Three novel endophytic fungi associated with roots of baobab trees in Polyschema

Endophytic fungi associated with roots of baobab (Adansonia digitata L.) remain poorly documented in terms of species diversity worldwide. During an ongoing fungal research survey in the dry-hot valleys of Honghe (Yunnan Province, China), five endophytic fungal strains were isolated from healthy roots of A. digitata. Based on sequence data from four gene regions (ITS, LSU, SSU, and rpb2) combined with morphological observations, all five strains were identified to the genus Polyschema. Hence, three novel species are introduced in the present study, namely P. adansoniae-digitatae, P. hongheense, and P. radicicola. This study constitutes the first record of Polyschema from mainland China. Detailed morphological descriptions, illustrations, and phylogenetic placements of the three new species are provided. Additionally, the species diversity, morphology, and phylogeny of Polyschema are updated and discussed. These findings enrich the knowledge of endophytic fungal diversity associated with baobab in China and provide insights into the taxonomy and diversity of Polyschema. Furthermore, an updated discussion on the ecology and genera within the family Latoruaceae is presented.