Craterellus badiogriseus (Hydnaceae, Cantharellales) From Pakistan With Notes on the Global Distribution of Craterellus

During a fungal survey in the Swat District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, Pakistan, a remarkable Craterellus species was collected. Phylogenetic analysis based on nuclear ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer sequence identified the specimen as Craterellus badiogriseus , a species recently described from China. However, the Pakistani specimen exhibits significant phenotypic plasticity compared to the Chinese specimen. Detailed morphological descriptions, field photographs, micrographs, and molecular phylogenetic analysis of the species are provided. The worldwide geographical distribution of Craterellus is also estimated based on sequences submitted by mycologists from different countries to the National Center for Biotechnology Information. The analysis suggests that the highest abundance of this genus is found in America, and the lowest in Oceania, indicating significant regional variations in the distribution of Craterellus . Previously, Pakistan accounted for only 0.24% of the worldwide distribution of this genus. This article represents the first global report of C. badiogriseus after its type description, and it is also a new record for Pakistan. These findings not only highlight the importance of molecular approaches in accurate fungal identification but also increase the known geographical distribution of C. badiogriseus. Moreover, this research has significantly elevated the prior contribution (0.24%) of Pakistan to the global abundance of Craterellus . This article provides a baseline for future research on the ecological factors influencing the phenotypes of Craterellus .