Morphological and Phylogenetic Analyses Reveal Four New Species of Hydnellum from China

Hydnellum is an ectomycorrhizal fungus with important ecological and medicinal value. However, the species diversity of Hydnellum in China remains poorly understood. To deepen the understanding of the diversity of Hydnellum species in China, this study, based on a combination of morphological observations and molecular phylogenetic analysis of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and nuclear ribosomal large subunit (nrLSU) regions, identified and described four new species: H. aureoluteum sp. nov., H. aureotomentosum sp. nov., H. fuscozonatum sp. nov., and H. pileospinosum sp. nov. For each new species, we provided detailed morphological descriptions, hand-drawn illustrations, and comparisons with closely related taxa. In addition, this study systematically compiled key morphological characteristics and ecological distribution data for all known Hydnellum species in China and constructed a dichotomous identification key. This work provides an important basis for taxonomic research on the genus Hydnellum and enhances our understanding of its ecological distribution patterns in China.