Two new species of Neohelicomyces (Tubeufiaceae, Tubeufiales) from southern China revealed by morphological and multi-locus phylogenetic analyses

During a survey of helicosporous hyphomycetes in tropical regions of China, four fungal strains were isolated from decaying wood in freshwater habitats of Hainan Province. Multi-locus phylogenetic analyses (LSU, ITS, tef 1 - α, and rpb 2), coupled with detailed morphological examinations, support the recognition of two new species, Neohelicomyces baochengensis and N. xiangshuiensis. Comprehensive morphological descriptions, illustrations, taxonomic notes, and phylogenetic evidence are provided to clarify their systematic placement.

These findings broaden the current understanding of Neohelicomyces diversity and provide further records of the genus from tropical freshwater habitats in Hainan Province.