In a significant advancement in fungal taxonomy, researchers from Uppsala University have identified five previously unknown species within the Piloderma genus, a group of fungi commonly found in Northern European forests. Among these discoveries is Piloderma fugax, a rare species that thrives exclusively in old-growth forests and has remained undetected until now.
The study, published in Fungal Biology, highlights the underestimated diversity within the Piloderma genus. These fungi form mycorrhizal relationships with trees, facilitating the exchange of nutrients and playing a vital role in forest ecosystems. The discovery of five new species, along with seven identified the previous year, has effectively tripled the known diversity of this genus.
Piloderma fugax, named for its elusive nature—’fugax’ meaning shy or fleeting in Latin—was found in regions of Sweden and Norway. Its exclusive presence in undisturbed, ancient forests raises concerns about its vulnerability to habitat loss due to logging and forest conversion. Lead researcher Sten Svantesson emphasizes the importance of recognizing and preserving such hidden biodiversity to maintain resilient forest ecosystems.
Another notable discovery is Piloderma luminosum, distinguished by its luminous yellow to orange fruiting bodies. This species was previously grouped with the common Piloderma byssinum but has now been recognized as a separate species through consistent morphological differences.
The research involved extensive fieldwork across Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Lithuania, combining the collection of fruiting bodies with DNA sequencing to confirm the distinctiveness of the new species. This comprehensive approach underscores the rich, yet often overlooked, fungal diversity in Northern European forests and the critical need for its conservation.
