Genea coronata (Pyronemataceae, Pezizales), a cryptic new species in a highly polymorphic genus

The new species, Genea coronata, is proposed to accommodate specimens characterized by very small black fruitbodies growing in late spring, with spores smaller than 32 mu m and ornamented with irregularly conical to fang-like, subcapitate or mucronate warts. The new species is described based on collections found in France, Germany and Spain, and compared with other morphologically similar and genetically related species. No evident synapomorphic features could be found that help to discriminate it from the previously described G. dentata, but the two species are genetically distant based on sequences of ITS rDNA, 28S rDNA and tef1. A brief discussion of intraspecific morphological and genetic variability in the genus Genea is provided.

Automated summary

The new species Genea coronata is described based on specimens found in France, Germany, and Spain, and compared with other morphologically similar and genetically related species. Although no evident synapomorphic features were found to distinguish it from the previously described G. dentata, the two species are genetically distant. The study also provides a brief discussion of intraspecific morphological and genetic variability within the genus Genea.