Gyrothrix sagarensis sp. Nov.: A novel hyphomycetous fungus on medicinal plant gardenia latifolia aiton from central India

Abstract

Gardenia latifolia is commonly known as Indian boxwood or Ceylon boxwood. Various parts of this plant are utilized to treat several cases of inflammatory pain, skin diseases, caries in humans, snake bite, stomachache, haemorrhage along with the ephemeral fever in live stocks. During the routine survey of Dr. Harisingh Gour Vishwavidyalaya Campus, Sagar for mycotaxonomic evaluation of terrestrial plants an interesting fungal specimen was encountered on G. latifolia Aiton which upon detailed morphological observations and mycotaxonomic treatment, proved to be a novel fungal species Gyrothrix sagarensis. It is also noteworthy that most of the species of this genus Gyrothrix (Corda) Corda, are reported on dead plant parts while the present novel species was collected and examined on living plant parts (i.e. on twig) of G. latifolia.