Three new species of Teunia (Cryptococcaceae, Tremellales) identified through phenotypic and phylogenetic analyses

Abstract

Teunia, belonging to the family Cryptococcaceae of the order Tremellales, is a genus of plant-inhabiting fungi distributed across the globe. Its members form associations with different plant parts, including flowers, fruits, leaves, seeds, and twigs. Recent efforts have aimed to explore the diversity of Teunia in China, however, many geographical regions have not yet been explored. In this study, we included results of five Teunia yeast strains that were isolated from plant materials collected in Fujian, Guizhou and Henan provinces, with descriptions, illustrations, and phylogenetic analyses of three new species: T. acericola, T. mussaendrae isolated from leaf surfaces in Fujian, Guizhou and Henan Provinces, and T. qingyuanensis obtained from rotting wood in Fujian Province.