Donis S. Alfredo

More than one fungus in the pepper pot: Integrative taxonomy unmasks hidden species within Myriostoma coliforme (Geastraceae, Basidiomycota)

Since the nineteenth century, Myriostoma has been regarded as a monotypic genus with a widespread distribution in north temperate and subtropical regions. However, on the basis of morphological characters and phylogenetic evidence of DNA sequences of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions and the large subunit nuclear ribosomal RNA gene (LSU), four species are now delimited: M. areolatum comb. & stat. nov., M. calongei sp. nov., M. capillisporum comb. & stat. nov., and M. coliforme. Myriostoma coliforme is typified by selecting a lectotype (iconotype) and a modern sequenced collection as an epitype. The four species can be discriminated by a combination of morphological characters, such as stomatal form, endoperidial surface texture, and basidiospore size and ornamentation.

Calvatia nodulata, a New Gasteroid Fungus from Brazilian Semiarid Region

Studies carried out in tropical rain forest enclaves in semiarid region of Brazil revealed a new species of Calvatia. The basidiomata were collected during the rainy season of 2009 and 2012 in two states of Northeast Brazil. Macroscopic and microscopic analyses were based on dried basidiomata with the aid of light microscope and scanning electron microscope. Calvatia nodulata is recognized by its pyriform to turbinate basidiomata, exoperidium granulose to pilose and not persistent, subgleba becoming hollow at maturity, nodulose capillitium, and punctate basidiospores (3–5 μm). Detailed description, taxonomic comments, and illustrations with photographs and drawings are provided.

Revision of species previously reported from Brazil under Morganella

In our study, seventy specimens from Brazilian herbaria, as well as from NY and PDD, identified as Morganella, were analyzed. They included the paratype of M. mexicana and holotypes of M. arenicola, M. albostipitata, M. compacta, M. nuda, M. rimosa. Specimens were studied morphologically and used for DNA extraction and amplification of ITS and LSU nuclear ribosomal DNA. New sequences were obtained and compared with homologous sequences from GenBank. As a result of these analyses, a new species and six new combinations are proposed. Morphological review and discussion are provided for the species from Brazil.