MYCOLab Ai Logo - gold and army green

The genus Thaxterogaster (Cortinariaceae): phylogeny and species diversity in Western China

Summary

Researchers have discovered and documented 15 species of Thaxterogaster mushrooms in Western China, including 8 entirely new species never before described by science. Using DNA analysis alongside traditional observation methods, they created a detailed family tree of these fungi and provided identification guides. This work significantly expands our understanding of mushroom diversity in Asia and demonstrates that China’s forests harbor much greater fungal diversity than previously known.

Background

Thaxterogaster is the second largest genus within Cortinariaceae family, comprising nearly two hundred species worldwide. However, the diversity of this genus in China remains largely unknown. This study addresses the significant knowledge gap regarding Thaxterogaster species distribution and taxonomy in Asian regions.

Objective

To update the phylogeny of Thaxterogaster and document the diversity of species present in Western China. The study aims to describe new species and provide comprehensive taxonomic documentation for the region.

Results

Analysis identified 15 Thaxterogaster species in Western China across 7 subgenera and 23 sections. Eight species were new to science: T. crassimultiformis, T. lavendulaceus, T. flavocapitatus, T. pallidopurpurascens, T. atricapitatus, T. cupreus, T. sordidus, and T. alboparvus. One species, T. indopurpurascens, was new to China.

Conclusion

This comprehensive phylogenetic study significantly expands knowledge of Thaxterogaster diversity in Asia, particularly Western China. The description of new species and provision of a taxonomic key contributes substantially to fungal biodiversity documentation in the region.
  • Published in:Mycology,
  • Study Type:Taxonomic and Phylogenetic Study,
  • Source: 10.1080/21501203.2024.2441178, PMID: 40937133
Scroll to Top