Phyllosticta species on orchids (Orchidaceae), introducing Phyllosticta speewahensis sp. nov. (Phyllostictaceae, Ascomycota) from northern Australia

Shivas R. G., Tan Y. P. & K. R. E. Grice (2013) Phyllosticta species on orchids (Orchidaceae), introducing Phyllosticta speewahensis sp. nov. (Phyllostictaceae, Ascomycota) from northern Australia.

Sydowia 65 (1): 139–146

Several species of Phyllosticta (syn. Guignardia) have been described from orchids worldwide. A new species, Phyllosticta speewahensis, is proposed for a specimen isolated from leaf spots on a hybrid Vanda orchid in northern Queensland, Australia. Phylogenetic analysis of the nrDNA internal transcribed spacer region (ITS) and partial translation elongation factor 1-alpha (TEF1) gene sequences showed that P. speewahensis is most closely related to P. hostae. The likelihood that orchids harbour further cryptic species of endophytic and pathogenic Phyllosticta species is discussed.

Keywords: cryptic species, Phyllosticta, molecular phylogeny, taxonomy, Orchidaceae.

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