Cyphellostereum indicum (Hygrophoraceae), a new species of basidiolichen from India

Cyphellostereum indicum, an interesting basidiolichen is described as a new species. The species was collected from Arunachal Pradesh, an Indian state located within the Eastern Himalayas. The species is characterized by a terricolous habitat, the cyanobacteria Rhizonema as the photobiont that is loosely wrapped by fungus hyphae, white to cream-coloured, flabellate, solitary hymenophores, and thin-walled, smooth, simple, irregular to pip-shaped basidiospores 3.18-4.9 x 2.06- 2.9 & mu;m. The phylogenetic analysis clearly shows its position in a separate branch within the genus Cyphellostereum making it a species distinct from any previously reported species. Cyphellostereum indicum is the third basidiolichen reported from India.

Automated summary

Cyphellostereum indicum, a new species of basidiolichen, was discovered in Arunachal Pradesh, India. It is characterized by its habitat on the ground, the cyanobacteria Rhizonema as its photobiont, and solitary hymenophores that are white to cream-colored and flabellate in shape. The species also has thin-walled, smooth, simple, irregular to pip-shaped basidiospores measuring 3.18-4.9 x 2.06-2.9μm. Phylogenetic analysis confirms its distinct position within the genus Cyphellostereum, different from any previously reported species. Cyphellostereum indicum is the third basidiolichen species reported from India.