A new Sparassis species from Spain described using morphological and molecular data

Area of Science:

• Mycology
• Botany
• Biodiversity

Background:

• The genus Sparassis, commonly known as cauliflower mushrooms, includes several species worldwide.
• Accurate species identification is crucial for understanding fungal diversity and ecological roles.
• Previous studies have highlighted the morphological variability within the Sparassis genus.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe and formally name a new species of Sparassis fungus discovered in Galicia, Spain.
• To differentiate the new species from known Sparassis species using morphological and molecular evidence.
• To investigate the phylogenetic relationships of the new species within the Sparassis genus.

Main Methods:

• Morphological analysis of fruiting bodies, including detailed examination of flabellae and hyphal structures.
• Molecular phylogenetic analyses using DNA sequences from the large subunit ribosomal DNA (LSU-rDNA), internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions, and the RNA polymerase II second largest subunit gene (rpb2).
• Comparison of morphological and molecular data with existing descriptions of Sparassis species.

Main Results:

• Sparassis miniensis is described as a new species, characterized by scattered, strongly laciniated, azonate flabellae arising from an orange to rose-purplish base.
• Sporadic clamp connections were observed, exclusively in subhymenial hyphae.
• Molecular data indicate a close evolutionary relationship between S. miniensis and S. brevipes, despite S. brevipes having entire flabellae and lacking clamp connections.

Conclusions:

• Sparassis miniensis represents a distinct new species within the Sparassis genus, identifiable by its unique morphological characteristics.
• The combination of morphological distinctiveness and genetic data supports the establishment of S. miniensis as a new taxon.
• Further research into the distribution and ecological significance of S. miniensis is warranted.