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Russula rubrosquamosa: A New Species of Mushroom from Southwestern China

Summary

Scientists have discovered and described a new species of mushroom from southwestern China. This mushroom, named Russula rubrosquamosa, is characterized by its small size and distinctive orange-red scales covering its cap and stem. The discovery adds to our understanding of fungal biodiversity in Asia. Impacts on everyday life: • Contributes to the documentation and preservation of Earth’s biodiversity • Helps in understanding ecological relationships between fungi and forest trees • Advances our knowledge of mushroom species that may have potential future applications • Assists in forest conservation efforts by identifying important fungal species • Provides valuable information for mushroom identification and classification

Background

Russula is one of the largest ectomycorrhizal genera in Russulaceae, with over 2000 species worldwide. These fungi form important symbiotic relationships with various host plants and play crucial ecological roles. The section Ingratae within Russula is characterized by specific morphological features and contains over 60 accepted species globally.

Objective

To describe and characterize a new species of Russula (R. rubrosquamosa) discovered in Yunnan Province, southwestern China, through detailed morphological examination and molecular phylogenetic analyses.

Results

The analyses revealed that R. rubrosquamosa forms an independent lineage within Russula subgenus Heterophyllidia section Ingratae. The species is characterized by small basidiomata with orange-yellow to orange-red scales on the pileus and stipe, white lamellae, orange-red to bright red basal mycelia, and subglobose to broadly ellipsoid basidiospores with dense warts and short or long ridges.

Conclusion

Russula rubrosquamosa represents a distinct new species within section Ingratae, characterized by unique morphological features and molecular phylogenetic placement. The species is currently known only from southwestern China where it grows in mixed forests of coniferous and broadleaf trees.
  • Published in:Mycoscience,
  • Study Type:Taxonomic Study,
  • Source: 10.47371/mycosci.2024.02.009
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