Bioluminescent fungi from Peninsular Malaysia—a taxonomic and phylogenetic overview

Abstract

Fifteen bioluminescent fungi recently collected from Peninsular Malaysia are analysed herein. The phylogeny of the Malaysian bioluminescent fungi and closely related taxa were evaluated with molecular data from the nuclear ribosomal large subunit (LSU), RNA polymerase 2 second largest subunit (RPB2) and internal transcribed spacers (ITS) gene regions. DNA sequences data support the circumscription of species based on the morphological species concept, but was unable to fully support the current sectional delimitation of genus Mycena. Of the 15 taxa analysed here, four are novel species described herein, viz. Mycena gombakensis, M. nocticaelum, M. coralliformis and Panellus luxfilamentus; while four taxa of Mycena sect. Calodontes were recently described as new. One species (M. noctilucens) represents a new distribution record to Peninsular Malaysia, and six species (Neonothopanus nambi, Filoboletus manipularis, P. luminescens, Roridomyces pruinosoviscidus, M. chlorophos and M. illuminans) have been previously reported. Roridomyces pruinosoviscidus is accepted as a new combination based on morphological and phylogenetic data. Culture morphology data indicate its potential for taxon delimitation as axenic cultures of each species produced unique and distinguishable characteristics. Comprehensive descriptions, illustrations and photographs are provided on basidiome and culture morphology. A key to aid in species identification, comparisons with allied species and data on basidiome and mycelium luminescence are also provided. This study gives the first report on mycelial luminescence for M. noctilucens, P. luminescens, R. pruinosoviscidus as well as all new species described herein. The reports in this study bring the total known luminescent fungi worldwide to 81 species.