Reappraisal of the Sporobolomyces roseus species complex and description of Sporidiobolus metaroseus sp. nov.

Here, we investigate a group of red to pinkish ballistoconidia-forming yeasts that were preliminarily identified as Sporobolomyces roseus or Sporidiobolus pararoseus. Detailed molecular and micromorphological studies revealed that the sexual strains and several conspecific anamorphic isolates belonged to a novel teleomorph that represents the sexual stage of Sporobolomyces roseus. Consequently, a new taxon in the genus Sporidiobolus is here described as Sporidiobolus metaroseus sp. nov. (type strain CBS 7683(T)). The main characteristics of Sporidiobolus metaroseus are presented and compared with those of the more closely related species. Our studies also led to the clarification of the life cycle of Sporidiobolus pararoseus. We confirm that the teliospores of this species germinate by forming short branches of hyphae, instead of basidia.