Four new species of Marasmius subgenus Globulares (Marasmiaceae, Agaricales) from subtropical regions of China
- Author: mycolabadmin
- 8/15/2025
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Summary
Scientists discovered four previously unknown species of small mushrooms called Marasmius in subtropical forests of China. These tiny fungi were identified through detailed examination of their physical characteristics and DNA analysis. The new species have distinctive features like different colored caps, spore sizes, and microscopic structures. This discovery adds to our understanding of fungal biodiversity in Chinese subtropical regions.
Background
Marasmius is a large genus in Agaricales with rich species diversity and wide distribution. Recent molecular phylogenetic studies have shown that Marasmius is polyphyletic and has been restricted to a monophyletic lineage. Subtropical regions of China are hotspots for macrofungal biodiversity research.
Objective
This study aims to identify and describe four new species of Marasmius belonging to the subgenus Globulares discovered in subtropical regions of China. The research provides detailed morphological comparisons and phylogenetic analyses to establish the taxonomic status of these newly discovered species.
Results
Four new species were identified: M. blandus characterized by light orange pileus and medium-sized basidiospores; M. xingshanensis with brown pileus and absence of cheilocystidia; M. vulgaris with large basidiospores up to 16.0 μm; and M. subpurpureostriatus with grayish-green pileus and violet striae. Phylogenetic analyses confirmed their distinct taxonomic status within separate clades.
Conclusion
The phylogenetic tree strongly supports the four new species as distinct taxa within subgenus Globulares. These findings suggest that Marasmius may contain additional undiscovered biodiversity and highlight the importance of ongoing mycological surveys in subtropical regions of China.
- Published in:MycoKeys,
- Study Type:Descriptive Taxonomy Study,
- Source: 10.3897/mycokeys.120.157997