Three new species ofAcanthostigma(Tubeufiaceae, Dothideomycetes) from Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Researchers have identified three new species of the fungal genus Acanthostigma within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, USA. These discoveries, confirmed through phylogenetic analyses of genetic markers (28S large subunit and internal transcribed spacer region), highlight distinct morphological traits such as longer ascospores with increased septa in Acanthostigma filiforme and multiseptatum, and broader, asymmetrical ascospores constricted at septa in A. septoconstrictum. The study also solidified the placement of Acanthostigma within the Tubeufiaceae family through comprehensive phylogenetic analyses. This research contributes to the understanding of fungal diversity in terrestrial ecosystems, particularly decomposing wood habitats.

Promputtha, I., & Miller, A. N. (2010). Three new species ofAcanthostigma(Tubeufiaceae, Dothideomycetes) from Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Mycologia, 102(3), 574–587. https://doi.org/10.3852/09-051