Phylogenetic analysis of Ganoderma australe complex in a Bornean tropical rainforest and implications for mechanism of coexistence of various phylogenetic types

Abstract

We hypothesized that different phylogenetic types of the Ganoderma australe complex can coexist and that their coexistence is promoted by resource partitioning among them. Our field survey and phylogenetic analysis revealed six phylogenetic types coexisting within a 3 ha primary forest plot in a Bornean tropical rainforest. Two of the six have been reported previously, whereas the remaining four are new. Fruit bodies of all dominant phylogenetic types appeared more frequently from fresh coarse woody debris than expected. Comparison of resource use patterns between the observed fungal community and the null community did not provide significant evidence of niche partitioning. Although we found high genetic diversity within the plot, the phylogenetic types at the site share resources. Resource partitioning on phylogenetic types of host trees or stochastic processes during colonization of pieces of coarse woody debris might play an important role in forming the community structure of phylogenetic types of G. australe.