Molecular phylogeny and re-assessment of some Scleroderma spp. (Gasteromycetes)

Abstract

The fungal genus Scleroderma is cosmopolitan in temperate and tropical regions and forms ectomycorrhizal associations with a wide range of forest trees. To delimit phylogenetic Scleroderma species and identification, 43 basidiomes were chosen of different geographical origins and their rDNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) were sequenced. Phylogenetic analyses of these sequences together with additional GenBank sequences identified 11 taxa. A strong phylogenetic pattern was observed related to a character of their basidiospore ornamentation.