Three new records of Helvella in China

Abstract:

[Background] Chinese scholars have reported 60 species of Helvella, while there is still a lack of systematic reports on the distribution of Helvella in Shanxi Province, China. [Objective] To investigate the species and geographical distribution of Helvella in Shanxi Province. [Methods] We collected Helvella species and detailed their morphology. After DNA extraction, we sequenced the heat shock protein (hsp) and ribosome large subunit (LSU) of each species and constructed phylogenetic trees based on Bayesian inference and maximum likelihood method. [Results] The three species were identified as H. capucinoides, H. danica, and H. pubescens, respectively. Their morphology was basically consistent with the description of the type specimens. The phylogenetic trees built based on hsp and LSU supported the identification results based on morphological characteristics. [Conclusion] In review of the Helvella species reported hitherto, we confirmed that these three species are new records in China.