Yamadazyma akebiae sp. nov. and Y. hainanensis sp. nov. (Debaryomycetaceae, Saccharomycetales) from leaf in China

Members of the genus <i>Yamadazyma</i> are widely distributed and frequently found in plant materials. In an effort to investigate the species diversity within this genus, leaf samples collected from Guizhou and Hainan provinces in China were examined. This study led to the discovery of two previously undescribed taxa. Phenotypic examination, combined with phylogenetic analysis based on concatenated ITS and LSU D1/D2 sequences, confirmed their affiliation with <i>Yamadazyma</i> and supported their designation as novel species. One of the new species, <i>Yamadazymaakebiae</i> <b>sp. nov.</b>, is phylogenetically closely related to <i>Y.kanchanaburiensis</i>, whereas <i>Y.hainanensis</i> <b>sp. nov.</b> represents a distinct lineage, clearly separated from other known <i>Yamadazyma</i> species. Detailed descriptions, illustrations, and comparative discussions with their nearest relatives are provided. These findings contribute two additional species to the genus and enhance our understanding of <i>Yamadazyma</i> diversity in China.