Stachybotrys qujingensis sp. nov., a new hyphomycete from desertified rocky soil in southwest China.

Abstract

Two strains of Stachybotrys, identified based on morphology and phylogenetic analysis, were isolated from rocky desertification soils in Yunnan province. Phylogenetic analyses inferred from three loci (the internal transcribed spacer of the nuclear ribosomal RNA gene, β-tubulin and RNA polymerase II second-largest subunit) showed that the two strains formed a single clade and were introduced as a new species of Stachybotrys, S. qujingensis. S. qujingensis is characterized by having ampulliform or broadly fusiform conidiogenous cells and dark olivaceous-green, oblong-ellipsoidal conidia. Phylogenetically, S. qujingensis is most closely related to S. musae, but it distinguishes the latter by longer and narrower conidia. Descriptions, illustrations and phylogenetic placement of S. qujingensis were provided.