Molecular phylogeny and morphology reveal a new wood-rotting fungal species, Sistotrema yunnanense sp. nov. from the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau

Wood-rotting fungi are important components of woody plant ecosystems and play an active role in the decomposition and turnover of nutrients from wood, and are among the major groups of Basidiomycota. In this study, a new species of wood-rotting fungus, Sistotrema yunnanense, was proposed based on morphological characteristics and molecular evidence. It is characterized by resupinate basidiomata, a monomitic hyphal system having generative hyphae with clamp connections, suburniform to urniform basidia, and short-cylindrical to oblong ellipsoid basidiospores (4.5-6.5 x 3-4 mu m). Phylogenetic analyses performed using the large subunit nuc rDNA indicated that S. yunnanense was nested within the genus Sistotrema s.l. of the family Hydnaceae, within the order Cantharellales.

Automated summary

Wood-rotting fungi play a crucial role in the decomposition and nutrient turnover of wood in woody plant ecosystems. A new species of wood-rotting fungus, Sistotrema yunnanense, was identified based on its morphological characteristics and molecular evidence. It belongs to the genus Sistotrema s.l. of the family Hydnaceae, within the order Cantharellales, as determined by phylogenetic analysis using the large subunit nuc rDNA.