Five New Species of Gymnopilus from Xizang Autonomous Region of China and Surrounding Areas
Journal of Fungi – March 18, 2024
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
Five new *Gymnopilus* species, a genus of wood-decaying fungi, were discovered from 78 specimens across 10 provinces in China. Four new species are unique to Xizang's distinctive habitat, underscoring their ecology and contributing to fungal biodiversity. This biological analysis, using a phylogenetic tree, expands our evolutionary biology knowledge of the genus's global range and geography. Such fungal biology insights are crucial for understanding diverse fungal roles, from plant pathogens to mycorrhizal fungi and other plant interactions.
Abstract
The species of Gymnopilus (Hymenogastraceae, Agricales) are commonly recognized as wood-decaying fungi. Certain members of this genus have been identified as psilocybin-producing mushrooms. Gymnopilus exhibits a diverse range and has a global distribution. In this study, a total of seventy-eight specimens were gathered from ten provinces in China. A comprehensive molecular phylogenetic analysis was conducted, employing gene sequences including ITS, nrLSU, nrSSU, rpb1, rpb2, and tef1-α. Additionally, morphological examinations were also carried out. The phylogenetic topology of Gymnopilus from this study generally agreed with previous studies and facilitated the identification of all those specimens. As a result, eleven species, including five newly discovered ones named Gy. gyirongensis, Gy. variisporus, Gy. tomentosiceps, Gy. tenuibasidialis, and Gy. aurantipileatus, were recognized. Significantly, four of the five newly identified species are native to the Xizang Autonomous Region, emphasizing their specialization in this distinctive habitat. This research contributes to our comprehension of Gymnopilus diversity and lays the groundwork for the conservation and sustainable utilization of Gymnopilus resources.