Abstract
Formosan rhododendron (Rhododendron formosanum Hemsl.) is an endemic species of Ericales
in Taiwan. The Rf28 fungal strain was isolated from the roots of Formosan rhododendron and
identified as an endophytic species of Phialocephala based on its morphological characteristics.
This identification was further supported by a DNA sequence analysis. This species is a new addition
to the fungal flora of Taiwan. In ericoid-mycorrhizal synthesis, Rf28-inoculated Formosan
rhododendron seedlings exhibited vigorous growth, and an examination of the root ultrastructure
revealed the occurrence of hyphal complexes and hyphal coils in cortical cells. These results demonstrated
that Formosan rhododendron can form ericoid mycorrhiza in vitro with Phialocephala
spp.