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Two New Species of Collybiopsis (Agaricales, Omphalotaceae) from Mudeungsan National Park in Korea

Summary

Scientists discovered two new species of small mushrooms in Mudeungsan National Park in South Korea. These mushrooms, named Collybiopsis albida and Collybiopsis pini, are decomposer fungi that help break down dead wood and plant material in forests. The researchers used both traditional microscopic examination and modern DNA analysis to confirm these were previously unknown species, highlighting how genetic testing is essential for accurately identifying mushrooms that look similar to each other.

Background

Collybiopsis is a saprobic mushroom genus characterized by gymnopoid, omphaloid, and pleurotoid basidiomes with ellipsoid to cylindrical basidiospores. Currently, 66 species are classified within the genus, with 16 species recently identified in Korea. The genus plays an important ecological role as decomposer of dead branches, woods, and leaf litter in forest ecosystems.

Objective

To identify and characterize new Collybiopsis species collected from Mudeungsan National Park in Korea through morphological, molecular, and multi-marker phylogenetic analyses. Four specimens were examined to determine if they represented novel species.

Results

Two new Collybiopsis species were identified and named C. albida sp. nov. and C. pini sp. nov. Both species formed distinct clades from close relatives with high bootstrap values (100) and posterior probabilities (1.0) in phylogenetic analysis. Detailed morphological descriptions and GenBank sequences were provided for both novel species.

Conclusion

Morphological and molecular analyses confirm two new Collybiopsis species from Mudeungsan National Park, demonstrating the importance of DNA-based identification for gymnopoid and marasmioid fungi with subtle morphological distinctions. Multi-marker phylogenetic analysis is necessary for accurate species delimitation in Collybiopsis.
  • Published in:Mycobiology,
  • Study Type:Taxonomic Description Study,
  • Source: 10.1080/12298093.2025.2538925, PMID: 40792183
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