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Additions to the Entoloma (Agaricales, Entolomataceae) from China: Description of five species with one new to science

Summary

Scientists studying mushrooms in China’s Qilian Mountains discovered five species of Entoloma mushrooms, including one completely new to science called Entoloma griseopileum. This gray mushroom grows on wood rather than soil, unlike most similar species. The research used both traditional microscopic examination and modern DNA analysis to identify and describe these mushrooms, adding to our knowledge of fungal diversity in this important biodiversity region.

Background

Entoloma is one of the top three genera in species diversity of Agaricomycotina with over 1800 estimated species worldwide. Previous taxonomic studies of Entoloma have been primarily focused on American and European regions, with relatively limited knowledge of species diversity in China. Recent explorations in China have revealed many new Entoloma species.

Objective

To document and describe Entoloma species collected from Qilian Mountain in China during macrofungi diversity surveys. The study aimed to identify five species including one new to science based on morphological and phylogenetic analyses.

Results

Five Entoloma species were documented from Qilian Mountain: one new species E. griseopileum in subgenus Leptonia, and four known species (E. glaucobasis, E. incanum, E. verae in subg. Cyanula, and E. fuligineocinereum in subg. Nolanea). E. griseopileum is characterized by gray basidiomes, fibrillose pileus, and wood-decaying habitat. All species were supported by strong phylogenetic bootstrap and posterior probability values.

Conclusion

The study documents five Entoloma species from China with comprehensive morphological descriptions and molecular data. The Qilian Mountains region is confirmed as a biodiversity hotspot for macrofungi, suggesting continued discovery of new species in this critical ecological corridor. This work contributes to understanding Entoloma diversity in Asia.
  • Published in:MycoKeys,
  • Study Type:Taxonomic Description Study,
  • Source: 10.3897/mycokeys.123.162577 / PMID: 41111948
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