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First Report of Buchwaldoboletus lignicola (Boletaceae), a Potentially Endangered Basidiomycete Species, in South Korea

Summary

Scientists in South Korea discovered a rare mushroom called Buchwaldoboletus lignicola for the first time in the country growing on dead Korean pine trees in Gwangneung Forest. This mushroom, which is endangered in Europe, was identified using both traditional microscopic examination and modern DNA analysis. The findings suggest this rare fungus may be present in Asian forests and could potentially need legal protection in South Korea.

Background

Buchwaldoboletus lignicola is a rare saprophytic basidiomycete fungus primarily distributed in Europe and North America, with few documented occurrences in Asia. The genus Buchwaldoboletus consists of 13 species divided into three groups and is characterized by lignicolous habitat and saprophytic nutritional mode.

Objective

To report the first occurrence of Buchwaldoboletus lignicola in South Korea and provide detailed morphological and molecular characterization of specimens collected during a macrofungi survey in Gwangneung Forest.

Results

Both specimens were identified as Buchwaldoboletus lignicola based on morphological characteristics (light brown to reddish-brown pileus, bluing pores when bruised, golden-yellow basal mycelium) and ITS sequences that grouped with European and Canadian B. lignicola specimens with strong phylogenetic support (MPBS=99%, PP=0.99). This represents the first report of the species in Korea and identifies Pinus koraiensis as a new host plant.

Conclusion

Buchwaldoboletus lignicola is confirmed to occur in South Korea, expanding the known distribution of this rare basidiomycete. Given its endangered status in several European countries and rarity in Asia, B. lignicola may warrant consideration as a protected forest species in South Korea.
  • Published in:Mycobiology,
  • Study Type:Taxonomic Description and First Report,
  • Source: 10.1080/12298093.2019.1682907, PMID: 32010474, PMCID: PMC6968548
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