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Two New Species and a New Record of Yellow Cantharellus from Tropical Quercus Forests in Eastern Mexico

Summary

This research discovered and described two new species of yellow chanterelle mushrooms growing in tropical oak forests in Mexico. The study also confirmed the presence of another chanterelle species previously unknown in the region. One of the newly described species, Cantharellus veraecrucis, is an edible mushroom that local people collect and sell in markets. Impacts on everyday life: – Provides new information about edible wild mushrooms that can be safely collected and consumed – Helps mushroom foragers and sellers better identify different chanterelle species – Contributes to understanding local biodiversity and forest ecosystems – Supports conservation efforts by documenting native species – Aids in sustainable harvesting of wild edible mushrooms

Background

Species delimitation in Cantharellus is often challenging due to overlapping phenotypic variation and limited microscopic morpho-anatomic taxonomically informative features. During systematic multiyear sampling of basidiomes in tropical Quercus forests in eastern Mexico, researchers found three coexisting species of yellow Cantharellus, two with short-sized basidiomes and veined to gill-like folded hymenophore, and one with medium-sized, moderately robust basidiomes with smooth or rugulose hymenophore.

Objective

To describe and characterize two new species of yellow Cantharellus and document a new record of Cantharellus tabernensis associated with tropical Quercus species in Mexico based on morphological study of fresh specimens and phylogenetic analysis.

Results

The study identified two new species – Cantharellus veraecrucis and Cantharellus parvoflavus – and confirmed the presence of Cantharellus tabernensis in Mexico. C. veraecrucis is distinguished by its smooth hymenophore with pinkish tinges and appears related to C. lateritius. C. parvoflavus is characterized by small basidiomes with gill-like folds. The study also proposed a new name, Cantharellus furcatus, to replace Craterellus confluens.

Conclusion

The research expanded the known diversity of Cantharellus species in tropical oak forests of Mexico by describing two new species and documenting a new geographical record. The findings contribute to better understanding of Cantharellus taxonomy and distribution in tropical America.
  • Published in:MycoKeys,
  • Study Type:Taxonomic Study,
  • Source: 10.3897/mycokeys.80.61443
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