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Xerocomellus (Boletaceae) in Western North America

Summary

This research provides a comprehensive guide to identifying mushrooms in the genus Xerocomellus found in western North America. The study combines traditional morphological analysis with modern DNA techniques to clarify which species exist in this region and how to tell them apart. Impacts on everyday life: – Helps mushroom enthusiasts and experts accurately identify these fungi in nature – Improves our understanding of forest ecosystems and fungal biodiversity – Contributes to forest management and conservation efforts – Enables better monitoring of rare or endangered fungal species – Assists in understanding mycorrhizal relationships between fungi and trees

Background

The genus Xerocomellus includes boletes with dry, velvety pilei that tend to develop areolate pileus surfaces. While European Xerocomellus species are relatively well understood, the diversity of North American Xerocomellus has remained unclear due to use of European names for North American collections, lack of robust species concepts, high morphological variability, and overlapping traits.

Objective

The study aimed to: (1) ascertain species-level diversity within the genus in western North America, (2) assess morphological variability within species, and (3) establish morphological identification criteria. The researchers collected extensively and used genetic and morphological data to establish the occurrence of ten Xerocomellus species in western North America.

Results

The study identified ten Xerocomellus species in western North America, including three new species (X. atropurpureus, X. diffractus, and X. salicicola) and two new combinations (X. amylosporus and X. mendocinensis). The research showed that Boletus coccyginus belongs in Hortiboletus. The analyses confirmed that Xerocomellus is monophyletic with Hortiboletus as sister genus. Evolution of sequestrate morphology was found to have occurred at least twice in this genus.

Conclusion

The study provides a comprehensive framework for identifying Xerocomellus species in western North America, including a dichotomous key. The research clarifies species concepts and nomenclature, enabling more accurate identification of environmental samples, mycorrhizal morphotypes, and basidiomata for ecological studies and forest management goals.
  • Published in:Fungal Systematics and Evolution,
  • Study Type:Taxonomic Study,
  • Source: 10.3114/fuse.2020.06.13
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