Revisiting Diplococcium peruamazonicum Matsush. (Ascomycota) 31 years after its description

Area of Science:

• Mycology
• Amazonian Fungi
• Biodiversity

Background:

• Diplococcium peruamazonicum is a rare ascomycete first described in Peru.
• Its global distribution and ecological roles remain largely uncharacterized.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report the first occurrence of Diplococcium peruamazonicum in Brazil.
• To provide a detailed taxonomic description and expand the known distribution of this rare fungus.

Main Methods:

• Field collection of fungal specimens from leaf litter on Marajó Island, Brazilian Amazon.
• Morphological analysis and taxonomic identification of the collected ascomycete.
• Compilation of a key for Diplococcium species found in Brazil.

Main Results:

• Diplococcium peruamazonicum was identified on Marajó Island, Brazil, growing on Astrocaryum vulgare leaf litter.
• This represents the second worldwide record and the first Brazilian record of the species.
• Detailed morphological descriptions, illustrations, and taxonomic comments are provided.

Conclusions:

• The geographic distribution of Diplococcium peruamazonicum is expanded to the Brazilian Amazon.
• This finding highlights the potential for discovering rare fungal species in under-explored regions.
• Further research on Amazonian fungi is warranted to understand their biodiversity and ecological significance.