A taxonomic novelty of wood-inhabiting Terriera species (Rhytismataceae, Rhytismatales) and a new record from Yunnan, China

During our survey of ascomycetes associated with dead woody substrates in forest habitats of Southwest China, two collections representing two Terriera species (Leotiomycetes) were obtained. This study aimed to determine the taxonomy of these collections and assess their phylogenetic affinities with previously described Terriera species through a biphasic approach combining morphological characterization and molecular phylogenetic analyses. Detailed morphological examinations for the genus were conducted, and phylogenetic relationships were inferred using maximum likelihood (ML) and Bayesian inference (BI) analyses using a concatenated LSU–ITS–mtSSU sequence dataset of selected Rhytismataceae species. Morphologically, our collections fit within the generic circumscription of Terriera. Results supported the recognition of our first collection as a new species and herein described as Terriera pini sp. nov. The second collection was identified as T. karsti and is the first report in Yunnan Province. Detailed morphological illustrations (sexual morph), comprehensive descriptions, including ecological and habitat information are provided for both species. This study expands the knowledge of taxonomy, phylogeny and geographical distribution of Terriera species associated with Chinese forest habitats.