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Six new species and reports of Hydnum (Cantharellales) from eastern North America

Summary

This research revealed much greater diversity of tooth fungi (Hydnum species) in eastern North America than previously known. Through detailed analysis of physical characteristics and DNA sequences, researchers identified and described six new species that had never been documented before. This work helps us better understand fungal biodiversity and evolution in North American forests. Impacts on everyday life: – Improves our ability to identify edible mushroom species accurately – Helps track changes in forest ecosystems and fungal distributions over time – Advances understanding of symbiotic relationships between fungi and trees – Provides baseline data for monitoring impacts of climate change on fungi – Contributes to preservation of fungal biodiversity through better documentation

Background

Until recently, only twelve species of Hydnum were commonly accepted worldwide. Initial phylogenetic studies revealed higher taxonomic diversity, with thirteen molecularly recognized clades masquerading under four morphologically-defined species names. Following a global survey estimating 31 species worldwide, additional taxonomic work has raised the global species count to 34, which is estimated to be less than half of the total number of Hydnum species. This previously overlooked diversity may be due to morphological stasis in evolution of basidiome morphology and lack of attention to regional characterization of the Hydnum flora outside Europe.

Objective

To resolve species names through taxonomic revision of type specimens and DNA sequencing of contemporary collections, as well as document Hydnum species diversity and distribution in eastern North America.

Results

Seventeen phylogenetic species of Hydnum were detected from eastern North America based on molecular phylogenetic survey of ITS sequences. Sixteen of these species appear endemic to North America. Six new species are described: H. alboaurantiacum, H. cuspidatum, H. ferruginescens, H. subconnatum, H. subtilior, and H. vagabundum. Geographic range extensions and taxonomic notes are provided for five additional species recently described from eastern North America. A new name, H. geminum, is proposed for H. caespitosum.

Conclusion

Species of Hydnum are best recognized by a combination of morphological and molecular phylogenetic analyses. Only one eastern North American Hydnum species also occurs outside North America. Many species occupy a wide geographic range within eastern North America, with three species also found in Central America. One species occurs in both eastern and western North America. None of the species studied display a clear preference for tree host genus.
  • Published in:MycoKeys,
  • Study Type:Taxonomic Study,
  • Source: 10.3897/mycokeys.42.27369
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