Morphology and multigene phylogeny reveal a new species of Kuehneromyces from Xizang, China

The Qinghai-Xizang Plateau has a unique environment with high biodiversity and serves as a key eco-security shield in Asia, yet fungal diversity in Xizang remains poorly studied. In this study, we describe a new species of Kuehneromyces sejilaensis collected from Xizang. The species is characterized by a pileus with a white center and striate margin; broadly ellipsoid and small basidiospores with a germ pore that are dextrinoid in Melzer's reagent, and utriform pleurocystidia with a long-attenuated apex. Phylogenetic analyses based on combined ITS, LSU, rpb2, and tef1-α sequences supports Kuehneromyces sejilaensis forms a distinct branch within the genus. This study enriches the diversity of the genus and highlighting its unique geographical distribution and suggests that fungal diversity in the Xizang region deserves further attention and research.