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Chlorencoelia (Leotiomycetes, Helotiales, Cenangiaceae) in New Zealand

Summary

Researchers discovered that fungi previously thought to be just two species found in New Zealand are actually three distinct species. By examining the fungi’s DNA and microscopic features, scientists identified two species new to science: Chlorencoelia australis and Chlorencoelia northlandica, plus another species originally described from Tasmania. This research shows that many fungi species thought to be widespread are actually multiple different species that look similar but are genetically distinct.

Background

Chlorencoelia is a genus of saprotrophic, wood-inhabiting fungi in the family Cenangiaceae that has long been considered to include only a few species with wide geographic distributions. Previous reports from New Zealand identified specimens as C. torta or C. versiformis, but recent DNA sequencing suggested greater diversity.

Objective

To determine the actual diversity of Chlorencoelia specimens collected from New Zealand using DNA sequencing and morphological analysis. The study aims to integrate genetic and morphological data to refine fungal taxonomy within this genus.

Results

All New Zealand specimens previously identified as C. torta or C. versiformis represent three distinct species: C. olivacea (originally described from Tasmania), plus two newly named species C. australis and C. northlandica. These species exhibit subtle but unique morphological characteristics including differences in ascospore size, lipid body arrangements, tomentum hyphae shape, and vacuolar body coloration.

Conclusion

This study reveals previously unrecognized diversity within Chlorencoelia and demonstrates the importance of integrating genetic and morphological data for accurate fungal taxonomy. The hidden diversity of Chlorencoelia suggests that additional unnamed species exist globally, highlighting the need for continued molecular characterization of this genus.
  • Published in:MycoKeys,
  • Study Type:Taxonomic and Phylogenetic Study,
  • Source: 10.3897/mycokeys.119.152958, PMID: 40741422
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