Afrocantharellus gen. stat. nov. is part of a rich diversity of African Cantharellaceae

Abstract

A new genus in the Cantharellaceae, Afrocantharellus, is recognized based on results from phylogenetic analyses of rDNA LSU and concatenated LSU/5.8-ITS2/ATP6 data. It was previously recognized as a subgenus, but comprehensive fieldwork and the acquisition of numerous sequences for previously neglected African Cantharellus species formed the basis for a reappraisal of generic and species delimitations. Afrocantharellus is characterized morphologically by the basidiomes having thick, distantly spaced diverging folds of variegated colour. In contrast to most of Cantharellus, Afrocantharellus mostly lacks clamp connections. Phylogenies of Cantharellus and Afrocantharellus based on LSU and a concatenated data set are provided, along with descriptions of and a key to the four species and one form of Afrocantharellus recognized. Six new combinations are made.

Keywords: ATP6; Africa; Cantharellus; ITS; LSU; Molecular phylogeny; Tanzania.

Fig. 1.

Map showing the distribution of Miombo-woodlands in Tanzania. Approximate positions of collecting sites are marked with ‘X’.

Fig. 2.

Phylogenetic relationships among 92 specimens (Table 1) representing 54 taxa of cantharelloid fungi based on a Bayesian analysis of the large LSU dataset. The tree was rooted using Multiclavula mucida. The three support values associated with each internal branch correspond to PP, MPbs and MLb proportions, respectively. Branches in bold indicate a support of PP ≥ 95 % and MPbs, MLb ≥ 70 %. An asterisk on a bold branch indicates that this node has a support of 100 % for all support estimates.

Fig. 3.

Phylogenetic relationships among 28 concatenated sequences (Table 1) representing 17 taxa of cantharelloid fungi based on a Bayesian analysis of a LSU/5.8-ITS2/ATP6 dataset. The tree was rooted using Dacrymyces chrysospermus. The support values associated with each internal branch correspond to PP, MPbs and MLb proportions, respectively. Branches in bold indicate a support of PP ≥ 95 % and MPbs, MLb ≥ 70 %. An asterisk on a bold branch indicates that this node has a support of 100 % for all support estimates.

Fig. 4.

Basidiomes of Afrocantharellus and Cantharellus species showing morphological differences of the hymenophores: A. Afrocantharellus symoensii (Tibuhwa 1011.2005; UPS). B. A. fistulosus (holotype). C. A. splendens (DDT 1053.2011; UDSM). D. A. platyphyllus f. cyanescens (Tibuhwa 1063.2007; UPS). E. Cantharellus congolensis (Tibuhwa 1076.2007; UDSM). F. C. rufopunctatus (Tibuhwa 1010.2004; UDSM). All photos taken in Tanzania by Donatha D. Tibuhwa.