Novel Botryosphaeriaceae records associated with epiphytic plants from South China

Botryosphaeriaceae (Botryosphaeriales) encompasses numerous endophytic, saprobic, and plant pathogenic fungal species associated with a wide range of hosts. They are commonly associated with woody plants and are recognized as opportunistic fungal pathogens. In this study, five endophytic Botryosphaeriaceae species were isolated from epiphytic plants of Ficus pumila and Lemmapphyllum microphyllum (Le.) and identified using both morphology and phylogeny. Botryosphaeria dothidea, B. ramosa, Lasiodiplodia citricola, L. mahajangana, and L. theobromae were identified and described. Notably, Lasiodiplodia citricola and L. mahajangana were isolated for the first time from F. pumila, while Botryosphaeria dothidea, B. ramosa, L. citricola, L. mahajangana, and L. theobromae were isolated for the first time from Le. microphyllum. We also synonymize Botryosphaeria tenuispora as B. dothidea and Lasiodiplodia chonburiensis as L. mahajangana. The results of this study significantly contribute to our understanding of the fungal diversity in F. pumila and Le. microphyllum. In addition, our findings expand the knowledge regarding the diversity and distribution of Botryosphaeriaceae species in South China.