Taxonomy of the major rhizomorphic species of the Melanopus group within Polyporaceae in Yasuni National Park, Ecuador

Yasuni National Park in Ecuador is one of the most biodiverse places on earth. The fungi in this tropical rainforest are also diverse but have received little research attention. This research paper focuses on an important group of fungi in the family Polyporaceae and examines the genera Polyporus, Atroporus, and Neodictyopus that form aerial melanized cord-like structures called rhizomorphs. Phylogenetic analyses, macro and micromorphological descriptions of basidiomata and rhizomorphs, as well as cultural characterization were completed to better understand these ecologically important fungi. Here we describe four new species: Atroporus yasuniensis, Atroporus tagaeri, Neodictyopus sylvaticus, and Polyporus taromenane, and a new variety Polyporus leprieurii var. yasuniensis. The information presented in this study adds important new knowledge about the unusual rhizomorph producing fungi found in Yasuni National Park, Ecuador and other tropical rainforests.

Automated summary

The Yasuni National Park in Ecuador is a biodiverse hotspot with a variety of fungi species that have received little research attention. This study focuses on specific fungi families and describes four new species, providing important new knowledge about these ecologically significant fungi. The research helps to enhance understanding of these fungi in the Yasuni National Park and other tropical rainforests.