Phylogenetic placement of Itajahya: An unusual Jacaranda fungal associate.

ABSTRACT: Itajahya is a member of Phallales (Agaricomycetes), which, based on the presence of a calyptra and DNA sequence data for I. rosea, has recently been raised to generic status from a subgenus of Phallus. The type species of the genus, I. galericulata, is commonly known as the Jacaranda stinkhorn in Pretoria, South Africa, which is the only area where the fungus is known outside the Americas. The common name is derived from its association with the South American originating Jacaranda mimosifolia trees in the city. The aim of this study was to consider the unusual occurrence of the fungus in South Africa, to place it on the available Phallales phylogeny and to test whether it merits generic status. Fresh basidiomes were collected during the summer of 2015 and sequenced. Phylogenetic analyses

SUBMITTER: Marincowitz S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4681253 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature