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Taxonomy and phylogeny of Cortinarius sect. Anomali in China

Summary

This research identifies and describes 22 species of Cortinarius mushrooms found in China, including 11 newly discovered species. Scientists used both traditional microscopy and modern DNA analysis to distinguish between similar-looking species and understand how they are related to each other. The study also compares Chinese species with those found in Europe and North America, helping map out how these mushrooms are distributed across the world.

Background

Cortinarius section Anomali is a species-rich group occurring worldwide, particularly in the Northern Hemisphere. The overlapping morphological and microscopical characteristics of Anomali species pose significant challenges for species identification. Previous molecular studies showed more than 90 phylogenetic species belong to sect. Anomali, but most are not properly described.

Objective

To clarify the taxonomy and phylogeny of Cortinarius section Anomali in China through morphological investigations and molecular methods. The study aimed to describe new species and report new records for China, enriching the knowledge of sect. Anomali distribution in Asia.

Results

The study reports 22 Anomali species from China, including 11 new species formally described, 6 species newly reported for China, and 5 known species confirmed. Phylogenetic analyses based on four-loci datasets revealed six major clades within section Anomali, with the largest clade containing mostly Northern Hemisphere species. Basidiospore ornamentation was characterized using scanning electron microscopy.

Conclusion

This polyphasic study significantly expands knowledge of Cortinarius sect. Anomali diversity in China and Asia. The findings clarify species limits, provide comprehensive descriptions with morphological illustrations, and establish phylogenetic relationships with European and North American populations. The research enriches the available molecular sequences and species distribution data for section Anomali.
  • Published in:Persoonia,
  • Study Type:Taxonomic and Phylogenetic Study,
  • Source: 10.3114/persoonia.2025.54.07, PMID: 40746704
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