Exploring diversity within the genus Tulostoma (Basidiomycota, Agaricales) in the Pannonian sandy steppe: four fascinating novel species from Hungary

Steppe vegetation on sandy soil in Hungary has recently been revealed as one of the hot spots in Europe for the stalked puffballs (genus Tulostoma). In the framework of the taxonomic revision of gasteroid fungi in Hungary, four Tulostoma species are described here as new to science: T. dunense, T. hungaricum, T. sacchariolens and T. shaihuludii. The study is based on detailed macro-and micromorphological investigations (including light and scanning electron microscopy), as well as a three-locus phylogeny of nrDNA ITS, nrDNA LSU and tef1-alpha sequences. The ITS and LSU sequences generated from the type specimen of T. cretaceum are provided and this resolved partly the taxonomy of the difficult species complex of T. aff. cretaceum.

Automated summary

Steppe vegetation on sandy soil in Hungary has been identified as a hot spot for the stalked puffballs. In this study, four new species of Tulostoma are described based on detailed morphological investigations and phylogenetic analysis. The study also helps resolve the taxonomy of a difficult species complex.