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Resolving the Phylogenetic Placement of Gangliostilbe in the Family Xenospadicoidaceae (Xenospadicoidales)
Sneha Lad, Kunhiraman C. Rajeshkumar, Paraparath O. Sruthi, Nikhil Ashtekar, Abdulsalim P. Ansil, Rajnish K. Verma, Nalin N. Wijayawardene
MycoAsia 2022/01.
https://doi.org/10.59265/mycoasia.2022-01
Abstract
This study resolves the phylogenetic position of an anamorphic synnematous genus, Gangliostilbe (typified by G. indica), collected from the Northern Western Ghats of India. Gangliostilbe can be distinguished based on its erect synnemata, simple, dark-coloured, well-defined stalk, a subglobose to clavate head, and solitary, acrogenous, brown, phragmoconidia having three or more septa that secede through gangliar conidiogenesis. Phylogenetic analysis based on ITS and LSU sequence data supported the placement of Gangliostilbe in Xenospadicoidaceae (Xenospadicoidales). Gangliostilbe is the only genus in Xenospadicoidaceae having synnematous conidiomata and gangliar conidiogenesis.
Plain Language Summary
This study clarifies the evolutionary relationships of a unique fungus, Gangliostilbe~indica, found in India’s Northern Western Ghats. This fungus is distinguished by its upright, dark stalks with a club-shaped head that produces dark, multi-celled spores. By analyzing its DNA, scientists confirmed its position in the fungal family tree, placing it within the Xenospadicoidaceae family. This is a significant finding because Gangliostilbe is the only known member of this family to possess these distinct stalk-like structures and a specific method of spore formation, highlighting the unique fungal biodiversity of the region.
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