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Morphological and molecular analyses reveal two new species of Grifola (Polyporales) from Yunnan, China

Summary

This research discovered two new species of edible mushrooms in China’s Yunnan province. These mushrooms belong to the same genus as the popular maitake mushroom and could have similar culinary and cultivation potential. The findings expand our understanding of mushroom diversity in Asia and may lead to new food sources. Impacts on everyday life: • Identifies new edible mushroom species that could become food sources • Expands potential options for mushroom cultivation and farming • Contributes to understanding local food traditions and resources • May lead to new commercial mushroom products • Helps preserve knowledge of regional biodiversity

Background

Grifola species are famous edible mushrooms loved by consumers worldwide. Most species have been described from Oceania, Europe and South America, with only Grifola frondosa previously recorded in Asia. The genus Grifola is characterized by compound basidiomata growing from roots at tree bases and causing white-rot. Six species were previously known worldwide.

Objective

To describe and characterize two novel species of Grifola discovered in southwestern China through morphological and molecular analyses.

Results

Two new species were identified and described: Grifola edulis and Grifola sinensis. G. edulis has medium-sized basidiomata with gray to gray-brown lobes, tibiiform or narrowly clavate chlamydospores, and grows on Lithocarpus corneus. G. sinensis has white to grayish white lobes, mostly ellipsoid chlamydospores, and broadly ellipsoid basidiospores. Both species form a clade with G. frondosa in phylogenetic analyses but show distinct morphological and molecular characteristics.

Conclusion

The study expands the known diversity of Grifola in Asia by describing two new edible species from Yunnan, China. Both new species are morphologically and phylogenetically distinct from previously known species. Their close relationship to the commercially important G. frondosa suggests potential cultivation value.
  • Published in:MycoKeys,
  • Study Type:Taxonomic Research,
  • Source: 10.3897/mycokeys.102.118518
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