To elucidate phylogenetic relationships of Xylaria, nuclear ribosomal ITS1-
5.8S-ITS2 regions from 22 strains of 18 species were sequenced. Members of
Xylaria formed a monophyletic group and proved to be phylogenetically homog
eneous except for Xylaria cubensis. Species of the section Xylorugosa were
divided into three groups and X. cubensis belonging to the section Xyloglos
sa developed an independent lineage from the section Xylorugosa. Groupings
were partially congruent with the morphological taxonomy. The stromal struc
ture, ascal apex. ectostromal surface, perithecial structure, stipe differe
ntiation and the germ slit of ascospores were phylogenetically significant
characters in grouping Xylaria. (C) 2000 Federation of European Microbiolog
ical Societies. Published by Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.