Taxonomy and Molecular Phylogeny of Phellodon (Thelephorales) with Descriptions of Four New Species from Southwest China

Phellodon is a genus of ectomycorrhizal fungi belonging to the group known as stipitate hydnoids. It associated with coniferous trees in forest ecosystems and widely distributed northern hemisphere. Phellodon, together Hydnellum, Sarcodon, classified Bankeraceae, members which are generally considered symbiotic fungi. Ectomycorrhizal can help plant roots fix nitrogen improve absorption capacity soil nutrients by trees, so they play an important role ecosystem protection. Taxonomic phylogenetic studies Chinese collections were carried out. Four new species discovered from southwestern China based on combination morphological characters molecular data. atroardesiacus characterized blackish blue dark grey pileus, ash spines, presence clamp connections spines. cinereofuscus distinguished cottony tomentose pileal margin, long spines become clay-buff when dry, echinulate basidiospores. stramineus depressed straw buff-colored surface, yunnanensis clay-pink brown pale white outer layer stipe. Detailed descriptions, illustrations, ecological traits for taxa provided. Phylogenetic analyses inferred internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions confirmed that four distinct within Phellodon.