Xerombrophila crystallifera, a new genus and species in the Helotiales

Xerombrophila, a new member of the Helotiales, is erected for a previously undescribed species that macroscopically resembles genera such as Phaeohelotium or Pezicula. The new species, for which we propose the name X. crystallifera, is characterized by a strong gelatinization of the medullary excipulum as well as the covering layer of the ectal excipulum, by the presence of abundant octahedral crystals, asci with an euamyloid apical ring that resembles the Calycina-type, and paraphyses containing refractive vacuoles. It can also be distinguished from members of both Ombrophila and Phaeohelotium in that it is desiccation-tolerant by surviving several weeks in the dry state. The species appears to be confined to xeric bark of Salix and was exclusively found over waterlogged soil, irrespective of being acidic or calcareous. It is known from various planar and colline areas of temperate Europe, and can be found throughout the year. Phylogenetic analysis of partial LSU sequences positions X. crystallifera as a sister taxon of a clade within the Helotiaceae s.l. that includes Ascocoryne, Chloroscypha, Gelatinodiscus, Neobulgaria and Sarcoleotia turficola.