Nemania hydei sp. nov. (Xylariaceae) from Avicennia marina in Central Thailand

ABSTRACT

A novel fungus species, Nemania hydei, isolated from Avicennia marina in Pranburi District, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Thailand is described. The samples were collected from mangrove habitats, and the fungus was isolated and characterised. Nemania species produce carbonaceous, superficial stromata that are multi-peritheciate with papillate ostioles. They are frequently isolated from decomposing angiospermous wood and are primarily considered saprophytic, although some are endophytic, while a few are pathogenic. DNA extraction was performed on pure cultures, and the ITS, LSU, RPB-2, and TUB sequence data were amplified. Molecular phylogenetic investigation revealed that the isolate formed a distinct and well-supported clade with Nemania viridis as a sister taxon. Morphological observations further demonstrated unique characteristics that distinguish N. hydei from its closest taxonomic relative. Primarily, they differ in the shape and size of ascospores, asci, and the characteristic reaction of the apical ring. Despite the existence of over 70 known species within the genus Nemania, only four species have been previously documented from mangrove ecosystems. The discovery of N. hydei contributes to knowledge of species from mangroves, expanding our understanding of the diversity within Nemania in marine habitats.

KEYWORDS:

• 1 new species
• Avicennia marina
• fungal diversity
• Pranburi
• Sordariomycetes

Acknowledgments

CCS Apurillo would like to thank the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Science High School Eastern Visayas Campus for the study leave grant. We extend our gratitude to Prof. Kevin D. Hyde for his invaluable assistance in sample collection and his contributions to enhancing the manuscript. We also thank Dr. Shaun Pennycook for the Latin name check.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by: Mushroom Research Foundation; Chinese Research Fund (Project number: E1644111K1)-Flexible introduction of high-level expert program-Kevin David Hyde; and a partial PhD scholarship of CCS Apurillo from Mae Fah Luang University (GR-ST-PS-65-21).