidiodontia and Rigidotubus are synonyms of Crustomyces for their type of species nested within the Crustomyces clade. The new monotypic genus Effusomyces, based on specimens from Thailand, lacks any distinctive morphological features. Parvodontia, originally erected for a species from South America, is reported for the first time from Asia. The widely distributed and morphologically well-characterized Cystostereum is represented in East Asia by two new species: Cystostereum crassisporum and C. submurrayi. In addition, three new species, viz., Crustomyces albidus, Effusomyces thailandicus, and Parvodontia austrosinensis, are described and illustrated. Finally, three new combinations are proposed: Crustomyces isabellinus, C. laminiferus, and C. tephroleucus. A key to the genera and species of Cystostereaceae is provided. Our results proved that the species diversity of wood-decaying fungi in East and Southeast Asia is rich and suggested that more investigations and studies should be carried out in the future.

Global Taxonomy and Phylogeny of Irpicaceae (Polyporales, Basidiomycota) With Descriptions of Seven New Species and Proposals of Two New Combinations.

The phylogenetic analyses of the family Irpicaceae were carried out based on a complete global sampling. The dataset that included concatenated ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 and nrLSU sequences of 67 taxa of Irpicaceae from around the world was subjected to the maximum likelihood analyses and Bayesian inference. In the phylogenetic tree, species from 14 genera were distributed in nine clades, among which five genera-Irpex, Phanerochaetella, Byssomerulius, Cytidiella, and Meruliopsis, received high support values. The genus Efibula was shown to be paraphyletic and four subclades could be recognized, while Phanerochaete allantospora, Leptoporus mollis, and several species from Ceriporia and Candelabrochaete formed a large clade with relatively strong support. Based on the molecular and morphological evidence, seven new corticioid species- Candelabrochaete guangdongensis, Efibula grandinosa, E. hainanensis, E. shenghuae, E. taiwanensis, Irpex alboflavescens, and Phanerochaetella sinensis, were revealed from the materials mostly from East Asia. The monotypic genus Flavodontia, newly described from southwestern China, is regarded as a later synonym of Irpex, and the new combination I. rosea is proposed. In addition, Phanerochaetella queletii is proposed for a taxon first described from Italy and newly recorded from China; Phanerochaete jose-ferreirae from Portugal is determined to be a later synonym. Descriptions and illustrations of the new species and the newly combined taxa are presented, and morphological comparisons for the known species of Efibula and Phanerochaetella are provided.

Dendrocorticiopsisorientalis gen. et sp. nov. of the Punctulariaceae (Corticiales, Basidiomycota) revealed by molecular data.

Dendrocorticiopsisorientalis is presented in this study as a new genus and new species based on morphological and phylogenetic evidence. This new taxon is characterized by resupinate, smooth and membranaceous basidiomata, monomitic hyphal system with clamps, colorless dendrohyphidia, variable presence of cystidia, and ellipsoid to ovoid basidiospores measuring 5-7 × 3.2-5.2 µm. The phylogenetic analyses based on the ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 (ITS) + nuclear 28S rDNA (28S) dataset of Corticiales indicated that the new taxon is nested in Punctulariaceae, separated from other genera with strong support values. Descriptions, specimen photo, and illustrations of the new taxon are provided in this study. A morphological comparison of the four genera of Punctulariaceae is given.

Fungal diversity notes 1387-1511: taxonomic and phylogenetic contributions on genera and species of fungal taxa.

This article is the 13th contribution in the Fungal Diversity Notes series, wherein 125 taxa from four phyla, ten classes, 31 orders, 69 families, 92 genera and three genera incertae sedis are treated, demonstrating worldwide and geographic distribution. Fungal taxa described and illustrated in the present study include three new genera, 69 new species, one new combination, one reference specimen and 51 new records on new hosts and new geographical distributions. Three new genera, Cylindrotorula (Torulaceae), Scolecoleotia (Leotiales genus incertae sedis) and Xenovaginatispora (Lindomycetaceae) are introduced based on distinct phylogenetic lineages and unique morphologies. Newly described species are Aspergillus lannaensis, Cercophora dulciaquae, Cladophialophora aquatica, Coprinellus punjabensis, Cortinarius alutarius, C. mammillatus, C. quercoflocculosus, Coryneum fagi, Cruentomycena uttarakhandina, Cryptocoryneum rosae, Cyathus uniperidiolus, Cylindrotorula indica, Diaporthe chamaeropicola, Didymella azollae, Diplodia alanphillipsii, Dothiora coronicola, Efibula rodriguezarmasiae, Erysiphe salicicola, Fusarium queenslandicum, Geastrum gorgonicum, G. hansagiense, Helicosporium sexualis, Helminthosporium chiangraiensis, Hongkongmyces kokensis, Hydrophilomyces hydraenae, Hygrocybe boertmannii, Hyphoderma australosetigerum, Hyphodontia yunnanensis, Khaleijomyces umikazeana, Laboulbenia divisa, Laboulbenia triarthronis, Laccaria populina, Lactarius pallidozonarius, Lepidosphaeria strobelii, Longipedicellata megafusiformis, Lophiotrema lincangensis, Marasmius benghalensis, M. jinfoshanensis, M. subtropicus, Mariannaea camelliae, Melanographium smilaxii, Microbotryum polycnemoides, Mimeomyces digitatus, Minutisphaera thailandensis, Mortierella solitaria, Mucor harpali, Nigrograna jinghongensis, Odontia huanrenensis, O. parvispina, Paraconiothyrium ajrekarii, Parafuscosporella niloticus, Phaeocytostroma yomensis, Phaeoisaria synnematicus, Phanerochaete hainanensis, Pleopunctum thailandicum, Pleurotheciella dimorphospora, Pseudochaetosphaeronema chiangraiense, Pseudodactylaria albicolonia, Rhexoacrodictys nigrospora, Russula paravioleipes, Scolecoleotia eriocamporesi, Seriascoma honghense, Synandromyces makranczyi, Thyridaria aureobrunnea, Torula lancangjiangensis, Tubeufia longihelicospora, Wicklowia fusiformispora, Xenovaginatispora phichaiensis and Xylaria apiospora. One new combination, Pseudobactrodesmium stilboideus is proposed. A reference specimen of Comoclathris permunda is designated. New host or distribution records are provided for Acrocalymma fici, Aliquandostipite khaoyaiensis, Camarosporidiella laburni, Canalisporium caribense, Chaetoscutula juniperi, Chlorophyllum demangei, C. globosum, C. hortense, Cladophialophora abundans, Dendryphion hydei, Diaporthe foeniculina, D. pseudophoenicicola, D. pyracanthae, Dictyosporium pandanicola, Dyfrolomyces distoseptatus, Ernakulamia tanakae, Eutypa flavovirens, E. lata, Favolus septatus, Fusarium atrovinosum, F. clavum, Helicosporium luteosporum, Hermatomyces nabanheensis, Hermatomyces sphaericoides, Longipedicellata aquatica, Lophiostoma caudata, L. clematidis-vitalbae, Lophiotrema hydei, L. neoarundinaria, Marasmiellus palmivorus, Megacapitula villosa, Micropsalliota globocystis, M. gracilis, Montagnula thailandica, Neohelicosporium irregulare, N. parisporum, Paradictyoarthrinium diffractum, Phaeoisaria aquatica, Poaceascoma taiwanense, Saproamanita manicata, Spegazzinia camelliae, Submersispora variabilis, Thyronectria caudata, T. mackenziei, Tubeufia chiangmaiensis, T. roseohelicospora, Vaginatispora nypae, Wicklowia submersa, Xanthagaricus necopinatus and Xylaria haemorrhoidalis. The data presented herein are based on morphological examination of fresh specimens, coupled with analysis of phylogenetic sequence data to better integrate taxa into appropriate taxonomic ranks and infer their evolutionary relationships.

Two New Species of Fibrodontia (Trechisporales, Basidiomycota) with a Key to Worldwide Species.

Fibrodontia is a genus of wood-inhabiting fungi consisting of four species so far, including F. gossypina as generic type. Two new species, Fibrodontia austrosinensis and F. subalba, are described and illustrated from China. Fibrodontia austrosinensis from southwestern China is characterized by a grandinioid to odontioid hymenophore with numerous small aculei, a dimitic hyphal system with scattered, smooth skeletal hyphae and ellipsoid basidiospores measuring 4.2-5.2 × 3.5-4.5 µm. Fibrodontia subalba from the West Tianshan Mountain in northwestern China is distinguished by an odontioid to hydnoid hymenophore, a dimitic hyphal system, and ellipsoid basidiospores measuring 3.7-4.4 × 2.8-3.4 µm. The phylogenies inferred from the data set of nuc rDNA ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 (ITS) and D1-D2 domains of nuc 28S rDNA (28S), and that of ITS, 28S, translation elongation factor (tef1α), and RNA polymerase II second largest subunit (rpb2) supported Fibrodontia as a monophyletic genus in the Trechisporales, and F. austrosinensis and F. subalba as separate lineages within Fibrodontia. Multi-rate Poisson Tree Processes, Automatic Barcode Gap Discovery and genetic distance methods based on ITS sequences of Fibrodontia also supported F. austrosinensis and F. subalba as distinct species. The taxonomic status of F. fimbriata that was recently transferred from Cystidiodendron, is briefly discussed. A key to all six known species of Fibrodontia is provided.

Global Phylogeny and Taxonomy of the Wood-Decaying Fungal Genus Phlebiopsis (Polyporales, Basidiomycota).

An in-depth study of the phylogeny and taxonomy of the corticioid genus Phlebiopsis (Phanerochaetaceae) was conducted. Phylogenetic analyses of the ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 and nrLSU sequences demonstrated that Phlebiopsis is a strongly supported clade which is distinct from its sister clades of Phaeophlebiopsis, Hapalopilus, and Rhizochaete. Two genera, Australohydnum and Hjortstamia, are reduced to synonyms under Phlebiopsis as generic type species A. griseofuscescens and H. friesii, respectively, are embedded in the Phlebiopsis clade. Twenty-four lineages are resolved in the ITS phylogenetic tree of Phlebiopsis, including six new taxa, viz. P. albescens, P. brunnea, P. cylindrospora, P. magnicystidiata, P. membranacea and P. sinensis, from Sri Lanka and China. Five new combinations, viz. Phaeophlebiopsis mussooriensis, Phlebiopsis bambusicola, P. dregeana, P. griseofuscescens and P. novae-granatae, are proposed. Phlebiopsis crassa is a morphological species complex with three distinct lineages. Phlebiopsis lamprocystidiata is determined to be a later synonym of P. darjeelingensis. The new taxa are described, illustrated, and compared and contrasted to morphologically similar species. An emended description of Phlebiopsis is provided along with an identification key to 27 accepted species.

Four new East Asian species of Aleurodiscus with echinulate basidiospores.

Four new species of Aleurodiscus sensu lato with echinulate basidiospores are described from East Asia: A.alpinus, A.pinicola, A.senticosus, and A.sichuanensis. Aleurodiscusalpinus is from northwest Yunnan of China where it occurs on Rhododendron in montane habitats. Aleurodiscuspinicola occurs on Pinus in montane settings in Taiwan and northwest Yunnan. Aleurodiscussenticosus is from subtropical Taiwan, where it occurs on angiosperms. Aleurodiscussichuanensis is reported from southwest China on angiosperms in montane environments. Phylogenetic relationships of these four new species were inferred from analyses of a combined dataset consisting of three genetic markers, viz. 28S, nuc rDNA ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 (ITS), and a portion of the translation elongation factor 1-alpha gene, TEF1.

Four new corticioid species in Trechisporales (Basidiomycota) from East Asia and notes on phylogeny of the order.

Four new species in Trechisporales from East Asia, Dextrinocystiscalamicola, Subulicystidiumacerosum, S.tropicum and Tubuliciumbambusicola, are described and illustrated, based on morphological and molecular evidence. The phylogeny of Trechisporales was inferred from a combined dataset of ITS-nrLSU sequences. In the phylogenetic tree, Sistotremastrum formed a family-level clade of its own, sister to the Hydnodontaceae clade formed by all other genera. Dextrinocystis, is for the first time, confirmed as a member of Hydnodontaceae. A key to all the accepted genera in Trechisporales is given.

Taxonomy and phylogeny of Dichostereum (Russulales), with descriptions of three new species from southern China.

Nine species of Dichostereum were subjected to phylogenetic analyses, based on a combined dataset of ITS1-5.8S-ITS2-nrLSU-tef1 sequences. The morphology of specimens collected from China and Australia were studied. Three species, D.austrosinense, D.boidinii and D.eburneum, collected from southern China, are described and illustrated as new to science, based on the morphological and molecular evidence. Dichostereumaustrosinense is characterised by the relatively large gloeocystidia (80-130 × 8-15 µm) and basidiospores (7.3-8 µm in diam.) with large warts and crests. Dichostereumboidinii is distinguished by its thick basidiomata and relatively small basidiospores (5.5-6.5 µm in diam.) with large warts and crests. Dichostereumeburneum is unique in having pale basidiomata growing on bark of living Castanopsis, abundant crystals in the context and basidiospores with dense and large ornamentations. A key to the 5 species of Dichostereum in China is given.

Three new species of Aleurodiscus s.l. (Russulales, Basidiomycota) from southern China.

Three new species of Aleurodiscus s.l. with corticioid basidiomata are described and illustrated from southern China based on morphological evidence and phylogenetic analyses of ITS and nrLSU sequence data. Aleurodiscusbambusinus was collected from Jiangxi Province on bamboo and is distinct by having a compact texture, simple-septate generative hyphae, abundant acanthophyses, basidia with acanthophysoid appendages and smooth basidiospores. Aleurodiscusisabellinus was collected from Yunnan Province on both angiosperm wood and bamboo and is distinct by having soft basidiomata with yellow to yellowish-brown hymenophore, yellow acanthophyses, simple-septate generative hyphae and smooth basidiospores. Aleurodiscussubroseus was collected from Guangxi Autonomous Region and Guizhou Province on angiosperm wood and is distinct by having pinkish basidiomata when fresh, clamped generative hyphae, clavate acanthophyses and echinulate basidiospores. In the phylogenetic tree, A.bambusinus and A.isabellinus were nested within the A.cerussatus group, whilst A.subroseus was clustered with A.wakefieldiae. An identification key to 26 species of Aleurodiscus s.l. in China is provided.

Taxonomy and phylogeny of Lopharia s.s., Dendrodontia, Dentocorticium and Fuscocerrena (Basidiomycota, Polyporales).

Eleven taxa of Lopharia s.s., Dendrodontia, Dentocorticium and Fuscocerrena in Polyporales are included in the phylogenetic analyses of nuc rDNA ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 (ITS), D1-D2 domains of nuc 28S rDNA (28S) and RNA polymerase II second-largest subunit (rpb2) sequences. New species Lopharia resupinata and L. sinensis are described and illustrated. Lopharia resupinata, from south-eastern China, is closely related to L. ayresii, and L. sinensis, from northern China, is related to L. cinerascens and L. mirabilis. Lopharia mirabilis specimens from temperate to tropical areas with varied hymenophore configurations all cluster together in a fully supported clade. Dendrodontia and Fuscocerrena are shown to be synonyms of Dentocorticium, which is phylogenetically related to Lopharia. Four new combinations, Dentocorticium bicolor, D. hyphopaxillosum, D. portoricense and D. taiwanianum, are proposed. Revised generic descriptions of Lopharia and Dentocorticium are provided with keys to the six accepted species in each genus. A list of all names in Lopharia and Dentocorticium are presented with their current taxonomic status. Type specimens of Dentocorticium brasiliense and D. irregulare were examined and determined to be later synonyms of Punctularia subhepatica and Diplomitoporus daedaleiformis, respectively.

Phylogeny and taxonomy of Echinodontium and related genera.

The phylogenetic relationship of eight species of Echinodontium, Laurilia, and Perplexostereum of Russulales were analyzed based on sequences of the nuc rDNA ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 (ITS [internal transcribed spacer]) and D1-D2 domains of nuc 28S rDNA (28S). Our results show that Echinodontium tinctorium, E. ryvardenii, and E. tsugicola represent Echinodontium sensu stricto. Based on morphological and phylogenetic evidence, the new genus Echinodontiellum is established to accommodate Echinodontium japonicum. Amylostereum, Echinodontium, Echinodontiellum, and Larssoniporia form the Echinodontiaceae clade. The Bondarzewiaceae clade includes Bondarzewia, Heterobasidion, Laurilia, and Lauriliella. The new genus Lauriliella is established for the species initially described as Stereum taxodii and Lauriliella taiwanensis new to science. The monotypic genus Perplexostereum forms a distinct clade. A key to the genera in the Echinodontiaceae and Bondarzewiaceae as well to Perplexostereum is provided.

Global diversity and phylogeny of Onnia (Hymenochaetaceae) species on gymnosperms.

Onnia includes white rotting polypores with annual basidiocarps, a duplex context, monomitic hyphal structure, hymenial setae, and hyaline, thin-walled, smooth basidiospores. Specimens of Onnia, originating mainly from East Asia, Europe, and North America, were studied using both morphology and phylogenetic analyses. Our concatenated data set was derived from 25 collections and included (i) 25 nuc rDNA internal transcribed spacer region sequences (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 = ITS), 17 generated in this study; and (ii) 14 nuc rDNA 28S rDNA sequences, including the D1-D2 domains, 11 of them generated in this study. The resulting maximum likelihood and Bayesian phylogenies recovered all sampled collections of Onnia as a well-supported clade. In this clade, three previously accepted species, viz., Onnia leporina, O. tomentosa, and O. triquetra, received strong support, whereas three additional lineages with strong support represent the new species described in this paper, O. subtriquetra, O. microspora, and O. tibetica. Of the six Onnia species occurring on gymnosperms, O. tomentosa and O. leporina grow mainly on Picea and have circumboreal distribution in the Northern Hemisphere. In contrast, other species that mostly grow on Pinus are geographically restricted to limited regions, viz., O. triquetra in Europe, O. subtriquetra in North America, and O. microspora and O. tibetica in Asia.

A Novel Phellinidium sp. Causes Laminated Root Rot on Qilian Juniper (Sabina przewalskii) in Northwest China.

A laminated root rot on Qilian juniper (Sabina przewalskii) caused by a species of Phellinidium (Basidiomycota) was observed in northwest China. Seventeen fungal samples collected from Qinghai Province during 2012 and 2013 were used for taxonomic and pathogenicity tests. The fungal pathogen was identified by morphological characters and phylogenetic analyses based on nLSU sequences. A new fungus is described herein as Phellinidium qilianense sp. nov. One-year-old Qilian juniper seedlings were wound-inoculated under controlled conditions to test pathogenicity of the fungal species. The fungus was successfully reisolated from decayed tissue of tested seedlings. P. qilianense is a new forest pathogen on coniferous trees in China.