Towards a natural classification of Dothideomycetes: 8. The genera Cocconia, Dianesea, Endococcus and Lineostroma

The generic types of four genera with unclear placement in Dothideomycetes were re-examined. These genera were hitherto poorly illustrated or described. The type specimens of Cocconia (C. palmae), Dianesea (D. palmae), Endococcus (E. rugulosus) and Lineostroma (L. banksiae), were re-examined in order to determine their familial and higher level placements, according to their morphology and based on modern taxonomic concepts. A resume of the history along with descriptions and illustrations of these genera are provided. Endococcus and Lineostroma are placed in families Lichenotheliaceae and Didymosphaeriaceae, respectively, based on morphology. The placement of Cocconia within Parmulariaceae is confirmed. Dianesea is retained in Dothideomycetes genera incertae sedis as it is not typical of any existing family of Dothideomycetes. Fresh collections of these genera are needed for further study, so that they can be epitypified and molecular data is needed to validate their phylogeny and natural classification.