Molecular phylogenetic analysis of Peziza and related genera

In a previous study of the genus Phicaria and its relationship to Peziza, t he molecular phylogeny that was generated suggested Peziza is paraphyletic . The objective of this study was to explore this problem by examining a la rger sample of Peziza species, by increasing the length of DNA sequence ana lyzed, and by including in the analysis additional genera in the Pezizaceae . DNA sequences were obtained from the 5' internal transcribed spacer regio n, the dr divergent domains D1 and D2 of the 28S gene, and most of the 18S gene of the nuclear-encoded ribosomal DNA. Maximum-likelihood analysis of t hese sequences indicates that Peziza is composed of at least two distinct c lades: the first clade contains taxa with mostly smooth to finely-roughened , eguttulate ascospores and Oedocephalum anamorphs, the second clads contai ns mostly taxa with warted, guttulate ascospores and Chromelosporium anamor phs. Separate generic status for Kimbropezia is weakly supported by the phy logenetic analysis and Peziza quelepidotia is sufficiently distinct to reta in its original status as Lepidotia hispida. This study is the first to sug gest a phylogenetic link between the mitotic fungus Glischroderma , and the genera Scabropezia and Pachyphloeus. Other hypogeous species that belong i n the Pezizaceae include Cazia flexiascus, Terfezia arenaria and Terfezia t erfezioides.