The taxonomic revision of Melanogaster (Paxillaceae, Boletales) in China based on molecular and morphological evidence

The sequestrate genus Melanogaster is rich in mainland China. A total of ten taxa are supported by molecular evidence in this study, including five known species, four new species, and one putatively new species (supported by an ITS sequence from ectomycorrhizal root tip). Based on our morphological reexamination of the type or authentic specimens, four species recorded in China, including M. natsii, M. obovatisporus, M. ovoidisporus, and M. ovoidisporus var. angustatisporus, are treated as questionable species. Consequently, four new species, M. minobovatus, M. panzhihuaensis, M. quercicola, and M. tomentellus, are described and illustrated; M. fusisporus var. obovatus is recombined as M. obovatus; both M. spinisporus and M. subglobisporus are epitypified and re-described. A key for Chinese Melanogaster species is provided.

Automated summary

This study identified a rich diversity of Melanogaster genus species in mainland China using molecular evidence. Four previously recorded species in China were deemed questionable based on morphological reexamination, while four new species were described and illustrated. The study also recombined one species and epitypified and re-described two species. A key for Chinese Melanogaster species was provided.