Sulzbacheromyces sinensis, an Unexpected Basidiolichen, was Newly Discovered from Korean Peninsula and Philippines, with a Phylogenetic Reconstruction of Genus Sulzbacheromyces
- Author: mycolabadmin
- 2019-06-05
- View Source
Summary
This research documents the first discovery of a unique type of lichen in South Korea and the Philippines. This lichen is special because it belongs to a rare group that makes up less than 1% of all lichens. The study provides important new information about where this species can be found and how it grows throughout the year.
Impacts on everyday life:
• Helps scientists better understand biodiversity in Asia
• Contributes to knowledge about fungal species distribution and climate adaptation
• Aids in conservation efforts by documenting species ranges
• Provides baseline data for monitoring environmental changes
• Advances our understanding of symbiotic relationships in nature
Background
Most lichens (over 99%) are formed by Ascomycota fungi, with less than 1% being lichenized Basidiomycota. While South Korea’s lichen flora has been well studied over the past three decades with over 788 taxa reported, all previous findings were Ascolichens, with no Basidiolichens recorded prior to this study.
Objective
To document and analyze the unexpected discovery of the clavarioid basidiolichen Sulzbacheromyces sinensis from South Korea and the Philippines, including detailed morphological and molecular analysis to confirm its systematic position and distribution.
Results
The Korean specimens were confirmed as Sulzbacheromyces sinensis through morphological and molecular analysis. The species’ distribution was extended from Philippines (16°31’11″N) to Korean peninsula (34°57’55″N). Phylogenetic analysis showed S. sinensis forming a distinct Asian clade with other regional species. Field observations revealed fruiting bodies lasting 4-9 days with overall fruiting period extending from March to December, the longest recorded duration for this species.
Conclusion
This study represents the first discovery of a basidiolichen from the Korean peninsula and first record of S. sinensis from both Korea and the Philippines. The findings significantly expand the known geographical range and fruiting period of S. sinensis, while providing new insights into its growth patterns and phylogenetic relationships within the Lepidostromatales order.
- Published in:Mycobiology,
- Study Type:Field Study and Phylogenetic Analysis,
- Source: 10.1080/12298093.2019.1617825