New Hydnellum Species Discovered in China’s Mountain Ranges

A team led by Yonglan Tuo and colleagues described five novel species of the genus Hydnellum (Bankeraceae, Thelephorales) collected across two Chinese mountain ranges—Changbai in northeastern China and Dabie in central China—and published their findings in volume 142 of MycoKeys on pages 43‑72 ¹.net]. The study lists authors Minghao Liu, Zhengxiang Qi, Hang Chu, Jiajun Hu, Bo Zhang, Yu Li, Xiao Li, and Tuo, providing a comprehensive morphological and phylogenetic account of each new taxon ¹.net].

The researchers named the new species H. aureomarginatum, H. coalescens, H. flavomarginatum, H. imbricatum, and H. jianense. Each was isolated from distinct forest sites within the Changbai and Dabie mountains.

Morphologically, H. aureomarginatum is characterized by a circular, depressed pileus that bears a golden‑yellow zone along its inner margin while the outermost edge remains white. H. coalescens presents stipes of multiple basidiocarps fused into compound or interconnected basidiomes, accompanied by a brown‑scaly pileus surface. These structural traits were confirmed through detailed microscopy and DNA sequencing (ITS, LSU, SSU) that placed them firmly within Bankeraceae ¹.net].

The remaining three species exhibit additional unique features: H. flavomarginatum has a golden‑yellow pileus margin and relatively large basidiospores; H. imbricatum shows layered imbricate scales on the pileus and comparatively long basidiospores; finally, H. jianense displays a plano-convex pileus covered with grayish-orange tomentum that turns light brown when touched—an uncommon hygroscopic response among Hydnellum spp. ¹.net].

Beyond cataloging new names, this work underscores how mycorrhizal fungi diversify across seemingly similar habitats. “Such findings expand our knowledge of mycorrhizal fungi diversity in eastern Asia,” noted an expert familiar with foraging implications, highlighting that these species likely play key roles in nutrient cycling and forest resilience ¹.net].

Baseline data from this discovery provide a reference point for monitoring climate impacts on fungal distribution, as shifts could alter symbiotic relationships critical for tree health.

Mushroom enthusiasts and scientists alike should keep an eye on the Changbai and Dabie mountains where five new members of the Hydnellum genus now await further study.