Helvella cystidiata sp. nov. (Helvellaceae, Ascomycota) from Tibetan Plateau, China

During investigations into fungal diversity in the Tibetan Plateau, two Helvella collections were made. Morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analyses of combined ITS and LSU sequence data revealed one collection represents a distinct new species that is introduced as Helvella cystidiata. Helvella cystidiata is characterized by having loosely saddle -shaped pileus, greyish to grey brown hymenium, lacunose stipe and inflated ectal excipulum cells. Furthermore, a known species Helvella lacunosa is reported in Tibetan Plateau. Detailed descriptions, illustrations and a phylogenetic tree to show the placement of two taxa are provided.

Automated summary

During investigation on fungal diversity in the Tibetan Plateau, two collections of Helvella were studied. One collection was identified as a new species, Helvella cystidiata, based on its morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analysis. Another known species, Helvella lacunosa, was also reported in this region. Detailed descriptions, illustrations, and a phylogenetic tree were provided for these two taxa.