Scleroderma nastii sp. nov., a gasteroid mushroom from Phulchoki Hill, Nepal

Abstract

A new species of Scleroderma is described from temperate Oak forest of Phulchoki hill, at the highest peak (2,762 m) ringing the Kathmandu valley, Nepal. Smooth to velvety, pseudostipitate basidiome, smaller and sub-reticulate basidiospores in comparison to its close relatives, are key diagnostic features of this newly discovered mushroom. The novelty of the taxon was also confirmed based on phylogenetic analysis using the data sets of the internal transcribed spacer region (ITS) of nuclear rDNA sequences along with the analysis of scanning electron micrographs of its basidiospores. A comprehensive description, illustrations, and comparisons with phenetically similar species are provided in this study. Additional surveys are needed to verify the species diversity and clarify their geographic distribution.