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A Phylogenetic Overview of the Hydnaceae (Cantharellales, Basidiomycota) with New Taxa from China

Summary

This research provides new insights into the classification and relationships of an important family of fungi called Hydnaceae. The study discovered and described several new species from China and clarified how different groups within this family are related to each other. Impacts on everyday life: – Helps scientists better understand fungal biodiversity and evolution – Improves our knowledge of edible mushroom species that are culturally and economically important – Advances the classification system used to identify and study fungi – Contributes to the documentation of China’s fungal diversity – Provides foundation for future research on potentially useful fungal species

Background

The family Hydnaceae is a group of fungi found worldwide that exhibits stichic nuclear division. The group shows high diversity in morphology, ecology, and phylogeny, and includes some edible species popular globally. Traditionally, Hydnaceae along with Cantharellaceae, Clavulinaceae and Sistotremataceae were four families in the Cantharellales. These four families were later combined and redefined as ‘Hydnaceae’, however a comprehensive phylogeny based on multiple genetic markers for the entire Hydnaceae sensu stricto was lacking and the delimitation remained unclear.

Objective

To infer Maximum Likelihood and Bayesian phylogenies for the family Hydnaceae using data from five DNA regions (nLSU, ITS, mtSSU, RPB2 and TEF1). Additionally, to produce three more phylogenetic trees for Cantharellus, Craterellus and Hydnum genera to describe new taxa and clarify taxonomic relationships.

Results

The study reproduced the status of Hydnaceae in Cantharellales and phylogenetically confirmed seventeen genera in Hydnaceae. Twenty-nine new taxa or synonyms were described, revealed, proposed or reported, including eight new subgenera, seventeen new species, two synonyms, and two newly recorded species. The research provided detailed morphological descriptions and phylogenetic placements for all new taxa.

Conclusion

The study provided a comprehensive phylogenetic framework for understanding relationships within Hydnaceae based on multiple genetic markers. It clarified the taxonomy of several genera and described numerous new taxa, particularly from China. The research demonstrated high morphological and ecological diversity within the family and established more accurate genus-level delimitation.
  • Published in:Studies in Mycology,
  • Study Type:Taxonomic Research,
  • Source: 10.1016/j.simyco.2021.100121
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