Xylariaceae on the fringe.

Area of Science:

• Mycology
• Tropical Biology
• Ecology

Background:

• The Xylariaceae (Ascomycota) are a globally distributed pyrenomycete family, primarily wood-inhabiting fungi prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions.
• Halorosellinia oceanicum is a dominant and widely distributed species in mangrove ecosystems, especially in Southeast Asia.
• Members of the Xylariaceae family are numerically important in Malaysian mangroves, constituting up to 9% of fungal communities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the diversity and ecological significance of Xylariaceae in mangrove environments.
• To highlight the prevalence of Halorosellinia oceanicum as a key mangrove inhabitant.
• To underscore the potential of mangrove-associated Xylariaceae in producing bioactive metabolites.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of Xylariaceae occurrences in mangrove ecosystems.
• Identification of dominant genera and species, including Halorosellinia oceanicum.
• Documentation of endophytic associations and metabolite production.

Main Results:

• Halorosellinia oceanicum is identified as the most widely distributed and dominant Xylariaceae species in mangroves.
• Twelve additional xylariaceous genera (e.g., Anthostomella, Xylaria) are reported in mangrove habitats.
• Xylariaceae species, particularly Anthostomella and Xylaria, are frequently isolated as endophytes from mangrove plants.

Conclusions:

• The Xylariaceae family is a significant component of mangrove fungal biodiversity, with Halorosellinia oceanicum being a key species.
• Mangrove-associated Xylariaceae exhibit diverse ecological roles, including endophytic interactions with host plants.
• These fungi represent a promising source of novel and bioactive secondary metabolites.