Phlebopus roseus, a new edible bolete from China, is associated with insects and plants

Abstract

Phlebopus roseus is described as new based on collections from southwest China. Phylogenetic analyses of nuclear rDNA internal transcribed spacer region ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 (ITS) and portions of nuclear 28S rDNA (28S), translation elongation factor 1-alpha (tef1), and the largest and second largest subunits of RNA polymerase II (rpb1, rpb2) support P. roseus as a novel species in the genus Phlebopus (Boletinellaceae, Boletales). The new species resembles P. portentosus but differs from it in that mature basidiomata have a bright rose-red-colored stipe and a radiate tubular hymenophore with nested pores. Despite extensive searching, P. roseus has only been found at four sites within a 24-hectare orchard dominated by Eriobotrya japonica, which is agriculturally important given its fruit production (loquats). Therefore, this species appears to be endemic and geographically restricted. The ecology of this bolete is also unique. In line with the trophic behavior of other species in the Boletinellaceae, our observations indicate that P. roseus forms a symbiotic association with the scale insect Coccus hesperidum, identified through sequence analysis of its mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) region, to form fungus-insect galls that develop on roots of E. japonica trees. Phlebopus roseus is an edible mushroom species and is collected from the type location by farmers and sold commercially in limited quantities at local markets alongside P. portentosus and other fungi.

Keywords: Coccus hesperidum; Eriobotrya japonica; 1 new taxon; Boletinellaceae; soil scale insects; symbiosis.