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Pseudobaorangia (Boletaceae, Boletales), a new genus for Boletus lakhanpalii

Summary

Scientists have identified and named a new genus of mushroom called Pseudobaorangia for a species previously misclassified as Boletus lakhanpalii. Using DNA analysis of samples found in China’s Baima Snow Mountain, researchers determined this mushroom is closely related to but distinct from the genus Baorangia. This discovery helps clarify the family relationships of boletes, which are a diverse group of mushrooms found around the world.

Background

Boletus lakhanpalii was originally described in 2015 but its taxonomic placement remained unclear due to limited molecular data and complex relationships within Boletaceae. The species showed close phylogenetic relationships to several other bolete species that have since been reclassified into different genera, leaving its proper taxonomic position undetermined.

Objective

This study aimed to clarify the taxonomic placement of Boletus lakhanpalii through comprehensive phylogenetic analysis using multiple gene fragments (nrLSU, RPB2, and TEF1-α) combined with morphological examination of specimens collected from Baima Snow Mountain Nature Reserve in Yunnan Province, China.

Results

The phylogenetic analysis showed the specimens formed an independent lineage with highest support (BS=100%, PP=1) clustering as a sister clade to Baorangia (BS=83%, PP=1). ITS sequences showed 99.53% and 99.44% similarity to B. lakhanpalii. The new genus Pseudobaorangia is proposed with P. lakhanpalii as the type species, distinguished from Baorangia by several morphological characteristics.

Conclusion

A new genus Pseudobaorangia is established for the previously misclassified Boletus lakhanpalii, resolving its uncertain taxonomic position within Boletaceae. Pseudobaorangia lakhanpalii is characterized as distinct from the closely related genus Baorangia through both phylogenetic and morphological evidence, with detailed taxonomic descriptions provided.
  • Published in:MycoKeys,
  • Study Type:Taxonomic Revision,
  • Source: 10.3897/mycokeys.119.144869, PMID: 40686532
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