A new species concept for the clinically relevant complex.

species are common soil fungi but also known as agents of human infections (mucormycosis) and used in food production and biotechnology. is the species that is most frequently isolated from clinical sources. The taxonomy of and its close relatives ( complex - MCC) is still based on morphology and mating behaviour. The aim of the present study was a revised taxonomy of the MCC using a polyphasic approach. Using a set of 100 strains molecular phylogenetic analysis of five markers (ITS, , , , and , introduced here) were performed, combined with phenotypic studies, mating tests and the determination of the maximum growth temperatures. The multi-locus analyses revealed 16 phylogenetic species of which 14 showed distinct phenotypical traits and were recognised as discrete species. Five of these species are introduced as novel taxa: sp. nov., sp. nov., sp. nov., sp. nov., and sp. nov. The former formae of represent one or two separate species. In the MCC, the simple presence of well-shaped zygospores only indicates a close relation of both strains, but not necessarily conspecificity. Seven species of the MCC have been implemented in human infection: , , , and .