Survey of the diversity of Hymenochaetaceae (Hymenochaetales, Basidiomycota) in the Brazilian Amazon

ABSTRACT The Brazilian Amazon occupies an area of around 50% of the Brazilian territory and covers nine states. This region is home to a high diversity of plants and fungi. However, the knowledge of these groups is still limited, which could affect the assessment of their geographic distribution and diversity of species and, consequently, conservation strategies aimed at them. Hymenochaetaceae is a family of fungi in the phylum Basidiomycota and has 893 known species worldwide. The goal of this study was to provide an updated review of the literature and collection databases on the diversity of Hymenochaetaceae species occurring in the Brazilian Amazon. A total of 45 species were confirmed to occur in the region with valid records, while 34 species were considered doubtful in view of the type locality and/or lack of ecological and phylogenetic data, and were excluded from the occurrence list until they undergo a more in-depth review. The most representative genera were Fuscoporia, Coltricia, Hymenochaete and Fomitiporia. The states of Pará and Rondônia had the highest number of species. The 45 valid species of Hymenochaetaceae registered in this study provide a baseline for conservation strategies and policies, and highlight the importance of covering the extensive sampling gaps in the region and to carry out new taxonomic studies to better understand the diversity of fungi in the Amazon.