A multilocus phylogeny of Hericium (Hericiaceae, Russulales)

Author: mycolabadmin
7/31/2025
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Summary

Researchers conducted the first comprehensive genetic study of lion’s mane mushrooms (Hericium species) using advanced DNA sequencing techniques. The study resolved long-standing confusion about different species and their relationships, while also describing a new species from western North America. These mushrooms are prized both as food and for traditional medicinal uses, particularly in Asia, and contain compounds with potential anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and neuroprotective properties. Better identification of species will help both commercial cultivators and medical researchers work with the correct organisms.

Background

Species of Hericium are wood-decomposing basidiomycetes that are both highly prized edible mushrooms and valuable medicinal resources. Hericium erinaceus has a long history of use in East Asia for treating gastric ailments and contains bioactive compounds including erinacines and hericenones. Previous phylogenies based solely on ITS data have provided unsatisfactory species delimitations with little resolution to interspecific relationships.

Objective

To provide a higher resolution phylogeny of Hericium species using multilocus sequence data (ITS, LSU, TEF-1α, and RPB2) with particular focus on North American and European species. To stabilize the nomenclature of Hericium by designating lectotypes and epitypes for critical European species and to describe new species within the H. erinaceus complex.

Results

The multilocus phylogeny resolved Hericium species as monophyletic groups with strong support, including H. coralloides, H. americanum, H. abietis, H. alpestre, H. cirrhatum, H. erinaceus, H. asiaticum, H. carolinense, and a newly described species H. oregonense. Genetic distances within H. coralloides ranged up to 0.82%, while interspecific distances ranged from 0.31-3.64%. All taxa were strongly supported in maximum likelihood analyses.

Conclusion

This first comprehensive multilocus phylogenetic study of Hericium provides clear species delimitation and resolves previous taxonomic uncertainty. The designation of lectotypes and epitypes for critical European species helps stabilize nomenclature. Recognition of geographically distinct species within the H. erinaceus complex allows precise designation for researchers and cultivators.

Published in:Persoonia,
Study Type:Phylogenetic Analysis,
Source: 10.3114/persoonia.2025.55.04, PMID: 41536592