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Geoglossum subdifforme sp. nov. and G. simile, Two New Earth Tongues from South Korea

Summary

Researchers in South Korea discovered two earth tongue fungal species, one new to science. Using DNA analysis and microscopic examination, they confirmed G. simile was previously unknown in Asia and identified a brand new species, G. subdifforme, that grows on Korean islands. These findings expand our understanding of fungal diversity in South Korea and show that molecular analysis is essential for properly identifying these small, dark mushroom-like organisms.

Background

The family Geoglossaceae, commonly known as earth tongues, has been reclassified through molecular phylogenetic approaches, revealing that previously grouped genera do not form a monophyletic group. The genus Geoglossum currently contains 28 species known as ‘dark earth tongues’ or ‘black earth tongues.’ In South Korea, only two Geoglossum species have been recorded previously, though molecular phylogenetic confirmation was lacking.

Objective

To identify and describe two undescribed Geoglossum species found during an investigation of Korean Ascomycetes in 2023 using combined morphological and phylogenetic analyses.

Results

Two species were identified: G. simile (a previously described species new to Korea) and G. subdifforme sp. nov., a new species closely related to G. difforme. The species are distinguishable by morphological characteristics including ascospore size, septae count, and paraphyses morphology. Phylogenetic analysis showed strong support for the separation of these species from related taxa.

Conclusion

G. subdifforme is formally described as a new species, distinguishable from G. difforme by smaller ascospores and fewer septae. G. simile is documented for the first time in East Asia with molecular confirmation. Both species expand knowledge of Geoglossum distribution in South Korea, with G. subdifforme found exclusively on Korean islands.
  • Published in:Mycobiology,
  • Study Type:Taxonomy, Descriptive Study,
  • Source: 10.1080/12298093.2024.2440974, PMID: 39980704
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