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

Summary

Scientists studying mushrooms collected in China’s Baima Snow Mountain identified a bolete species that was previously misclassified. Using DNA analysis combined with detailed microscopic examination, they determined this mushroom was distinct enough to warrant creation of a brand new genus called Pseudobaorangia. This discovery helps clarify the evolutionary relationships and proper classification of this rare mountain-dwelling mushroom species.

Background

Boletus lakhanpalii was originally described in 2015 but its taxonomic position remained undetermined due to insufficient molecular data and complex taxonomic relationships within Boletaceae. Initial ITS sequence analyses suggested relationships with several taxa that have since been reclassified into different genera including Baorangia, Lanmaoa, and Rheubarbariboletus.

Objective

To clarify the phylogenetic placement and taxonomic position of Boletus lakhanpalii using combined molecular analysis of multiple gene regions (nrLSU, RPB2, and TEF1-α) and comprehensive morphological comparisons with related genera.

Results

Phylogenetic analysis showed the collected specimens formed an independent lineage with highest support (BS = 100%, PP = 1) and clustered as a sister clade to Baorangia (BS = 83%, PP = 1). Although sharing some morphological characteristics with Baorangia, the species exhibited several distinguishing differences warranting establishment of a new genus.

Conclusion

A new genus Pseudobaorangia is formally proposed with P. lakhanpalii as the type species. The species is morphologically and phylogenetically distinct from Baorangia despite their close relationship, and appears restricted to subalpine regions of the Himalayan range.
  • Published in:MycoKeys,
  • Study Type:Taxonomic Revision,
  • Source: 10.3897/mycokeys.119.144869, PMID: 40686532
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