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Emending Gymnopus sect. Gymnopus (Agaricales, Omphalotaceae) by including two new species from southern China

Summary

This research describes two new species of mushrooms found in southern China and revises their classification within the genus Gymnopus. The study combines detailed physical examination of the mushrooms with DNA analysis to understand their relationships to other species. This work helps scientists better understand fungal diversity and classification. Impacts on everyday life: • Contributes to our understanding of global biodiversity • Helps identify and catalog new species in China’s forests • Improves scientific classification systems used by researchers and naturalists • Aids in the documentation and preservation of natural heritage • Could lead to discovery of useful compounds or properties in these fungi

Background

Gymnopus sect. Gymnopus was previously a monotypic section with G. fusipes as its type species. The section was characterized by a fleshy pileus, fusoid stipe with pseudorrhiza, and pileipellis made up of inflated, irregular, coralloid elements. Recent studies have focused on other sections of Gymnopus, with little attention to sect. Gymnopus.

Objective

To describe and classify two new species of Gymnopus from southern China and emend the circumscription of Gymnopus sect. Gymnopus based on morphological and molecular phylogenetic evidence.

Results

Two new species, Gymnopus omphalinoides and G. schizophyllus, were discovered and described. Both species formed a distinct clade with G. fusipes in phylogenetic analyses. While their macromorphology appeared closer to other sections, their micromorphological characters, especially the pileipellis type, supported their placement in sect. Gymnopus. The circumscription of sect. Gymnopus was emended to include these new species.

Conclusion

The study expanded Gymnopus sect. Gymnopus beyond its previous monotypic status by adding two new species from China. The section’s circumscription was emended to accommodate species with either membranous or fleshy pileus, and with or without distinct pseudorrhiza, while maintaining the characteristic pileipellis structure as a key diagnostic feature.
  • Published in:MycoKeys,
  • Study Type:Taxonomic Study,
  • Source: 10.3897/mycokeys.87.76125
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