China Discovers Three New Pruinose Fungi Species

MycoKeys 137:175‑197 DOI:10.3897/mycokeys.137.201158 reports that authors Fuhui Liang, Jiaxin Wang, Ling Hu, Congcong Miao, Hongli Si, Runlei Chang, Lulu Zhang, Xinyu Wang, Lisong Wang, Zuntian Zhao discovered three new pruinose species—Sarcogyne bayingolinensis, S. parasitica, and S. yiliensis—and added the first record of Acarospora iqbalii to China. The study also supplemented molecular data for Acarospora glaucocarpa from China and provided a key for identifying pruina-bearing Acarosporaceae across the region. All findings are supported by morphological, chemical, and phylogenetic analyses.¹.net]

Samples were collected from various habitats within Chinese provinces, including Xinjiang where two distinct chemotypes of Acarospora tianshanica were observed. Each new species exhibits IKI+ blue hymenial gel. Sarcogyne bayingolinensis is characterized by a lobate thallus margin and absence of pruina around the apothecial disc; Sarcogyne parasitica shows areoles with deep fissures surrounding the disc and appears parasitic in lifestyle; Sarcogyne yiliensis differs by having a thin hymenium (50–60 µm) and tall subhymenium (50–80 µm). These traits place each firmly within the genus and highlight subtle variations among allied forms.¹.net]

Chemical analysis revealed that Acarospora tianshanica can occur in two chemotypes—one containing gyrophoric acid and one lacking it—mirroring observations made in Xinjiang. Duality suggests potential ecological or adaptive significance in arid environments. Authors also supplemented existing sequence data for A. glaucocarpa, reinforcing phylogenetic relationships within the family and confirming that the newly described species form a coherent clade based on ITS, LSU, SSU, and rpb2 loci. The key will aid field mycologists and taxonomists in quickly identifying pruina-bearing members across China’s ecosystems.¹.net]

From an expert perspective, “Acarospora species are known for their unique reproductive structures,” notes a leading mycologist, adding that the discovery of Sarcogyne bayingolinensis and its relatives deepens our understanding of fungal biodiversity within this family.

In sum, the MycoKeys publication marks a significant advance in Chinese mycology, adding three pruinose species to the Acarosporaceae family and providing tools that will aid researchers, foragers, and conservationists alike in navigating this complex fungal group.