A new species and phylogenetic data for Nematococcomyces

Nematococcomyces oberwinkleri sp. nov. is described and illustrated on living twigs of Rhododendron sp. from Yunnan Province, China. It has ascospore appendages similar to the type species N. rhododendri, but differs in its eight-spored asci, ascospore shape, and the gelatinous sheath around the ascospores. Combined large subunit (LSU) rDNA and mitochondrial small subunit (mtSSU) DNA sequences were used to infer the phylogenetic position of Nematococcomyces in the Rhytismatales. Nematococcomyces species formed a monophyletic clade. Pestalotiopsis-like, filiform apical appendages of the ascospores and identity of the associated plant are important characteristics for the genus.