Lectotypification, epitypification, and molecular phylogenetic confirmation of Cytospora paulowniae comb. nov., a causal pathogen of Paulownia tree canker in Japan

Paulownia tree canker is a major disease of Paulowniae tomentosa in Japan. The pathogen was described as Valsa paulowniae in 1916 by Hemmi and Miyabe. However, its current taxonomic status and phylogenetic position are uncertain. In this study, we reviewed the protologue of this species and rediscovered the syntypes maintained at the Hokkaido University Museum (SAPA). From these specimens, a lectotype was selected. The molecular phylogenetic position of this species was examined with newly collected samples. Based on the result of phylogeny and morphology, an epitype of this species was designated and transferred to the genus Cytospora.