Global phylogeny, divergence times and evolutionary history of Trichaptum s.l. (Hymenochaetales, Basidiomycota): two new families and six new species

The species diversity of Trichaptum s.l., a significant group within the polypore fungi, has expanded substantially in recent years. However, its higher-level taxonomy and evolutionary origins remain underexplored. In this study, the evolutionary history of Trichaptum s.l. is presented using phylogenetic, morphological, and molecular-clock analyses. The results resolve Trichaptum s.l. into four families: Hirschioporaceae, Trichaptaceae, and two newly proposed families, Podocarpioporaceae fam. nov. and Pseudotrichaptaceae fam. nov. Consequently, the Trichaptum complex s.l. now comprises seven genera (Hirschioporus, Nigrohirschioporus, Pallidohirschioporus, Perennihirschioporus, Pseudotrichaptum, Podocarpioporus, and Trichaptum s.s.), and 55 taxa. The six new species from the tropical and subtropical regions are described: Nigrohirschioporus keylargoensis sp. nov., Nigrohirschioporus wuyiensis sp. nov., Perennihirschioporus caymanensis sp. nov., Podocarpioporus hydnoides sp. nov., Trichaptum cystidiolatum sp. nov., and Trichaptum longisporum sp. nov. Molecular clock dating analysis suggests that familial divergence within Trichaptum s.l. occurred during the Cretaceous period (71–119 Mya). Ancestral state reconstruction analysis indicates a complex evolutionary history, potentially originating in Central and East Asia. However, the origins of the four families show notable differences, with two major origin groups in Asia and the Americas. Ecological niche modeling (Maxent) reveals that Trichaptum s.l. likely originated in tropical regions and subsequently expanded into subtropical, temperate, and montane zones, a transition accompanied by the evolution of harder basidiomata. Climatic factors, such as the maximum temperature of the warmest month (Bio5), were identified as primary drivers of the distribution of Hirschioporus, Pallidohirschioporus, and Pseudotrichaptum. The precipitation of the wettest quarter (Bio16) was the dominant factor driving the distribution of Perennihirschioporus. The mean temperature of the coldest quarter (Bio11) was the primary limiting factor for Nigrohirschioporus. The minimum temperature of the coldest month (Bio6), and the annual precipitation (Bio12) showed the highest percentage contribution to the distribution of Trichaptum s.s. This study provides a robust framework for understanding the systematics, evolution, and biogeography of Trichaptum s.l.

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