Molecular phylogeny and morphology reveal a new species, Heterocorticium cremeum (Auriculariaceae, Auriculariales) from China

Abstract

In this study, a new species, Heterocorticium cremeum, is proposed based on morphological features and molecular evidence. The new species is characterized by resupinate, membranaceous to slightly coriaceous basidiomata with a smooth to slightly uneven and white to cream hymenial surface, a monomitic hyphal system composed of clamped generative hyphae, longitudinally septate basidia, and allantoid basidiospores (9.6–12.0 × 4.2–5.2 µm). Phylogenetic analyses of ITS+nLSU sequences revealed that the new species formed a strongly supported monophyletic lineage that is closely related to H. niveomarginatum and H. latisporum. Detailed morphological descriptions, illustrations, and phylogenetic analysis results of the new species are provided.