Seven New Species of the Genus <i>Geastrum</i> (Geastrales, Geastraceae) in China

Abstract

Geastrum belongs to Basidiomycota, Agaricomycetes, Geastrales, and Geastraceae. The genus Geastrum exoperidium normally splits at maturity into a characteristic star-like structure. It is a saprophytic fungus with great research significance. Based on morphological observation combined with phylogenetic analysis through ITS and LSU, seven new species of Geastrum belong to four sections, viz., Sect. Myceliostroma, Geastrum laneum; Sect. Exareolata, Geastrum litchi, Geastrum mongolicum; Sect. Corollina, Geastrum pseudosaccatum, Geastrum melanorhynchum, Geastrum oxysepalum; and Sect. Campestria, Geastrum microphole. Illustrated descriptions and the ecological habits of the novel species are provided.

Keywords

• <i>Geastrum</i>
• morphology
• molecular systematics
• new species
• taxonomy