A new and threatened species of Trichaptum (Basidiomycota, Hymenochaetales) from urban mangroves of Santa Catarina Island, Southern Brazil

Trichaptum comprises around 36 polypore species, with variable morphology and worldwide distribution. During polypore surveys in Santa Catarina Island (Southern Brazil), specimens of a remarkable species, with large, mostly resupinate basidiomata, large (6-11 mu m long) spores and two kinds of cystidia, were collected in mangrove forests and their vicinities. Morphological and phylogenetic analysis (rDNA ITS) revealed it as new, and is described herein as T. fissile sp. nov. Moreover, the species is proposed as Vulnerable according to the IUCN criteria. The taxonomic placement and delimitation of Trichaptum are also discussed.

Automated summary

A new polypore species, Trichaptum fissile sp. nov., with large basidiomata, spores, and two types of cystidia, was discovered in mangrove forests near Santa Catarina Island in southern Brazil. The species is proposed as Vulnerable according to IUCN criteria. The taxonomic placement and delimitation of Trichaptum were also discussed in the study.