A new lineage of mazaediate fungi in the Eurotiomycetes: Cryptocaliciomycetidae subclass. nov., based on the new species Cryptocalicium blascoi and the revision of the ascoma evolution

Abstract The class Eurotiomycetes (Ascomycota, Pezizomycotina) comprises important fungi used for medical, agricultural, industrial and scientific purposes. is a morphologically ecologically diverse monophyletic group. Within the Eurotiomycetes, different ascoma morphologies are found including cleistothecia perithecia but also apothecia or stromatic forms. Mazaediate representatives (with distinct structure in which loose masses of ascospores accumulate to be passively disseminated) have evolved independently several times. Here we describe new mazaediate species belonging Eurotiomycetes. multigene phylogeny produced (7 gene regions: nuLSU, nuSSU, 5.8S nuITS, mtSSU, RPB1 , RPB2 MCM7 ) placed lineage sister Eurotiomycetidae. Based on evolutionary relationships morphology, subclass, order, family genus described place species: Cryptocalicium blascoi . This calicioid occurs inner side bark strips Cupressaceae ( Cupressus Juniperus ). Morphologically, C. characterized by having minute apothecioid stalked ascomata producing mazaedia, clavate bitunicate asci with hemiamyloid reaction, presence hamathecium an apothecial external surface dark violet granules that becomes turquoise green KOH. ancestral state reconstruction analyses support common ancestor open all deep nodes evolution closed (cleistothecioid Eurotiomycetidae perithecioid Chaetothyriomycetidae) from ancestors. appropriateness description subclass this fungus discussed.