Subtropical China is well known for its high diversity of animals, plants, and fungi. Numerous novel fungal species have been reported in this region over the past few decades. However, little attention has been paid to Cortinarius s.l. The understanding of Cortinarius s.l. is insufficient, especially in terms of species diversity. Prior to 2020, only three taxa were described as new from subtropical China. Subsequently, 16 species were recognized as new in the subtropical region of China, indicating the species specificity of Cortinarius s.l. in this region.

A cluster of brown mushrooms in forest soil

Source: Bernard Spragg. NZ from Christchurch, New Zealand

Dermocybe leptospermorum

To extend the knowledge of the species diversity and taxonomy of Cortinarius and other genera in Cortinariaceae Singer in subtropical China, the team have carried out continuous field investigations in this region in recent years.

This study, published in Mycology, is led by Dr. Yi Li, Prof. Zhen-Quan Yang (School of Food Science and Engineering, Yangzhou University), and Prof. Chang-Tian Li (Engineering Research Center of Edible and Medicinal Fungi of Ministry of Education, Jilin Agricultural University).

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This study describes one new section, six new species, and reports one new name, one new combination, and one new record of Cortinarius from subtropical China. All the new taxa are supported by both phylogenetic data and morphological observations. In addition, Dermocybe leptospermorum E. Horak, one species originally described in New Zealand, is combined into the genus Cortinairus.

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