Campanophyllum microsporum, Calocera multiramosa, and Dacrymyces naematelioides: Three New Fungal Species from Yunnan Province, China

Summary

This research describes three previously unknown species of fungi discovered in Yunnan Province, China. The scientists used both physical characteristics and DNA analysis to confirm these are distinct new species. This type of research helps us better understand the diversity of fungi in nature and their potential roles in ecosystems. Impacts on everyday life: – Helps document and preserve knowledge of Earth’s biodiversity – Contributes to understanding forest ecosystem health and function – May lead to discovery of fungi with useful properties for medicine or industry – Supports conservation efforts by identifying unique species – Advances our understanding of fungal evolution and relationships

Background

The Laojun Mountain in Yunnan Province, China is part of the Three Parallel Rivers Protected Areas and the Mountains of Southwest China Biodiversity Hotspot. During investigations of macrofungi diversity in this region, several specimens belonging to the genera Campanophyllum, Calocera and Dacrymyces were collected between 2019-2023.

Objective

To describe and characterize three new fungal species discovered in Yunnan Province, China based on morphological evidence and multi-locus phylogenetic analyses.

Results

Three new species were identified and described: Campanophyllum microsporum, characterized by small basidiospores and crowded lamellae; Calocera multiramosa, distinguished by yellowish-orange dendroid basidiomata with multiple branches; and Dacrymyces naematelioides, characterized by stipitate cerebriform basidiomata and 7-septate basidiospores. Phylogenetic analyses confirmed these as distinct species with strong statistical support.

Conclusion

The study establishes three new fungal species from Yunnan Province based on both morphological and molecular evidence. The findings expand our knowledge of fungal diversity in southwestern China and suggest more new species may be discovered in this region. The research also highlights the importance of continued collection efforts and detailed morphological and molecular analyses for identifying new fungal taxa.
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