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Discovery of two new Cortinarius species in Southern China

Summary

Scientists discovered two new species of mushrooms in Fujian Province, China, called Cortinarius griseoaurantinus and Cortinarius yonganensis. Using DNA analysis and microscopic examination, they confirmed these are distinct species and described their unique characteristics, including their colorful caps and spore structures. Some Cortinarius mushrooms contain helpful compounds for dyes and medical research, but others can be toxic, making accurate species identification important.

Background

Cortinarius is a globally distributed genus of ectomycorrhizal mushrooms characterized by rust-brown spores. The high species richness results in significant morphological diversity and similarity among closely related species, making taxonomy challenging. Two potentially new species were discovered during fieldwork in Fujian Province, China.

Objective

To describe and characterize two new Cortinarius species from Fujian Province, Southern China through morphological examination and molecular phylogenetic analysis. The study aimed to enhance understanding of Cortinarius genus diversity and ecological relationships.

Results

Two new species were identified and described: Cortinarius griseoaurantinus (subgenus Leprocybe) and Cortinarius yonganensis (subgenus Dermocybe). Phylogenetic analysis confirmed both species as distinct lineages with strong statistical support. C. griseoaurantinus was characterized by bright orange to brownish-orange pileus with distinctly verrucose basidiospores, while C. yonganensis featured reddish-pink to deep jasper red pileus with punctate basidiospores.

Conclusion

The identification and description of these two new Cortinarius species enriches understanding of the genus and its ecological relationships in Southern China. The comprehensive morphological descriptions, phylogenetic analyses, and developed keys provide reference for further evolution and geographic distribution analysis of these fungi.
  • Published in:Frontiers in Microbiology,
  • Study Type:Descriptive Study; Taxonomic Classification,
  • Source: PMID: 40469734; DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2025.1558935
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