Two novel species of Neohelicomyces (Tubeufiaceae, Tubeufiales) from Guizhou Province, China

During a survey of microfungal diversity in Guizhou Province, southwestern China, four helicosporous taxa were collected and isolated from decaying wood in both freshwater and terrestrial habitats. Phylogenetic analyses based on LSU, ITS, <i>tef</i>1-α, and <i>rpb</i>2 sequences, along with morphological assessments, revealed two new species: <i>Neohelicomyces saprobicus</i> and <i>N. uniramulosus</i>. Morphologically, <i>Neohelicomyces saprobicus</i> differs from its close relative <i>N. sexualis</i> by its asexual mode of reproduction, in contrast to the sexual reproduction observed in <i>N. sexualis</i>. <i>Neohelicomyces uniramulosus</i> is distinguished from its close relative <i>N. helicosporus</i> and <i>N. hyalosporus</i> by its conidiophores. Detailed morphological descriptions, illustrations, and taxonomic notes are provided. In addition, the present study summarizes the main morphological characteristics, host associations, and geographical distributions of <i>Neohelicomyces</i>.