Geastrum tupiense: a new earthstar fungi species from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest and a new insertion in the Velutina subsection (Geastrales, Basidiomycota)

Abstract

Geastrum tupiense is a new species belonging to subsect. Velutina (Sect. Myceliostroma). The fundamental diagnostic characteristics are reddish immature basidiomata and rhizomorphs with bipyramidal crystals. It was found in two areas of the Atlantic Forest biome, considered one of the main hotspots in the world for its high level of endemism and biodiversity. Delimitation of this new species was based on morphological characters and phylogenetic analyses of ITS/LSU nrDNA. Descriptions, phylogenetic tree, photographs, and taxonomic discussion are provided.

Key words:
biodiversity; Geastraceae; neotropics; phylogeny; taxonomy