New Coniochaeta Species Discovered on Rocks in Northern Thailand

In a survey of microfungi on rocks and soils across northern Thailand, six distinct strains were isolated during fieldwork conducted in 2024–2025 ¹.net]. The team—comprising Chanokned Senwanna, Saowaluck Singsalood, Pratthana Kodchasee, Saowaluck Tibpromma, Jaturong Kumla, and Nakarin Suwannarach—identified the isolates as belonging to the cosmopolitan genus Coniochaeta based on morphological characteristics and DNA data ¹.net].

The researchers described two new species, named Coniochaeta saxicola and C. terricola, which are formally presented in the paper’s full text ¹.net]. They examined key microscopic features such as spore size and hyphal structure, then performed phylogenetic reconstructions using three genetic markers: nuclear ribosomal large subunit (LSU), internal transcribed spacer (ITS), and translation elongation factor‑1 alpha (tef1-α). A combined tree placed the new taxa firmly within the family Coniochaetaceae, confirming their status as separate lineages from known congeners ¹.net].

Illustrations accompany each description, providing a visual reference for future mycologists who may encounter similar specimens in Southeast Asia ¹.net].

For mushroom foragers, these findings underscore that even well studied regions can still yield previously unknown fungi. The discovery expands the catalog of microfungi considered when assessing forest health or planning sustainable harvesting practices ¹.net].

Expert context highlights that this work adds to a growing body of research on Coniochaeta diversity across Thailand. Prior studies have identified several novel taxa within the genus over recent years, indicating a high level of undiscovered fungal richness in the region’s varied habitats. By documenting two more species, the team reinforces the notion that Southeast Asian soils harbor a vast reservoir of microscopic biodiversity—knowledge that can inform conservation efforts and guide responsible foraging by clarifying which organisms are native, rare, or potentially vulnerable.

The publication appears in MycoKeys volume 138 (pages 121–147) under DOI 10.3897/mycokeys.138.197253. Its authors note that further surveys may uncover additional hidden lineages, suggesting that systematic sampling coupled with modern molecular tools remains essential for fully understanding the mycological landscape of northern Thailand ¹.net].