Morpho-phylogenetic evidence reveals novel Bambusicolous fungi from Guizhou Province, China

The diversity and ecological importance of fungi associated with bamboo ecosystems are increasingly recognized, as these fungi play crucial roles in nutrient cycling and bamboo decomposition. This study identified five ascomycetous species from decaying bamboo stems in Guizhou, China. Phylogenetic analyses based on a concatenated dataset of SSU, ITS, LSU, <i>rpb2</i>, and <i>tef1-α</i> sequences confirmed their placement within the family Bambusicolaceae. Three new species, <i>Bambusicolapseudodimorphae</i>, <i>Bambusicolagelatinosospora</i>, and <i>Bambusicolaellipsospora</i>, are described as new to science, while two previously known species, <i>Bambusicolaautumnalis</i> and <i>Corylicolaitalica</i>, are also reported. Notably, this study provides the first account of the asexual morph of <i>Bambusicolaautumnalis</i>, and <i>Corylicolaitalica</i> is newly recorded from China. Comprehensive morphological descriptions, illustrations, and phylogenetic assessments are presented, contributing to the expanding knowledge of fungi. These findings underscore the importance of continued exploration of fungal diversity in bamboo ecosystems.