The genus Hermatomyces in Benin, with the description of H. griseomarginatus, sp. nov.

Abstract

Intensive mycological surveys in southern Benin focused on species of Hermatomyces (Pleosporales) resulted in the collection and sequencing of numerous specimens on dead plant debris of different hosts. Majority of the collections belonged to the monomorphic species H. sphaericus, except for two specimens of a hitherto unknown species, which is introduced as Hermatomyces griseomarginatus. The fungus was collected on dead twig of Hymenocardia acida still attached to the tree and dead peduncle of Tectona grandis. It is distinct in having sporodochia with a dense and dark gray margin enclosing their lenticular conidia. Phylogenetically, it formed a well-supported lineage sister to two other monomorphic species, H. verrucosus and H. sphaericoides. Two dimorphic species were also found, H. krabiensis and H. nabanheensis, which are reported for the first time outside of Asia. Detailed morphological descriptions are provided, and the diversity of Hermatomyces in Benin is summarized based on published data and results from the GlobalFungi database.