Leif Ryvarden

Global diversity and distribution of macrofungi

Data on macrofungal diversity and distribution patterns were compiled for major geographical regions of the world. Macrofungi are defined here to include ascomycetes and basidiomycetes with large, easily observed spore-bearing structures that form above or below ground. Each coauthor either provided data on a particular taxonomic group of macrofungi or information on the macrofungi of a specific geographic area. We then employed a meta-analysis to investigate species overlaps between areas, levels of endemism, centers of diversity, and estimated percent of species known for each taxonomic group for each geographic area and for the combined macrofungal data set. Thus, the study provides both a meta-analysis of current data and a gap assessment to help identify research needs. In all, 21,679 names of macrofungi were compiled. The percentage of unique names for each region ranged from 37% for temperate Asia to 72% for Australasia. Approximately 35,000 macrofungal species were estimated to be “unknown” by the contributing authors. This would give an estimated total of 56,679 macrofungi. Our compiled species list does not include data from most of S.E. Europe, Africa, western Asia, or tropical eastern Asia. Even so, combining our list of names with the estimates from contributing authors is in line with our calculated estimate of between 53,000 and 110,000 macrofungal species derived using plant/macrofungal species ratio data. The estimates developed in this study are consistent with a hypothesis of high overall fungal species diversity.

Host and habitat preferences of polypore fungi in Micronesian tropical flooded forests

The distribution and ecological impacts of plant-associated fungi is determined in large part by their degree of specificity for particular host species or environmental conditions. Here we evaluate the host and habitat preferences among the Aphyllophorales, a guild of wood-decay basidiomycete fungi usually considered to be host generalists. We determined the patterns of host association in three well-defined, floristically distinct, tropical wetlands -- freshwater forested wetlands, saltwater mangrove forests, and peatlands with scattered trees -- on the islands of Kosrae and Pohnpei in the Federated States of Micronesia. Of 33 fungal species, 20 were locally rare. Of the 11 species sufficiently common to evaluate habitat specificity, nine showed significant habitat preferences. Of eight species common enough to evaluate within-habitat host specificity, six showed strong host preferences. All except one of the nine habitat-specialized fungi showed either statistically significant host specificity or strong numerical biases toward single host species. Our results suggest that host preferences may be important in shaping the assemblages of wood-decay fungi, and that the effect of environment on the distribution of susceptible plant species, rather on the fungi themselves, may ultimately drive the apparent habitat specificity of many fungi.

Phylogeny and taxonomy of the genus Phylloporia (Hymenochaetales)

Based on 28 taxa, including six species of Phylloporia, and respectively one representative of 17 genera of the Hymenochaetales, a phylogenetic analysis of a region of the large subunit of the nuclear encoded ribosomal DNA was performed. Molecular sequence data as well as morphological and anatomical features show the genus to be monophyletic. Next related to Phylloporia is Fulvifomes. The phylogenetic relationships of Phylloporia are discussed. In addition the genus Phylloporia is monographed; 12 species are accepted and described with a key.

Studies in neotropical polypores 10. New polypores from Venezuela

Antrodiella dentipora, Ceriporia albobrunnea, C. cystidiata, Diplomitoporus allantosporus, D. stramineus, D. venezuelicus, Flabellophora fasciculata, Navisporus perennis, Nigroporus macroporus, Polyporus albostipes, Rigidoporus aurantiacus, Skeletocutis microcarpa, Tinctoporellus isabellinus, Trametes olivaceopora, T. supermodesta, Trichaptum variabilis, Tyromyces neostrigosus, T. polyporoides and Wrightoporia roseocontexta are described as new. Keys to all, except Trametes, the new neotropical species in their respective genera are included. The combinations Trichaptum griseofuscens (Mont.) Ryvarden & Iturriaga, and Tyromyces americanus (D. Reid) Ryvarden & Iturriaga are proposed.

A phylogenetic analysis of Antrodia s.l. based on nrDNA ITS sequences, with emphasis on rhizomorphic European species

The rhizomorphic European species of Antrodia, belonging to the traditionally called Antrodia radiculosa group, are investigated. On the basis of morphological and molecular analysis, the genus Fibroporia is supported. Specimens from Central Europe previously ascribed to Antrodia radiculosa constitute a species of their own, and are herein described as Fibroporia bohemica. Moreover, a new combination, Fibroporia citrina, is proposed.

Studies in neotropical polypores 15: new and interesting species from Guyana.

During fieldwork in Guyana several unusual and distinctive taxa of polypores were collected, three of which are described here as new. The first of these, Amauroderma coltricioides is the first species known in the Ganodermataceae with smooth basidiospores. Coltricia verrucata and Coltriciella navispora also are described as new, and a key to the neotropical species of Coltricia is provided. Finally, a checklist of 73 poroid fungi from Guyana is given, of which 29 are new records for the country.

Santa Catarina Island mangroves 3: a new species of Fuscoporia

Fuscoporia bifurcata is described from southern Brazil based on collections from mangrove areas on Santa Catarina Island, in the state of Santa Catarina. The new species is characterized by hymenial setae with a bifurcate or spiny apex. A description with illustrations, an updated key to species of Fuscoporia from southern Brazil and a key to species of Hymenochaetaceae reported from mangroves are provided.

Perenniporiella gen. nov. segregated from Perenniporia, including a key to neotropical Perenniporia species with pileate basidiomes

Perenniporiella gen. nov. is segregated from Perenniporia. The new combinations Perenniporiella neofulva and Perenniporiella micropora, and the new species Perenniporiella pendula are proposed. Perenniporia piperis and Perenniporia albida are considered as taxonomic synonyms of P. neofulva. The three species are described and their taxonomic position is discussed. A key to the neotropical Perenniporiella and Perenniporia species with pileate basidiomes is presented.

Studies in neotropical polypores. Some coloured resupinate Perenniporia species

The taxonomy of several neotropical resupinate Perenniporia is discussed. P. xantha is described as new. It is characterized by a bright yellow resupinate basidiocarp, small pores and small ellipsoid, dextrinoid basidiospores in addition to reduced arboriform skeletal hyphae. Two new combinations are proposed, Perreniporia aurantiaca and P, chromatica. Their relation to other Perreniporia species is briefly discussed.

A new species of Daedalea (Basidiomycota) and a synopsis of core species in Daedalea sensu stricto

Daedalea neotropica, a species with striking violet stains on the pileus and pore surface, is described from material collected in the Maya Mountains of Belize. A synopsis of Daedalea sensu stricto is provided based on morphological and DNA sequence data. Analyses indicate that at least four species should be included in Daedalea s.s.: D. dickinsii, D. neotropica, D. pseudodochmia, and D. quercina. A key to the species of Daedalea s.s. is provided.