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Diversity of Neotropical Stalked-Puffball: Two New Species of Tulostoma with Reticulated Spores

Summary

This research discovered and described two new species of mushrooms from threatened ecosystems in Brazil. The study combines traditional microscopic analysis with modern DNA techniques to understand fungal diversity. This work matters because: • It demonstrates that unexplored areas still contain undiscovered species • It highlights the importance of protecting threatened ecosystems that harbor unique biodiversity • It improves our understanding of fungal diversity and evolution in tropical regions • It provides new information for conservation planning and biodiversity management • It shows how modern technology can help us better understand and classify living organisms

Background

Species of the genus Tulostoma are easily recognizable by the presence of a spore sac with a mouth for spore release, attached to a stipe. Tulostoma is a species-diverse genus with worldwide distribution, including 276 legitimate species. While some attempts have been made to delimitate species and evaluate taxonomic characteristics, there remains a notable information gap regarding Neotropical species, especially concerning geographic distribution and DNA data.

Objective

To evaluate and describe two new species of Tulostoma with reticulated spores from threatened Brazilian geographical areas (Atlantic Forest and rupestrian grassland), and provide notes on the taxonomic rank of Tulostoma exasperatum var. ridleyi.

Results

Two new species were identified and described: Tulostoma mucugeense, characterized by spores with halos under light microscopy, helicoid with uneven alveoli under SEM, fibrillose mouth, and verrucose exoperidium; and Tulostoma paratyense, characterized by similar spore features but with fibrillose-fimbriate mouth and spiny exoperidium. The study also provided evidence to preserve the species status of T. ridleyi rather than maintaining it as a variety of T. exasperatum.

Conclusion

The research revealed new fungal diversity in Brazilian biodiversity hotspots and highlighted the importance of combining morphological and molecular approaches in fungal taxonomy. The findings suggest that T. exasperatum may represent a species complex with potential cryptic speciation. The study also emphasizes the need for conservation strategies in these threatened ecosystems where new species continue to be discovered.
  • Published in:PLoS One,
  • Study Type:Taxonomic Research,
  • Source: 10.1371/journal.pone.0294672
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