First described by the Austrian mycologist Franz Petrak in 1923,[1] the genus contains 10 species according to a 2008 estimate.

[3] The genus Lepteutypa is teleomorphic (reproducing sexually) and the corresponding anamorphic name, used to describe the asexual form, is Seiridium (formerly Coryneum).

[4] Other separate species of Seiridium have also found, so it is now classed as a genus in its own right as well.

[5] Seiridium cardinale is important to gardeners and foresters as they cause the devastating Cyprus canker disease on Cupressus, Thuja, and related conifers in Northern Europe, America, Australia,[6] and New Zealand.

[7][8] S. cardinale is from California and was introduced to Europe around the 1930s, probably from infected nursery stock.