Morphological and phylogenetic analyses reveal five new species of Porotheleaceae (Agaricales, Basidiomycota) from China

Summary

This research discovered and described five new species of mushrooms in China, expanding our knowledge of fungal diversity in the region. The study used both physical examination of specimens and DNA analysis to confirm these new species and understand their relationships to other fungi. Impacts on everyday life: – Helps scientists better understand and catalog Earth’s biodiversity – Contributes to the identification of potentially useful or harmful fungi – Aids in conservation efforts by documenting species diversity – Provides reference material for future identification of these fungi – May lead to discovery of new compounds or properties useful to humans

Background

The family Porotheleaceae comprises saprotrophic, mainly wood-decaying fungi that are primarily agarics but also include cyphelloid fungi. Previous taxonomic studies included 15 genera, with most taxa characterized by saprophytic habit, omphalinoid to clitocyboid basidiomata, pigmented pileus, adnexed to decurrent lamellae, smooth basidiospores, and frequent sarcodimitic tramal tissues. Species are widespread in subtropical to tropical regions with lower diversity in temperate zones.

Objective

To analyze and describe five new species of Porotheleaceae discovered in China through morphological and phylogenetic analyses, including the first occurrence of Marasmiellomycena and Pulverulina genera in Chinese mycobiota.

Results

The study revealed five new species: Clitocybula fuscostriata, Gerronema brunneosquamulosum, Leucoinocybe subglobispora, Marasmiellomycena tomentosa, and Pulverulina flavoalba. The analysis confirmed two newly-recorded genera for China (Marasmiellomycena and Pulverulina) and established one new combination (Marasmiellomycena albodescendens). Phylogenetic analyses showed that Chrysomycena, Clitocybula, Delicatula, Hydropodia, Hydropus, Leucoinocybe, Marasmiellomycena, Megacollybia, Pulverulina, Trogia and Vizzinia form monophyletic groups, while Gerronema was found to be polyphyletic.

Conclusion

The research significantly expands our understanding of Porotheleaceae diversity in China by describing five new species and documenting two genera previously unknown in the region. The phylogenetic analysis provides new insights into the relationships within Porotheleaceae, confirming the monophyletic nature of most genera while highlighting the polyphyletic status of Gerronema.
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