Two New Polypore Species Found in Jiangsu Province

A team of Chinese mycologists has added two previously undescribed polypore species to the fungal catalogue based on a systematic survey conducted across Jiangsu Province. The work was published in MycoKeys volume 139 (pages 341‑362) by Qiu‑Yue Zhang, Yu‑Han Cao, Xing‑Xu Chen, Mo‑Han Huang, Zhuo Wang, Feng‑Ming Shi, Shu Lv, and Hai‑Dong Li ¹.net].

The first new taxon is Coriolopsis albescens sp. nov., named for its pale white–brown pore surface that fades toward an almost translucent appearance. It forms annual, resupinate basidiomata—flat fruit bodies that lie close to the substrate—and displays round to angular pores measuring between 0.5 and 1.5 per mm. A trimitic hyphal system characterizes its tissue structure, while cylindrical basidiospores range from 8 to 12 × 3.2 to 4 µm in size. These features distinguish it clearly from other members of the genus Coriolopsis.

The second addition, Polyporus laoshanensis sp. nov., also appears as an annual fungus but with solitary, elliptical basidiomata that bear a distinct black stipe. Its pileus shows a pale yellow surface accented by dark brown margins; the texture is glabrous yet sometimes exhibits concentric zones or radial stripes. The pores are angular, occurring at densities of 3 to 6 per mm. This species possesses a dimitic hyphal system, and its cylindrical basidiospores measure 8‑12 × 3‑5 µm. The combination of these morphological traits sets P. laoshanensis apart from closely related polypores found elsewhere in China.

Illustrated descriptions for both taxa accompany the publication, providing detailed photographs of macroscopic characters and microscopic drawings of spores and hyphae ¹.net].

These discoveries underscore the ongoing effort to document fungal diversity across East Asia. Similar findings have been reported worldwide, highlighting how many regions still harbour undiscovered mycorrhizal and saprotrophic fungi. For mushroom foragers, identifying new polypore species can inform future field guides and conservation priorities, especially since some polypores serve as edible or medicinal resources.

The study demonstrates that combining careful morphological observation with phylogenetic analysis yields robust taxonomic conclusions—an approach increasingly standardised in contemporary mycology research. As more polypores are catalogued, researchers will better understand ecological roles, distribution patterns, and potential applications in biotechnology or medicine.