Addition to Paraleptosphaeria species (Leptosphaeriaceae, Pleosporales): Paraleptosphaeria senecionis sp. nov., associated with Asteraceae

A new species, Paraleptosphaeria senecionis (Leptosphaeriaceae, Pleosporales, Dothideomycetes, Fungi), and a reference specimen of P. nitschkei, both associated with Asteraceae, are introduced based on morphology and phylogenetic analysis of combined ITS and LSU sequence data. Phylogenetic analysis indicates that P. senecionis is placed within Paraleptosphaeria and is closely related to P. rubi, with statistical support. However, P. senecionis can be distinguished from P. rubi in morphology. Paraleptosphaeria senecionis has semi-immersed to superficial ascomata with a lack of periphyses-like setae in the ostiole, and fusiform to inequilateral, 3-septate ascospores with a constriction at the median septum and a swollen upper cell, while P. rubi has immersed to erumpent ascomata, distinct periphyses-like setae in the ostiole, and ellipsoidal, 1-septate ascospores with a deep septal constriction, a widest upper cell tapering toward rounded ends, and a surrounding hyaline mucilaginous sheath. Additionally, P. nitschkei species are commonly reported from Asteraceae in subtropical to temperate regions. The relationships between their ecology, geography, and habitat are also discussed herein.