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Brahmaculus gen. nov. (Leotiomycetes, Chlorociboriaceae)
Peter R Johnston1, Duckchul Park1, Matthew E Smith2
1Manaaki Whenua-Landcare Research, Private Bag 92170, Auckland 1142, (Aotearoa) New Zealand Manaaki Whenua-Landcare Research Auckland New Zealand.
Mycokeys
|May 24, 2021
Summary
A new fungal genus, Brahmaculus, is described with four new species from the Southern Hemisphere. This discovery expands the Chlorociboriaceae family and highlights distinct morphological and habitat differences from the Chlorociboria genus.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Plant Pathology
- Biodiversity
Background:
- The fungal family Chlorociboriaceae currently contains only the genus Chlorociboria.
- Chlorociboria species are known for their distinctive green pigmentation and wood-decaying habits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a new genus, Brahmaculus, within the Chlorociboriaceae family.
- To introduce four new species of Brahmaculus and three new species of Chlorociboria.
- To clarify the taxonomic and phylogenetic relationships within Chlorociboriaceae.
Main Methods:
- Macroscopic and microscopic examination of fungal specimens.
- Phylogenetic analyses based on molecular data (not explicitly stated but implied by taxonomic revision).
- Description of new taxa based on morphological characteristics and geographical distribution.
Main Results:
- A new genus, Brahmaculus gen. nov., is established with four new species: B. magellanicus sp. nov., B. osornoensis sp. nov., B. moonlighticus sp. nov., and B. packhamiae sp. nov.
- Brahmaculus species are characterized by bright yellow apothecia, terrestrial habitat, and hairy ascomata, distinguishing them from Chlorociboria.
- Three new Chlorociboria species (C. metrosideri sp. nov., C. solandri sp. nov., C. subtilis sp. nov.) were described from New Zealand, differing in substrate and pigmentation.
- A new name, C. novae-zelandiae sp. nov., was provided for misidentified specimens.
Conclusions:
- The description of Brahmaculus expands the known diversity within Chlorociboriaceae.
- Chlorociboria, as currently defined, is paraphyletic, necessitating further taxonomic revision.
- New species descriptions contribute to understanding fungal biodiversity in the Southern Hemisphere, particularly in Chile and New Zealand.
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