Kodamaea nitidulidarum, Candida restingae and Kodamaea anthophila, three new related yeast species from ephemeral flowers

Three new yeast species were discovered during studies of yeasts associated with ephemeral flowers in Brazil, Australia and Hawaii. Their physiological and morphological similarity to Kodamaea (Pichia) ohmeri suggested a possible relationship to that species, which was confirmed by rDNA sequencing. Kodamaea nitidulidarum and Candida restingae were found in cactus flowers and associated nitidulid beetles in sand dune ecosystems (restinga) of Southeastern Brazil. Over 350 strains of Kodamaea anthophila were isolated from Hibiscus and morning glory flowers (Ipomoea spp,) in Australia, and from associated nitidulid beetles and Drosophila hibisci, A single isolate came from a beach morning glory in Hawaii. Expansion of the genus Kodamaea to three species modified the existing definition of the genus only slightly. The type and isotype strains are as follows: K, nitidulidarum strains UFMG96-272(T) (h(+); CBS 8491(T)) and UFMG96-394(I) (h(-); CBS 8492(I)); Candida restingae UFMG96-276(T) (CBS 8493(T)); K. anthophila strains UWO(PS)95-602.1(T) (h(+); CBS 8494(T)), UWO(PS)91-893.2(I) (h(-); CBS 8495(I)) and UWO(PS)95-725.1(I) (h(-); CBS 8496(I)).