Morphological and Phylogenetic Analysis Reveals a Novel Taxon and a New Host Record of Kirschsteiniothelia on Litchi chinensis Litter From Southern China

Abstract

Litchi ( Litchi chinensis ) (Sapindaceae) is an economically important fruit tree widely cultivated in southern China, however, the diversity of saprobic microfungi associated with its decaying tissues remains poorly explored. During a survey of microfungi on L. chinensis litter in southern China, specimens were collected from commercial plantations. These collections were further identified using a combination of morphological characters and multi‐locus phylogenetic analyses (ITS, LSU, and SSU). One novel species, Kirschsteiniothelia qinzhouensis , is introduced based exclusively on its sporidesmium‐like asexual morph. Additionally, K. yantingense is reported here as a new host record. Furthermore, we synthesized and visualized the global distribution and species richness of Kirschsteiniothelia . This study highlights the overlooked diversity of saprobic fungi in commercial crop plantations and emphasizes their value for fungal taxonomy and biodiversity research.

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