Mycol Progress (2011) 10:389–398
DOI 10.1007/s11557-010-0701-6
REVIEW
Three new species of Lentinus from northern Thailand
Samantha C. Karunarathna & Zhu L. Yang &
Rui-Lin Zhao & Else C. Vellinga & A. H. Bahkali &
Ekachai Chukeatirote & Kevin D. Hyde
Received: 15 June 2010 / Revised: 22 July 2010 / Accepted: 23 July 2010 / Published online: 12 August 2010
# The Author(s) 2010. This article is published with open access at Springerlink.com
Abstract There have been few studies on the taxonomy
and biodiversity of the genus Lentinus in Thailand, which is
a genus of edible mushrooms. Recently, collections from 17
sites in northern Thailand yielded 47 specimens of Lentinus
sensu lato. Three were shown to be new species of Lentinus
sensu stricto and Lentinus roseus, L. concentricus and L.
megacystidiatus are introduced in this paper. The new
species are described and illustrated with line drawings and
are justified and compared with similar taxa. Furthermore,
ITS sequence data do not match closely with any species
presently lodged in GenBank.
Keywords Biodiversity . Edible fungi . Taxonomy .
Tropical fungi
Introduction
Tropical regions have the potential to be one of the richest
sources of fungal species, and Thailand is no exception.
The macrofungi of the Mushroom Research Centre and
surrounding areas in northern Thailand are presently being
studied (Le et al. 2007; Sanmee et al. 2008; Kerekes and
Taxonomic novelties Lentinus roseus Karunarathna, K.D. Hyde &
Zhu L. Yang, sp. nov.
Lentinus megacystidiatus Karunarathna, K.D. Hyde & Zhu L.
Yang, sp. nov.
Lentinus concentricus Karunarathna, K.D. Hyde & Zhu L. Yang,
sp. nov.
S. C. Karunarathna : K. D. Hyde
International Fungal Research & Development Centre,
The Research Institute of Resource Insects,
Chinese Academy of Forestry,
Kunming 650034, China
Z. L. Yang (*)
Key Laboratory of Biodiversity and Biogeography,
Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences,
Kunming 650204, China
e-mail: fungiamanita@gmail.com
S. C. Karunarathna : E. Chukeatirote : K. D. Hyde
School of Science, Mae Fah Luang University 333 Moo1,
Tasud, Muang,
Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand
S. C. Karunarathna : K. D. Hyde
Mushroom Research Foundation,
128 M.3 Ban Pa Deng T. Pa Pae, A. Mae Taeng,
Chiang Mai 50150, Thailand
R.-L. Zhao
Key Laboratory of Forest Disaster Warning and Control in
Yunnan Province, Faculty of Biology Conservation,
Southwest Forestry University,
Bailongsi,
Kunming 650224, China
E. C. Vellinga
Department of Plant and Microbial Biology,
University of California,
Berkeley, CA 94720-3102, USA
A. H. Bahkali : K. D. Hyde
Botany and Microbiology Department, College of Science,
King Saud University,
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
390
Desjardin 2009; Wannathes et al. 2009a, b). Lentinus (Fr.)
Quel’ is a cosmopolitan genus with an estimated 63 species
(Kirk et al. 2008) which are able to survive over a wide
temperature range, are abundant in the tropics, and are
frequently found in temperate regions (Pegler 1983).
Species of Lentinus are normally wood-decaying basidiomycetes and have decurrent lamellae, dimitic tissues in the
basidiome, and hyaline, ellipsoid to cylindric spores.
Species in the subgenus Lentinus have hyphal pegs (Corner
1981; Pegler 1983). Generally, the basidiomes are xeromorphic with a tough, firm texture when dry and have a
long life span, but in Thailand they fruit only early in the
summer rainy season (Sysouphanthong et al. 2010).
Traditionally, Lentinus has been placed in the agaric family
Tricholomataceae because species possess a lamellate
hymenophore and white spore print (e.g., Miller 1973).
A close relationship has long been observed between
Lentinus and certain polypores (Corner 1981; Pegler 1983;
Singer 1986). Lentinus has been grouped under the family
Polyporaceae based on the presence of dimitic and
amphimitic hyphal systems (Moser 1978; Kühner 1980;
Pegler 1983; Singer 1986). Moreover, hyphal pegs, fascicles of sterile hyphae coming out from the hymenium
surface, are some of the common features present in some
genera of the Polyporaceae and in Lentinus subg. Lentinus
(Pegler 1983; Corner 1981).
Recent research (e.g., Redhead and Ginns 1985; Hibbett
and Vilgalys 1991, 1993; Hibbett and Thorn 1994; Hibbett
et al. 1993) has elucidated the Lentinus–Pleurotus–Panus
complex; it has shown that Lentinus sensu Pegler is
polyphyletic, with Lentinus subg. Lentinus sensu Pegler
monophyletic and belonging to the Polyporales (Hibbett
and Vilgalys 1991; Kruger and Gargas 2004). Panus Fr.,
Pleurotus Fr., and Neolentinus Redhead & Ginns are also
monophyletic, with Pleurotus belonging to the Agaricales
(Fleming 1994; Hibbett and Thorn 1994). These genera
have been treated differently by Corner (1981), Kühner
(1980), Pegler (1975, 1983) and Singer (1986). Two brown
rot genera, Neolentinus Redhead & Ginns, and Heliocybe
Redhead & Ginns, were separated from Lentinus which
otherwise comprises white rot species (Gilbertson 1980;
Redhead and Ginns 1985). Here, Lentinus will be used to
mean Lentinus subg. Lentinus sensu Pegler (1983), which is
essentially equivalent to Lentinus sensu Corner (1981).
Molecular studies support the view that Lentinus is derived
from the Polyporales (Pegler 1983) and suggest that
Polyporus arcularius Batsch : Fr. is a closely related
outgroup (Hibbett and Vilgalys 1991, 1993). Panus sensu
stricto is characterized by the skeletal hyphae, the radial
trama, and the purplish pigment of the young basidiomes
but absence of metuloides and gloeocystidia are an
abnormal feature. Species of Lentinus sensu lato are found
on fallen tree trunks and decaying timber.
Mycol Progress (2011) 10:389–398
Thailand is rich in species of Lentinus (e.g., L. badius
(Berk.) Berk., L. squarrosulus Mont.,L. polychrous Lev., L.
cladopus Lev., L. strigosus (Schwein.) Fr., L. velutinus Fr.,
L. similis Berk. & Broome and L. connatus Berk.) based on
the records by Pegler (1983), but no systematic study of the
genus has been undertaken so far.
Wild mushrooms are one of the higher valued nontimber forest products in northern Thailand. They provide
locals with seasonal food, medicine and an alternative
income (Sysouphanthong et al. 2010). The richness of wild
mushrooms is also one bio-indicator of ecosystem health.
The cultivated, non-mycorrhizal mushrooms, such as
Agaricus spp., Auricularia spp., Lentinula edodes, Pleurotus
sajor-caju (Fr.) Singer, Pleurotus spp., and Volvariella
spp. are available throughout the year in markets of
northern Thailand; however, edible wild mushrooms can
only be found in the wet season from June to September
(Sysouphanthong et al. 2010). In Lentinus, almost all the
members are edible except those which have a tough
texture. It is therefore important to try to introduce members
of this genus as commercial species. Although there are many
studies on cultivated and wild edible mushrooms in the
northern hemisphere and their nutritional value (Aletor 1995;
Latiff et al. 1996; Manzi et al. 1999, 2001; Demirbas 2000),
there is little information available concerning the taxonomy,
biodiversity and potential to introduce Lentinus species from
northern Thailand for cultivation. Scientific information on
wild mushrooms is essential for the introduction of new
species for the table. As part of a study to assess the
biodiversity, taxonomy and potential for cultivation of
Lentinus species in northern Thailand, we discovered three
new species. The objective of this paper is to introduce these
three new species.
Materials and methods
Sample collection
Sites in northern Thailand were in Chiang Mai and Chiang
Rai Provinces and are listed with details in Table 1.
Morphological character examination
Macro-morphological characters were described based on
fresh material, and documented by photographs. Color
designations (e.g., 4B5) are from Kornerup and Wanscher
(1978), while the color names with the first letters
capitalized (e.g., Grayish yellow) are from Ridgeway
(1912). Specimens were dried and placed in plastic bags
separately, and then deposited in the Herbarium of Mae
Fah Luang University (MFLU). For micro-morphological
examination, sections were cut with a razor blade from
Mycol Progress (2011) 10:389–398
391
Table 1 Lentinus species from Thailand
No.
List of species
Collection site
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Lentinus badius (Berk.) Berk.
L. squarrosulus Mont.
L. polychrous Lev.
L. cladopus Lev.
L. tigrinus (Bull.: Fr.) Fr.
L. megacystidiatus sp. nov.
L. concenticus sp. nov.
L. roseus sp. nov.
DCD; Pegler 1983
KL; Pegler 1983
BU; Pegler 1983, SE; Pegler 1983, KKC; Pegler 1983, ST; Pegler 1983
CL; Pegler 1983, CCM; Pegler 1983
HWY; this paper, PT; this paper, MS; this paper
PT; this paper
MRC; this paper
HS; this paper, KK; this paper
DCD Doi Chiang Dao Nat. Park; KL Bangkok, Puckdeedindan; Khao Luon; BU Bung; SE Seiracha; KKC Khao Kai Chiang; ST Sri-tan;
CL Cangwat Lamphun; CCM Cangwat Chiang Mai
MRC THAILAND, Chiang Mai Province, Mae Taeng District, Ban Pha Deng, Mushroom Research Centre, 19°17.123′N, 98°44. 009′E, elevation
900 m, rainforest dominated by Castanopsis armata, Erythrina sp, and Dipterocarpus sp.
PT THAILAND, Chiang Mai Province., Mae Taeng District, Ban Pha Deng, Pathummikaram Temple, forest trail, 19°06.288′N, 98°44.47.3′E,
elevation 1,050 m, rainforest dominated by Castanopsis armata, and Dipterocarpus sp.
HWY THAILAND, Chiang Mai Province, Mae Teng District, Highway 1095 at 22 km marker, 19°07.57′N, 98°45.65′E, elevation 750 m, xeric
broad-leaf forest (Dipterocarpus spp. + Tectona grandis) with Pinus kesiya.
MS THAILAND, Chiang Mai Province, Mae Taeng, Ban Mae Sae village, on Highway 1095 near 50 km marker, 19°14.599′N, 98°39.456′E,
elevation 962 m, rainforest dominated by Castanopsis armata, Castanopsis sp., Pinus sp., Lithocarpus sp.
HS THAILAND, Chiang Mai Province, Mae Taeng District, Hot Spring National Park, Pong Duad Pa Pae 40 kms off Chiangmai. 35 kms
from the Highway Route No 1095: Mae Malai-Pai and turn right for 6.5 kms, humid montane rainforest with Quercus, Castanopsis,
Lithocarpus echinops.
KK THAILAND, Chiang Rai Province, Tambon Mae Korn and Tambon Huay Chompoo, Muang District, Khun Korn Waterfall, 19°51–54′N,
99°35.39′E, elevation 1,208 m, moist upper mixed deciduous forest (Royal Forest Department, 1962).
MFLU THAILAND, Chiang Rai Province, Thasud, Muang District, Mae Fah Luang University park, 18°05′59.1″N, 102°40′02.9″E, elevation
488 m, dominated by Dipterocarpus sp., Ficus sp., and Tabebuia chrysantha.
dried specimens and mounted on slides in 5% KOH and
Congo red, and then observed, measured and illustrated
under a compound microscope (Zeiss Axioskop 40,
Germany). In the description of the basidiospores: n
indicates the number of spores which were measured; Lm
is the mean spore length over a population of spores; Wm
the mean spore width over a population of spores; Q the
length/width ratio (L/W) of a spore in side view; Q the
average Q of all spores measured.
94C° for 1 min, 52C° for 50 s and 72C° for 1 min, with a
final extension step of 72C° for 10 min. The PCR products
were verified by staining with ethidium bromide on 1%
agarose electrophoresis gels stained with ethidium bromide
in 1×Tris-boric acid EDTA buffer. ITS 1 and ITS 4 were
used to sequence both strands of the DNA molecules at the
International Fungal Research and Development Centre,
and The Research Institute of Resource Insects, the Chinese
Academy of Forestry, China.
DNA extraction, PCR and sequencing
Phylogenetic analysis
Dried mushroom samples were used to extract genomic
DNA. Genomic DNA was extracted using a Biospin
Fungus Genomic DNA Extraction Kit (Bio Flux) according
to the instructions of the manufacturer. DNA concentrations
were estimated visually in agarose gel by comparing band
intensity with a DNA ladder 1,000 bp (Transgen Biotech).
The PCR reactions were performed in a 50 μl volume
(0.3 mM primers (ITS1:5′TCC GTA GGT GAA CCTTGC
GG 3′) and ITS4:5′TCCTCCGCTTATTGATATGC3′(White
et al. 1990); 10–20 ng DNA template, 1×buffer, 0.2 mM
dNTPs, 1.5 units Taq and sterile water). The thermal cycles
consisted of 94C° for 3 min, followed by 30–35 cycles at
The taxa information and GenBank accession numbers in
molecular work are listed in Table 2. Sequences for each
strain were aligned using Clustal X (Thompson et al. 1997).
Alignments were manually adjusted to allow maximum
sequence similarity. Gaps were treated as missing data.
Phylogenetic analysis were performed using PAUP* 4.0b10
(Swofford 1998). Ambiguously aligned regions were excluded
from all analyses. Trees were inferred using the heuristic
search option with TBR branch swapping and 1,000 random
sequence additions. Maxtrees were unlimited, branches of
zero length were collapsed and all multiple parsimonious trees
were saved. Clade stability of the trees resulting from the
392
Table 2 Taxon information and
GenBank accession numbers in
molecular work
Mycol Progress (2011) 10:389–398
Resource and herbarium
accession number
Pleurotus ostreatus
Lentinus squarrosulus
GenBank
GenBank
EU520193 (Unpublished data)
GQ849475 (Unpublished data)
Lentinus squarrosulus
Lentinus tigrinus
Lentinus tigrinus
Lentinus tigrinus
Lentinus tigrinus
Lentinus tigrinus
Lentinus tigrinus
Lentinus tigrinus
Lentinus tigrinus
Lentinus tigrinus
Lentinus tigrinus
Lentinus polychrous
L. concentricus sp. nov.
L. megacystidiatus sp. nov.
Polyporus lepideus
Polyporus tricholoma
Polyporus squamosus
GenBank
GenBank
GenBank
GenBank
GenBank
GenBank
GenBank
GenBank
GenBank
GenBank
GenBank
GenBank
MFLU08 1375
MFLU08 1388
GenBank
GenBank
GenBank
AB478883 (Sotome et al. 2009)
GQ849476 (Unpublished data)
FJ755219 (Unpublished data)
EU543989 (Unpublished data)
DQ056860 (Unpublished data)
AF516521 (Krueger 2002)
AF516520 (Krueger 2002)
AF516519 (Krueger 2002)
AF516518 (Krueger 2002)
AF516517 (Krueger 2002)
AY218419 (Unpublished data)
AB478882 (Sotome et al. 2009)
(new sequence in this study)
(new sequence in this study)
GU731572 (Unpublished data)
AF518753 (Krueger 2002)
DQ267123 (Unpublished data)
parsimony analyses were assessed by bootstrap analysis with
1,000 replicates, each with 10 replicates of random stepwise
addition of taxa (Felsenstein 1985). Trees were figured in
Treeview.
DNA extract
material
GenBank accession
numbers (ITS)
Taxa
Dried sample
Dried sample
echinops, 05 July 2008, Samantha C. Karunarathna
(MFLU08 1376).
Etymology roseus, in reference to the rose color of the
mature fruiting body.
Taxonomy
1. Lentinus roseus Karunarathna, K.D. Hyde & Zhu L.
Yang, sp. nov.
(Figs. 1a–f and 2b)
MycoBank: 518240
Pileus 5–5.5 cm latus, coriaceus, profunde cyathiformis,
centro pallide alboluteolo, marginem versus fuscatum
ipsum pallide roseum, siccus, estriatus, ezonatus. Lamellae
profunde decurrentes, lamellulis 5 seriebus. Stipes 1.5–
2 cm longus, 0.5–0.7 cm latus, centralis fusiformis.
Basidiosporae 5–7(9) μm longae 3–4(6) μm, latae ellipsoideae ad elongatae. Basidia 18–24 μm longa, 5–7 μm lata,
anguste clavata, sterigmatibus 4. Cheilocystidia 19–37 μm
longa, 5.5–8 μm lata clavata, hyalina, parietate tenui.
Metuloids 36–45(60) μm longa, 9–15 μm lata, clavata,
hyalina, apice late rotundato.
Holotype THAILAND, Chiang Mai Province, Mae Taeng
District, Hot Spring National Park, Pong Duad Pa Pae,
40 kms off Chiangmai, 35 kms from the Highway Route
No 1095: Mae Malai-Pai and turn right for 6.5 kms, humid
montane rainforest with Quercus, Castanopsis, Lithocarpus
Description Basidiomes relatively small (Fig. 2b). Pileus
5–5.5 cm in diameter, leathery, deeply cyathiform, when
seen from above rounded flabelliform; margin eroded;
surface pale yellow cream (4A3) at centre, darker towards
margin and there reddish grey (11B2), not changing on
bruising, dry, neither striate nor zonate. Lamellae deeply
decurrent, with 5 tiers of lamellulae, 0.5 mm wide, reddish
grey (11B2) close to pileus margin, pale yellow cream
(4A3), towards stipe in old and young specimens, with
entire edge. Stipe 1.5–2×0.5–0.7 cm, central, 1.5–2×5 mm
at apex, expanding towards base 1.5–2×7 mm attached to a
discoid base, solid, fusiform, yellowish white (4A2), floccose,
leathery, solid, with white cottony context. Generative hyphae
(Fig. 1f) 4–5 μm diameter, inflated with a slightly thickened
wall, more or less radially parallel but frequently branching
and with large clamp connections. Skeletal hyphae (Fig. 1e)
5–6 μm in diameter, hyaline, very thick walled with only a
very narrow lumen, typically unbranched. Basidiospores
(Fig. 1a) 5–7(−9)×3–4 (−6) μm (n=40, Lm =5.93 μm, Wm =
3.72 μm, Q=1.36–1.85, Q=1.59), ellipsoid to elongate,
occasionally broadly ellipsoid or rarely subglobose, hyaline,
thin walled, with few contents. Basidia (Fig. 1c) 18–24×5–
7 μm, elongate clavate, bearing 4 sterigmata. Cheilocystidia
Mycol Progress (2011) 10:389–398
393
pink pileus, large, clavate metuloids mostly with a broad
rounded apex, ellipsoid to elongate basidiospores with a
hyaline thin wall, a dimitic hyphal system with very thick
walled unbranched skeletal hyphae. In many aspects, it
bears superficial resemblance to Lentinus sajor-caju (Fr.)
Singer. Lentinus sajor-caju (Fr.) Singer, however, has larger
basidiomes with a whitish cream to mottled gray pileus,
an annulate stipe and relatively narrower basidiospores.
Lentinus roseus also bears superficial resemblance with L.
strigosus (Schwein.) Fr. and L. torulosus (Pers.: Fr.) Lloyd.
Lentinus strigosus differs from Lentinus roseus in having
whitish to pallid ochraceous, more brownish basidiomes, and
the pileipellis is a trichodermial epicutis, whereas L. roseus
has characteristic rose basidiomes and the pileipellis is not a
trichodermial epicutis. Lentinus torulosus differs from L.
roseus in having narrowly clavate pleurocystidia with an
obtusely rounded apex, whereas L. roseus lacks pleurocystidia (Corner 1981; Pegler 1983). Lentinus roseus forms
clusters of basidiomes on dead and decaying wood. Initially,
the young fruiting bodies are whitish pink, and they become
pink with maturity.
2. Lentinus megacystidiatus Karunarathna, K.D. Hyde &
Zhu L. Yang, sp. nov.
(Figs. 2c–d and 3a–g)
MycoBank: 518277
Fig. 1 Lentinus roseus (MFLU08 1376) a Basidiospores, b cheilocystidia, c basidia, d metuloids, e skeletal hyphae, f generative
hyphae. Scale bars (a–d) 20 μm, (e,f) 10 μm
(Fig. 1b) 19–37×5.5–8 μm, clavate, hyaline, thin walled.
Metuloids (Fig. 1d) abundant to occasional on both sides and
edges of the lamellae, 36–45(−60)×9–15 μm, mostly clavate
with a broadly rounded apex, thick walled, hyaline. Clamp
connections are prominent in generative hyphae.
Habitat Clustered on rotten wood, in a forest with Quercus,
Castanopsis and Lithocarpus echinops and in moist upper
mixed deciduous forest
Additional specimen examined THAILAND, Chiang Rai
Province, Tambon Mae Korn and Tambon Huay Chompoo,
Muang District, Khun Korn Waterfall, 19°51–54′N, 99°
35.39′E, elevation 1,208 m, moist upper mixed deciduous
forest (Royal forest Department, 1962), 22 July 2009, Sam
T-09 (MFLU10 0145).
Distribution Only known from northern Thailand.
Notes This new species is distinguished by its relatively
small basidiomes with a leathery, deeply cyathiform and
Pileus 0.6–2 cm latus, tenuis, convexus, coriaceus,
umbilicatus ad infundibuliformis. Lamellae arcuatae, profunde decurrentes confertae. Stipes centralis, rarissime lateralis, cylindricus. Basidiosporae 6–8 μm longae, 3–4 μm latae,
ellipsoideae ad cylindricae. Basidia 18–24 μm longa, 5–7 μm
lata clavata, sterigmatibus 4. Cheilocystidia 19–35 μm longa,
4–6.5 μm lata, inflate clavata. Sclerocystidia dispersa 37–
52 μm longa, 10–16 μm lata pariete incrassato (ad 3 μm),
hyalino vel pallide brunneo.
Holotype THAILAND, Chiang Mai Province, Mae
Taeng District, Ban Pha Deng Village, Pathummikaram
Temple, forest trail, 19°06.288′N, 98°44.473′E, elevation
1050 m., rainforest dominated by Castanopsis armata and
Dipterocarpus sp., 15 July 2008, Samantha C. Karunarathna
(MFLU08 1388)
Etymology megacystidiatus, in reference to the very large
sclerocystidia of the taxon.
Description Basidiomes very small (Figs. 2c–d). Pileus
0.6–2 cm in diameter, thin, convex, coriaceous, umbilicate
to infundibuliform; margin inflexed, entire, thin at first
reflexed, involute at maturity; surface grayish orange (5B4),
dry, uniformly velutinous to slightly long-hispid or subsquamulose furfuraceous, zonate, densely ciliate; hairs dark
394
Mycol Progress (2011) 10:389–398
Fig. 2 a Basidiomes of
Lentinus concentricus
(MFLU08 1375), b basidiomes
of L. roseus (MFLU08 1376),
c,d basidiomes of L. megacystidiatus (MFLU08 1388). Scale
bars (b) 50 mm, (c,d) 30 mm
brown (6F7). Lamellae arcuate, deeply decurrent, up to
0.25 mm wide, crowded with 6 tiers of lamellulae, grayish
orange (5B4), with entire edge. Stipe 0.2–1.4 cm×2–4 mm,
central, excentric, rarely lateral, cylindrical, slender, solid,
yellowish brown (5E8), uniformly and persistently velutinous, with dark brown (6F7) hairs; context 2–3 mm, white
in color, consisting of a dimitic hyphal system with
generative and skeletal hyphae. Generative hyphae 5–
6 μm diameter, hyaline, very thin walled, frequently
branched, with prominent clamp connexions. Skeletal
hyphae 9–10 μm diameter, hyaline with a thickened wall,
unbranched or with an occasional short, lateral branch,
either terminal or intercalary in origin. Basidiospores
(Fig. 3a) 6–8 × 3–4 μm (n = 40, Lm = 6.37 μm, Wm =
3.6 μm, Q=1.50–2.16, Q=1.76), ellipsoid to cylindrical,
occasionally broadly ellipsoid or even subglobose, hyaline,
thin walled, with few contents. Basidia (Fig. 3b) 18–24×5–
7 μm, clavate, bearing 4 sterigmata. Cheilocystidia (Fig. 3d)
19–35×4–6.5 μm, narrowly clavate, to utriform, hyaline,
thin-walled with some contents. Sclerocystidia (Fig. 3c)
scattered, 37–52×10–16 μm, with a thickened, hyaline or
pale brown wall up to 3 μm thick. Hairs on the pileus
(Fig. 3e) dense, 8–10 μm in diameter, with a thickened pale
brown wall up to 4 μm thick. Clamp connections are
prominent in generative hyphae.
Habitat On dead wood, in clusters, in rainforest dominated
by Castanopsis armata, Dipterocarpus sp., Ficus sp. and
Tabebuia chrysantha.
Additional specimen examined THAILAND, Chiang Rai
Province., Thasud, Muang Dist., Mae Fah Luang University
Park, 18°05′59.1″N, 102°40′02.9″E, elevation 488 m., dominated by Dipterocarpus sp., Ficus sp., and Tabebuia
chrysantha. 18 June 2009, BJP 021 (MFLU10 0151).
Distribution Only known from northern Thailand.
Notes This new species is characterized by its small,
grayish orange basidiomes and very large, 37–52×10–
16 μm, scattered, clavate sclerocystidia with a broadly
rounded apex. In some aspects Lentinus megacystidiatus
bears superficial resemblance to L. strigosus (Schwein.) Fr.
but L. strigosus differs in having pallid ochraceous to
brownish basidiomes and cylindric, subclavate or subventricose metuloids with an obtusely rounded apex
(Corner 1981; Pegler 1983). Lentinus megacystidiatus also
bears superficial resemblance to L. torulosus (Pers.: Fr.)
Lloyd, which has very large, clavate cheilocystidia, 24–60×
7–16 μm, whereas L. megacystidiatus has moderate sized
(19–35×4–6.5 μm), narrowly clavate, cheilocystidia (Corner
Mycol Progress (2011) 10:389–398
395
17.123′N, 98°44.009′E, elevation 900 m, rainforest dominated
by Castanopsis armata, Erythrina sp, and Dipterocarpus sp.,
15 July 2008, Samantha C. Karunarathna (MFLU08 1375)
Etymology concentricus, in reference to the prominent
concentric zonations on the pileus surface.
Description Basidiomes medium-sized to large (Fig. 2a).
Pileus 6.5–7 cm in diameter, thin, with deeply umbilicate
centre, when seen from above circular, yellowish brownclay (5D5) at margin, yellowish brown (5E8) towards
centre, surface from centre to margin velvety, soft, concentrically zonate, with brownish grey (6F8) hairs at margin; hairs
grayish orange (5B4) towards centre. Lamellae deeply
decurrent, 0.5 mm broad, with 5 tiers of lamellulae, pompeian
yellow (5C6) when young and old, with entire edge. Stipe
4–4.5×5–6 mm, cylindric, solid, leathery, dry, yellowish
brown-clay (5D5) when young, raw umber (5F8) when old,
surface velvety/velutinous, short/soft hairs; brownish grey
color (6F8); with white context up to 2 mm thick at the disk,
consisting of a dimitic hyphal systems with skeletal hyphae
Fig. 3 Lentinus megacystidiatus (MFLU08 1388). a Spores, b basidia,
c sclerocystidia, d cheilocystidia, e hairs on the pileus, f skeletal hyphae,
g generative hyphae. Scale bars (a–d) 20 μm, (e–g) 10 μm
1981; Pegler 1983). Lentinus megacystidiatus forms clusters
of basidiomes on dead and decaying wood.
3. Lentinus concentricus Karunarathna, K.D. Hyde & Zhu
L. Yang, sp. nov.
(Figs. 2a and 4a–e)
MycoBank: 518249
Pileus 6.5–7 cm diam., tenuis, centro profunde umbilicatus,
velutinus, mollis, zonatus. Lamellae profunde decurrentes,
lamellulis 5 seriebus confertis. Stipes 4–4.5 mm longus,
5–6 mm latus, cylindricus. Basidiosporae 5–7 μm longae,
2.5–4 μm latae ellipsoideae ad cylindricae. Basidia 19–25 μm
longa, 5–6.5 μm lata, sterigmatibus 4. Cheilocystidia 20–
30 μm longa, 5–7 μm lata, anguste clavata, aliquot appendicibus apicalibus (10–12 μm longis), hyalina, parietate tenui.
Pagina pilei pilis 5–5.5 μm diam.
Holotype THAILAND, Chiang Mai Province, Mae Taeng
District, Ban Pha Deng, Mushroom Research Centre, 19°
Fig. 4 Lentinus concentricus (MFLU08 1375). a Spores, b cheilocystidia, c basidia, d generative hyphae and skeletal hyphae, e hairs on
the pileus. Scale bars (a–c) 20 μm, (d,e) 10 μm
396
Mycol Progress (2011) 10:389–398
(Fig. 4d). Generative hyphae (Fig. 4d) 3–4 μm diameter, not
inflated, hyaline, thin-walled, frequently branched, with
clamp connections. Skeletal hyphae 3–4.5 μm diameter,
sinuous, cylindric, hyaline, with a thickened wall and narrow
lumen, unbranched. Diameter of hairs on the surface of
pileus 5–5.5 μm. Basidiospores (Fig. 4a) 5–7×2.5–4 μm
(n=20, Lm =6.78 μm, Wm =3.75 μm, Q=1.5–2.4, Q=1.8)
ellipsoid to cylindrical, occasionally broadly ellipsoid or
even subglobose, hyaline, thin-walled, with few contents.
Basidia (Fig. 4c) 19–25×5–6.5 μm, clavate, bearing 4
sterigmata. Lamella edge sterile with crowded cheilocystidia.
Cheilocystidia (Fig. 4b) 20–30×5–7 μm, narrowly clavate,
some with apical excrescence (10–12 μm long) hyaline,
thin-walled. Sclerocystidia absent. Hairs on the pileus
(Fig. 4e) dense, 5–10 μm in diameter, with a thickened pale
brown wall up to 4 μm thick.
Habitat On dead wood, in cluster, in rainforest dominated
by Castanopsis armata.
Distribution Only known from northern Thailand.
Notes This new species is characterized by its yellowish
brown-clay, velvety, concentrically zonate, leathery, solid,
dry and hard small basidiomes, absence of sclerocystidia
and 19–25×5–6.5 μm, clavate basidia. The prominent
zonation of the pileus is the main characteristic feature of
Lentinus concentricus. In some aspects it bears superficial
Fig. 5 Maximum parsimony
phylogram showing phylogenetic
relationships among two new
Lentinus species L. concentricus
(MFLU08 1375) and L.
megacystidiatus (MFLU08 1388)
with some selected Lentinus
sensu stricto and Polyporus
species based on ITS sequences.
Data were analyzed with random
addition sequence, unweighted
parsimony and gaps were treated
as missing data. Values above the
branches are parsimony boostrap
(≥50%).The tree is rooted with
Pleurotus ostreatus (EU520193)
resemblance to Lentinus fasciatus Berk. which differs in
having off-whitish to pale ochraceous basidiomes and
abundant clavate or fusoid, 22–32×4–9 μm sclerocystidia
on the sides of the lamellae (Corner 1981; Pegler 1983).
Lentinus concentricus also bears a superficial resemblance
to Lentinus bertieri (Fr.) Fr. and Lentinus ciliatus Lév.
Lentinus bertieri differs from L. concentricus in having
narrowly clavate basidia, 13.5–17×3.5–4.5 μm and Lentinus
ciliatus also differs in having narrowly clavate basidia,
16–20×4–5.5 μm and 19–32×4–8 μm clavate to fusoid
sclerocystidia (Corner 1981; Pegler 1983).
Results and discussion
We collected 47 Lentinus specimens from 17 sites in
northern Thailand, belonging to 8 species of Lentinus sensu
lato: L. connatus, L. polychrous, L. similis, L. tigrinus, L.
velutinus and three new species. In this paper, three new
species are fully described and illustrated with line
drawings. We investigated the position of L. concentricus
and L. megacystidiatus, based on phylogenetic analyses of
the nrITS sequences (Fig. 5). The results from these
analyses are preliminary as the nrITS region is very
variable and it is not the best region to use for phylogenetic
inference (Bruns 2001). A multi-gene phylogeny of
Lentinus is needed based on a sampling of a wide range
of species. The morphological data, however, support the
Polyporus squamosus DQ267123
L. concentricus sp. nov.
89
L. megacystidiatus sp. nov
Polyporus tricholoma AF518753
65
100
37
Lentinus tigrinus AY218419
Lentinus tigrinus AF516521
5
Lentinus tigrinus AF516520
Lentinus tigrinus DQ056860
50
95
Lentinus tigrinus AF516519
28
98
Lentinus tigrinus AF516518
Lentinus tigrinus EU543989
Lentinus tigrinus AF516517
0
Lentinus polychrous AB478882
45
42
99
Lentinus tigrinus FJ755219
Polyporus lepideus GU731572
Lentinus squarrosulus GQ849475
100
Lentinus tigrinus GQ849476
66
Lentinus squarrosulus AB478883
Pleurotus ostreatus EU520193
Mycol Progress (2011) 10:389–398
introduction of the new species. Lentinus concentricus and
L. megacystidiatus are positioned, with high bootstrap
support, in the same clade as L. tigrinus. This group is in
need of further phylogenetic research, and it has to be seen
whether the genus Lentinus should be maintained as a
separate genus.
The main focus of this paper has been on biodiversity
and taxonomy; however, it is worth noting that basidiomes
of most Lentinus species are potentially edible and
cultivatable. In most countries, there is a well-established
consumer acceptance for cultivated mushrooms (e.g., Agaricus
bisporus, Auricularia spp., Pleurotus spp., Lentinula edodes
and Volvariella volvacea) (Sanmee et al. 2003). Pleurotus
tuber-regium and L. squarrosulus are popular throughout
central Africa as a source of food (Watling 1993), while Chin
(1981) stated that Lentinus sajor-caju and Lentinus strigosus
are edible. Lentinus sajor-caju is also widely sold at the local
markets in Thailand. Mushrooms have been shown to have
great potential for anti-oxidant activity (Yang et al. 2002;
Vattem et al. 2004; Mau et al. 2005). Burkill (1966) stated
that Lentinus subnudus is an edible species. Pleurotus
giganteus, locally referred to as “Uru Paha” in Sri Lanka, is
one of the largest of edible mushrooms, and has been treated as
a special food since ancient times as mentioned in Buddhist
literature (Udugama and Wickramaratna 1991; Berkeley
1847). Furthermore, Pleurotus tuber-regium is a very valuable
medicine against diarrhea (Burkill 1966). It is also possible
that the three new species described in this study are likely to
be edible and may be cultivated and may eventually reach the
table. Our future studies will attempt to cultivate these taxa.
Acknowledgements We are grateful to Phongeun Sysouphanthong
for his help in collecting and suggestions, Sitthisack Phoulivong,
Natchanun Phunthanateerakul, Pheng Phengsintham, Bang Feng and
Liping Tang are gratefully acknowledged for their valuable discussions. Dr Jan Frits Veldkamp (L) is thanked for providing the Latin
diagnosis. We wish to acknowledge the help with field work provided
by Kobeke Van de Putte, Michael Pilkington, Putarak Chomnunti, Jian
Kui-Liu and Thida Win Ko Ko. Kanjana Niraphai (MFLU) is thanked
for her assistance in the herbarium. This study was financially
supported by the project “Value added products from Basidiomycetes:
Putting Thailand’s biodiversity to use” (BRN049/2553). Study in
China was supported by a grant from the Ministry of Science and
Technology of the People’s Republic of China (2008FY110300).
Open Access This article is distributed under the terms of the
Creative Commons Attribution Noncommercial License which permits any noncommercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any
medium, provided the original author(s) and source are credited.
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