Less is better than more: reassessing the monotypic nature of Irpicodon ( Amylocorticiaceae , Basidiomycota )

Abstract

Within the family Amylocorticiaceae , conspicuous morphological affinities exist among the previously defined species Irpicodon pendulus , Plicaturopsis crispa and Plicatura nivea . With the aid of macro- and micro-morphological characters and phylogenetic evidence based on 3-gene datasets, a comprehensive reassessment of generic boundaries within these taxa was conducted. Upon reviewing the systematic position of the taxa included, the three genera emerged as a well-defined monophyletic clade. Based on the genetic divergence observed, coupled with the robust support for monophyly, similarities in ecological roles, and congruence in macro- and micromorphological characteristics, we suggest a revised genus concept that synonymizes Irpicodon (as well as Plicaturopsis ) with the earliest established genus Plicatura .

Keywords

• amylocorticiales
• central europe
• hungary
• indicator species
• old-growth
• forest
• phylogeny
• pinus
• wood-inhabiting