Small Agarics in Taiwan: Mycena albopilosa sp. nov. and Gloiocephala epiphylla
- Author: mycolabadmin
- 2017-04-04
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Summary
This research describes two previously undocumented small mushroom species found in Taiwan’s lowland forests. The study is important for understanding fungal biodiversity and cataloging new species. While these tiny mushrooms might seem insignificant, similar species can have important impacts on agriculture and ecosystems.
Impacts on everyday life:
– Helps build knowledge of local biodiversity which is crucial for ecosystem conservation
– Some related mushroom species can affect important crops like coffee and cacao
– Understanding fungal diversity can lead to discovery of useful compounds and enzymes
– Contributes to scientific documentation of Taiwan’s natural heritage
– Advances our understanding of mushroom cultivation techniques
Background
Small agarics are poorly documented in Taiwan, with previously reported species either rudimentarily described or lacking descriptions entirely. These overlooked small agarics are actually underestimated, as some species can be plant pathogens affecting crops like coffee and cacao, while others contain useful enzymes or exhibit bioluminescence. In Taiwan, 21 Mycena species have been reported but most lack proper documentation.
Objective
To document and describe two previously unrecorded small agaric species found during a survey of a lowland forest in Taiwan – a new Mycena species characterized by white hairs on the pileus and a cup-shaped basal disc, and Gloiocephala epiphylla which represents a new genus record for Taiwan.
Results
The new Mycena species was characterized by white hairs overlying the pileus, a conspicuous cup-shaped basal disc surrounding the stipe, and inamyloid basidiospores. It readily produced abundant basidiomata in culture within three weeks. The species was formally described as Mycena albopilosa sp. nov. Gloiocephala epiphylla was identified and documented as a new genus record for Taiwan, characterized by reduced hymenium and conspicuous pileogloeocystidia. ITS sequences corroborated the identifications.
Conclusion
Mycena albopilosa is described as a new species and Gloiocephala epiphylla is reported as new to Taiwan, being the only species of the genus known on the island. The study provides detailed documentation of these previously unrecorded small agarics, contributing to the mycological knowledge of Taiwan.
- Published in:Botanical Studies,
- Study Type:Taxonomic Study,
- Source: 10.1186/s40529-017-0173-y