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Holarctic Species in the Pluteus podospileus Clade: Description of Six New Species and Reassessment of Old Names

Summary

Scientists have discovered and formally identified six new species of mushrooms in the Pluteus podospileus group that was previously thought to be a single variable species across the Northern Hemisphere. Using DNA analysis combined with traditional microscopic examination, researchers found that what was once considered one widespread species is actually multiple distinct species with different geographic distributions in Europe, Asia, and North America. The study also resurrected an old, forgotten species name and clarified the relationships between various populations of these small brown mushrooms that grow on decaying wood in forests.

Background

The genus Pluteus is a group of agaric fungi characterized by free lamellae and pinkish spore prints. The Pluteus podospileus complex has historically been treated as a single variable species across Europe and North America, but recent molecular studies suggested the existence of multiple distinct species within this group that warrant formal recognition.

Objective

To conduct a comprehensive taxonomic revision of the Pluteus podospileus complex using morphological and molecular data (nrITS and TEF1-α), describe new species, elevate recognized varieties to species rank, resurrect forgotten names, and clarify the distribution and taxonomy of holarctic Pluteus species in temperate and boreal forests.

Results

Within the P. podospileus complex, six species were confirmed in Europe, five in Asia, and eight in North America. Six new species were described (P. absconditus, P. fuscodiscus, P. gausapatus, P. inexpectatus, P. millsii, and P. notabilis with variety insignis), P. seticeps was recognized as a separate North American species, P. seticeps var. cystidiosus was elevated to species rank, and P. inflatus was resurrected as a valid species with P. minutissimus f. major and P. granulatus var. tenellus synonymized under it.

Conclusion

Phylogenetic and morphological analysis reveals that the Pluteus podospileus complex represents at least 11 distinct species plus additional undescribed species across the holarctic region. The resurrection of P. inflatus and formal description of six new species significantly improves the taxonomic understanding of this fungal group and clarifies biogeographic patterns across temperate and boreal forests of the Northern Hemisphere.
  • Published in:Journal of Fungi,
  • Study Type:Taxonomic Revision,
  • Source: 10.3390/jof9090898, PMID: 37755006
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