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Three new Russula species in sect. Ingratae (Russulales, Basidiomycota) from southern China

Summary

This research discovered and described three new species of mushrooms in the genus Russula from southern China. These fungi form important symbiotic relationships with pine trees in forest ecosystems. The study combined detailed analysis of physical characteristics with DNA sequencing to confirm these were previously unknown species. Impact on everyday life: – Helps forest managers better understand and protect fungal diversity in pine forests – Contributes to knowledge of fungi that are essential for forest health and tree growth – Improves ability to identify potentially edible vs. toxic mushroom species – Advances understanding of symbiotic relationships between fungi and trees – Provides baseline data for monitoring effects of climate change on fungal communities

Background

Russula is a widespread genus containing 2000-3000 species worldwide that form symbiotic relationships with various plant species. The section Ingratae is characterized by tawny to dark brown pileus with tuberculate striate margin, acute lamellae, distinct fetid odor, cream-colored spore print, and small to medium pileocystidia. Recent studies have revealed numerous unknown taxa and misidentifications in this group, particularly in Asia.

Objective

To describe three new species of Russula section Ingratae discovered in Guizhou and Jiangsu Provinces of southern China, and report R. indocatillus as a new record for China.

Results

Three new species were described and illustrated: Russula straminella, R. subpectinatoides and R. succinea. Each species showed distinct morphological characteristics and formed well-supported independent lineages in phylogenetic analyses. R. indocatillus was also reported as a new record for China. The species were found to inhabit coniferous forests dominated by Pinus species on yellow brown soils.

Conclusion

The study expanded the known diversity of Russula sect. Ingratae in southern China by describing three new species and one new record. The findings highlight the importance of combining morphological and molecular approaches for accurate species identification in this complex group. The habitat preferences suggest these species may have wider distributions in similar forest ecosystems across the Sino-Japanese and Sino-Himalayan regions.
  • Published in:MycoKeys,
  • Study Type:Taxonomic Study,
  • Source: 10.3897/mycokeys.84.68750
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