New insights on Flaviporus (Polyporales) in the neotropics

The genus Flaviporus (Polyporales, Steccherinaceae) includes species of polypores with watery and resinous basidiomes that shrink and become very hard upon drying. Recent studies indicated that F. liebmannii, one of the most common species of the genus in the Neotropics, is polyphyletic. In addition, several names have been associated with Flaviporus in the past, but have not been revised and/or discussed recently. In this study, we aimed to identify monophyletic groups in the genus based on morphological features and a multigene molecular phylogeny. We prepared two different datasets to infer phylogenetic relationships, one based in four genes (ITS, ncLSU rDNA, TEF1-alpha, and RPB1) to evaluate the position of the genus within the Steccherinaceae, and a separate phylogeny based on two genes (ITS and ncLSU) to evaluate species-level boundaries within Flaviporus. Based on the data obtained, the new species Flaviporus lacteus is proposed. In addition, F. liebmannii is confirmed to form a species complex including at least two different species, F. liebmannii s.s., and F. subglobisporus comb. et stat. nov. Full descriptions of the new taxa proposed, as well as comments on all species accepted in the genus are provided.

Automated summary

This study aims to identify monophyletic groups in the genus Flaviporus based on morphological features and a multigene molecular phylogeny. Based on the data, a new species, Flaviporus lacteus, is proposed and described. In addition, it is confirmed that F. liebmannii forms a species complex with at least two different species.