Acaulospora fanjing (Glomeromycota), a new species of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi from Fanjingshan in China

Scientists have identified Acaulospora fanjing, a new species of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) from Fanjingshan, China. This discovery, based on morphological and phylogenetic analyses, highlights its unique reddish-orange spores with distinct wall structures not found in other Acaulospora species. The fungus was associated exclusively with the roots of Acer flabellatum in a dwarf forest ecosystem, marking it as the sole known occurrence site. Phylogenetic studies using an extended DNA barcode confirmed its novel status within the genus. This finding expands the diversity of AMF and underscores the ecological significance of Fanjingshan's unique fungal communities.

HE, R.-J., LONG, C.-L., YAO, L.-M., & JIANG, L. (2021). Acaulospora fanjing (Glomeromycota), a new species of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi from Fanjingshan in China. Phytotaxa, 524(3), 191–198. https://doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.524.3.3