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A new combination, Clinoconidium inouyei, is proposed to accommodate Uredo inouyei (syn. Ustilago inouyei, Melanopsichium inouyei, Ustilago machili) from Japan, producing galls on shoot buds of Machilus japonica (Lauraceae). This taxonomic treatment is based on observations of gastroid sporulation in peripheral lacunae of the host galls and basidiospore morphology. This is also supported by phylogenetic analyses with LSU and ITS regions of rDNA. This species is morphologically and phylogenetically similar to C. onumae producing galls on shoot buds of Cinnamomum tenuifolium reported from Japan, but has larger basidiospores.

Clinoconidium lauracearum sp. nov. (Cryptobasidiaceae) is described and illustrated from infected fruits of Cinnamomum tamala (Lauraceae) collected from Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand State, India. The species shows characteristics of Clinoconidium and Drepanoconis, but differs from other species in these genera by the combination of shapes, sizes, and septation of basidiospores. Molecular data also indicate that the present taxon is distinct from the other known species of Clinoconidium and Drepanoconis. Analyses of combined ITS and LSU rDNA and separate LSU rDNA sequence data reveal a close association of the present taxon to the genus Clinoconidium, but also that it is distinct from the other known species in the genus.

A fungal disease with aerial-root-liked gall symptoms on Cinnamomum subavenium in Khao Yai National Park, Northeastern Thailand is reported, and the causative agent identified as Laurobasidium hachijoense . Cultures from the Thai specimens, as well as the type culture from Japan, were sequenced for LSU and ITS genes. Analysis of these gene sequences showed that the Thai isolates clustered with the type strain of Laurobasidium hachijoense . This is the first report of this fungus on a new host and in Thailand. Morphology of this fungus from the Thai specimens as well as the seasonal symptom in the natural forest are described and illustrated. Laurobasidiaceae is proposed as a new family for Laurobasidium . It was nested in a highly supported clade with the Cryptobasidiaceae and a sister clade to the Branchybasidiaceae, Graphoilaceae and Exobasidiaceae clades within the order Exobasidiales. Laurobasidiaceae morphologically possesses basidial sterigmata, thin-walled basidiospores with an abaxial hilum, and sporulating on the surface of the host tissues. It is unique from other families in the Exobasidiales in causing aerial-root-like galls on the host plant. The phylogenetic analysis revealed that strains of Acaromyces ingoldii grouped together with Laurobasidium hachijoense indicating they are conspecific. Morphological examination also confirmed that these two taxa are the same fungus. Laurobasidium hachijoense is proposed as the valid name based on its occupation of the initial type material of this organism, and the monotypic genus Acaromyces becomes a synonym of Laurobasidium . Exobasidium cinnamomi is also considered a Laurobasidium species based on its morphology and the stag-horn-like galls on a lauraceous host. The taxonomy of the Laurobasidiaceae is discussed.

A new combination, Clinoconidium onumae, is proposed to accommodate Ustilago onumae (syn. Melanopsichium onumae) from Japan, producing galls on shoot buds of Cinnamomum tenuifolium (Lauraceae). This taxonomic treatment is based on observations of gastroid sporulation in peripheral lacunae of the host galls and basidiospore morphology. This species is morphologically and phylogenetically similar to Cl. cinnamomi producing galls on fruits of Ci. burmannii, reported from Taiwan, but differs by having larger basidiospores and different morphology of the gall structures, and by affecting different plant organs.

A new name, Clinoconidium globosum, is proposed to accommodate Sphacelotheca cinnamomi from Japan, producing galls on fruits of Cinnamomum daphnoides (Lauraceae). This decision is based on observations of gastroid sporulation in peripheral lacunae of the host galls and basidiospore morphology. This species is characterized by small, globose basidiospores. Its morphological features are described based on newly collected specimens. Results of recently published phylogenetic analyses also support this new name.