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Tropical species of Cladobotryum and Hypomyces producing red pigments

Summary

This research examines tropical fungi that produce red pigments and grow on other fungi. The study found that tropical species previously thought to be the same as those found in temperate regions are actually distinct species. The findings help us better understand fungal diversity in tropical regions and how these species are distributed globally. Impacts on everyday life: – Improves our understanding of fungal biodiversity in tropical regions – Helps identify and classify fungi that could have potential applications in medicine or industry – Provides knowledge needed for conservation of tropical fungi – Aids in understanding host-parasite relationships in fungi – Contributes to knowledge of natural pigment production in fungi

Background

The fungicolous genus Hypomyces includes species that live in association with different asco- and basidiomycetes. While best studied in Europe and eastern USA, species richness appears highest in the tropics. This study focuses on species of Hypomyces and their Cladobotryum anamorphs that produce red pigments due to aurofusarin. Previous tropical collections had been assigned to temperate species H. rosellus and H. odoratus, but detailed morphological and molecular analysis reveals they represent distinct tropical taxa.

Objective

To delimit and describe species of red-pigmented Hypomyces/Cladobotryum occurring in tropical regions, determine their phylogenetic relationships, anamorph-teleomorph connections, host range, and geographic distribution through morphological examination and molecular analysis.

Results

Twelve species of red-pigmented Hypomyces/Cladobotryum were identified from tropical regions, with ten described as new species. Teleomorphs were found for two previously known anamorphic species. The tropical species are genetically and morphologically distinct from nine known temperate species. Most species show geographic specificity rather than pantropical distribution. Africa appears particularly diverse with five new species from scattered localities.

Conclusion

None of the tropical collections belong to the common temperate species H. rosellus and H. odoratus as previously thought. The tropical taxa represent distinct species with varying geographic distributions, some restricted to specific regions while others occur across multiple tropical areas. Host preferences were observed, with anamorphs spreading on soft ephemeral agaricoid basidiomata but teleomorphs mostly found on polyporoid basidiomata or bark.
  • Published in:Studies in Mycology,
  • Study Type:Taxonomic Study,
  • Source: 10.3114/sim.2011.68.01
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