Hymenochaetaceae (hymenochaetales) from the guineo-congolian phytochorion: Phylloporia littoralis sp. nov. from coastal vegetation in Gabon, with an identification key to the local species

Abstract

Background and aims – This study is a part of an ongoing survey of Hymenochetaceae (Basidiomycota, Hymenochaetales) in the Guineo-Congolian phytogeographic region and presents a new species of Phylloporia from the lower Guinean sub-region in Southwestern Gabon. Methods – The species is described using morphological methods. DNA-based, phylogenetic analysis also are used to search for affinities. Key results – Phylloporia littoralis sp. nov. is described, based on specimens found growing from living shrubs of a Nichallea species (Rubiaceae) in a coastal, sclerophylous vegetation in Southwestern Gabon. Phylogenetic inferences using DNA sequence data from partial nuc 28S (region including the D1/D2/D3 domains) resolved this species as a distinct clade within the Phylloporia lineage, affine to Phylloporia flacourtiae, a taxon known from subtropical, eastern Asia, in China. Conclusion – Phylloporia littoralis is the sixth species of the genus described and so far only known from the lower Guinean phytogeographic sub-region in Gabon since 2015. Previously, none Phylloporia species was reported from Gabon. An identification key to the species occurring in Gabon or reported from the Guineo-Congolian phytochorion is provided.