Cuphophyllus lijiangensis sp. nov. ( Hygrophoraceae , Agaricales ) from Yunnan, China

Abstract

A new species of Cuphophyllus ( Hygrophoraceae , Agaricales ) was discovered in mixed coniferous and broad‐leaved forests (Pinaceae and Fagaceae) and grassland margins in Lijiang, North‐west Yunnan, and South‐west China. The species is described using morphological and molecular methods. Based on on‐site habitat observation data and a literature review, the novel species is best described as a saprobic macrofungus that thrives in soil humus within mixed pine forests or grasslands. The basidiomata of the novel species exhibit macroscopic similarities to C. virgineus ; however, C. lijiangensis sp. nov. differs primarily in having a smaller pileus, shorter stipe, larger basidiospores, and an intricate trichoderm pileipellis. Phylogenetic analysis, based on the combined rDNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS), nuc28S rDNA (28S), and RNA polymerase II subunit 2 ( rpb 2) genes, places C. lijiangensis in a clade with C. virgineus , C. borealis , C. yacurensis , and C . russocoriaceus . Both morphological characteristics and phylogenetic data support C. lijiangensis as a distinct new species within Cuphophyllus . This study provides a comprehensive description of the new species, colour photographs of basidiomata, micromorphological structures, and a phylogenetic tree to show the position of the new species.

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