Morpho-phylogenetic evidence reveals novel species and new records of Torula (Torulaceae, Pleosporales) from medicinal plants in China

During a saprobic fungi survey in China, five hyphomycetous fungi of Torula (Torulaceae, Pleosporales, Dothideomycetes) were discovered. These taxa were characterized and identified based on morphology, culture characteristics, and phylogenetic analysis of the combined ITS, LSU, SSU, tef 1 - α, and rpb 2 sequence dataset. Consequently, two novel species, Torula dispora and T. strychnicola, are introduced based on the distinct spinulose characteristics on the conidial substrate and the size of conidia.

Phylogenetic results indicated that our isolates of T. dispora and T. strychnicola each represent a distinct lineage. Additionally, three new host records of T. chinensis, T. fici, and T. masonii are reported. Based on morphological and phylogenetic evidence, we formally propose the synonymization of T. phytolaccae under T. chinensis.

Detailed descriptions, illustrations, and informative notes are provided for all species.