Two new species of Neohelicomyces (Tubeufiaceae, Tubeufiales) from Hainan Province, China

During a survey of helicosporous hyphomycetes in tropical regions, four fungal strains were isolated from decaying wood in terrestrial habitats of Hainan Province, China. Based on combined phylogenetic analyses of LSU, ITS, tef 1 - α, and rpb 2 sequence data, together with morphological evidence, two novel species, Neohelicomyces terrestris and N. tropicus, are herein proposed. Comprehensive descriptions, illustrations, taxonomic notes, and phylogenetic analyses are provided to confirm the taxonomic placement.

The newly described species were found in tropical rainforests, thereby expanding the known distribution of Neohelicomyces in tropical terrestrial habitats.