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Unveiling species diversity within early-diverging fungi from China IV: Four new species of Absidia (Cunninghamellaceae, Mucoromycota)

Summary

Scientists discovered four new species of soil fungi called Absidia in Yunnan Province, China. These fungi were identified by examining their physical characteristics and genetic makeup, revealing they are closely related to but distinct from previously known Absidia species. Some Absidia species can produce useful compounds for industrial and medicinal purposes. This research adds to our understanding of fungal diversity in China’s temperate and subtropical regions.

Background

The genus Absidia is a group of early-diverging fungi distributed worldwide in soils and other habitats. Some Absidia species produce secondary metabolic substances with industrial and medicinal applications. Previous studies from China have reported numerous new Absidia species, enriching knowledge of fungal diversity in the region.

Objective

To investigate early-diverging fungi in soil from Yunnan Province, China, and describe four novel species of the genus Absidia based on morphological characteristics, molecular evidence, and physiological features. The study aims to further enrich understanding of Absidia diversity in China.

Results

Four novel species were discovered: Absidia arrhiza, A. simplex, A. sphaerica, and A. viridis. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that these species form distinct clades closely related to A. chinensis, A. panacisoli, A. medulla, and A. varians, respectively. The new species differ from allied species in morphological features such as sporangiophore branching, sporangia shape, columellae morphology, and maximum growth temperatures.

Conclusion

The study successfully identified and characterized four new Absidia species from Yunnan Province soils, expanding the known diversity of early-diverging fungi in China. These findings enrich understanding of Absidia species distribution and provide reference for future exploration of fungal biological resources in temperate to subtropical regions.
  • Published in:MycoKeys,
  • Study Type:Taxonomic Study,
  • Source: 10.3897/mycokeys.119.147816, PMID: 40641591
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